What you need
- Drop cloth and eye/dust protection
- Putty or drywall knife
- Spackle or joint compound
- Mesh patch or drywall tape for larger damage
- Fine-grit sanding sponge
- Primer
- Matching interior paint, brush and roller
1. Identify the repair
Tiny nail holes generally need filler only. Small holes may use an adhesive mesh patch. Larger openings usually require a fitted piece of drywall secured to backing or framing. If the drywall is wet, soft, moldy or repeatedly cracking, find the underlying problem before hiding it.
2. Prepare the surface
Protect the floor. Remove loose paper, crumbling gypsum and flaking paint. Lightly smooth rough edges. The surrounding wall should be clean, dry and solid before compound is applied.
3. Patch the opening
For a small patchable hole, center the mesh over the opening. Spread a thin coat of joint compound across it and feather the compound beyond the patch. Thin, wider coats are usually easier to hide than one thick mound.
4. Let it dry, then build the repair
Follow the compound manufacturer's drying instructions. Scrape down obvious ridges and add another thin coat if the mesh, seam or depression remains visible. Extend each coat slightly farther into the surrounding wall.
5. Sand smooth
Once completely dry, lightly sand until the transition cannot easily be felt with your fingertips. Avoid aggressive sanding that exposes the patch. Remove dust with a vacuum or appropriate cloth before finishing.
6. Match texture if necessary
A smooth patch on an orange-peel, knockdown or other textured wall can remain visible even after painting. Practice texture matching on scrap material first. Difficult textures are a good reason to bring in a drywall professional.
7. Prime — don't skip this
Fresh joint compound absorbs paint differently from an already painted wall. Seal the repaired area with appropriate primer and allow it to dry. This helps prevent a dull or shiny 'flashed' spot from revealing the repair.
8. Paint and blend
Use matching paint and sheen. Apply a controlled coat over the repair, blending beyond its edge. A second coat may be needed. If the color or sheen difference remains noticeable—or there are several repairs—painting the wall from corner to corner often produces the cleanest result.
Inside vs. outside paint
Interior and exterior coatings are formulated for different environments. Use interior paint on interior drywall. Exterior surfaces require coatings and preparation appropriate to the exterior substrate, weather exposure and manufacturer instructions; exterior wall damage should not automatically be repaired as if it were interior drywall.