So here you are staring at a hole in your wall. Whether you banged into it with the side of the couch or you put your fist through when you lost your kid’s college savings betting the over last night, you’re left with the same problem. Luckily your friend Tony is here to give you a crash course in plugging this sucker up and making it look good as new.
Materials Needed:
- Spackling compound
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrush or roller
- Drywall patch (if the hole is large)
Step 1: Prepare the Area. If the hole is small, use a putty knife to remove any loose debris or fragments around the edges of the hole. For larger holes, you may need to cut a square or rectangular piece of drywall slightly larger than the hole.
Step 2: Apply Spackling Compound. Using a putty knife, fill the hole with spackling compound. Press the compound firmly into the hole and smooth it out until it’s level with the surrounding wall surface. For larger holes, apply the compound around the edges of the drywall patch as well.
Step 3: Let it Dry. Allow the spackling compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes at least 24 hours, depending on the thickness of the compound.
Step 4: Sand the Area. Once the spackling compound is dry, use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots and ensure a flush finish with the wall. Be careful not to sand too much or you may remove too much of the compound.
Step 5: Apply Primer. Apply a coat of primer to the patched area to seal the spackling compound and create a smooth surface for painting. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Paint. Once the primer is dry, paint the patched area to match the surrounding wall. Use a paintbrush or roller to apply the paint evenly, blending it with the rest of the wall for a seamless finish. Depending on the color and type of paint, you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired coverage.
Step 7: Let it Dry and Inspect. Allow the paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once dry, inspect the patched area to ensure that it blends in smoothly with the rest of the wall. If necessary, touch up any imperfections with additional paint.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed a hole in the wall.