How to Fix Nail Holes in Drywall

An easy way to change the look of a room is to move existing, or add new pictures and wall art. When you rearrange wall décor there may be small holes left where nails had been. These small nail holes in the drywall are easy to fix, and once you’re done you won’t know the hole was ever there.

What You’ll Need

• Drywall putty or spackling paste


• Fine grit sand paper


• 1-inch to 1 ½-inch putty knife


• Damp paper towel or cloth


• Paint


• Paintbrush

1. Sand the nail hole lightly with fine grit sand paper, it should require minimal sanding.


2. Stir the drywall putty or spackling paste with the putty knife, then take a small amount of the putt on the putty knife and spread it into the nail hole. It is fine if a little bit gets on the wall around the hole, but try to get most of it into the hole.


3. Wipe the excess putty off the wall with a damp paper towel or cloth.


4. Let the drywall putty or spackling paste dry completely, then sand down any that is outside the hole so it is flush with the wall. The putty may shrink when it is dry, in which case you will need a second coat.


5. Dab a bit more putty into the hole with the tip of your finger or the edge of the putty knife if there is a dip in the putty once it dries.


6. Sand the putty to where it is flush with the wall, but be careful not to remove any of the surrounding texture. Let the putty dry completely.


7. Paint the repaired hole with the same color that is on the walls.