How To Fix a Hole in Your Drywall in 2025

One of the most common issues you will face as a homeowner is damaged drywall. Drywall, or sheetrock as it’s also commonly known, is not as resilient as its older, more expensive cousin, lath-and-plaster, and therefore can damage easily if you are moving furniture around or pounding nails into the wall to hang a newly framed piece of artwork. 

Luckily, many of these holes in the drywall can be repaired on a DIY basis. But all too often, larger, more complicated holes and breaches will require the employment of a certified professional drywall repair service. What should you look for in such a service? 

According to Serenity by Santiago, a drywall repairman, a professional drywall repair crew will utilize the most up-to-date methods in the drywall and sheetrock industry to provide superior repair and installation. This ensures an end result that goes way beyond homeowner expectations. Professional drywall services can handle all varieties of drywall damage, be it physical or due to water.   

But what if the damage to your drywall is small and simple enough for you to tackle on your own? How exactly do you go about repairing that unsightly hole in the wall? A recent report by MSN states that cracks and small holes in drywall are considered common in most homes at some point in time. While they can be annoying to see, they can also be repaired relatively easily.  

You need to purchase some spackle at your local hardware store. Keep in mind, there are several varieties of spackle available: epoxy, heavyweight, and lightweight. But experts agree that a good quality, non-shrinking, lightweight spackling compound is the perfect material for filling small cracks and holes in the drywall. It’s even said to work on plastic trim. 

That in mind, here’s how you go about fixing a hole in your drywall in 2025 and beyond. 

Use a Work Light

As you prep your drywall for repair, you need to position a work light (a professional-grade lamp works best) in a way that exposes all the existing defects. The light makes them much easier to see and therefore to repair.   

Sand Away any Loose or Peeling Drywall

When a hole or crack occurs in your drywall, it’s common for loose pieces to stick out of the opening. A fine-grade sandpaper that’s between 150 and 220 grit is best for smoothing out the area where the repair or repairs are to be made. You can also use a putty knife to achieve the same result. 

Apply the Spackle to the Drywall Hole

According to MSN, you should utilize a putty knife to apply a small amount of spackle to the hole in your drywall. It’s important to press down firmly on the putty knife to spread the spackle so that it not only fills the hole but also evenly covers the surface of the drywall. You will then need to allow the spackle to dry for up to five hours, depending on the amount of spackle used and the temperature of the home. 

Also, if you are repairing a small crack, dent, or hole, it’s generally not necessary to engage in a second spackle application. But if a single application is insufficient, you need to apply another layer of spackle and then wait for it to dry prior to sanding and painting. 

Dried Spackle Needs Sanding

Once the spackle is sufficiently dry, you can sand it along with the undamaged drywall that surrounds it using the fine-grit sandpaper or a fine-grit sponge so that the repaired area is flush with the rest of the wall. 

Paint Your Repaired Drywall

Once you’ve wiped the repaired drywall with a damp towel to remove all the excess dust, it’s time to paint it. If you skip this step, the repaired drywall will not appear smooth and homogenous with the rest of the wall.  

It’s generally recommended that you apply two coats of paint to the dried spackle. Be sure to allow the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. 

In the end, you want to avoid having to make drywall repairs. How do you do that? Avoid making holes in your walls by using adhesive hooks or tape to hang framed pictures or artwork. It’s also a prudent idea to use a stud finder to locate the vertical 2”x4” studs prior to drilling or nailing, thus avoiding unnecessary holes. 

If you are faced with a small hole or crack in your drywall, it’s perfectly okay to tackle the project on your own. But if you’re looking at a larger hole or significant water damage, you need to contact a professional who’s licensed and experienced in drywall repair.  

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