The most used material for interior walls is drywall.It is easy for a homeowner to repair since it is a soft material.There is information on how to fill dents and patch holes.
Step 1: Purchase a compound.
Two of the most popular joint compounds are lightweight and all-purpose.Less sanding is required for lightweight compound.Smaller containers may be more expensive than larger ones, but be aware thatJoint compound comes in a variety of container sizes.If you end up with leftover compound, the joint compound can be kept for up to 9 months.
Step 2: Get compound applicators and sanders.
The repair job will look professional if you use a joint knife and metal straightedge.After the joint compound has dried, get a sponge to even out the surface.
Step 3: Purchase supplies for larger holes.
To make a patch for big holes, you'll need a new piece of drywall.Purchase a piece of drywall large enough to fill the hole and get backing boards, which hold the drywall in place.To smooth out the joints, you'll need paper tape and compound.
Step 4: Get primer and paint.
The repaired area needs to be painted to match the rest of the wall.You can use the same primer to paint the wall.
Step 5: Sand at the edges.
Sand away the loose particles with a sponge.Run the sponge over the dent to create a rough surface that the joint compound can adhere to easily.
Step 6: Put joint compound on it.
Load half of the blade by dipping a joint knife into a container of joint compound.To smooth the joint compound, run the knife over the damaged area.The blade should be turned 90 degrees to the wall to remove excess compound.The area won't have bumps once the substance dries if the extra compound is removed.If the dent has been completely filled, it's time to check the area.If the joint compound shrinks as it dries, you may need to apply a second coat.
Step 7: Sand the area.
After the joint compound has dried, use a sponge or another fine sander to blend the area with the surrounding wall space.You can use a sponge to smooth the edges.
Step 8: The area should beprimed.
Joint compounds are porous and need to beprimed before you paint them.The paint will be different from the surrounding area.The primer should match the paint color.If you can, use the one you used before.Primer is not necessary if you have paint that acts as a primer.
Step 9: The repair should be painted over.
Once the primer is dry, use a soft cloth to paint over the area.The paint will look blended after it has dried if you use strokes similar to the ones you used to paint the wall.
Step 10: The loose edges should be removed.
Pull the parts of the wallboard that are sticking out from when the nail was removed.Make sure the edges of the hole are flush with the wall, so there won't be any bumps after you repair the area.
Step 11: Use joint compound to fill the hole.
Push the compound into the hole with the joint knife.To remove the excess compound, hold the knife at a ninety degree angle from the wall and run it over the hole.Joint compound on the wall surrounding the hole will affect the paint in the area.Load the knife with enough compound to fill the hole.If you get joint compound on the wall as you work, wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Step 12: The patch needs to be sanded.
Once the compound has dried, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the area.Dust can be wiped away with a damp cloth.Now that the hole is gone, the wall surface should be smooth.
Step 13: Paint the area.
To make a seamless repair, use a soft cloth to apply primer to the repaired area.To apply wall paint when it's dry, use another cloth.
Step 14: Check the wires.
If the hole is close to an electrical outlet or phone line, make sure you check inside so you don't hit any wires while you work.Use a flashlight or feel the hole with your hands.When you repair the hole, take note of where the wire is located and plan to work around it.
Step 15: Take a piece of paper and cut it.
Measure around the perimeter of the hole using a ruler and a level, then cut it out with a utility knife or a drywall saw.This will allow you to neatly patch the hole with a piece of drywall the size you need, rather than making an irregular patch.
Step 16: Backer boards should be added.
The backer boards are about 4 inches longer than the hole.The first backer board should be lined vertically along the left edge of the hole.Use one hand to hold it in place and the other to use a drill to screw two screws through the intact drywall just below the hole.Another backer board can be installed along the right edge of the hole.Pine or other soft wood backer boards are easy to screw into.Hold the boards in a way that the screws won't scratch or puncture your hands when they pop through the backer boards.
Step 17: Attach a patch to the wall.
Measure the thickness of the wallboard and buy a large piece to patch the hole.If you cut it to size, it will fit into the hole.Attach the patch to the hole with screws that are 6 inches (15.2 cm) apart.Most hardware and home goods stores have different shapes and sizes of scraps of drywall.You don't have to buy a complete sheet of drywall if you buy one large enough to patch your hole.
Step 18: Place the tape on the joints.
Load a joint knife with joint compound and apply it to the joints.To smooth the tape into place, use a taping knife and quickly apply paper tape to the joints.Let the joint compound dry after applying a second coating.Adding water to the compound will make it easier to spread and feather out along the wall.To make the transition between the patch and the wall as smooth as possible, be sure to remove excess compound as you go.The knife should be pulled in one direction.It can be difficult to lay the tape evenly.It's worth starting over if you lay it crookedly, since the tape is important to blend the patch with the wall.
Step 19: Add another coat by sanding the area.
Once the first few coats are dry, smooth the edges by sanding them.If you want to fill in any areas, apply another thin coat of compound.Continue adding more compound until the surface is even and smooth.Wait at least 24 hours.The compound should be completely dry if you want to create more ruts and gouges.
Step 20: Paint the area.
To get the area ready for painting, use a primer after the last sanding.When the primer is dry, use the same brush or paint you used to paint the wall.