Don’t use a hammer to pry out the nail out unless necessary because the hammer’s claw will leave large marks in the wall. If you use a hammer, hold a wide piece of wood or a book between its claw and the wall. [1] X Research source
Use latex spackling compound for the best finish for nail holes. You can find spackle at your local hardware store or online.
Warm or humid areas require a longer drying time.
Wipe away any dust with a damp paper towel.
You can bring paint chips of the wall paint to a hardware store to find a matching paint color, but it probably will not be a perfect match.
If it is a Philips head screw, scrape out the two cross-slots with a utility knife or paring knife. Screw it in with a hand screw driver or cordless drill.
Drive a nail or screw about 1⁄16 inch (0. 16 cm) into the wall to have a small hole to fill with spackle. [9] X Research source
Pay extra attention to the edges of the compound so it isn’t detectable when you paint over it. It helps to go over it with a wet sponge.
Take paint chips to a local paint supply store to match the colors if you don’t have any of the original paint.
Scrape any loose paint from the edges of the hole.
If the wall or ceiling is old plaster (not drywall), be careful not to hit too hard or you could crack the plaster.
Use a latex spackle for the best results.
Be careful not to chip or crack the spackle with the edge of your putty knife.
Adjust the nozzle on the can of wall texture to match the texture of your wall or ceiling. To match the texture of the surrounding wall or ceiling, you must practice by spraying it on a piece of cardboard. Hold the can about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the wall. Spray enough to blend the edges of the spackling with the drywall. Let the texture dry as per the package instructions. [20] X Research source
Use paint chips to match colors if you need to buy the paint.
Attach the wall patch to the wall using joint compound (see instructions on package). Allow joint compound to dry, and then cover the wall patch with a thin layer of joint compound. Apply it with a 6" taping knife and a 16" trowel (to hold the joint compound). When dry, sand and apply a second coat. Apply two coats of paint. Use a 4"roller to match the paint texture of the surrounding wall.
Make the hole perfectly rectangular, so a rectangular piece of drywall will fit well. Use a 16" by 24" framing square to draw the borders of the hole. Measure the hole. [22] X Research source
Use drywall of the same thickness as your wall, if it is available. Three thicknesses are available. A drywall saw (wallboard saw) can be used. If you don’t have drywall of the correct thickness, use material that is thinner and use several layers of cardboard behind the patch to make it flush with the wall. Buy a piece of drywall of the smallest size available, which should be 24" by 24" ( 60 cm x 60 cm). Make sure the edges of the drywall are trimmed and smooth. Use a utility knife if necessary. [25] X Research source
Reach in to check for cables, pipes and small wires, to avoid cutting them.
Be careful not to yank or rip off the pieces so you don’t damage the wall. The hole you’ve cut out of the drywall must be uniform and smooth in order for you to insert your drywall patch.
Mount them by screwing in drywall screws through the existing drywall into them. [29] X Research source
Don’t try to jam or force the patch or you could bend or crack it.
Cover the patch and the joints with a thin layer of joint compound using a 6" (15 cm) or 12" (cm) taping knife. Allow it to dry overnight. [33] X Research source
Hold the can about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the wall and apply a thin layer. Check the packaging to see how long the wall texture takes to dry. Adjust the nozzle on the can of wall texture to match the texture of your drywall.
Take paint chips to a paint department or paint store to match the color. . Use a 4" roller, to appear more like the surrounding paint, which was applied with a roller. . [36] X Research source Apply two coats of paint.
