How to Fix Small Holes in Your Drywall

How to Fix Small Holes in Your Drywall

We’ve all been there. Maybe you were moving furniture and accidentally dinged the wall, or maybe your kid decided the wall was a great place to play darts. Whatever the cause, small holes in drywall are pretty common—and thankfully, they’re also pretty easy to fix if you know what you’re doing.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to repair small holes in drywall step-by-step. Plus, if you’re in the San Diego area and not quite the DIY type, we’ll share a great local option for getting professional help.

First Things First: What Counts as a “Small” Hole?

When we say small holes, we’re talking about damage that’s around the size of a nail, screw, or maybe up to a couple of inches in diameter. Think: doorknob dents, accidental bumps, or picture hanger holes. Anything bigger than that might need a slightly more advanced repair technique or even a drywall patch kit—but we’ll save that for another post.

What You’ll Need

To get started, here’s a simple list of tools and materials:

• Spackling paste or lightweight joint compound

• Putty knife (a small one will do for tiny holes)

• Sandpaper (medium or fine grit)

• Damp cloth or sponge

• Paint and a small roller or brush

• Optional: primer, if the area is large or your paint needs it

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Small Drywall Holes

1. Clean the Area

Start by gently wiping the hole and the surrounding area with a damp cloth. This helps remove any dust, dirt, or loose drywall that might interfere with the repair. If there’s any flaking or crumbling, gently scrape it away with the edge of your putty knife.

2. Apply Spackle or Joint Compound

Using your putty knife, scoop a small amount of spackling paste and press it into the hole. Don’t be shy—make sure the compound fills the hole completely. Then, smooth it out so it’s level with the wall. You want the surface to be as even as possible to reduce the amount of sanding later.

If you’re using lightweight joint compound (great for slightly larger holes), the process is the same. Just make sure it’s applied in thin, even layers.

3. Let It Dry

Drying time depends on the size of the repair and the type of product you’re using. Most spackle dries in 1–2 hours, but check the label to be sure. This is the perfect time to grab a coffee or check out some home décor inspiration on Pinterest.

4. Sand It Smooth

Once the patch is fully dry, grab your sandpaper and lightly sand the area until it’s flush with the wall. You want the repaired spot to blend seamlessly. Wipe away any dust with your damp cloth.

5. Paint Over the Patch

Now comes the fun part—making it disappear! Use a small roller or brush to apply touch-up paint over the patched area. If you’re covering a larger section or dealing with a bold wall color, it might be a good idea to use primer first to avoid uneven coloring.

If you still have the original paint, awesome! If not, try to color match as closely as possible at your local hardware store.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish

• Don’t overload your putty knife – A little goes a long way, especially for small holes.

• Multiple small layers > one thick layer – If the hole is deeper, build it up gradually with two or three thin layers, allowing each to dry in between.

• Feather the edges – Blend the spackle a little past the edges of the hole so the transition is smooth and unnoticeable.

When to Call a Pro

Sure, fixing a nail hole or small dent is doable for most DIYers. But if your drywall damage is widespread, includes cracks, or involves moisture issues (like bubbling or mold), it’s time to call in the experts.

That’s where a professional drywall repair and installation service comes in handy. If you’re in San Diego, CA, we highly recommend KJM Services. Their team is experienced in drywall repairs of all sizes—from quick patches to full wall replacements. Plus, they’re local, responsive, and known for top-notch craftsmanship.

Sometimes, the time and hassle of a DIY repair just isn’t worth it—especially if you’re prepping your home for sale, finishing a remodel, or simply want the job done perfectly the first time.

Final Thoughts

Small drywall holes don’t have to be a big deal. With a little time and the right tools, you can have your walls looking smooth and fresh in no time. But if DIY isn’t your thing, or the damage is more than you bargained for, there’s no shame in calling a pro.

For those in San Diego, KJM Services has you covered with reliable, affordable drywall repair and installation. Whether it's a simple patch or a bigger project, they’ll help your walls look as good as new.