How to Patch a Hole in Drywall: Small to Large
Short answerTo patch drywall, fill small holes with joint compound, let it harden, sand and prime. Bridge holes up to about 2 inches with criss-crossed tape and two coats. For larger holes, screw in a new piece on repair clips, tape the seams and apply three coats. If your home was built before 1978, test for asbestos and lead first.
Safety first
- Asbestos: CPSC says patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, and textured paints, may contain asbestos, and that their use was banned in 1977. If your home dates from 1977 or earlier, do not cut or sand these surfaces until a qualified professional has tested them, or hire a pro. CPSC says sanding, scraping or drilling them may release asbestos, and that even minor repairs should be done by professionals.
- Lead: if your home was built before 1978, test first. EPA says to hire a certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor, and to assume there is lead paint if you do not test. Then follow EPA's do-it-yourself lead-safe work practices, or hire a lead-safe certified contractor. Avoid sanding; if you must sand, wet the area first and sand as little as possible.
- Turn off the power to nearby outlets and look for wires and pipes before you cut into a wall. Wear a dust mask and eye protection.
- Do not patch a wet or moldy spot. Fix the leak and let it dry first.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Nail pops, small dents and small holes | The nail head shows, or the hole is about the size of a coin or smaller. | Fill with compound. For a popped nail, drive a new nail about 1-1/2 inches away, then set the old one and cover both. |
| Doorknob or furniture damage | A hole up to about 2 inches across. | Bridge it with criss-crossed tape and compound. |
| Large impact or water damage | A hole over 2 inches, or soft and stained drywall. | Cut out the damaged piece and install a new one after fixing the leak. |
| Cracks at joints | A crack up to about 1/8 inch along a seam. | Bridge it with tape and two coats. If cracks keep coming back, or are wide, check for a structural or moisture problem. |
What you need
- Setting-type joint compound
- Drywall tape
- Combination or putty knife
- Sanding block or sponge
- Primer
- Drywall piece and repair clips, for large holes
- Utility knife and keyhole saw
- Screwdriver or drill
- Dust mask and eye protection
How to fix it
- Check the age of your home first. If your home was built before 1978, stop here. Before you scrape, cut or sand, have the old compound and paint tested for asbestos and lead, as the safety notes above explain, or hire a pro.
- Clean the area. Remove loose paint, dust and grease. The surface must be clean and dry. The surface, water, mix and air should all be at least 45°F.
- Mix only what you will use. If you use a powder compound, mix 2 parts powder to 1 part clean water until smooth, following the label. One such product hardens in about 85 to 130 minutes, so mix only what you can use within 60 minutes.
- Small holes and dents. Fill with compound using the knife. Let it harden and add a second coat if it shrinks. Sand and prime when dry.
- Medium holes, up to about 2 inches. Criss-cross two or three strips of tape over the opening. Spread compound over the tape and around the edges, and wipe away the excess. Let it harden, add a second coat, then sand and prime.
- Large holes, over 2 inches. Cut the damage back to a clean rectangle with a utility knife and keyhole saw. Slip repair clips onto the edges and screw through the wall into each clip. Cut new drywall to fit, screw it into the clips, and remove the clip tabs. Tape all four sides without overlapping. Apply a second and a third coat, feathering each one wider, and let each harden.
- Sand, prime and paint. Sand smooth, wipe off the dust, and apply a primer or a flat latex paint with high solids. Then paint to match. Priming keeps the patch from showing through.
When to call a professional
- The damage is from a leak you have not found.
- There is mold over about 10 square feet, or you see sagging ceilings.
- Your home was built before 1978 and you have not tested, or a test found lead or asbestos. Hire a lead-safe certified contractor for lead, and a trained asbestos professional for asbestos.
What it costs to have fixed
Drywall Repair is estimated at $70 to $490 nationally. See your state
Common questions
How do I patch a hole in drywall without a kit?
Small holes need only compound and a knife. For holes up to about 2 inches, criss-cross drywall tape over the opening, then cover it with two coats of compound.
How do I patch a large hole in drywall?
Cut out the damage, fasten a new piece with repair clips, tape all four seams, and apply three coats of compound, letting each one harden.
How long does joint compound take to dry?
It depends on the product. One USG setting compound hardens in about 85 to 130 minutes. Follow the label on yours, and do not add water to change the time.
Can I sand drywall patches in an old house?
Test first. If the home was built before 1978, the paint around the patch may contain lead, and old compound may contain asbestos. CPSC says not to sand asbestos materials. For lead, EPA says to avoid sanding where possible, and to wet the surface first if you must. Do not dry sand old paint.
Do I need to prime after patching drywall?
Yes. USG's repair instructions end every type of patch the same way: sand and prime when dry. If your home was built before 1978, read the asbestos and lead warnings on this page before you sand. Source
Do I need tape to patch drywall?
It depends on the size. USG says small holes, dents and small cracks can be filled with compound alone, while large cracks need a strip of tape and medium holes need two or three criss-crossed strips. Source
How do I fix a drywall nail pop?
USG says to drive and dimple a new nail about 1-1/2 inches from the popped nail, then drive and dimple the popped nail. Cover the dimples with compound, then sand and prime when dry. If your home was built before 1978, read the asbestos and lead warnings on this page before you sand. Source
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Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- USG: SHEETROCK Brand Drywall Repair Kits Application Tips — Repair methods by hole size, the 2 inch threshold, compound hardening time and mixing, minimum 45 degrees F, tape and clip methods, and priming
- EPA: Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead — Pre-1978 homes may have lead paint, sanding hazards, wet sanding, using a lead-safe certified contractor, and small damaged areas
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home — Fixing the water source first and not painting over mold
- CPSC: Asbestos in the Home — Patching and joint compounds and textured paints may contain asbestos, their use banned in 1977; sanding, scraping or drilling may release it; even minor repairs should be done by professionals; samples should be taken by a qualified professional
- EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program — EPA recommends a lead-safe certified contractor for pre-1978 homes, and do-it-yourself lead-safe practices for homeowners doing their own work
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.