A Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Drywall Holes

Drywall is durable, but it can only take so much. For instance, if you accidentally slam a door too hard, the doorknob might punch a hole into the wall. Fortunately, this type of damage is easy to fix. The easiest solution is to buy a drywall repair kit. Measure the hole and head to your local hardware store or shop online for a kit that suits your needs. There are various types depending on the application. A patch for the ceiling is typically thicker than one for the walls. Before using the kit, make sure to remove any loose paper or plaster around the hole. Then, follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the patch.

In this guide, we will show you how to repair both small and large holes in drywall, starting with the smaller ones.

Repairing a Small Hole in Drywall

If you're fixing a small hole in drywall, roughly 6 inches (15 centimeters), without a repair kit, follow these simple steps:

Step 1:

Start by cutting a piece of drywall that matches the thickness of the wall you're repairing. If you don't have any at home, most hardware stores sell smaller pieces that will work, so you don't need to buy a full sheet.

Step 2:

Measure the size of your patch. It should be large enough to cover the hole, plus a little extra space. Aim for about 2 inches (5 centimeters) of wiggle room on each side of the hole to ensure a proper fit. Don't make the patch too small. Once measured, cut the patch into a square shape from your larger piece of drywall. Flip the patch over and score the paper backing about an inch (2.5 centimeters) from each side using a utility knife. Be careful not to cut all the way through the paper or the gypsum. Snap off the loose drywall, but leave the paper backing intact. Place the patch over the hole and trace the outline of the gypsum with a pencil (don’t include the paper’s overhang in your tracing).

Step 3:

Now it's time to clean up the hole. If you have a drywall saw, you're in luck — that's the best tool for the job. If not, don’t worry, a utility knife will do. Use whichever tool you prefer to cut diagonal lines from the hole to the four corners of your traced outline. This will create a clean square opening. If you prefer, you don’t have to cut diagonally to the corners, but it will make the process easier. Just make sure to cut out the damaged drywall. If you do cut to the corners, score the outline with your utility knife first. After scoring, snap the drywall pieces off, then cut the edges with the knife to remove any remaining drywall, leaving you with a neat square hole.

Step 4:

Next, turn the patch over and apply a thin layer of joint compound to the back of the paper using a putty knife. Flip the patch back over and press it into the hole, ensuring the paper edges are securely in place. The joint compound will help hold the patch firmly against the wall.

Step 5:

To finish, use a putty knife to apply joint compound over the patch, spreading it smoothly on the surrounding wall as well. You may need to apply two or more coats. The compound is easy to work with and quite satisfying. Once it dries, sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper until it's smooth. Your patch will now be ready for priming and painting.

Drywall patch (cut from a larger piece) Tape measure Drywall saw (if available) Utility knife Straight edge, like a level Putty knife Drywall patching compound Sandpaper Primer and paint Paintbrush

If the hole is larger, such as a sizable gap between two studs or a dent caused by a vehicle collision in your garage, don't stress. You can easily repair it, too.

Step 1:

Cut a large square piece of drywall that will fit between the studs — this will serve as your patch. Position the square patch over the hole and, following the same steps as for a smaller hole repair, trace around the edges with a pencil.

Step 2:

Use a utility knife to score along the lines you traced. You don't need to cut too deeply, just enough to make the next step easier. With a straight edge and a drywall knife (a utility knife can be trickier here), carefully cut away the damaged drywall. Make sure to expose the studs as you peel the drywall away. Smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper.

Step 3:

Since the opening is between two studs, simply position the patch over them and secure it in place using drywall screws and a power drill.

Step 4:

Apply strips of mesh drywall tape along the edges of the patch. The tape has a sticky backing, making it easy to adhere. Cut off any excess with the utility knife. Next, use a putty knife to spread joint compound over the mesh and the heads of the screws.

Step 5:

Once the compound has dried, sand it smooth and remove any loose bits. The wall is now ready for priming and painting.

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