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One a Day Fixes · Home Repairs

Patch Nail Holes So They Disappear

Easy15 min + dryingHome Repairs

Moving out, rearranging, or just tired of looking at old nail holes? This is the easiest repair in the house, and it looks great when you do it right.

Difficulty: Easy. Plan on 15 min + drying.

Safety: Wear safety glasses when sanding overhead.

Already have everything? Jump to instructions ↓
Putty Knife SetTool pick
A flexible 1.5-inch knife spreads spackle smooth. A wider one feathers bigger patches.
Lightweight Spackle
Fills nail holes, screw holes and small dents. Dries fast and sands easily.
Fine Sanding Sponges
Smooths dried filler without gouging the wall around it.
Primer and matching wall paint

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Safety

Wear safety glasses when sanding overhead.

1

Knock down any raised edges around the hole.

2

Press spackle in with the putty knife and scrape across so it's slightly overfilled.

3

Let it dry completely.

4

Sand it flush with a fine sanding sponge and wipe off the dust.

5

Prime the spot, then paint.

Finished?

Nice work. Ready for the next step up? The Fix Ladder guide for this problem covers what to do if it comes back or goes further.

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