Fixing Small Holes in Walls: A Comprehensive Guide

​

Did you ever find yourself sipping your coffee and staring at a small hole in your wall, wondering how it got there? Whether it was created by an innocent push pin, a forgotten nail, or a misplaced screw, these minor wall imperfections are all too familiar.

The good news is that fixing them is a breeze, and you don't need to be a DIY expert to make your walls look as good as new. In this blog, we'll share the secrets of effortlessly repairing these tiny wall punctures caused by everyday items.

Ready to master the art of wall repair? Let's get started by understanding the types of damages first.

Understanding Wall Holes: From Tiny Punctures to Bigger Breaks

First, you have to figure out what kind of hole is in your wall. Look at the pictures below to decide if it's a 'Tiny', 'Small', or 'Big' hole.

Tiny Holes: These are holes that are 1mm to 2mm in size and are usually made by using push pins or small nails. They are fillable.

Small Holes: 3mm to 12 mm in size and usually made by screws, anchors and drills. They are fillable.

Dings (bigger damages): These are holes that are 13mm or larger, usually caused by something hitting the wall. These holes require repair, and simply filling them won't do the job.

Take a look at the table below and decide what type of wall hole you're dealing with. After identifying it, we can move on to the next step.

Take The Right Approach

When to fill a wall hole

Your wall has some small nail holes left behind from removing picture frames. The challenge is to fill these holes quickly and effectively, ensuring they are level with the wall surface and ready for painting.

Filling a wall hole is a more general term. It means adding a material, like plaster or putty, to the hole to make it level with the rest of the wall.

Filling doesn't always imply that the hole will be completely concealed or that the surface will be perfectly smooth or finished. It might be a simpler, quicker fix compared to patching. Though you can always paint match it to make a perfect DIY filling.

When to patch a wall hole

You have a sizable hole in your drywall caused by by screws or while drilling. The challenge is to patch the hole in a way that it becomes virtually invisible, matching the texture and paint of the surrounding wall perfectly.

Patching generally implies covering or sealing a hole or damaged area in a wall. This can involve applying a patch or filler material, which could be plaster, drywall compound, or another suitable material, to cover the hole. It often involves more than just filling the hole; it may include smoothing and blending the patch with the surrounding wall surface to make it look seamless.

When to repair a wall hole

You have a sizable hole in your drywall caused by accidental impact or a planned renovation. The process to repair the hole in a way that it becomes virtually invisible, matching the texture and paint of the surrounding wall perfectly gets complex depending upon on the size of the damage and probably is the right time to hire a plasterer rather than doing it yourself.

In this guide, we are primarily dealing with fixing tiny and small holes. Tackling bigger damages is for some other day.

Types of Small Holes

Push Pin Holes

Push pins are incredibly useful when you want to quickly hang something on a wall. They come to the rescue, especially when you're in a rush setting up a birthday party and can't find your blue tack in the party chaos.

Once the party is done and you've recovered from the celebrations, you might find yourself regretting what those push pins did to your wall. You'll then start searching for simple DIY methods to fix those small holes left behind by the push pins.

Nail Holes

Nail holes are those tiny punctures we make in our walls when we want to hang something special. Whether it's a family photo frame, a piece of art, or a quirky decoration, these little holes are like markers of memories. They tell the story of our lives as we add personal touches to our living spaces. Each nail hole is a small but significant step in turning a house into a home, a place that reflects our unique style and the things that matter most to us.

Screw Holes

Screw holes are like the slightly bigger siblings of nail holes. When we need a bit more strength to hang something substantial, we turn to screws. These holes are made for things like shelves or heavier frames. They're the reliable anchors that keep our belongings securely in place. Just like nail holes, screw holes contribute to the evolving character of our homes, revealing a history of changes and adjustments as we strive to make our living spaces both functional and personal.

Wall Anchor Holes

Wall anchor holes are the unsung heroes of wall hanging. When we want to support even heavier loads on our walls, we use wall anchors. These holes are a bit larger because they accommodate these sturdy devices. Wall anchors ensure that our shelves, cabinets, and other substantial items are securely fastened to the wall. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of our home decor, providing stability and peace of mind.

Mounting Holes

Mounting holes are the versatile spaces on our walls that welcome a variety of devices and fixtures. From mounting a sleek TV to hanging up speakers or even fixing a stylish wall shelf, these holes serve as the foundation for our technological and aesthetic choices. They're the canvas for arranging our entertainment systems and creating visually appealing arrangements. Mounting holes represent the marriage of functionality and style, allowing us to optimise our living spaces in a way that suits our preferences and lifestyle.

Drill Holes

Wall anchor holes are the unsung heroes of wall hanging. When we want to support even heavier loads on our walls.

Gathering Materials – Let’s get into the action

Let's get started with gathering the materials you'll need for repairing those small holes in your walls or ceiling. You might already have some of these materials at home, while others can be purchased from stores like Bunnings or Miter10.

Required Products

Now that you know the type of damage, let's explore the essential materials you need for fixing small holes. We'll also look at alternative materials suitable for different hole sizes, providing a flexible approach to wall repair.​

• Smooth Plaster: You can purchase this from stores like Bunnings. It's a ready-to-use, moist, and firm paste for easy application. Buy a small quantity based on the number of holes you plan to fill. The following images shows one of such products.​

  
  

  

  
  

• Matching paint and a paintbrush (if you intend to repaint the repaired area). Check out our guide on "How to Match Paint Colors" if needed.​
  

Required Tools

Let's take a look at the tools you'll need for fixing small holes. We'll separate them into essential tools and some that are more for advanced repairs, making sure you're well-prepared for the job.

• A wet, but squeezed, sponge for cleaning.
  
• A dry cloth for cleaning.
• A putty knife (it's not like a knife) for applying plaster.
• A Stanley knife or any sharp cutter for removing any bulges if there are any.
•  A heat gun (optional) for speeding up the drying of the applied plaster.
• Sandpaper with a 120-grit texture for smoothing the surface.
•  A dust mask (thanks to COVID; you may already have this at home) for safety.
  

Preparing the Workspace

Setting up the right workspace is a step that's sometimes forgotten but really important. Start by clearing the space around the hole. You should also take steps to protect your furniture and floors from any mess during the repair work. You can lay down a tarpaulin or use an old bedsheet for this purpose.

When sanding is part of the job, it's a wise choice to wear a mask and safety goggles for protection. Additionally, it's a good habit to cover your hair.

Step-by-Step Filling Process

Let's simplify and clarify the process by categorising it into two steps based on the size of the holes: Filling Tiny Holes and Filling Small Holes.

Filling Tiny Pin/Nail Holes

Step 1: Get the Surface Clean

With the dry cloth, give the area around the holes a good clean. The aim is to get rid of any loose bits and dirt, making the surface nice and smooth. If there are any small bumps, you can use the sandpaper to gently smooth them out. Just remember not to sand a large area around the holes.

Step 2: Apply the Plaster

With a clean putty knife, apply the plaster to the hole(s) and the surrounding area evenly. It's a good idea to add a bit extra to make sure it covers the outer edges of the hole too.

Step 3: Allow It to Dry

Take a coffee break and let the plaster dry for about 10 minutes

Step 4: Give It a Gentle Wipe

Use a wet (but squeezed) sponge to lightly dampen the surrounding area without rubbing. This step is to make the area slightly damp. Do it once only.

Step5: Remove Extra Plaster

With a gentle hand, use a dry cloth in a clockwise motion to clean the surface and wipe away any excess plaster from the hole.

Step 6: Matching the Colour (if needed)

If necessary, paint the surface with a matching colour, and you're all set! Painting to match is a separate process, and you can find detailed instructions in our article.

That's all you need to do to fix those tiny pin or nail holes!

Repairing Small Holes – Filling and Drying

When dealing with small holes larger than 3mm, you'll need a few extra steps compared to fixing tiny pinholes.

Step 1: Smooth and Clean the Surface

Start by using a sharp cutter, like a Stanley knife, to trim away any bulges or similar deformities. This ensures a clean and even surface with no loose fibres or paper bits.

Next, with a dry cloth, thoroughly clean the area around the hole. The goal is to get rid of any loose debris and dirt, making the surface smooth and tidy. If needed, you can use sandpaper to take care of any minor bumps.

Step 2: Apply the Plaster

With a clean putty knife, apply the plaster to the hole and the area around it. Be generous and let it cover the outer edges of the hole

The challenge here is that, for larger and deeper holes, the plaster may lose density and not stay in place very well. The bigger the hole, the more likely the plaster will gradually bulge out.

Step 3: Let it Dry

If you have a heat gun, use it, and the plaster will dry completely in just 5 minutes. If not, let it air dry. The goal is to make it rock hard. Depending on the weather, you may need to wait for half a day to a full day without a heat gun.

Step 4: Apply Another Coat

Once it's completely dry and rock solid (not soft like pudding), add another layer of plaster around the hole. Dry it again using the heat gun or let it air dry for half a day to a full day, depending on the weather.

Step 5: Sanding and Smoothing

Use 120-grit sandpaper to gently sand the surface and make it smooth.

Step 6: Give It a Light Wipe

Using a damp (but squeezed) sponge, gently dampen the area around the hole, but don't rub.

Step 7: Remove Excess Plaster

With a dry cloth and a gentle hand, clean the surface in a clockwise motion, wiping away any excess plaster from the hole.

Step 8: Match the Paint Colour

Paint the surface with a matching colour, and your job is complete!

Some Common Questions People Ask

How Much Does it Cost to Fix Holes?

The cost of fixing holes can vary widely, ranging from around $60 to several hundred dollars, depending on your specific needs and desired results. For instance, if you only require a plasterer to fill the holes without sanding and painting, the cost should be under $100.

Typically, repairing not-so-tiny wall holes involves multiple steps and visits. During the first visit, a professional will fill the holes with a patching compound and allow it to dry for a few days. On their next visit, they'll perform sanding and paint the surface to match your wall.

The cost can be lower if your home is conveniently located for the plasterer, but less convenient locations might result in a price range of around $100 to $200 for the entire project. The total cost also depends on the number of holes that need fixing.

It's worth noting that franchise companies often charge more than hiring a local plasterer. Many handymen have the necessary skills for this type of job. You can check out pricing for completed drywall repairs on Ezy Peazy's website for a better estimate.

When to Call a Professional Help?

You should reach out to a professional plasterer when you find the repair job too challenging for DIY or when it's not worth your time. Additionally, if the damage is extensive and you suspect an underlying issue, like a water leak, it's a smart move to have a professional fix the root problem before dealing with cosmetic repairs.

Should You Repair Walls Before Moving Out?

Absolutely. To ensure you receive your full deposit back, it's best to have any wall issues fixed before your departure. Otherwise, a franchise may handle the repairs and the house owner would deduct the costs from your deposit.

Who to Contact for Wall Repairs?

You'll want to reach out to a plasterer. In practice, many handymen are skilled in this area and frequently handle such tasks.