Drywall is one of the most commonly used interior wall materials, known for its smooth finish and cost-effectiveness. However, over time it’s normal for drywall to develop minor flaws like nail pops – small protrusions that form when the nail or screw underneath pushes against the paper surface. Though unsightly, nail pops in drywall are usually an easy DIY fix. With some basic tools and materials, you can repair them and restore your walls’ smooth finish.

What Causes Nail Pops in Drywall?

Before learning how to fix nail pops, it’s helpful to understand what causes them in the first place. There are a few common culprits:

Seasonal Humidity Changes

As wood framing expands and contracts with changes in humidity, this movement can cause the drywall nails to push forward slightly. Nail pops often appear during the summer when humidity is high.

Settling of the House

Normal settling of a house over time can loosen drywall nails and cause them to pop. This frequently happens in newer homes.

Impact Near the Wall

Any impact on the wall near a drywall nail, like moving furniture or hitting it with an object, can potentially dislodge the nail enough to create a pop.

Improper Nailing

If drywall nails weren’t driven in fully or were spaced too far apart during installation, the drywall will be more prone to nail pops over time.

Knowing the source of the issue will help determine the best repair approach.

Tools and Materials Needed

Fixing nail pops in drywall is a fairly simple DIY project. With the right tools and materials, you can complete the repairs in just a few easy steps:

Hammer – To tap the nail back in place
Putty knife – For applying drywall compound
Phillips head screwdriver – To drive in drywall screws if replacing nails
Drywall nails or screws – Replacement fasteners if needed
Mesh drywall tape – For repairs over large holes
Drywall joint compound – To fill the holes and smooth the surface
Drywall finishing knife – To evenly spread compound
Sandpaper – To smooth repairs once dry
Primer and paint – To match the existing wall color

It’s also a good idea to have a stud finder, extra drywall anchors, and a container for loose drywall dust and debris.

How to Fix Small Nail Pops

For small nail pops less than 1/4 inch high, the nails can usually be tapped back into place without removing them completely. Here are the steps for this quick fix method:

Use a putty knife to scrape off any loose paper or compound surrounding the popped nail.
Place the flat end of your hammer over the protrusion and gently tap the nail back into the wall until it’s flush with the surface. Apply just enough force to recess it slightly below the surface without driving it too far.
Apply a thin coat of drywall joint compound over the nail using a putty knife. Feather out the edges to create a smooth, flush finish.
Allow the compound to fully dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 24 hours.
Lightly sand the area to smooth away any ridges once dry. Be careful not to sand through the paper surface.
Apply a second thin coat if needed to fully blend the repair, letting dry completely again before sanding.
When smooth, use primer and paint to cover the repaired area and match the surrounding wall color.

With this simple fix, small nail pops can be repaired in just an hour or two. The key is recessing the nail below the surface to prevent it from working its way back out.

How to Fix Large Nail Pops

For more prominent pops that are raised 1/4 inch or more off the wall, the popped nail or screw will need to be removed and replaced to prevent re-occurring. Follow these steps:

Use a sharp utility knife to cut an X shape through the paper around the popped fastener.
Remove the protruding drywall, cutting a V-shaped hole around the nail or screw to expose it.
Pull or twist the dislodged nail out using pliers or pry it out with a flat head screwdriver. For screws, remove them with a Phillips head screwdriver.
If there is no stud behind the fastener, insert a drywall anchor into the hole and secure with a drywall screw, driving it in tightly. If a wood stud is present, you can drive a new drywall screw directly into that.
Cover any gaps around the screw head with mesh drywall tape, pressing it into the compound.
Apply joint compound over the hole and screw head in thin coats, allowing it to fully dry between applications.
Once the area is built up flush with the wall, smooth it out by sanding.
Finish by priming and painting the repaired section to match the surrounding wall.

This process takes longer but is necessary for prominent pops that would be difficult to recess properly. Replacing the damaged fastener helps prevent the issue from recurring.

Repairing Nail Pops in Textured Drywall

Nail pops in textured drywall like “popcorn” or “orange peel” require a similar process but with some extra steps to match the texture. Here’s how to complete these repairs:

Cut away the raised section and remove the damaged nail or screw. Replace it with a new fastener anchored properly.
Apply joint compound to fill the hole and screw indentations, allowing it to dry fully.
Use coarse sandpaper to knock down high spots for a flat, smooth finish.
Match the wall texture by stippling compound over the repair with a stiff bristle brush in a circular motion.
Alternatively, use a texture spray can or small roller to replicate the pattern.
Once dry, blend where the new texture meets the old using water and a sponge in a feathering motion until seamless.
Prime and paint the patched area, taking care to match the tint if colored texture was used.

Perfectly matching the texture takes finesse, but is doable with some trial and error. Applying texture wider than the repair helps hide variations.

Preventing Future Nail Pops

To help prevent future nail pops, here are some good installation practices to keep in mind:

Only use drywall nails or screws recommended for the thickness of the panels. Longer fasteners increase pop risk.
Make sure underlying wood studs are straight and in plane. Warped framing can lead to drywall stresses.
Drive fasteners into studs, not just the wood framing. This provides more holding power.
Stagger seam fastener spacing. Don’t nail right along the same stud line on both sides.
Space standard fasteners 8” to 12” apart for walls, closer for ceilings. Wider spacing reduces support.
Set nails or screws to dimple surface without breaking paper. Overtightening risks popping.
Allow fresh drywall joints to fully cure before heavy decorating to avoid flexing.

Proper installation goes a long way, but some pops may still occur as the home ages and settles. Thankfully, they’re an easy fix! With these techniques, you can smooth out unsightly nail pops and restore the flawless finish of your drywall.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Nail Pops in Drywall

Fixing nail pops is a common drywall repair. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about addressing this issue:

What’s the easiest way to fix a small nail pop?

For small pops, you can usually just tap the protruding nail back into the wall with a hammer and cover it with drywall compound. This saves the time of fully removing and replacing the nail.

Should I always replace the nail for bigger pops?

With larger pops raised 1/4 inch or more, it’s best to cut out the nail, remove it, and replace it with a new drywall screw anchored into a stud. This provides more lasting support.

How many coats of drywall compound should be used?

Typically 2-3 thin coats of joint compound applied and dried fully between each one will build up the patched area flush with the wall surface ready for sanding and painting.

Is mesh tape better than paper tape for repairs?

For small nail pops, paper or mesh tape can be used since joints aren’t being stressed. Mesh may conform better over uneven screw heads, requiring less build up.

How can I match drywall texture after a repair?

Stipple on new texture with a brush, match with spray texture in a can, or roll on liquid texture products. Feather out the edges where new and old texture meet.

Why do some nail pops reappear after repairing them?

If the existing nails are loose, they may continue pushing out unless fully removed and replaced with properly anchored new fasteners.

How can I prevent future nail pops?

Proper drywall installation technique with adequately spaced fasteners driven into studs reduces risk. Avoid overtightening. Allow joints to fully cure before decorating.

Should I use drywall nails or screws?

Screws provide more holding power than nails, especially in ceilings or where vibration is a concern. Nails are quicker for standard wall installation. Both can be used.

How do I match drywall texture if unpainted?

Matching untinted texture requires testing spray patterns on scrap drywall to replicate the bump size and density before applying to the repair.

Fixing nail pops takes some finesse, but following the steps outlined above will help DIYers restore smooth drywall and prevent the annoying issue from recurring. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if the pops are very widespread or complex repairs are needed. With some patience and the right techniques, those unsightly nail pops can disappear into your walls once more.

Conclusion

Nail pops are a common but fixable drywall flaw. With the right tools and materials, both minor and severe pops can be repaired through a simple process of removing or recessing the protruding fastener, filling the gaps with compound, and smoothing the surface to hide the evidence of the repair. While nail pops may recur over time as a structure settles and ages, proper drywall installation and fastener placement can help reduce their frequency. Fixing them promptly helps restore the clean finished appearance of your wall surfaces. With the techniques outlined above, you can easily remedy nail pops and avoid costly drywall replacement.

How to Fix Nail Pops in Drywall