Dents in the wall happen all the time. Whether you accidentally bump into it while moving furniture, a door swings open too hard, or even from general wear and tear, dents are common. But don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple to fix them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix a dent in the wall step by step. By the end of this, you’ll have your walls looking as good as new.
So, let’s get started!
How to fix a dent in the wall guide
What you’ll need
Before you start, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a simple list of things you’ll need to fix a dent in the wall:
– Spackle or joint compound (also called wall filler)
– A putty knife (or a similar flat tool)
– Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
– A clean cloth or sponge
– Primer
– Paint (to match your wall colour)
– A paintbrush or roller
– Optional: a patch (if the dent is large)
All of these items can be found at your local hardware store. If you already have some tools around, you may not even need to go shopping.
Step 1: Assess the dent
The first step to how to fix a dent in the wall is to assess the size and depth of the damage. This is important because the way you approach the repair will depend on how big the dent is.
– Small dents (like those from doorknobs, furniture, or minor bumps): These are easy to fix and won’t take much time. You’ll mostly need spackle and a putty knife.
– Medium dents (like bigger knocks or damage from removing things from the wall): These will need a bit more spackle, and maybe some extra steps like applying more than one layer.
– Large Dents or Holes in the wall (more than 2 cm deep): These may need a patch before you spackle over them. We’ll talk about that in the next step.
Step 2: Clean the area
Before applying anything, it’s important to clean the area around the dent. Dust, dirt, or loose paint can prevent the filler from sticking properly.
Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the wall. Make sure the area is dry before moving on to the next step. This small step helps ensure a smooth finish once you start applying spackle or joint compound.
Step 3: Fill the dent
Now, it’s time to get to the main point in this guide on how to fix a dent in the wall. Here’s where your spackle or joint compound comes in. If your dent is small, spackle is enough. For larger dents, joint compound is better as it’s stronger and more durable.
For small to medium dents:
1. Scoop a small amount of spackle onto your putty knife.
2. Apply it directly to the dent, pressing it into the wall.
3. Smooth the surface by dragging the putty knife across the area. You want it to be as flat as possible with the wall.
4. Let it dry. Drying time depends on the product, but it’s usually 1-2 hours.
For large dents:
1. For larger dents, you might need to use a patch before applying the filler. Most hardware stores sell adhesive patches that stick to the wall and give the filler something to stick to.
2. Once the patch is in place, apply the joint compound over the patch with your putty knife.
3. Smooth it out, just like with small dents, and let it dry completely.
Pro Tip: If the first layer of spackle sinks a bit into the dent after drying, you may need to apply a second layer to get a completely smooth finish.
Step 4: Sand the area
Once the spackle or joint compound is completely dry, it’s time to smooth it out. Use medium-grit sandpaper to gently sand the area until it’s level with the wall.
Don’t rush this step—take your time to make sure the surface is smooth and blends in with the rest of the wall.
Once the sanding is done, use a fine-grit sandpaper to finish it off and get the area super smooth. After sanding, wipe the dust away with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 5: Prime the surface
Before you paint over the repaired dent, it’s a good idea to use primer. Primer helps the paint stick better and prevents the patch from being visible through the paint.
Use a small brush or roller to apply the primer over the patched area. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 6: Paint the wall
Finally, you’re ready to paint! Use the same colour paint that’s already on your wall to guarantee a beautiful finish.
1. Use a small paintbrush or roller to carefully paint over the patched area.
2. If needed, apply a second coat of paint after the first one dries to ensure it blends in with the rest of the wall.
And just like that, you’ve learned how to fix a dent in the wall!
Common mistakes to avoid
While fixing a dent in the wall, there are a few mistakes that can make the job harder than it needs to be. Here’s a list of common things to watch out for when learning how to fix a dent in the wall:
– If you use too much spackle, it’ll be hard to smooth out and can leave bumps on the wall. Use just enough to fill the dent.
– Be patient and let the spackle dry completely before sanding or painting. Rushing this step can ruin all your hard work.
– Primer helps hide the repair and makes the paint job look more professional. Don’t skip it!
Sometimes, fixing a dent in the wall can be too much for a DIY project, especially if the damage is more than a dent—like a big hole or cracks. If that’s the case, it might be best to call a professional who can handle it quickly and efficiently.
At AAA Fast Plastering, we provide plastering, painting, and insulation services throughout New South Wales and Illawarra. Whether you’re in Shellharbour, Albion Park, Dapto, Kiama, or even in Moss Vale, Mittagong, and Bowral, we can help you with your wall repairs. We’ve got the experience and tools to handle anything from small dents to bigger jobs.
Fixing a dent in the wall isn’t as hard as it may seem. With the right tools and a little patience, you can make your wall look brand new again. Just follow the steps above, and you’ll be all set.
Of course, if you’d rather leave it to the pros, we’re always happy to help. From plastering, painting, to insulation services, we cover a wide range of areas in New South Wales, Illawarra, and beyond. So, whether you’re in Helensburgh or the Southern Highlands, we’ve got you covered.
Now you know how to fix a dent in the wall —so give it a try!