You can patch nail holes in plaster and gypsum walls with patching paste, or with wood putty for wood walls, for a long lasting result. For quick fixes, you can use household materials, such as toothpaste, craft glue, or bar soap. Choose a material that matches the color of the wall being repaired or paint the hole with paint after patching.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Patching Nail Holes in the Wall
Step 1. Apply the patching paste to the hole with a putty knife
Purchase a pack of patching paste from your nearest hardware store. Smooth the area to be patched with a putty knife before applying a small amount of the paste. Gently drag the putty knife across the surface of the hole to patch it.
Patching paste is the best material for patching nail holes, either on plaster walls or gypsum walls in a long time. This product is usually also known as joint putty or wall putty.
Step 2. Remove any remaining paste with a clean putty knife
Remove the putty from the putty knife with a damp cloth. Rub the clean tool into the nail hole vertically and horizontally to remove any remaining putty. Repeat this step until the surface of the wall looks even. Let the putty dry for an hour.
You can also use another putty knife, ruler, or kitchen knife to complete this process
Step 3. Gently smooth the area with sandpaper to even out the surface
After the putty dries, apply sandpaper or sanding block to the patched hole. Gently smooth the area until the surface looks even. Wipe the sandpaper grits with a clean, damp cloth.
For best results, use medium-rough sandpaper to remove any remaining patching paste, then smooth the area with a finer sandpaper
Step 4. Apply paint to the patched area with a small brush or kitchen paper
Apply a light coat of paint to a small brush or kitchen paper. Tap a brush or tissue against the nail hole to cover it. Avoid using excessive paint because it can leave marks that are too obvious on the walls.
Use a paint color that matches the color of your walls
Method 2 of 3: Using Materials at Home to Fix Holes Quickly
Step 1. Use a mixture of toothpaste and aspirin instead of filling paste
Use a mortar and pestle or a hard bowl and spoon to pound the aspirin. Remove the toothpaste about 1 cm from the container, then mix it with the aspirin powder and stir until it thickens. Apply this thick mixture to the nail holes with a craft stick or other small flat object.
- If the aspirin and toothpaste don't mix well, add a drop of water to the mixture.
- This mixture can be used on plaster walls or gypsum walls.
- Alternatively, make a paste from a mixture of 9 grams of flour, 5 grams of salt, and a few drops of water.
Step 2. Rub a bar of soap into the nail hole to patch it without tools
Rub a dry bar of soap into the nail hole, back and forth. Stop when the hole appears full. Rub a dry cloth over the surface of the hole to wipe off any remaining soapy residue.
- Avoid using wet or damp cloths as they can cause the soap to melt or melt.
- Choose white soap for white walls.
- You can use this method to repair plaster walls or gypsum walls.
Step 3. Drop craft glue into the nail-mark hole for quick patching
Purchase a bottle of white craft glue online or at a craft store. Position the mouth of the glue container in the nail hole and squeeze gently until the hole is completely filled. Wait for the glue to dry, then scrape off any remaining glue stuck to the mouth of the hole.
- You can also apply craft glue to the nail holes with a cotton swab.
- Add a sprinkling of baking soda to the surface of the glue if you want a thicker consistency.
- This instant solution can be applied to plaster walls and gypsum walls.
Step 4. Rub the crayon into the nail hole to disguise the hole and match the wall color
Choose wax crayons that are similar in color to the color of the walls. Insert the tip of the crayon into the hole, then rotate it while moving it back and forth so that the hole can be filled with wax. When it is full, wipe the surface of the hole with a clean rag to remove any remaining crayon pieces.
- The color of the crayons doesn't have to be exactly the same as the color of the walls because they will appear to blend when viewed with the naked eye.
- Crayons can be used to patch holes in plaster or gypsum walls.
Method 3 of 3: Repairing Nail Holes in Wood
Step 1. Buy wood putty in the same color as the wood you want to repair
Wood putty is available in a variety of colors to match the color of a wide variety of woods. Buy a putty that is the closest color to the wood you are patching. To make it easier for you, bring a photo of the wood material that will be repaired when buying wood putty.
You can make your own wood putty from sawdust and eucalyptus glue
Step 2. Put painter's tape around the hole to protect the wood area around it
Make a nail-sized hole in painter's tape using a screwdriver, utility knife, or other tool. Align the hole with the nail marks on the wall. Gently press the tape so that it sticks to the wood surface.
Use several pieces of masking tape if needed
Step 3. Apply wood putty to the nail holes with a putty knife
Apply a coin-sized amount of wood putty to the tip of a clean putty knife. Gently rub the knife over the painter's tape over the hole. Apply putty until the hole is completely covered.
Scrape any excess putty out of the hole, as the material will expand when it dries
Step 4. Remove the tape and rub the hole area with a dry cloth
Gently remove the tape from the wood so as not to damage the wood surface. Rub a dry, clean cloth over the hole to smooth it out. Do not use a damp cloth, as this can stain the putty.
