How to Fix a Hole in the Wall: A Complete DIY Guide

How to Fix a Small Hole in Drywall (Simple DIY for Beginners)

We’ve all seen them—those annoying small holes in the wall left behind by door handles, accidental bumps, or wall anchors that didn’t quite hold. If the hole is about two inches or smaller, don’t worry—this is a quick and easy fix, even if you’ve never held a putty knife before.

In fact, learning how to fix a small hole in drywall is one of the most beginner-friendly home improvement skills you can pick up. With just a few basic materials and a bit of patience, you’ll have your wall looking smooth and flawless again in no time.

Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Clean the Area

Start by prepping the hole. Use your fingers or a utility knife to remove any loose bits of drywall or flaking paint around the edges. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. A clean surface helps everything stick better and leads to a more polished final result.

Step 2: Apply a Mesh Patch

For holes under 2 inches, a self-adhesive mesh patch is your best friend. You can find these patches at any home improvement store. They’re basically like a sticker made of fiberglass mesh and are designed specifically for small wall repairs.

Peel off the backing and press the patch firmly over the hole, making sure it sticks flat to the wall. This patch gives the joint compound something to grip onto and helps reinforce the area so the repair lasts.

Step 3: Cover with Joint Compound

Now it’s time to get messy—in a good way. Scoop a small amount of joint compound onto a putty knife and apply it over the mesh patch. Spread it smoothly, covering the entire patch and extending an inch or two beyond the edges. The goal is to blend it with the wall so there’s no noticeable bump or line.

Step 4: Feather the Edges

To make your patch truly invisible, you’ll want to feather the edges of the compound. This just means tapering it out so that it gradually blends into the surrounding wall. Hold your putty knife at a slight angle and smooth out the outer edges. This is the key to a seamless repair.

Step 5: Let It Dry and Sand Smooth

Let the compound dry completely—usually a few hours or overnight, depending on thickness and humidity. Once it’s dry, lightly sand the area using fine-grit sandpaper until it feels smooth to the touch. Be gentle; you don’t want to sand away your hard work.

Step 6: Apply a Second Coat (If Needed)

For deeper holes or if you notice uneven spots, apply a second thin coat of joint compound, feather the edges again, and let it dry. Once dry, give it another light sanding until it looks and feels flat.

Step 7: Paint Over the Patch

The final touch is to paint over the repaired area. Start with a coat of primer to prevent the patched spot from soaking up too much paint. Once the primer is dry, apply your wall color. If you’ve got leftover paint from the original job, you’re in luck—otherwise, try to color match as closely as possible.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a small hole in drywall might seem intimidating at first, but once you try it, you’ll be surprised how easy (and satisfying) it is. This simple DIY repair makes a huge difference in how clean and well-kept your space looks. Whether you’re preparing for guests, staging a home, or just touching things up, mastering this skill is totally worth it.

You’ve got this!

How to Fix a Big Hole in the Wall (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Let’s face it—seeing a big hole in your wall can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether it’s from a doorknob that swung too hard, roughhousing kids, or a DIY project that went sideways, large holes in drywall look bad and can get worse if left unattended. But here’s the good news: you can fix it yourself—even if you’ve never patched drywall before.

If the hole is more than 4 to 6 inches wide, it’s definitely bigger than a quick spackle job. But don’t worry—it’s still very manageable with a little patience and the right tools. In fact, once you do it once, you’ll wonder why it ever seemed intimidating.

Let’s walk through how to fix a big hole in your wall, step by step.

Step 1: Clean Up and Shape the Hole

First, you want a clean work area. Use a utility knife to remove any loose drywall or jagged edges around the hole. It might feel odd, but the goal here is to cut the hole into a neat square or rectangle. A straight edge will make it easier to patch with a new piece of drywall and give you a cleaner finish later.

Step 2: Cut a Drywall Patch

Next, grab a scrap piece of drywall—ideally the same thickness as the existing wall. Cut a new piece that’s slightly larger than the hole you just shaped. This gives you some wiggle room and helps you trace the exact patch area more accurately.

Step 3: Trace and Cut the Wall

Hold your new drywall patch directly over the hole. Use a pencil to trace around the patch onto the wall, then set the patch aside. Carefully use your utility knife to cut along your traced lines, creating an opening that perfectly fits the drywall piece. Take your time here—a snug fit makes everything else easier.

Step 4: Install Furring Strips

Now you need something to anchor your drywall patch. Cut two furring strips (small pieces of wood) a few inches longer than the hole’s height. Slide them into the hole vertically so that they extend behind the wall on the top and bottom. Use drywall screws to fasten them in place through the existing drywall.

These strips act like braces behind the wall, giving your patch something solid to attach to.

Step 5: Attach the Drywall Patch

Now take your drywall patch and screw it into the furring strips. Don’t overtighten, just make sure it sits flush with the wall surface.

Congratulations, the hard part is done!

Step 6: Tape and Apply Joint Compound

Cover the seams where your patch meets the wall using mesh drywall tape. This helps prevent cracking and gives the compound something to grip.

Then, apply joint compound over the patch with a putty knife. Spread it out generously, feathering the edges so it blends into the surrounding wall. Let the first layer dry completely—this usually takes a few hours or overnight, depending on the room’s humidity.

Step 7: Sand and Repeat

Once the compound is dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it down. Be careful not to sand too much—you want a smooth surface without digging into your repair.

Apply a second, thinner coat of joint compound, feather the edges again, and let it dry. Then, give it one final light sanding. By now, your wall should look flat and seamless.

Step 8: Prime and Paint

The last step is to restore the wall’s original look. Apply a coat of primer over the repaired area. This helps the paint adhere evenly and prevents blotchiness.

After the primer dries, paint over the patch using your wall’s color. If you’re not sure of the exact shade, try to get a sample matched at a local hardware store. Use a small roller or a foam brush for a smooth finish.

And that’s it—your wall is good as new!

Final Thoughts

At first glance, a big hole in the wall might seem like a job for a professional. But once you learn the steps, it becomes a very doable DIY task. You don’t need fancy tools or years of experience—just a bit of care and some basic supplies.

Knowing how to patch large holes is a skill every homeowner or renter should have. Whether you’re preparing to paint, fixing damage from moving furniture, or just cleaning up a space, this repair can make a huge difference in how polished and well-kept your home looks.

Give it a shot—you’ll be amazed at what you can do with your own two hands.

How to Fix a Hole in a Plaster Wall (DIY Guide for Homeowners)

If you live in an older home, chances are you’ve got beautiful plaster walls. They have a solid, classic feel that drywall just can’t match. But when it comes to repairs—especially patching a hole—plaster can seem a little intimidating. It’s harder than drywall, more brittle, and it doesn’t respond well to the same repair methods.

The good news? You absolutely can fix it yourself.

Whether you’re dealing with an old nail hole, a dent from moving furniture, or a larger gouge, repairing plaster isn’t as complicated as it might seem. It just requires the right materials and a little patience.

Let’s break it down step by step so you can restore your wall to its original beauty.

Step 1: Clean the Hole and Its Edges

Start by cleaning up the damaged area. Use a utility knife to gently scrape around the hole. Remove any crumbling plaster or loose material. The goal here is to expose a clean, solid edge so the new plaster can bond properly. Be careful not to make the hole any bigger than it needs to be, but don’t be afraid to remove weak surrounding areas.

This step may be a little dusty, so lay down a drop cloth and wear a dust mask if needed.

Step 2: Apply a Bonding Agent (Optional but Helpful)

Plaster doesn’t like to stick to dry, dusty surfaces. If the area inside the hole looks chalky or crumbly, you may want to apply a plaster bonding agent. This is especially useful for larger holes or spots where the base layer is exposed.

Let the bonding agent dry according to the instructions—usually around 30 minutes.

Step 3: Use Patching Plaster (Not Spackle)

Now it’s time to fill the hole, and here’s where many people make a common mistake: Don’t use spackle or joint compound. Those products are designed for drywall and don’t bond well with plaster.

Instead, use a patching plaster, which is formulated specifically for plaster repairs. You can find this at most hardware stores.

Start by mixing the plaster if needed (some come pre-mixed). Then, using a putty knife or trowel, apply a thin layer into the hole. Press it in firmly to make sure it fills all the gaps.

Step 4: Apply in Layers

For small nail holes, one layer may be enough. But for deeper or wider holes, it’s best to work in layers. Apply a layer no thicker than 1/4 inch at a time, letting each one dry fully before adding the next.

This helps prevent cracking and shrinking as the plaster sets. It also gives you a smoother, more even finish.

Step 5: Smooth the Surface

Once the final layer is dry, it’s time to make everything smooth and even. There are two ways to do this, depending on your preference:

• Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the area flat.

• Or, for a more traditional approach, use a damp sponge while the plaster is still slightly soft. This lets you smooth the surface without making dust.

The goal is to blend the patch with the surrounding wall so it becomes virtually invisible once painted.

Step 6: Prime and Paint

Plaster is porous, so it’s important to apply a primer before painting. This prevents the patched area from absorbing too much paint and ensures an even finish.

Once the primer is dry, paint over the patch using your wall color. Try feathering the edges with a small roller or brush to blend everything together. If you’re lucky enough to have leftover paint from the original job, use that. Otherwise, take a chip to the store and have it color-matched.

Final Thoughts

Plaster wall repairs might sound like a job for a pro, but with the right tools and a little care, it’s completely doable for any DIY enthusiast. Knowing how to fix a hole in a plaster wall is especially useful if you’re maintaining an older home with character and charm.

This technique works just as well whether you’re patching up a vintage bungalow or fixing a plaster-style finish in a newer build. It might take a little more time than fixing drywall—but the results are absolutely worth it.

Take it slow, follow the steps, and soon you’ll be looking at a flawless wall you repaired yourself. That’s a satisfying feeling no matter how old your house is.

A Video Guide about How to Fix a Hole in the Wall: