our blog

How to Repair Small Holes in Drywall?

Learn how to repair small holes in drywall with this easy-to-follow guide from American Striping and Commercial Coatings LLC. Get tips, tools, and expert advice. Contact us to learn more.

A Complete Home and Commercial Wall Repair Guide from American Striping and Commercial Coatings LLC

Small holes in drywall may seem like a minor issue, but they can become unsightly and distracting—especially in professional or high-traffic spaces. Whether the damage comes from nails, screws, furniture bumps, or doorknobs, knowing how to fix it properly can save you money and improve the overall appearance of your property.

At American Striping and Commercial Coatings LLC, we provide expert wall maintenance and drywall repair services for both residential and commercial clients. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to repair small holes in drywall, from prep to finishing touches.

Why You Should Repair Small Drywall Holes Promptly

A tiny hole in your drywall might not seem urgent—but over time, small issues can become larger and more costly to fix. Small drywall repairs are quick and inexpensive if handled early. Here’s why it’s worth your attention:

Prevents future damage

Untreated holes can expand or lead to cracking, especially in high-use areas.

Improves aesthetics

Clean, smooth walls make any room look more polished and professional.

Prepares walls for painting

Proper repairs ensure even paint coverage and a longer-lasting finish.

Increases resale or rental value

A well-maintained interior makes a better impression on buyers and tenants.

Whether you’re refreshing your living room or preparing a commercial office space for a new tenant, properly patched drywall is a simple upgrade with big benefits.

Step-by-Step: How to Repair Small Holes in Drywall

Fixing small drywall holes is a manageable project if you follow the right steps. Here’s how we recommend tackling it:

1. Clean the Area
 Use a utility knife or sandpaper to smooth rough edges and remove any debris around the hole. This ensures a clean, flush surface.

2. Apply a Patch (if needed)
 If the hole is about the size of a coin or larger, apply a self-adhesive mesh patch to cover it. This adds strength to the area and prevents cracking.

3. Fill with Spackling Paste or Joint Compound
 Using a putty knife, apply spackling paste over the hole. Press firmly, then smooth it out and feather the edges for a clean blend.

4. Let It Dry Completely
 Allow the compound to dry thoroughly. Dry time depends on the product, so refer to the packaging instructions.

5. Sand the Surface Smooth
 Lightly sand the patched area with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s smooth and even with the surrounding wall.

6. Prime and Paint
Apply a primer to the patched area to seal it, then finish with your paint color of choice. For best results, repaint the entire wall or blend carefully with surrounding paint.

Essential Tools and Materials for Drywall Repair

To repair small holes in drywall, having the right tools and materials on hand is key to achieving a smooth and lasting finish. You’ll need a utility knife or box cutter to clean the edges around the hole, along with a self-adhesive mesh patch if the hole is on the larger side.

A high-quality spackling paste or lightweight joint compound works best for filling the hole, and you’ll need a putty knife to apply it evenly. Once the compound is dry, fine-grit sandpaper—typically between 120 and 150 grit—will help you smooth the surface.

Don’t forget to use a drywall primer before painting, followed by a topcoat of your wall’s matching color using either a brush or a roller. A damp cloth is also helpful for wiping away dust or excess compound during the process. With these materials, even a novice can achieve impressive results, provided they take their time and follow each step carefully.

how to repair small holes in drywall 2

Pro Tips for a Seamless Finish

Even though drywall repair seems simple, these expert tips can help you get truly professional results:

Who We Serve

We proudly work with a wide range of clients across the Nashville area, including:

Apply thin layers

Don’t overload the compound. Multiple thin coats are easier to sand and dry faster.

Feather the edges

Spread the compound wider than the hole so it blends better with the surrounding surface.

Use the right lighting

Bright light can help you see uneven spots before painting.

Test your paint match

Even the same color can look different depending on the age or gloss of the surrounding wall. Test in a small area first.

If you’re dealing with textured walls, you might also need a spray-on texture product to match the existing finish before painting.

When to Call a Professional

While patching a small drywall hole can be a satisfying DIY task, there are times when bringing in a professional is the better choice. If the hole is larger than a few inches, located near wiring or plumbing, or connected to a deeper crack in the wall, it’s wise to have an expert assess the damage.

Additionally, if the wall shows signs of water damage or mold, professional intervention is crucial to ensure safe and complete remediation. Homes and businesses with textured walls or unique paint finishes may also benefit from the expertise of a skilled contractor who can match the wall’s appearance seamlessly.

Finally, if you simply want a guaranteed smooth, polished result—especially in a commercial space where appearances matter—working with an experienced drywall repair service like American Striping and Commercial Coatings LLC ensures peace of mind and long-lasting quality.

We’re Here to Help—Contact Us Today!

If you’re dealing with drywall damage and want expert help, don’t hesitate to reach out. At American Striping and Commercial Coatings LLC, we specialize in all aspects of wall maintenance—from drywall patching to commercial interior painting. Our team delivers long-lasting, professional results that restore the integrity and appearance of your space.

Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation or request a free estimate. We proudly serve residential and commercial clients with dependable service, affordable pricing, and unmatched attention to detail.

Let us help you get your walls looking good as new.

About American Striping and Commercial Coatings LLC

We are a licensed and insured parking lot and property maintenance company serving Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and nearby states. We strive to engage in honest business practices. We always operate with full transparency while meeting the needs of all of our clients. Our job isn’t complete until our clients are 100% satisfied. We strive for excellence in quality and service. If you’re looking for the finest property maintenance services on the market, you’ve come to the right place. Call or fill out the contact form for your free estimate.

CALL US NOW CONTACT US
Quick Menu
Our Services
Contact Info

Areas of Service:

Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina

Business Hours:

Monday - Saturday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST

Phone Number:

(931) 743-7166

Email Address:

[email protected]

Copyright © 2024 American Striping & Commercial Coatings LLC – Design and Developements by Driven Digital, LLC