A few nail holes and small cracks are easily repairable with spackle or joint compound (aka mud) and a sanding block. Before attempting a DIY drywall fix, however, shine a light into the hole to ensure electrical cords and plumbing lines are not present.

Cracks caused by settling or changing temperatures are more serious and require a professional. Paper tape and mud are applied to the area, and the cracked areas are then smoothed and sanded. For professional help, you may contact Drywall Repair Las Vegas.

While minor blemishes like nail holes, small dents, and chips can usually be covered with touch-up paint that blends into the existing wall color, larger areas of damage require patching. To do this, cut a piece of new drywall that’s slightly bigger than the hole and place it over the damaged area. Then trace around it with a pencil. Use a utility knife to carefully cut out the lines you’ve drawn (don’t cut through the exposed edge of the drywall). Next, put on a face mask and use a utility knife to remove any old paint or joint compound left behind by the damaged section.

If there is no damaged drywall on the edges of the hole, you can simply sand down the rough edges to make them smooth and apply a coat of primer. This helps the new patch blend in with the rest of the wall, and it also helps to hide any imperfections.

Once the primer has dried, you can apply a couple of thin coats of joint compound over the entire patched area. Wait for each layer to dry before applying the next one, and sand between each application. Don’t sand too deeply, though; doing so may expose the joint tape and lead to future problems.

In addition to sanding, you should also use a wet rag or sponge to wipe away any excess mud or joint compound. Once the surface is completely dry, you can touch up any smudges with a paintbrush and a dab of touch-up paint.

You can purchase pre-made drywall patch kits with reinforced centers and self-adhesive tape that simplify this process. They’re available in various sizes to cover different types of repairs. Some products are designed to eliminate the need for sanding or even priming, making them perfect for do-it-yourselfers.

Repairing Holes

Small holes in drywall are pretty easy to fix. You can use a patch kit to make a smooth, uniform repair that’s almost undetectable. If your hole is larger, though, you may need to install a whole new piece of drywall. A professional can do this, but it’s also a project that many homeowners can tackle with some care and patience.

First, you’ll need to square off the hole. “If it’s an irregularly shaped hole, you can use a utility knife to transform it into a neat square,” says Steckel. “This is easier than trying to make a patch fit the hole.” Next, clear out any chipped paint and debris from the area. Then sand the drywall to smooth it and prepare it for a patch.

Apply a thin coat of joint compound, or mud, to the area. Then press a strip of self-adhering mesh tape into place. “Mesh tape helps hold the patch and reduce shifting, which can cause a hole to return,” says McGee. Apply a second coating of joint compound over the tape and let it dry completely. Then, using a putty knife, feather the edges of the patch to help it blend in with the rest of the wall.

If your patch is in a corner, add a piece of metal corner bead, which helps keep drywall from cracking at the corners. This can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

Cracks in drywall are a common problem and, if not addressed quickly, can cause severe damage to the structure of your home. If the crack is less than 12-inches wide, fill it with a layer of joint compound. Apply the compound with a putty knife that’s designed for drywall repairs—rather than a standard wood putty knife—and smooth it until it’s flush with the wall.

If the crack is more than 12-inches wide, you’ll need to reinforce the area. You can purchase reinforcing mesh from most home improvement stores, or you can use a strip of drywall paneling. Apply the mesh to the wall where the crack is, then cover it with a second coat of joint compound and sand it until it’s smooth and flush with the surrounding drywall.

Repainting

Most homes and commercial buildings are covered with gypsum wallboard, also known as “drywall.” This material is tough but not indestructible, and it can get damaged through normal use, such as a run-in with the vacuum cleaner or a child flinging a toy. Holes, cracks, and dents are unsightly and can detract from the overall appearance of a room.

Minor blemishes on drywall are often covered with touch-up paint that blends into the existing color of the wall. But if the damage is more serious, it’s usually necessary to repaint the entire area.

When a contractor quotes a price for repairing and repainting drywall, several factors impact the cost. The size and scope of the job are major considerations. A single small hole may only require a patch and spackle. Larger holes and cracks need a more supportive patch, along with heavier mud and extra sanding.

The cost of materials is another factor that can vary based on the type of damage and location. For example, a repair kit with a mesh drywall patch, spackle, a putty knife, and wood will typically be less expensive than buying materials individually.

If a drywall patch isn’t enough to cover an area of damage, a pro can refinish the wall by covering it with a skim coat of joint compound and then sanding it smooth before painting. This is a relatively simple procedure that shouldn’t take more than an hour for a professional to complete.

A pro who has the skills and tools necessary to perform a refinish will be able to produce a finish that’s nearly as good as new drywall. However, it’s important to remember that a repaint of a repaired or refinished wall requires a fresh primer and topcoat to match the new color precisely.

When hiring a painting or drywall company, it’s important to consider their experience and reputation. Checking consumer websites like Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor can be helpful for finding reliable contractors. It’s also a good idea to verify that the company has proper licensing and insurance coverage. This protects you from unlicensed or incompetent contractors and ensures that the contractor will be held accountable for any damages or faulty work.

Refinishing

If your walls are covered in smudges, scratches, or dents, you may be able to hide them with a coat of paint. However, if the damage is extensive or you want your wall to look as close to perfect as possible, hiring a professional should be on your to-do list.

A drywall repair contractor will know how to fix these problems using the right tools and techniques to get your walls looking like new. In addition, they will have the experience to help you choose the best type of paint to use so that your repairs don’t show through later.

The first step is to sand down the walls, paying special attention to any high spots on the surface. If the damage is extensive, sanding may take several sessions to make the surface smooth enough for painting. Once the sanding is complete, vacuum and wipe down the wall to remove any dust or debris that remains.

Once the wall is clean, you can apply a light primer to the surface. This will help the drywall adhere better when you are ready to apply a coat of paint. It’s a good idea to apply a few light coats of primer, waiting between each session to let each one dry completely.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of sanding, consider investing in some drywall sanding gloves. These will protect your hands from the rough texture of the drywall and will also make the job a lot easier and faster.

The simplest and quickest way to repair small holes or dings is to use spackle, which you can buy pre-mixed for do-it-yourself projects. If you have small nail or screw holes, simply fill them with spackle and smooth them using a tool before repainting the area.

Larger holes require a bit more work and should be repaired with a patch kit or drywall patching compound. You’ll need to follow the directions that come with the patching product you choose and make sure the drywall is completely dry before proceeding. Be aware that some patching compounds shrink as they dry, which can leave a noticeable line in the middle of the hole.