How to Repair Nail Holes in Drywall

Drywall is a forgiving material, but it keeps a permanent record of every nail and screw that has ever graced your walls. Those small, jagged pinpricks left behind by picture frames, clocks, and mirrors are eyesores that distract from the finish of an otherwise clean room. Leaving them unpatched is a missed opportunity for a polished look. Doing this well is all about patience and thin layers. Rushing the process with a giant glob of filler will only leave you with a raised bump that is harder to sand and visible under a fresh coat of paint. When done correctly, the repair should be completely undetectable, vanishing into the texture of your wall like it was never there in the first place.

1. Clear Away Loose Debris. Use the edge of a putty knife or the back of a screwdriver to gently scrape away any loose drywall paper or gypsum sticking out of the hole. You want a flat surface, not a raised crater.
2. Press Spackle Deep In. Scoop a small amount of lightweight spackle onto your finger or a putty knife. Press it firmly into the hole, ensuring it fills the void completely.
3. Flatten It Flush. Swipe the putty knife across the patch in one smooth, level motion. Remove all excess material so that the filler is perfectly flush with the surrounding wall.
4. Let It Cure Completely. Let the spackle sit until it is completely dry and white. This usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on humidity.
5. Sand Smooth and Level. Use a fine-grit sanding sponge to lightly buff the patch. Move in a circular motion until the repair feels level with the rest of the wall.
6. Blend Paint Seamlessly. Dab a small amount of wall paint onto the patch using a small brush or a foam dabber. Feather the edges outward to blend the new paint into the old.