Knowing how to patch and repair drywall is often a top concern when preparing for a move. Drywall is vulnerable to cracks, dents and holes, but you can easily repair it with drywall joint compound and a little sanding and painting. This guide teaches you how to do drywall repair for both dents and small holes in the wall.  

Even if you aren’t handy around the house, you can easily patch drywall like a pro. How to patch a hole in drywall is a simple task. Most drywall repair consists of fixing dents, nail and screw holes, cracks and popped nail heads. This type of damage is minor and can be fixed quickly and easily.  

To repair drywall dents and tiny holes:

• Fill dents and tiny holes with lightweight spackle using your finger or a putty knife.
• Make sure the spackle completely fills the dent or hole and is level with the rest of the undamaged wall.
• Allow the spackle to dry for 15 to 30 minutes or the time recommended by the manufacturer.
• Once dry, use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the area smooth.
• Brush away any debris and touch up the paint.

To repair drywall cracks:

• Widen the crack with a utility knife and brush away dust.
• Fill the widened crack with lightweight spackle using a putty knife.
• Apply a thin coat of spackle over the entire area. Smooth it with a putty knife.
• Allow the spackle to dry for 15 to 30 minutes or the time recommended by the manufacturer.
• Once dry, sand the area smooth.
• Brush away any debris and touch up the paint.
• If the crack is wider than 1/2-inch, cover it with self-adhesive fiberglass drywall tape.
• Use a putty knife to spread joint compound over the drywall tape.
• Allow the joint compound to dry thoroughly as recommended by the manufacturer, then sand it smooth.
• If needed, apply another thin layer of joint compound and sand it again when dry.
• Touch up the wall paint.

To repair popped nail heads:

• If you notice a popped nail head, the nail has come loose from the wall stud. Reattach the drywall to the wall stud using a drywall screw.
• Drive the drywall screw into the wall about 1 to 2 inches above the popped nail head. Sink the screw head just below the drywall’s surface.
• Hammer the popped nail head back into the wall with a rubber mallet, being careful not to damage more drywall.
• Cover the sunken screw and the nail head with spackle.
• Allow the spackle to dry, then sand it smooth.
• Touch up the wall paint.