How to Fix and Cover Nail Holes in Your Walls

Whether you’re moving homes or just redecorating, nail holes can be an eyesore. Thankfully, the solution to nail holes is pretty easy and definitely DIY-able. The fixes range from just wanting the walls to look presentable enough to get your deposit back to the proper way to fix them for a flawless finish. Here’s a guide.

The Easiest of the Easy

Let’s say your landlord is coming over to inspect your home in an hour and you’re just now noticing the tens of nail holes in your walls. Providing your walls are white, like most rentals, you can do a super easy fix with…soap! All you need is a bar of white ivory soap or white toothpaste. Rub the bar over the hole so that it fills in and use a rag to wipe any excess soap away, or use a dab of toothpaste to do the same thing. Be sure that your rag is dry though, as it might wash the soap away.

Wall Putty

Wall putty is also a very easy fix. All you need is a small tube of wall putty and your finger! Dab a tiny amount on the end of your finger and push the putty into and over the hole. You only need a small amount, but if there’s excess just wipe it away with a damp rag. When it’s dry, cover it by using a small amount of paint that closely matches your wall.

The Proper Fix

You’ll need lightweight spackle, a putty knife, paint, and a small paint brush. First, take down what you had hanging and remove the nail. You may be able to do this with just your fingers, but if not the back end of the hammer should work. After the nail is out, you’re left with a tiny nail hole that needs to be filled. What you’ll need to do is take a very small amount of spackle and put it on the end of your putty knife. Worst case scenario, you can even use your finger if you don’t have a putty knife. Fill the hole with spackle. Be careful not to coat the wall with tons of it, and if you have some spillage just wipe the surface with your towel. Make sure that your wall is smooth and the hole is filled all the way in with the spackle. Let your spackle dry for about an hour or so. Now, use sandpaper to make sure it’s smooth, and then paint. Once the paint dries, you should be good to go!