It is easy to damage the wall.If something falls into it, you can damage it.Spackle, a compound made to cover cracks and holes in walls, can be used to fix smaller holes.The hole in the drywall can be covered with spackle.You can paint over the spackle once you've applied it, making the wall look as good as new.
Step 1: Spackle can be used to repair holes that are less than 10 cm in diameter.
It is possible to repair holes up to the size of your hand.To repair holes larger than 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, you will have to use a support like mesh or wire.
Step 2: Light spackle can be purchased at the hardware store.
There are different weights and sizes of spackle.Light spackle can be used for small holes.
Step 3: 150-grit sandpaper can be used around the hole.
The gypsum, facer paper, and backer paper are used to make the Drywall.Some smaller fragments will stick out from the wall when the drywall is damaged.The putty won't stick to the wall if you leave the fragments untouched.If the hole is badly splintered, use 150-grit sandpaper to smooth the area around it.Place the sandpaper over the hole, rotating it clockwise and counterclockwise a few times.This keeps the repair area small.If the drywall isn't badly damaged, you can use 100grit sandpaper.If you're patching a small area, like a nail hole, you can simply push the drywall in with your thumb or the base of a screwdriver.
Step 4: The area around the hole should be smooth with a putty knife.
Remove any splinters or fragments from the hole after sanding.Put the knife into the wall.Make sure you don't make the hole bigger when using the putty knife.Don't worry about removing paint from the hole.Later on, you'll be painting over the area again.
Step 5: Remove the spackle from the hole with your knife.
The amount of spackle you use depends on the hole.It should cover the hole and you should have more to do around the area.Use a feathering motion to apply the spackle.If you want, you can use 2 putty knives.One should have a thin blade and the other a wide blade.To remove the spackle from the tub, use the wider knife and thinner knife.The wider knife can be used as a tool.If you don't have an appropriately-sized putty knife, you can use an old plastic credit card or gift card.After you have removed the spackle, close the tub.The spackle will be useless if it dries out.
Step 6: Allow the spackle to dry for 4-5 hours.
The amount of time it will take for your spackle to dry depends on a number of factors.Sand it down before applying your second layer.The spackle should be dry if you test it with your finger.
Step 7: There is another layer of spackle.
Before the job is done, you might need to apply a few layers of spackle.When the first layer is dry, use a similar amount of spackle for the second layer.Use your knife to cover the hole.Before applying the next layer, give the second layer another 4 to 5 hours to dry.
Step 8: After the second layer is dried, apply a third layer of spackle.
3 layers of spackle is enough to cover the hole in the wall.The hole should be completely covered by this stage.If you think the drywall needs a fourth layer, you can always do it.3 layers should suffice.You don't want to over do it and end up with a small lump in your wall from all of the spackle.To match the texture of your repair to the rest of the wall, use a sponge on the last layer of wet spackle.
Step 9: Remove excess spackle with a tool.
The putty knife can be used to remove excess spackle from the wall.If you want to create an even surface, place your knife at an angle to the wall at the edge of the spackle layer.It will be easier to paint over the spackle.Don't use the putty knife if there's still too much spackle on the wall.Sand the spackle with fine-grit sandpaper until it's level with the wall again.
Step 10: Before you start painting, place a sheet on the floor.
It's a good idea to put a sheet on the floor before you start painting.If you want to cover the furniture with a sheet, move it away from the area.If necessary, cover the baseboards, door hinges, and ceiling border with painter's tape.
Step 11: After the spackle has dried, apply a primer.
If the hole in the wall was small, there's no need to paint it.It's a good idea to paint the whole wall if you have a few different holes around it.To apply primer to a section of the wall, use a roller or paintbrush.Sand your spackle down if you're painting the whole wall.After applying one coat of paint to the spackled areas, you should be able to paint your wall.You don't need primer if you change the color of your wall.To apply the primer, use even, measured strokes with the roller or paintbrush.
Step 12: Allow 3 hours for the primer to fully dry.
Primer feels dry to the touch within an hour of being applied.This doesn't mean it's ready to be painted over.It will take around 3 hours for the primer to dry.It might take an extra hour or so for the primer to dry if it's very humid.
Step 13: If you're not painting the whole wall, match the paint color.
If you only cover a small hole, you don't want to have to paint the whole wall.If you still have the paint you used on the wall, check your garage or shed.If you can't find a matching color, go to your local painting store or home center and ask for help.You can take paint chips from the store and hold them up to the wall to see if they match.You'll probably need to repaint the whole wall if you can't find an exact match.
Step 14: Put the first coat of paint on the wall.
Once the primer is dry, use a paintbrush or roller to apply the first coat of paint.Use a flat or tapered paintbrush to paint.If you're painting the entire wall, a roller will be easier to use.If you're only painting the small section you applied spackle to, you can use a small paintbrush or sponge paintbrush.
Step 15: Allow the first coat of paint to dry for up to 5 hours.
Before applying the next coat, it's important to let the paint dry completely.Primer takes less time to dry than paint.You can check if the paint is dry by rubbing it with a tissue.Look at the tissue after the paint is dried.The paint is not dry if there is no paint on the tissue.The paint can be left dry overnight.Before you paint the second coat, make sure the paint is completely dry.
Step 16: The second coat should be painted on the wall.
After the first coat is dry, use even and measured strokes on the wall to apply the second coat.You should be able to tell if another coat is needed by the time you finish the second coat.To completely cover the spackle, you might need to apply another coat.Give the second coat 4 to 5 hours to dry before applying another coat.