How to Patch a Small Hole in Drywall
A small hole or dent in the wall (roughly nail-hole to golf-ball size) from a doorknob, picture hook, or minor impact.
DIY Cost
$5–$15
Typical Pro Cost
$75–$150
Tools Needed
- Putty knife (2-3 inch)
- 120-220 grit sanding sponge
- Damp cloth
Parts Needed
- Lightweight spackle or vinyl spackling compound
- Touch-up paint matching the wall
⚠️ Safety Warnings
- Wear a dust mask when sanding dried spackle, especially in an enclosed room.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Clean up the hole edges
Remove any loose or crumbling drywall paper/debris around the hole with your fingers or the putty knife edge so the spackle has a clean surface to bond to.
Apply the first layer of spackle
Load a small amount onto the putty knife and press it into the hole, then draw the knife across at a slight angle to fill it flush with the surrounding wall. Don't worry about it being perfectly smooth yet.
Let it dry fully
Lightweight spackle typically dries in 30-60 minutes, but check the product label — it should feel fully hard and slightly lighter/whiter in color when cured, not tacky.
Sand it smooth
Using a fine sanding sponge, sand in small circles until the patch is flush with the wall. Wipe away dust with a slightly damp cloth.
Apply a thin second coat if needed
Spackle shrinks slightly as it dries, so a small dip is common after the first coat. A thin second coat, dried and sanded the same way, usually gets it fully flush.
Prime and paint to match
Spackled areas absorb paint differently than the surrounding wall, so a quick coat of primer (or a paint-and-primer touch-up product) before your matching paint color prevents a visible flat spot once painted.
When to Call a Professional
This size of hole is genuinely beginner-friendly — a professional isn't typically needed. If you're dealing with a hole larger than a couple inches, or several holes close together weakening a section of wall, see the guide for larger drywall holes instead.