How to Fix Nail Pops in Drywall

Drive nails back flush, add screws nearby for reinforcement, then patch with joint compound and sand smooth.

1. Spot Every Pop First. Walk around your walls looking for small bumps or cracks that indicate protruding nails. Press gently on suspected areas - nail pops will feel slightly raised and may move when pushed. Mark each location with a pencil dot.
2. Sink Nails Below Surface. Use a hammer and nail set to drive each popped nail about 1/8 inch below the drywall surface. Don't pound too hard or you'll damage the drywall paper. The nail head should sit in a small dimple without breaking through the paper face.
3. Lock It Down With Screws. Drive 1¼ inch drywall screws into the stud about 2 inches above and below each nail pop. This prevents the area from popping again. Countersink the screws slightly below the surface but don't overdrive them.
4. Cover All Hardware Heads. Using a 4-inch putty knife, apply a thin layer of joint compound over each nail and screw head. Press firmly and scrape excess compound away, leaving just enough to fill the dimples flush with the wall surface.
5. Build and Blend Smooth. After the compound dries completely (usually 24 hours), lightly sand with 120-grit sandpaper. Apply a second coat with a 6-inch knife, feathering the edges wider to blend with the surrounding wall.
6. Prime Before Final Paint. Once fully dry, sand smooth with 220-grit paper and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Apply primer to the patched areas before painting to ensure even color coverage.