Punching holes in the wall can be unintentional, but they often make a big mess. If you’ve ever wondered how to repair a wall after punching a hole in it or had an unpredicted mishap that caused damage, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to help you fix this problem today!
You can patch a hole in your wall by using a few simple supplies and a little elbow grease. Here are seven steps to fix a punched hole in your wall:
- Evaluate the size of the hole.
- Clear all dust and debris.
- Use a wall patch kit.
- Apply joint compound to fill the hole.
- Smooth out the joint compound.
- Sand down rough edges.
- Repaint your wall.
Read on to learn how to remove a punched hole in the wall to make it look new again, including the average repair cost.
Hole in Wall From a Punch
A punched hole in the wall can be a real pain, especially if it’s in your rental space. Luckily, there are several ways to fix this problem so you can return to enjoying your home again.
Determine the Size of the Hole
You first need to determine how big the hole is and how deep it goes into the wall.
If it’s just a small, shallow dent that doesn’t go all the way through, then you might be able to repair it yourself with some wood putty, but if it goes all the way through or has caused significant damage, then you’ll want to call a professional for help.
Prepare Your Tools and Supplies
Once you’ve determined what type of damage there is and what kind of repair work needs to be done, gather up all of your tools and supplies before starting any work on this project because time is of the essence when it comes to fixing holes in walls!
To fix a hole in the wall, you’ll need:
- Utility knife for cutting out the old drywall and removing it from the wall
- Putty knife
- Wall patch kit
- Drywall or joint compound for filling in holes or cracks in drywall
- A sanding block and sandpaper for smoothing out drywall compound
- Paint brush or roller
- Primer and paint for the wall
For wall patch kits, there are lots of options out there. Some of them are even reusable. Wall patch kits are a simple and affordable way to repair holes in drywall. If you don’t have any laying around, check out your local hardware store or search online for “wall patch kits.”
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
You will also want to ensure adequate ventilation in your workspace so that any toxic fumes from paints or sealants don’t end up causing breathing problems down the road.
Now that everything is set up and ready for action, let’s take a look at each step.
How to Repair a Punched Hole in the Wall
Once you’ve determined what type of damage there is and what kind of repair work needs to be done, gather up all of your tools and supplies before starting any work. Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to fixing holes in walls.
Here are seven easy steps to repair a punched hole in your wall:
1. Evaluate the Size of the Hole
Take a step back and evaluate the size of the hole as well as its depth. If it’s small (less than 1/4 inch in diameter), you can patch it up with putty or spackle.
For larger holes, use a patch kit to cover any cracks or irregularities on the wall’s surface area before applying plaster paste or joint compound.
2. Clear All Dust and Debris
Get rid of dust and debris with a duster or vacuum cleaner. If you have an electric toothbrush, you can use it to remove any remaining bits of plaster that might be stuck on your wall’s surface area (especially around cracks). Keep brushing until there are no more particles left.
Best Way to Clean Walls – 7 Easy Steps
3. Use a Wall Patch Kit
Peel the backing off the patch, and stick it onto the drywall over the hole you want to fill. It should stick immediately. Make sure not to cover up any electrical outlets.
4. Apply Joint Compound to Fill the Hole
Use your putty knife or trowel to spread the mixture across the area over the hole, being especially generous in repairing any cracks or holes (joint compound should be at least 1/8 inch thick). Let this dry completely before painting it over with primer, and then finally paint color over that.
5. Smooth Out the Joint Compound
Smooth the joint compound until it is level with the surrounding wall surface. Allow plenty of time for the joint compound to dry completely. This will take around 24 hours.
6. Sand Down Rough Edges
Once dry, sand down any rough edges on the patch using fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust created by sanding before proceeding to the next step.
7. Prime the Patch and Repaint the Wall
Before repainting, let your repair work dry for 24 hours before sanding down any remaining rough edges (if necessary). Prime the patched area and repaint the wall using a brush or roller to match your wall’s original color scheme.
Here’s a video tutorial on how to repair a punch hole in the wall using a metal mesh drywall patch:
How to Fix a Punched Hole in Wall Using a Patch of Drywall
As an alternative to wall patch kits, you can make a seamless patch to repair damaged drywall by using a patch of 1/2-inch drywall.
Tools and Supplies
To do this, you need the following tools and supplies:
- Utility knife
- Drywall saw
- Level and measuring tape
- Cordless drill with magnetic screw tip
- One sheet of 1/2-inch drywall
- Two pieces of 2x4x8 boards
- Joint compound
- Sanders
- Paint brush or roller
- Paint and primer
Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Move the furniture to the center of the room or clear the room of furniture so you have enough space to work.
- Cut the patch about an inch wider than necessary. Hold it, then trace the patch’s outline onto the old drywall.
- Following the line, move the patch out of the way and cut away the old drywall. You can create a nice and tight fit by tracing the patch directly onto the wall.
- Make sure the edges of your drywall patch are smooth before you screw it into place.
- Get the joint compound and spread a thin layer over the seam. Lay a strip of paper tape on top and scrape off any excess compound with your taping knife. When you get to corners, put the tape in place and spread mud over just one side of it. Once that has dried, do the other half.
- After the first coat dries, sand lightly and apply a second coat, then apply a third coat if necessary. Be sure to sand everything smooth after the final coat. Do not sand down to the tape. Always leave mud over the tape.
- Prime the patch and then paint it all. If a section comes up to the ceiling, repaint that too.
Again, how to fix a punched hole in the wall? If the hole is small, prepare a drywall patch kit, sandpaper, taping knife, paintbrush, drop cloth, screwdriver, and doorstop. Then, apply a mesh to the hole. Lastly, spread the drywall putty over the mesh using the knife.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Fixing a Punched Hole in the Wall
It’s hard to say exactly how much it will cost to repair a wall with a punched hole because the answer depends on many factors:
1. Size of the Hole
First, you must consider the hole’s size and location. A small hole in the corner of your bedroom will probably be cheaper to fix than a large one in your living room.
2. DIY or Hire Someone Else
Next, you should consider whether you want to repair the walls or hire someone else to do it for you. For minor repairs, average expenses include $60 to $90 per hour for handyman repair or about $50 to 75 per square foot.
3. Drywall Repair Kit
If you have a small hole measuring just a few inches across, you can purchase a drywall repair kit from a home improvement store for $10 to $30. These kits usually include wall patches, a putty knife, spackle, and sandpaper.
So depending on the extent of damage, it may cost $10 to $45 to repair small holes in your drywall.
When to Call a Handyman to Fix Punched Hole in Wall
A handyman is trained and experienced in construction and home improvement projects, from fixing drywall to hanging cabinets.
They can help you with any small or large project that needs to be done around your house, whether installing new flooring or repairing an old piece of furniture.
How Do You Know If Your Problem Is Too Big for DIY?
Well, if the hole is bigger than an inch or two in diameter, or if there are multiple holes, then yes, you might need professional help. A handyman can also tell you if your problem requires more than just patching up the walls — like replacing all of them altogether.
The best part about hiring a professional is that they can take care of everything, from selecting materials and tools needed for the job to repairing holes between the studs on your walls. That’s one less thing you need to worry about!
Should You Call a Drywall Contractor?
A drywall contractor or a general contractor would be overkill for this project. Instead, save yourself money by hiring a local handyman. When you hire a reputable handyman, problems that would ordinarily take you hours or days to resolve will be fixed in no time.
You won’t even have to deal with the mess or the cleanup, allowing you more time and brain space to focus on other, more important things.
If you find an expert handyman whom you can trust, let them handle all of your home improvement projects so that you can go on living your life without having to worry about chores.
Drywall Repair Charges
Remember that some handyman companies charge a flat fee for a specific job while others charge by the hour. So, before you agree to have them do the job, check with your particular drywall repair handyman and get a written quote.
This way, you can avoid any unpleasant price surprises and ensure that your home is restored to its former glory.
Ask for Recommendations
It’s probably best to find one who’s already familiar with your home (like a neighbor or friend), but if not, call around and ask for recommendations. So, call a handyman if you’re not the DIY type and have a hole in your wall that needs fixing but are unsure how to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions – Fixing a Punched Hole in Wall
How Do You Fix a Hole in the Wall After Punching It?
To fix a hole in the wall after punching it, you’ll need a wall repair kit that includes a spackle and a putty knife. These materials are available at your local hardware store. You’ll also need a joint compound to patch up the hole.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Punched Hole in the Wall?
While many factors can affect the price of fixing a hole in your wall, the average cost is between $10 and $45 for DIY. Meanwhile, it will cost you about $50 to 75 per square foot if you hire a handyman.
The cost of fixing your wall usually depends on the size of the hole (larger holes will cost more), the type of material used for your walls (wooden walls tend to be more expensive), and the location of the hole (if it’s on an exterior wall, for example).
What Is the Fastest Way to Fix a Hole in the Wall?
The fastest way to fix a hole in the wall is to fill it with plaster patches. Plaster patches are made of gypsum or cement, which means they’ll dry out quickly and harden. They’re also easy to apply.
You apply them over the hole, wait for them to dry, and then paint over them. The best part is that they’re affordable. You can get them at any hardware store or online; they’ll last for years if you keep your house clean.
Is It Easy to Fix a Hole in the Wall?
Yes, but it’s going to take some elbow grease. It’s not complicated and can be done with just a few tools. Many people think they need to call a professional to do the job, but anyone can do it.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Hole in a Plaster Wall?
Plaster repair costs between $10 and $100 per square foot. While this may appear expensive, remember that most repairs take up less than a square foot. Some professionals charge $20 per crack. But this cost is still based on the type of repair.
Conclusion – Repairing a Punched Hole in the Wall
Whatever style of home you have, you can repair a punched hole in the wall and restore it to its original condition. You must use the right tools, materials, and techniques to complete your repair properly.
As you can see, repairing a punched hole in the wall is not that difficult. It’s just a matter of knowing what you’re doing and being careful not to make matters worse. Just follow the steps above, so your wall is back to looking good as new!
However, if you don’t have time for a DIY punched hole wall repair, you can call a handyman to handle everything. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and let them do their thing.
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