Drywall, also known as gypsum board, sheetrock, or wallboard, is a common building material used for interior walls and ceilings. During construction or home improvement projects, it’s inevitable that screw or nail holes will need to be filled in drywall. Filling these holes properly is important for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Holes that are not filled correctly can detract from the look of a room. They can also allow dust and bugs to get into the wall cavity. Fortunately, filling screw or nail holes in drywall is an easy task that can be completed by most DIYers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fill screw or nail holes in drywall.
Gather the Right Materials
Filling drywall holes starts with having the right materials on hand. Here is what you’ll need:
- Joint compound – Also called drywall mud or spackle. It comes as a powder that you mix with water. All-purpose joint compound is suitable for most small drywall repairs.
- Joint compound knife – A flat bladed tool for applying joint compound. A 4 to 6 inch taping knife is a good size.
- Sandpaper – 120 grit sandpaper is ideal for smoothing dried joint compound.
- Paintbrush and paint – Matched to the existing wall color.
- Putty knife – A small, flexible bladed tool that can reach into holes.
- Shop vacuum – For cleaning up dust between sanding.
Optional:
- Drywall screws or nails – If the area is loose and needs refastening to the stud.
- Fiberglass joint tape – For covering seams when repairing larger holes or cracks.
- Pre-mixed spackle – Convenient option that doesn’t require mixing.
- Self-adhesive fiberglass mesh tape – Alternative to paper joint tape.
Prepare the Hole
Before filling a screw or nail hole in drywall, proper prep work needs to be done:
Step 1: Clear Away any Loose Material
Use a utility knife or putty knife to gently scrape away any loose paper, old filler, or flaking paint around the hole. Wipe the area clean.
Step 2: Remove any Protruding Screws or Nails
Hammer down any screw or nail heads that are sticking out from the wall surface. Use pliers or pry bar to pull out any nails.
Step 3: Widen Hole Slightly if Needed
For larger holes, expand the size slightly so the filler can “key” in better. A 1/8th inch gap around screw holes is ideal.
Step 4: Vacuum the Hole
Use a shop vac or brush attachment to suck up any dust in the hole and on the wall surface around it.
Step 5: Secure any Loose Drywall
If the drywall is loose, refasten it by driving a drywall screw into the stud nearest the hole. For nails, knock them back into place with a hammer if protruding.
Thorough prep ensures the filler will bond well and provide a lasting patch. Now the hole is ready for filling.
Apply Joint Compound to Fill the Hole
With the hole prepped, it’s time to fill it in. Here’s the basic process:
Step 1: Mix up Joint Compound
For powder types, mix joint compound powder with water in a bucket or tray per manufacturer instructions until reaching a thick, toothpaste-like consistency. Pre-mixed compounds can be used directly from the container.
Step 2: Load Compound on Drywall Knife
Dip the taping knife into the bucket/tray to load some compound. Pull it along the edge to evenly spread it on the knife.
Step 3: Press Compound into Hole
Hold the knife at approximately a 45 degree angle and press the compound firmly into the hole with the knife edge.
Step 4: Fill and Overfill the Hole
Apply additional compound, pressing it into the hole and leaving an excess mound over the hole. The filled hole should be slightly overfilled.
Step 5: Smooth and Feather the Edges
Drag the knife at a 45 degree angle around the hole to taper and blend the compound into the wall surface.
The compound should extend at least 1 inch beyond the hole edges. It will shrink as it dries.
Let the filler dry completely before sanding smooth and painting. Drying times vary based on climate conditions and compound type.
Sand and Paint the Patched Hole
Once the filler has dried thoroughly (typically 24 hours), finishing work is needed:
Step 1: Lightly Sand the Area
Use 120 grit or finer sandpaper to smooth the dried compound. Be careful not to scratch the wall surface around the patch.
Step 2: Wipe Away Dust
Use a dry rag or tack cloth to remove any dust left from sanding. This allows the paint to adhere properly.
Step 3: Spot Paint the Patch and Surrounding Area
Use a small paintbrush to feather out paint over the patched hole and blended edges. Allow the paint to fully dry.
Step 4: Paint a Second Coat if Needed
For the best color match, a second coat of paint is often needed over the filled hole and immediate surrounding area.
With that, the screw or nail hole in the drywall should now be patched, blended into the wall surface, and ready for interior finish work.
Tips for Optimal Drywall Hole Filling
Here are some additional pointers to follow for getting the best results when filling drywall holes:
- When mixing joint compound, aim for a creamy peanut butter consistency. Too thin and it will shrink and crack as it dries. Too thick and it will be hard to work with.
- Press compound into holes versus just applying over the surface. This helps bind it to the drywall paper edges.
- Overfill holes slightly to allow for shrinkage as the filler dries.
- Feather and taper the edges of the wet compound into the wall surface so the transition is seamless.
- Allow sufficient drying time before sanding or painting. Rushing the process can lead to cracks or poor paint adhesion.
- Gently sand repairs by hand. Power sanders can damage the wall surface around patch areas.
- Use painter’s tape around the repaired hole when painting for the crispest paint lines.
- When painting, use a high quality primer and paint matched to the existing wall color.
Filling Different Types of Drywall Holes
The techniques for filling drywall holes are largely the same, but here are some specific tips for different hole types:
Small Screw or Nail Holes
- Holes smaller than 1/4 inch can often be filled with just one application of joint compound.
- Widen holes slightly before filling to help the compound adhere and prevent shrinkage cracks.
- For tiny nail holes, use a putty knife to press compound directly into the hole. A taping knife may be too large.
Large Screw/Nail Holes or Electrical Box Cutouts
- Widen holes up to 3/8 inch for better filler adhesion.
- Pack filler into the hole, pressing it firmly into all edges and cavities.
- Apply 3+ layers of joint compound over several days to prevent cracking or sinking as it dries.
- Use fiberglass mesh tape over the hole before applying the final skim coat of compound.
Holes or Gouges Larger than 3 Inches
- Cut away any torn or protruding drywall paper around the hole.
- Screw or nail a backing support of scrap drywall, plywood, or shims over the hole if spanned between wall studs.
- Apply fiberglass joint tape embedded in compound over seams and joints.
- Build up numerous coats of compound over several days until flush with surface.
- Wider holes may need trim or drywall patches to cover instead of just filler.
Fixing Cracks Around Drywall Screw or Nail Holes
It’s common for hairline cracks to form around filled drywall fastener holes, especially in ceilings and corners. This happens as the house settles over time. Here’s how to fix them:
- Widen the crack into a “V” shape using a utility knife. Cut into both sides of the existing filler.
- Clean out any dust and old filler material. Vacuum the cracks.
- If the drywall is loose, drive additional screws into nearby studs.
- Apply a thin layer of joint compound into the “V”, pressing it firmly into the cracks.
- Apply a second wider coat of compound over the crack and surrounding area.
- Feather the edges and allow it to fully dry.
- Lightly sand smooth and paint to match the existing wall.
The widened and cleaned cracks allow new filler to bond tightly for a permanent fix. Be sure to overfill the center of cracks slightly.
Troubleshooting Common Drywall Hole Filling Problems
Filling drywall holes runs into problems occasionally. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:
Problem: Patch sinks lower than the wall surface after drying.
Solution: Didn’t apply enough layers of compound. Build it up with multiple coats over several days.
Problem: Joint compound cracks or splits as it dries.
Solution: Applied compound too thin or only in one coat. Fill deeper and use 2-3 applications.
Problem: Wall color shows through patched hole after painting.
Solution: Didn’t apply a primer or enough paint coats. Use a good primer and 2-3 finish coats of paint.
Problem: Patch feels uneven or gritty after sanding and painting.
Solution: Didn’t adequately feather edges before drying. Sand wider and feather paint more.
Problem: Paint roller pulls up filler when painting over it.
Solution: Let compound dry longer before painting. Use light brush strokes instead.
With careful surface prep, proper filling technique, ample drying time, and fine sanding, most drywall holes can be repaired seamlessly. Be patient and take care with each step of the process for great looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filling Drywall Holes
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about filling nail and screw holes in drywall:
Should drywall holes be filled before or after priming and painting?
It’s best to fill drywall holes before priming and painting walls. The prep work of cleaning holes and sanding filled patches is easier on raw drywall. Trying to sand filler after painting creates a mess.
How long does spackle or joint compound take to dry?
Drying time depends on temperature, humidity, ventilation, and thickness applied. In general, expect lightweight spackle or thin coats of compound to dry in 30 minutes to 2 hours. Thicker applications can take 24 hours or longer to fully cure.
Is spackle and joint compound the same thing?
Spackle and joint compound are both used for drywall repairs but have different properties. Spackle dries faster and sands easier but lacks the strength and adhesion of joint compound. Joint compound is preferred for larger holes. Spackle works for small nail holes.
Should I use paper drywall tape or fiberglass mesh tape?
For drywall seams, paper tape is best since it prevents cracks from showing through. On damaged seams or large holes, fiberglass mesh is better because it embeds into compound and adds strength to the repair.
How do I match texture on drywall patches?
Matching texture requires dabbing on joint compound with a brush, trowel, or special texture tools to mimic the surrounding wall. Practice on scrap drywall first. Knockdown, popcorn, and orange peel textures take finessing to match existing.
Why does my drywall patch look darker after painting?
If a patch looks darker, primer was not applied which allows the paint to absorb differently into the filler vs the raw paper drywall. Always use quality drywall primer over repairs before painting. Two finish coats of paint are also recommended.
Should I use a drywall sealer after repairs?
Sealing a drywall repair is often unnecessary. Quality filler and proper painting techniques should suffice. But for very porous finishes or repetitive repairs in humid areas, a drywall sealer can even out paint absorption before priming and painting.
How do I prevent blisters in my drywall patch?
Blistering under a drywall patch happens when the compound dries too quickly or when finishing coats are applied over insufficiently dried lower coats. Slow down the drying process and allow multiple days between applications to prevent blisters.
Professional Drywall Repair Alternatives
For homeowners who want to skip the work of fixing drywall holes themselves, hiring a drywall contractor is an alternative:
- They have specialized tools, materials, and expertise for flawless drywall finishing work.
- Professionals can match wall textures perfectly.
- Drywallers can repair any size hole or damage, large or small.
- Contractors can re-tape cracked drywall seams and corners.
- No clean up or disposal of drywall dust and debris.
- Typically more expensive than DIY repair. Get multiple estimates.
- Look for licensed pros with proven experience installing and finishing drywall.
- Get references from previous customers to gauge the quality of their work.
While basic drywall repairs like small holes are relatively easy for DIYers, major drywall work or perfect seamless repairs are often best left to the pros. Their expertise can save time and frustration.
Conclusion
With the right materials and proper techniques, filling screw and nail holes in drywall can be a simple, inexpensive home improvement project.
The keys are using joint compound or spackle formulated for drywall, meticulous hole preparation, building up multiple thin layers of filler, feathering edges smoothly, allowing adequate drying time, fine sanding, and spot priming and painting for an imperceptible repair.
Patience and attention to detail in each step will result in strong, seamless patches. Follow the recommendations in this guide and those pesky drywall holes will be gone in no time.