Cover Nail Holes: The Complete DIY Guide for a Flawless Wall

We all deal with the problem of nail holes in our walls, right? We need to hang something or for some reason, we insert a nail in the wall but when we remove it, that’s where the problem begins. It leaves tiny to large holes in your wall and takes its aesthetic appeal.

Another common fear is when we are in a rental place, we don't want to leave the holes in the wall. Well, fear not because today we have found the easiest DIY ways to make your walls visually appealing again. After reading this, you will fearlessly insert nails in the walls and hang your favorite items or frames whether you are in a rental or personal property.

Here we have covered the wall types to help you identify your wall. Then we briefly explained the types of wall holes and last but not least, we provided a detailed step-by-step DIY guide to cover nail holes. Also, do check out our blog on 15 easy DIY projects you can tackle this weekend.

Understanding Your Wall Type

Before you start to cover nail holes, understanding the type of wall you have is important. Different wall types require different approaches to achieve smooth results. Here are the most common wall types:

Plaster Wall: This is the widely used wall type in older homes. It requires a careful approach as the plaster can be damaged.
Drywall: It is the most common type of wall in modern homes and is relatively easy to repair.
Wood Paneling: Popular in older homes and those who prefer rustic designs. They are made of wood and require specific techniques for repair.

Understanding your wall type will help you use the material required and cover nail holes efficiently.

Types of Wall Holes

One last thing you should know before covering your wall holes is the type of hole itself. Just like different walls, different holes require different approaches to be filled and covered. Here are the three types of nail holes:

Tiny Holes (Less than 1/16 inch): Holes less than 1/16 inch in size fall into the tiny holes category and are the easiest to fill and cover.
Medium Holes (Up to 1/4 inch): Medium holes are from 1/16 to 1/4 inch in size. They are easily noticed and require a little more effort than tiny holes to cover.
Large Holes (More than 1/4 inch): Holes larger than 1/4 inch fall into large holes and require special care to be covered.

Now you are well informed and can choose which option will be best to cover nail holes according to your wall and hole type.

7 Tips To Cover Nail Holes With Step By Step Guide

Now that you know what kind of wall you have and the type of holes you're dealing with, let’s cover the most effective ways to cover nail holes. We have explained each method and made it simple for you to follow.

Use Toothpaste with Aspirin (For Small Holes)

Toothpaste can be a highly effective solution for small nail holes. Here’s how you can use it:

Clean the Area: Start by removing any loose debris or dust from the hole and its neighbor surface using a soft cloth or vacuum
Mix the Solution: Combine a small amount of white toothpaste with crushed aspirin in a bowl. You may add water drops to make the solution a little in case of improper mixing. This mixture creates a paste that hardens over time after being filled in the small hole.
Apply the Paste: Use a putty knife or your finger with gloves on to apply the paste directly into the hole.
Smooth and Let It Dry: Flatten the paste to match the wall's surface, then let it dry. Once it is dried, gently rub the area with fine sandpaper to smooth it out.

Note: This method works best for tiny holes in plaster or drywall and offers a quick, budget-friendly fix.

All-In-One Spackling Tool (For Larger Holes)

To cover medium or large nail holes an all-in-one spackling tool is recommended. It saves you time and effort and is easy to apply. Here’s how you can use it:

Clean the Hole: Start by clearing out any dust or paint chips around the hole.
Apply Spackling Paste: Take a small amount of spackling paste using the tool’s tip and put it in the hole.
Smooth the Surface: You can use the flat end of the tool or a putty knife to smooth out the paste over the hole.
Sand for a Smooth Finish: Once the paste dries (typically within 30 minutes), use the built-in sandpaper on the tool to even out the surface.

Pro Tip: For a flawless and smoother finish, we recommend you apply a second coat of spackling paste and sand again after drying.

Paint Over the Holes (Quick Fix)

The quickest and easiest fix to cover small imperfections in your wall is applying a bit of paint. This is ideal for tiny holes when you have matching wall paint available:

Choose the Right Paint: This is ideal for those who already have the matching paint but if not you may opt for another option or buy a small pack of paint.
Apply Paint: Use a small brush, put it into the paint and gently dab it over the nail hole until the hole is filled properly.
Blend the Edges: Use the brush lightly on the surroundings to match it and avoid visible patches.

Note: This quick fix is perfect when you need to cover tiny nail holes without a full wall repair.

Apply Glue for a Stronger Hold

Another option is using craft glue. It is a versatile solution, especially for drywall or plaster walls. It provides a stronger hold to cover nail holes. Here’s a step-by-step process to apply it:

Prepare the Glue: You can use a glue gun or craft glue whatever is convenient for this process.
Fill the Hole: Squeeze it or put it through a putty knife directly in the hole until it is filled.
Smooth with a Cotton Swab: Use a cotton swab to smooth out any unnecessary glue around the hole.

Note: This quick fix is perfect for those looking for a quick but stronger fix for drywall or plaster walls.

Rub a Wax Crayon (For Small Touch-Ups)

Many choose wax crayon as it can be a lifesaver when it comes to covering tiny nail holes with nearly no effort:

Select the Crayon Color: Choose a crayon that closely matches your wall color as it may not be available in every color.
Apply the Crayon: Rub the crayon back and forth over the hole until it is filled properly.
Wipe Away Excess: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any extra, unnecessary wax around the filled area.

Note: This technique is best for small holes in plaster or drywall and is not recommended for wooden walls.

Use Wood Putty (For Wooden Walls)

Wood putty is an ideal choice to cover nail holes in the wooden walls or paneling. Here’s how you can use it:

Choose the Right Putty: Purchase the putty color that matches your wall’s finish. It’s good to have a picture of your wall when visiting the store to find matching colors.
Apply the Putty: Simply apply it with a putty knife and cover the nail hole properly.
Smooth and Sand: Flatten the putty with the knife and allow it to dry. Sand the area after it is dried completely lightly for a smooth surface.

Pro Tip: You can also make your putty by mixing sawdust and white wood glue.

Baking Soda and Glue Mixture (For Small to Medium Holes)

This DIY solution is strong and durable and works well from small to medium holes. It is preferred by homeowners who like DIY more. Here’s how you make the solution and apply it:

Mix the Solution: Add a small amount of baking soda in glue to make a thick solution.
Apply to the Hole: Just like simple glue, use a putty knife or cotton swab to apply the mixed solution directly into the hole.
Smooth and Dry: Level the mixture with a putty knife and let it dry. Use sandpaper to smooth it if needed.

Note: This method provides a durable, easy-to-use alternative to cover nail holes in plaster or drywall.

Don’t Let Nail Holes Ruin Your Walls Look!

Walls take a major part of your home and provide for your home’s appeal. But when they have nail holes, they can easily catch the eye, diminishing its overall appearance. You don’t need to be afraid of nail holes from now on as you now know how to fix them. You should always check your wall type and hole size and find a suitable fix from toothpaste to baking soda and glue. Most wall holes can be easily fixed with a DIY approach, but larger or more complex damage may require professional assistance. Hiring a professional painter is recommended for such tasks as they can ensure a flawless finish.

Finding a top-notch painter is a difficult task but not with Billy.com. Billy.com is a platform that freely connects you with multiple top-rated and highly qualified professionals and gets you quotes from them. You can choose the most affordable professional that caters to your needs. Billy.com saves you the hassle of doing research and finding and contacting painters. Click here to hire a reputable painter through Billy.com and restore your home’s pristine appearance today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most commonly asked questions about how to cover nail holes:

What can I use to cover nail holes?

You can use spackling paste, toothpaste, glue, or wood putty to fill wall holes.

How do I patch nail holes in the wall?

Clean the area, apply spackling paste, and sand down the surface once it’s dry.

Can I paint the nail Holes?

Yes, you can use a small brush with matching paint for a quick touch-up.

Is glue effective for filling nail holes?

Yes, craft glue works well for small holes in drywall and plaster.

How long does spackling paste take to dry?

It typically dries within 30 minutes but may take longer for larger holes.