Apply a self-adhesive mesh wall patch kit

Purchase a self-adhesive wall repair patch (available at any hardware store in sizes from 2x2 inches to 8x8 inches). Peel off the backing and center the patch over the hole, pressing the adhesive mesh firmly against the wall. The aluminum or fiberglass mesh plate spans the hole and adheres to the surrounding intact wall. Apply joint compound or spackle over the entire patch with a putty knife, extending at least 2 inches beyond the patch edges. Let dry, apply a second coat for smoothness, sand, prime, and paint.

Why It Works

The rigid mesh plate bridges the hole and provides a solid surface for compound to adhere to, even with no wall material behind it. The self-adhesive backing eliminates the need for screws, clips, or backing boards. This is the simplest method for medium-sized holes because it requires no cutting, measuring, or carpentry -- just stick, coat, and sand.

Tips

• These kits work best for holes between 1 and 6 inches; for larger holes, a California patch or full drywall repair is stronger
• The metal-backed versions (like DAP Wall Repair Patch) are more rigid and easier to skim coat than mesh-only versions
• Press the adhesive edges firmly -- if the patch does not adhere well, it will telegraph through the compound as a visible bump
• Apply compound in thin layers; two or three thin coats produce a flatter result than one thick coat
• Feather the final coat at least 2-3 inches beyond the patch perimeter to hide the edges of the mesh
• Kits cost $3-8 depending on size and typically include a small amount of spackle
• For the best invisible result, use setting-type compound for the first coat (stronger, less shrinkage) and pre-mixed for the final skim coat (easier to sand)
• Common mistake: not feathering the edges wide enough -- the square outline of the patch will show through paint if the compound edges are not blended gradually