Common Drywall Problems and How to Fix Them

Drywall is forgiving, which is why almost every house has scars on it. Most repairs are straightforward if you know what you're looking at.

Nail and screw pops

Caused by lumber drying and shrinking. Drive a new screw an inch above and below the pop, then re-mud and sand flat.

Hairline cracks

Usually seasonal movement at door and window corners. Open the crack slightly with a utility knife, fill with setting-type compound, and tape if it keeps coming back.

Small holes (under 1 inch)

Patch with a dab of spackle. Two coats, sand between.

Medium holes (1-6 inches)

Use a self-adhesive mesh patch, then three coats of joint compound feathered wider each time.

Large holes

Cut a clean rectangle, screw a backer board behind, and install a new drywall plug. Tape the seams and skim.

Water-stained ceilings

Fix the leak first. Prime the stain with a stain-blocking primer or it will bleed through any paint.

Texture matching

Orange peel and knockdown textures come in spray cans. Practice on cardboard before hitting the wall.

The biggest mistake homeowners make is rushing the sanding step. Patient sanding with a light source held flat against the wall is the difference between an invisible patch and one you'll see every time you walk past.