Wondering how to repair those small holes in your drywall? Bidding Professionals has all the tips and tricks for an easy do-it-yourself fix. Small dents, nail pops, and holes under 1/2″ can often be patched without hassle.
We’ll walk you through the simple steps – prep the area, embed drywall tape, apply multiple thin layers of joint compound, and sand smooth. For holes larger than 1/2″, we may provide an estimate. As the trusted resource for all things drywall, we have expert guidance on tools, materials, and techniques.
Our video tutorial makes the process clear and approachable. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, let Bidding Professionals ensure your small drywall holes are repaired properly. Get all the advice you need for successful repairs.
Bidding Professionals is a trusted leader in drywall services throughout the USA. They have provided drywall installation, repair, and estimation services to residential and commercial clients.
As the go-to source for all things drywall, Bidding Professionals understands that minor imperfections like small holes are common in many homes. Their expert drywall team has repaired thousands of holes over the years.
That’s why Bidding Professionals created simple tips and instructions on how homeowners can repair small drywall holes themselves. Whether the holes are from nails, cracks, or other minor damage.
Materials needed
When repairing small holes in your drywall, Bidding Professionals recommends having a few essential materials on hand. A 6-inch drywall knife is needed to carefully apply drywall tape and joint compound to smooth surfaces.
Be sure to use paper drywall tape, as it adheres best to the compound. A 5-gallon bucket is perfect for mixing up a small batch of all-purpose drywall compound. A sanding sponge or fine-grit sandpaper allows for easy sanding of dried areas.
With these basic supplies used by the pros at Bidding Professionals, homeowners have everything they need to achieve professional, long-lasting results when patching small drywall holes themselves.
When applying the drywall tape, start by carefully measuring and cutting a strip 1-2 inches longer than the hole using a utility knife or scissors. In the mixing bucket, stir the drywall compound until it achieves a smooth, frosting-like texture.
This helps the compound evenly coat surfaces. Use the flat part of the drywall knife to apply a thin layer of compound over the hole, feathering it 4-6 inches past each side. While still wet, embed the drywall tape into the compound using gentle strokes of the knife.
Preparation
Proper preparation is essential when repairing small holes in drywall, according to the experts at Bidding Professionals. To start, clean the area around the hole by gently wiping away any loose dust or debris using a dry rag.
This ensures the repair surfaces are clean for the joint compound and tape to properly adhere. The next step is to remove any remaining loose crumbs or protrusions inside the hole using a drywall knife.
Then, lightly sand the edges of the hole with 120-grit sandpaper. This important step roughens the area to allow better bonding of the mesh drywall tape and joint compound. With thorough preparation following Bidding Professionals’ guidelines, your small drywall holes will be ready for easy and effective repair.
Applying tape
Once the tape is firmly embedded, it’s time to apply the first layer of joint compound. Bidding Professionals recommends using a lightweight joint compound for this initial coat.
Dip the knife into the bucket of the compound and wipe it evenly over the taped area using gentle, overlapping strokes. Feather the compound 4-6 inches past the edges of the tape. Let this thin first coat dry completely, which typically takes 30-60 minutes.
After the first coat is fully dried, apply a second, slightly thicker coat of joint compound over the taped area. Again, use a wiping motion with the knife to feather the compound beyond the edges.
For holes larger than a quarter inch, Bidding Professionals advises applying a third and final skim coat once the second coat is partially dried. Gently sand any bumps or ridges between coats.
When the final coat of joint compound is completely dried, it’s time for the finishing touches. Lightly sand the entire repaired area to achieve a smooth surface. Then, prime and paint to camouflage the patch.
Assess the Hole Size
When following Bidding Professionals’ instructions for how to repair small holes in drywall, the first step is to accurately assess the hole size. Holes 1/4 inch or less in diameter can generally be repaired using the same basic techniques.
Larger openings may require some modifications for best results. To measure a hole, use a ruler or measuring tape and record the longest and widest points in inches. For irregularly shaped holes, take an average diameter.
Bidding Professionals consider anything up to 1/2 inch to be a small hole. Larger imperfections may need an additional coat of joint compound or call in their drywall professionals.
By carefully evaluating hole measurements, homeowners can determine if it’s a job they can successfully DIY or whether bringing in the experts would be advised.
Identify the Hole Size
The first step advised by the drywall experts at Bidding Professionals is to accurately identify the size of the hole before repairing small imperfections in drywall. Proper assessment of the hole dimensions is crucial to determining the best patching method.
Take out a ruler or tape measure and record the longest and widest points of the hole in inches. For irregular shapes, estimate the average diameter. Bidding Professionals consider holes 1/2 inch or smaller to be of a small size that homeowners can repair themselves following their guidelines for how to repair small holes in drywall.
Any imperfections larger than 1/2 inch in width may require adding an extra coat of joint compound for full coverage or calling in their team of professional drywallers for a seamless finish. Taking time to identify the exact hole size allows homeowners to pick the optimal repair process for long-lasting results.
Prepare the Hole
Proper preparation of the hole is essential when following Bidding Professionals’ instructions for how to repair small holes in drywall. Taking the time for this initial step helps ensure a smooth, durable patch.
Start by clearing away any loose debris around the hole using a dry rag or brush. This cleans the repair area. Then, use the edge of a drywall knife to scrape out remnants inside the imperfections, creating a relatively even hole.
Bidding Professionals also suggest lightly scuffing the hole’s edges with 120-grit sandpaper. This roughens up the immediate area to allow the tape and joint compound to better bond, a key part of their process.
Apply Spackle
When following Bidding Professionals’ guidelines for how to repair small holes in drywall, applying a spackle or joint compound is a crucial step. Begin by mixing up a small batch of lightweight smoothing compounds in a clean bucket.
Stir it to a spreadable texture that’s not too thick or thin. Then, use a 6-inch drywall knife to apply a generous layer of compound over the taped hole. Feather the compound 4-6 inches beyond each side of the tape, as advised by the experts.
This layering technique helps it blend seamlessly into the surrounding wall. Let the first coat dry fully, about 30-60 minutes. Bidding Professionals emphasizes taking your time with even applications and letting each layer cure completely for pro-level results.
Use Spackle to Fill the Hole
When following Bidding Professionals’ instructions for how to repair small holes in drywall, properly filling the patched area with joint compound is vital. Begin by mixing up a batch of lightweight spackle in a clean container.
Stir it to a smooth, spreadable texture that’s not too runny. Then, load the blade of a 6-inch drywall knife and apply the compound directly into the taped hole.
Bidding Professionals’ method, spread it in an even layer while slightly overfilling the hole. This ensures complete coverage. Feather the spackle at least 4-6 inches past the edges using sliding strokes. Let the first coat dry fully, around 30-60 minutes.
By carefully using spackle to fill in and blend the patch according to the experts’ directions, homeowners can achieve a seamless, long-lasting drywall repair.
Sand the Spackled Area
After applying the final coat of spackle or joint compound and allowing it to fully dry, the next step in Bidding Professionals’ instructions for repairing small holes in drywall is to gently sand the patched area.
This is crucial for achieving a smooth, flawless finish. They recommend using a medium or fine-grit sandpaper, around 120-150 grit. Lightly scrape the sandpaper over the repaired spot and beyond onto the surrounding wall. This levels any imperfections and helps the patch blend in seamlessly.
Sweep or vacuum away debris. Bidding Professionals notes sanding between coats as well if needed. Their process results in a professionally sanded repair that’s ready for priming and painting. With the proper sanding outlined by the experts, homeowners can achieve a durable, long-lasting repair.
Paint the Repaired Area
The final step in Bidding Professionals’ instructions for how to repair small holes in drywall is to paint over the patched spot. This will disguise the repair under fresh coats of color.
First, prime the sanded area and several inches beyond using a high-quality, stain-blocking primer. Allow it to fully dry. Then apply two light coats of finish paint that complements the existing wall color.
Bidding Professionals advise using a small paintbrush or roller to carefully paint within the lines. Apply the paint in thin, even coats, feathering out 6 inches past the patch. Allow sufficient dry time between coats. Once fully dried, the paint will camouflage the repair seamlessly.
Last Words
With a little patience and by carefully following each step outlined in Bidding Professionals’ instructions for how to repair small holes in drywall, homeowners can achieve professional-level results.
Taking time to properly prepare, and apply tape and multiple thin coats of joint compound or spackle, followed by meticulous sanding and painting, ensures repairs will blend in seamlessly and last for years.
While DIY is suitable for holes under 1/2 inch, the experts at Bidding Professionals are always available to handle more extensive drywall projects. Contact Bidding Professionals today for a free estimate on repairs, from minor patches to full renovations.