How to Fix Nail Pops in Drywall
Small raised bumps or circular cracks in the paint, usually in a line along a wall or ceiling, where the drywall was originally fastened to a stud.
DIY Cost
$5–$15
Typical Pro Cost
$100–$200 (for several)
Tools Needed
- Hammer or drill/driver
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
Parts Needed
- Drywall screws
- Joint compound (mud)
- Touch-up paint
⚠️ Safety Warnings
- Wear eye protection when driving screws overhead into a ceiling.
- Wear a dust mask when sanding dried joint compound.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Understand what's happening
A nail pop happens when the original nail holding the drywall to a stud works its way slightly out over time (often from lumber shrinking/settling), pushing a small bump through the paint. The fix isn't to hammer it back in — that often just pops again.
Break through the paint over the pop
Use a utility knife to score an X or small circle over the raised bump, cutting through the paint layer down to the nail head.
Drive a drywall screw nearby instead
About 1-2 inches above or below the popped nail (still on the same stud), drive a drywall screw in until its head dips slightly below the surface without tearing the paper — this re-secures the drywall to the stud properly.
Remove or set the old nail
If the original nail is loose, pull it out. If it's still fairly seated, tap it back in slightly and drive it just below the surface — the new screw is doing the real holding work now, not the nail.
Fill both spots with joint compound
Apply a thin coat of joint compound over the screw dimple and the old nail spot, feathering the edges. Let dry, then sand smooth.
Apply a second thin coat if needed
Compound shrinks slightly as it dries — a quick second coat over any remaining dip gets it fully flush before sanding a final time.
Prime and touch up paint
Prime the patched spots before painting so they don't flash (show through) differently than the surrounding wall once painted.
When to Call a Professional
A handful of isolated nail pops are a normal, easy DIY fix. If you're seeing many pops across a large area, sagging in the ceiling, or pops paired with cracking, that can point to a framing or moisture issue worth having a contractor assess.