How to patch small holes in the wall
To patch nail holes, pull any nails or anchors, press a little lightweight spackling compound into each hole with a putty knife, and scrape it flush. Once it is dry, sand lightly, wipe off the dust, and dab on matching paint. Ask the landlord for the paint name, or take a chip to a paint store.
It is the week before you move out and the walls are dotted with picture nail holes.
Why it matters: Small holes filled before you move out keep deposit deductions away.
Steps
- Pull nails and push-in anchors with pliers; tap a stubborn anchor slightly into the wall.
- Press lightweight spackling compound into each hole with a small putty knife.
- Scrape across the hole once to leave it flush with the wall.
- Let it dry for the time on the tub; lightweight spackling compound often changes color when dry.
- Sand gently with a fine sanding sponge and wipe the dust away.
- Ask the landlord for the wall paint name or take a small chip to a paint store to match.
- Dab paint with a small brush or sponge, feathering the edges.
Common mistakes
- Using toothpaste, which shrinks and cracks.
- Leaving a raised blob of spackling compound that shows under paint.
- Painting a bright white patch on an off-white wall.
Teach this to someone
A one page sheet for showing a friend, a teenager or a parent: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to patch small holes in the wall
What to say
To patch nail holes, pull any nails or anchors, press a little lightweight spackling compound into each hole with a putty knife, and scrape it flush. Once it is dry, sand lightly, wipe off the dust, and dab on matching paint. Ask the landlord for the paint name, or take a chip to a paint store.
What to show
- Pull nails and push-in anchors with pliers; tap a stubborn anchor slightly into the wall.
- Press lightweight spackling compound into each hole with a small putty knife.
- Scrape across the hole once to leave it flush with the wall.
- Let it dry for the time on the tub; lightweight spackling compound often changes color when dry.
- Sand gently with a fine sanding sponge and wipe the dust away.
- Ask the landlord for the wall paint name or take a small chip to a paint store to match.
- Dab paint with a small brush or sponge, feathering the edges.
Check question
What fills a small nail hole best?
Answer: Lightweight spackling compound. Spackling compound dries hard and sands smooth.
Your checklist
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Related skills
Sources
This skill is general practice and draws on no single published source.
Written in our own words from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for your situation; where a professional, your doctor or your lease says something different, follow them.
Last reviewed . First published .