Fixing holes in drywall is a common part of maintaining walls. The challenge of patching holes in drywall is in covering the gap. Joint compound is fine for filling cracks, but won’t work for small holes bigger than a quarter. If the hole is less than 4 inches wide, use a peel-and-stick patch to cover the hole. (Drywall is also known as wallboard, gypsum board, and Sheetrock.)
Buy a peel-and-stick drywall patch kit.
These patches consist of a stiff metal backer covered with an adhesive mesh. You’ll find them at a home center or hardware store.
Use a sharp utility knife to trim away any loose or protruding paper facing or loose pieces of gypsum.
Drywall is made of a sheet of gypsum, covered on both sides with a layer of paper (a paper facing).
On the patch, peel away the backing paper covering the adhesive and position the patch over the hole.
Make sure that the patch is smooth.
Use a 6-inch taping knife to press the adhesive edges into place.
A putty knife will work just as well.
Apply two thin coats of wallboard compound joint compound, letting the compound dry between applications.
Applying two thin coats is better than one thick coat, which is harder to sand down.
Sand the patch smooth, blending in the edges with the drywall.
Use a fine-grit paper to smooth out the surface.
