How to Patch a Small Hole in Drywall

While drywall is an inexpensive building material, it's not the sturdiest. Luckily, repairing the inevitable holes is a quick and easy process.

Step 1: Buy a drywall kit Consider buying a drywall kit. Sold in hardware stores, it contains almost everything you need to repair holes.
Step 2: Smooth and clean location Use a knife to scrape off any loose plaster and then smooth the area with sandpaper. Clean with a damp cloth.
Step 3: Fill If the hole is very small, like a nail or screw hole, fill it with spackling paste, let it dry, and sand it smooth.
TIP: If the hole is from a doorknob, consider installing a wall guard plate, which simply adheres over the damage and will protect your wall in the future.
Step 4: Cover with mesh If the hole is larger, place an adhesive piece of fiberglass mesh over the hole so it overlaps on all sides by at least an inch.
TIP: Mesh patches can repair holes up to about 3" inches around.
Step 5: Cover with spackling paste Use a putty knife to spread a layer of spackling paste over the mesh until the area is covered. Smooth it as best you can and let it dry overnight.
Step 6: Sand it smooth Lightly sand the area smooth.
Step 7: Apply a second layer Apply a light, second layer of spackling paste, let it dry overnight, and sand it smooth.
Step 8: Paint Paint the repaired area.
FACT: Drywall is the most commonly used interior building material in the world. Every year in the U.S. alone, 50 billion square feet of drywall are produced.