Use standard spackling compound with putty knife and sandpaper

Apply pre-mixed spackling compound into nail holes, screw holes, dents, and hairline cracks using a flexible putty knife, then sand smooth once dry. This is the most common and reliable method for small wall repairs in drywall and plaster.

How to Do It

1. Clean the area around the hole -- remove loose debris, protruding drywall paper, or old spackle
2. Scoop a small amount of spackling compound onto the tip of a flexible putty knife (1.5 to 3 inches wide)
3. Press the spackle firmly into the hole or crack, ensuring it fills the void completely
4. Hold the putty knife at a low angle and scrape off excess in one or two smooth passes, leaving the fill slightly proud (above the surface)
5. Let the spackle dry completely (2-4 hours for standard compound, depending on depth and humidity)
6. If the fill shrunk below the surface, apply a second thin coat and let dry again
7. Sand the dried patch with 220-grit sandpaper on a sanding block until perfectly flush with the surrounding wall
8. Wipe sanding dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth
9. Prime the patched spot with a quality primer, then paint with matching wall paint

Why It Works

Spackling compound is a gypsum and adhesive-based paste formulated to bond to drywall and plaster surfaces, fill voids, and cure to a sandable hardness. When applied correctly and sanded flush, the repair becomes invisible under paint. Standard spackle (not lightweight) provides a harder, more durable patch than lightweight formulas, making it ideal for areas that might receive contact.

Tips

• Standard spackle (like DAP Fast 'N Final or Sherwin-Williams Spackling) is denser and harder-curing than lightweight versions -- better for areas prone to bumps and contact
• A flexible putty knife conforms slightly to the wall surface, producing a smoother fill than a rigid knife
• Use a sanding block (not just loose sandpaper) to maintain a flat surface and avoid creating a dip around the patch
• Always prime patched areas before painting -- unprimed spackle absorbs paint differently than the surrounding wall, causing a visible dull spot called "flashing"
• For dozens of nail holes (e.g., after removing picture gallery), work assembly-line style: fill all holes, let all dry, then sand all at once
• A pint of spackle ($4-7) handles 50+ nail-sized holes
• Common mistake: skipping primer over the patch -- the paint sheen will be visibly different over unprimed spackle, especially in satin or semi-gloss finishes