How to Patch Your Drywall

Whether you’re living in a brand-new build or a well-loved older home, one thing is guaranteed: you’ll end up with holes in your drywall. Maybe it’s from rearranging your gallery wall, removing that wall-mounted mirror, or… accidentally playing indoor hockey. Hey, it happens.

The good news? Most of these fixes are easy enough to handle yourself. No need to call in a pro (even though we love hearing from you). Let’s walk through two common drywall repairs: small nail holes and larger holes (hockey puck-sized, let’s say). Grab your spackle and let’s go!

Fixing Small Holes (From Nails, Screws & Wall Plugs)

This one’s quick, but it’s also where we see the most DIY mistakes. The goal here is a clean, invisible patch that disappears once you paint. Here's how to do it right:

Step 1: Prep the Hole

Remove the nail, screw, or drywall anchor. If the plug is being stubborn, just hammer it in so it's slightly recessed below the wall surface. You want a small depression to fill, not a bump sticking out.

Step 2: Apply Compound

Use drywall compound or spackle and fill the hole. Don’t overdo it! A small amount is all you need. Smooth it out with your putty knife.

Step 3: Sand Smooth

Do not skip this step! Once the compound is dry, give it a quick sand. We see too many patches with lumps that show through the paint. Sanding it smooth makes all the difference. If done right, you won’t see a thing once it’s painted.

Fixing Bigger Holes

If you’ve got a big hole in the wall (maybe from a rogue puck, elbow, or doorknob) you’ll need more than spackle. Here’s how to pull off what we call a "Party Patch":

Step 1: Cut the Hole Clean

Use a drywall saw to square off the hole. Don’t stress about perfection. Just try to get straight-ish lines.

Step 2: Cut a Patch

Grab a scrap piece of drywall (ask a friend or head to your local Home Hardware). Cut a patch 1–2 inches bigger than your hole on all sides.

Step 3: Score the Back

On the back side of your patch, score the drywall to match the size of your hole. You can even use the piece you cut out of the wall as a template.

Step 4: Snap & Peel

Break off the excess drywall around your score lines, but leave the front paper intact. This paper will act like tape and help blend the patch seamlessly.

Step 5: Mud It Up

Mix your drywall compound. Add some to the wall and the back of your patch. Push the new drywall into place so the extra paper overlaps the wall surface.

Step 6: Feather the Edges

Once dry, apply another thin layer of mud over the whole patch, feathering the edges out like you're icing a cake.

Step 7: Sand & Paint

Let it dry completely, then sand it smooth. Now you're ready to paint!

BroLaws Bonus Tip: Label Your Paint

Whenever you paint a wall or room a new colour, make this your last step. Before you screw the light switch plate back on, grab a Sharpie and write the paint brand and colour name on the back of the switch cover. Next time you need to touch up a wall, you’ll know exactly what paint to grab. Future-you will thank you.

Need More DIY Help?

We love giving homeowners the confidence to take on small repairs like this. Catch more tips like this one on our latest segment on Breakfast Television, or browse the rest of our blog for more how-tos, renovation inspiration, and behind-the-scenes from our job sites. And hey, if your drywall patch job turns into a bigger reno, you know who to call.

For a quick video of our hole-patching tips. Watch our segment on BT;