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It's Easy to Fix Minor Cracks & Holes

Patching small holes or cracks in drywall or any surface? If you plan to move or remove wall hangings, small holes will be repaired. And cracks can appear anywhere. Follow the tips in this video and you'll be on your way to a clean, smooth surface that's perfect for a fresh coat of paint.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

You will need a putty knife, sanding block, a sponge, a brush, spackle, a hammer and primer.

Step 2: Prepare to Fix Ceiling Cracks

Ceilings are notorious for imperfections, so repairing ceiling cracks is a common need before painting a ceiling.The good news is that it's easy to learn how to fix ceiling cracks. First, widen the crack and remove any loose material, creating a groove that's a little deeper and slightly wider than the original crack.

Step 3: Repair Nail Pops

When nails pop up and now show in drywall or gypsum, it's call a "nail pop." First, counter-sink these with a hammer. To prevent them from happening again, put sheetrock screws into the stud, on each side of the nail pop.

Step 4: Clean Area

No matter what you are fixing, you'll need to vacuum or brush off the area to remove dust and debris. You may also use a damp cloth. If you don't remove the dust and clean the area, it can affect how well the filler dries and grips the surface of the wall. Use spackle or joint compound as filler.

Step 5: Fill the Crack or Hole

Load your putty knife with filler material. With even pressure, slide the putty knife over the area to distribute the material. Depending on the depth of the crack or hole, you may need to repeat this step a few times: deep cracks should be filled in gradually, building up the thickness of the filler material one layer at a time. Make sure that each layer is completely dry and sanded before adding another one.

Step 6: Dry & Sand Lightly

After the filler has fully dried, lightly sand with fine sandpaper (such as 220 grit), then wipe with a damp cloth or sponge and allow the surface to fully dry.

Step 7: Prime

Priming seals the filler and helps prevent it from absorbing the new paint. Use a good primer like Benjamin Moore Fresh Start on all repaired areas.

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