Drywall Repair: Fix Holes and Cracks

Drywall damage is common in every home, but the good news is that most repairs are surprisingly easy to DIY. Whether you're dealing with small nail holes or larger damage from doorknobs or moving furniture, this guide will walk you through the repair process.

Types of Drywall Damage

Small Holes (nail holes, small screws)

These are the easiest to fix and typically only require spackling compound.

Medium Holes (3–15 cm)

Doorknob holes and similar damage need a patch and some compound.

Large Holes (over 15 cm)

These require cutting out a section and installing a new piece of drywall.

Cracks

Often caused by settling or temperature changes, cracks need special attention to prevent reappearance.

Tools and Materials

For Small Holes

Spackling compound
Putty knife (5–7 cm)
Sandpaper (120-grit)
Primer
Paint

For Medium Holes

Self-adhesive mesh patch or drywall repair kit
Joint compound
Putty knife (10–15 cm)
Sandpaper (120 and 220-grit)
Primer and paint

For Large Holes

Drywall patch (or new drywall sheet)
Drywall saw or utility knife
Wood strips for backing
Drywall screws
Joint compound
Drywall tape
Putty knife (15–20 cm)
Sandpaper
Primer and paint

Repairing Small Holes

Clean the area around the hole
Apply spackling compound with a putty knife
Smooth it flush with the wall surface
Let it dry (usually 1-2 hours)
Sand smooth with 120-grit sandpaper
Prime and paint to match

Repairing Medium Holes

Clean the damaged area and remove loose drywall
Apply a mesh patch centered over the hole
Cover with joint compound using a putty knife
Feather the edges to blend with the wall
Let dry completely (4-6 hours)
Apply a second coat if needed
Sand smooth starting with 120-grit, finishing with 220-grit
Prime and paint

Repairing Large Holes

Cut a square around the damaged area with a drywall saw
Install backing strips - wood pieces behind the hole edges
Screw strips in place through the existing drywall
Cut a patch to fit the opening
Screw the patch to the backing strips
Apply joint compound over seams
Place drywall tape over seams
Apply multiple thin coats of compound (3-4 coats)
Sand between coats for a smooth finish
Prime and paint

Fixing Cracks

Widen the crack slightly with a utility knife to create a V-groove
Vacuum out dust and debris
Apply joint compound deep into the crack
Place mesh tape over the crack
Apply compound over the tape
Let dry and sand smooth
Apply final coat and feather edges
Prime and paint

Pro Tips

Use the right compound: Spackling for small holes, joint compound for larger repairs
Apply thin coats: Multiple thin coats work better than one thick coat
Sand between coats: This ensures a smooth, professional finish
Prime before painting: Primer seals the compound and ensures even paint coverage
Match the texture: If your walls are textured, you'll need to replicate that texture

Common Mistakes

Over-filling holes: Less is more - you can always add more compound
Not feathering edges: Blend compound well beyond the repair area
Sanding too aggressively: Use light pressure and progressive grits
Skipping primer: Compound absorbs paint differently than drywall
Rushing the drying process: Let each coat fully dry

Time Requirements

Small holes: 30 minutes + drying time
Medium holes: 1-2 hours + drying time
Large holes: 3-4 hours + drying time (multiple days with drying)
Cracks: 1-2 hours + drying time

Cost Estimate

Most drywall repairs are very affordable:

Spackling compound: €5-€10
Joint compound: €8-€15
Patch kits: €5-€20
Tools (if needed): €15-€30
Total: €15-€50 for most repairs

When to Call a Professional

Consider hiring a handworker from HandyHive if:

You have extensive damage requiring large patches
The damage involves water damage or mold
You need to match complex wall textures
You're dealing with ceiling damage (overhead work)
You lack the time or tools for the repair

Most drywall repairs are manageable DIY projects, but if you need help, find a qualified professional on HandyHive.

Drywall Repair: Fix Holes and Cracks Like a Pro