Patching drywall is one of those repairs that looks intimidating but is completely manageable with the right technique. Whether you’ve got a small nail hole, a doorknob-sized punch-through, or a large section of damaged drywall, this step-by-step guide walks you through every repair size — the same way our Chicago Handyman crews do it.

What You’ll Need

• Joint compound (all-purpose or lightweight)
• Drywall patch kit or drywall sheet (for large holes)
• Putty knife or drywall knife (4″, 6″, and 10″ sizes)
• 150-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
• Primer (PVA drywall primer)
• Paint to match existing wall
• Mesh drywall tape (for medium holes)

How to Patch Small Holes in Drywall (Nail Holes, Screw Pops)

For holes smaller than 1/2″, a simple spackle fill is all you need.

1. Clean the hole — Remove any loose drywall paper or raised edges with a putty knife.
2. Apply spackle — Use your finger or a putty knife to press lightweight spackle into the hole. Overfill slightly.
3. Scrape flush — Drag the putty knife across the surface at a shallow angle to remove excess.
4. Let dry completely — Most lightweight spackle turns white when dry (1–2 hours for nail holes).
5. Sand smooth — Light pass with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe dust with a damp cloth.
6. Prime and paint — Apply a thin coat of primer, let dry, then paint to match.

How to Patch Medium Holes in Drywall (1″–6″)

For holes between 1″ and 6″, use a mesh patch kit — available at any hardware store for under $10.

1. Clean the edges — Cut away any loose or torn drywall paper around the hole so you have a clean edge.
2. Apply the mesh patch — Peel-and-stick mesh patches center over the hole and adhere directly to the wall.
3. First coat of joint compound — Apply all-purpose compound over the mesh with a 6″ knife. Feather the edges out 3–4 inches from the patch. Let dry 24 hours.
4. Sand lightly — Knock down any ridges with 150-grit sandpaper.
5. Second coat — Apply a thinner, wider coat (feathered out 8–10 inches). This is the “blending” coat. Let dry 24 hours.
6. Final sand — 220-grit for a smooth finish. The patch should be nearly invisible.
7. Prime and paint — PVA primer seals the compound so the paint sheen matches the surrounding wall.

How to Patch Large Holes in Drywall (Over 6″)

Large holes require cutting out the damaged section and installing a proper drywall patch with backing support.

1. Cut a clean square or rectangle around the damaged area using a drywall saw or utility knife.
2. Add wood backing — Cut two pieces of 1×3 or 1×4 lumber slightly longer than the hole height. Slip them into the hole and screw them to the back of the existing drywall at the sides. These become your mounting surface.
3. Cut a patch piece — Cut a piece of drywall to exactly fill the opening.
4. Screw the patch in — Drive drywall screws through the patch into the wood backing every 6 inches.
5. Tape the seams — Apply drywall mesh tape over all four seams.
6. Apply three coats of joint compound — Tape coat, filler coat, finish coat, each with 24 hours drying time.
7. Sand, prime, and paint — The finished repair is as strong as the original wall.

Common Drywall Patching Mistakes

• Skipping primer — Unprimed joint compound absorbs paint differently than the surrounding wall, leaving a visible “hot spot” that shows through the paint.
• Only one coat of compound — Joint compound shrinks as it dries. You always need at least two coats, usually three for patches over 2″.
• Sanding too hard — It’s easy to sand through the drywall paper face, which then needs another coat of compound. Use light pressure.
• Trying to match paint without priming — Even a perfect color match will look different on unprimed compound. Always prime first.

Related Drywall Guides

• How Long Does Drywall Mud Take to Dry? — Know when your patch is ready to sand
• Drywall Screw Complete Guide — Screw types, sizes, and spacing for patches
• How Many Coats of Primer on New Drywall? — Priming before painting your patch
• Quick Drywall Repair: Holes and Cracks — More repair scenarios and tips