Cleaning

How to Repair a Small Hole in Drywall or Plaster

A small wall hole can usually be repaired with patching compound or a suitable patch when the surrounding material is sound and dry. Before filling it, remove loose edges and confirm whether the wall is drywall, traditional plaster, or another finish.

1 min read

A small wall hole can usually be repaired with patching compound or a suitable patch when the surrounding material is sound and dry. Before filling it, remove loose edges and confirm whether the wall is drywall, traditional plaster, or another finish.

Clean the edge and check that it is sound

Remove torn paper, dust, and loose plaster without unnecessarily enlarging the damage. If the area is damp, soft, or crumbling, fix the cause first because patching compound will not restore a deteriorated substrate.

Let the hole size determine the repair

A screw hole may take compound directly, while a larger opening may need mesh, a self-adhesive patch, or a piece of board with backing. Follow the size limits of the repair product you choose.

Build up thin coats and let them dry

Spread compound slightly beyond the hole, smooth it, and let it dry fully before adding another coat. Several thin coats are usually easier to sand and less likely to crack than one thick layer.

Sand, prime, and paint after the patch is stable

Sand gently until the patch blends into the wall and remove dust. Primer over the repair prevents uneven paint absorption; if the patch cracks again, investigate movement in the substrate rather than repeatedly filling it.