A putty knife smoothing joint compound over a drywall patch, with a mud pan on a step stool below
Thin coats of compound, feathered wide, make a drywall patch disappear.
Walls

Wall repair and drywall fixes that disappear

From small dents and nail pops to hanging something heavy, a little know-how goes a long way with drywall. These guides help you make a neat repair or find a secure place to hang things. Take your time with the finish, and a good patch can blend into the wall.

  • 26 fixes
  • Step-by-step pictures
  • When to call a pro

Where to start: For dents and holes, patching drywall starts with spackle and works up to a new piece of drywall. Little round bumps in the paint are nail pops. Before you hang anything heavy, find a stud, then pick the right hardware for heavy mirrors and pictures.

Drywall repair by size: spackle for nail holes, a mesh patch for doorknob damage, a new piece for large openings
From the guide: Patch a hole in drywall →

Baseboard and trim jobs are in Carpentry.

What are you dealing with?

Hole or dent in a wallNeed to hang a heavy mirrorCan't find a studBumps in drywallCrack in a wall or ceilingPaint touch-ups showPlaster cracks when I hang thingsNail holes show through paintDented drywall cornerPaint peeling on a wall or ceilingBasement smells mustyWater stain on the ceilingDrywall tape is peeling or bubblingHole in a plaster wallWallpaper peeling at the seams
Walls

Cut a hole in drywall for an old-work electrical box

 Moderate30–60 minutes$10–25 for a drywall saw and box
Walls

How to remove mildew from painted walls

 Easy1–3 hrs, plus a day or more to dry$10–$60
Walls

Install chair rail molding to protect your walls

 Moderate3–6 hours for a typical room, plus paint drying time$40–150 for molding, nails, filler and caulk
Walls

Repair wood paneling that is loose, dented or holed

 Easy30 min to 2 hrs, plus filler drying$10–40 for nails, filler and adhesive
Walls

Hang a picture on drywall with a hammer and nail hooks

 Easy15–30 min per picture$3–10 for hooks
Walls

How to remove scuff marks from painted walls

 Easy10 min–1 hr, plus drying$0–$15
Walls

Fix cracks in plaster walls and ceilings

 Moderate1–2 hrs work, plus drying over 1–2 days$20–50
Walls

Stop cold drafts from outlets and switches

 Easy5 min per outlet$5–20
Walls

Match wall texture over a drywall patch

 Moderate1–2 hours, plus drying$15–30
Walls

Remove wallpaper without damaging the wall

 Moderate3–8 hours per room, plus drying$15–60
Walls

Fix a curtain rod that pulled out of the wall

 Easy45–90 min, plus drying$5–25
Walls

Patch a hole in drywall

 Moderate1 hr + drying$10–25
Walls

Hang heavy pictures and mirrors safely

 Easy20–30 min$5–20
Walls

How to find a wall stud (with or without a stud finder)

 Easy5–15 min$0–25
Walls

Fix nail pops in drywall

 Easy30 min + drying$5–15
Walls

Fix a crack in drywall

 Easy1–2 hrs over 2 days$10–25
Walls

Touch up wall paint so it doesn't show

 Easy30 min, plus drying$0–20
Walls

Hang something on a plaster wall without cracking it

 Easy10–20 min$2–15
Walls

Fill nail holes in trim before painting

 Easy30–60 min per room$5–15
Walls

Fix a dented drywall corner

 Moderate1–2 hours, plus drying time$10–25
Walls

Fix peeling paint on a wall or ceiling

 Moderate2–4 hours, plus drying time$20–50
Walls

Get rid of a musty basement smell

 Easy1–2 hours, plus ongoing$20–300
Walls

Water stain on the ceiling

 Moderate1–2 hr, plus drying$15–40
Walls

Drywall tape peeling or bubbling

 Moderate1–2 hours, plus drying time$15–40
Walls

Patch a hole in a plaster wall

 Moderate2–4 hours over 2 days$15–50
Walls

Fix peeling wallpaper seams

 Easy30–60 min$10–25

Common questions

How big a hole can I fix with spackle alone?

Nail and screw holes, and dents up to about half an inch. Bigger than that, use a mesh patch. Past a few inches, cut in a new piece of drywall.

Do I need a stud to hang a heavy mirror?

It's the safest choice for anything over about 20 pounds. If there's no stud where you need it, use a rated anchor and stay well under its weight limit.

Looking for something else? Browse all fixes or see emergency steps.