How do I fill small holes or cracks in walls?
Covers the process of patching minor imperfections like nail holes, screw holes, or small cracks in drywall or plaster for a smooth finish before painting.
- Use Spackling Compound, Putty Knife, and Sandpaper5
Description
This is the standard method for durable repairs of small holes and cracks in interior walls.
Recipe/Instructions
- Prep Hole: Ensure the area around the hole is clean and free of loose debris. If there's protruding drywall paper, trim it carefully with a utility knife or push it slightly into the hole.
- Apply Spackle: Scoop a small amount of lightweight spackling compound onto the tip of a flexible putty knife.
- Fill Hole: Press the spackle firmly into the hole or crack, ensuring it fills the void completely. Spread it slightly over the edges.
- Smooth: Using the putty knife held at a low angle, scrape off the excess spackle, leaving a smooth, thin layer flush with the wall surface. Make 1-2 clean passes.
- Dry: Let the spackle dry completely according to the product instructions (usually takes a few hours, depending on depth and humidity).
- Second Coat (If Needed): Spackle may shrink slightly as it dries. If the filled area is indented, apply a second thin coat and smooth again.
- Sand Smooth: Once fully dry, lightly sand the patched area with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120 or 220 grit) until it's perfectly smooth and level with the surrounding wall. Use a sanding block for best results.
- Wipe Dust: Wipe away sanding dust with a damp cloth.
- Prime & Paint: Prime the patched area (important for paint adhesion and sheen consistency), let dry, then paint with matching wall paint.
What makes the Dish Special
N/A - The standard, durable method for achieving an invisible repair on drywall/plaster.
📌 diy 🛠️ Lightweight spackling compound, flexible putty knife, fine-grit sandpaper, sanding block (optional), utility knife (optional), damp cloth, primer, matching paint, paintbrush4/23/2025, 10:42:45 PM
solution - Use White Toothpaste (Tiny Nail Holes Only)1
Description
For extremely small nail holes (not screw holes or cracks) in white walls, toothpaste can serve as a quick, temporary filler.
Recipe/Instructions
- Ensure the hole is clean.
- Squeeze a tiny amount of basic white (non-gel, no whiteners) toothpaste directly into the nail hole.
- Wipe away any excess flush with the wall using your finger or a damp cloth.
- Let it dry.
- Note: This is not a durable repair, may shrink or discolor over time, and is only suitable for very small holes on white walls where appearance is not critical.
What makes the Dish Special
N/A - An extremely cheap and quick fix for minimal imperfections, but lacks durability.
📌 makeshift 🛠️ White toothpaste, damp cloth (optional)4/23/2025, 10:42:45 PM
solution - Use Bar Soap or Crayon (Tiny Nail Holes)1
Description
Similar to toothpaste, rubbing soap or a matching crayon over a tiny hole can fill it cosmetically.
Recipe/Instructions
- Soap Method: Rub a bar of white soap (similar color to the wall) firmly over the tiny nail hole until the soap fills the void.
- Crayon Method: Choose a crayon that closely matches the wall color. Rub the crayon tip over the hole until the wax fills it.
- Wipe away any excess gently.
- Note: These are temporary cosmetic fixes only, not durable repairs.
What makes the Dish Special
N/A - Quick, simple ways to temporarily conceal tiny pinholes.
📌 makeshift 🛠️ Bar of soap OR crayon matching wall color4/23/2025, 10:42:45 PM
solution