How to fix wall damage

Wall damage can happen for all sorts of reasons. Maybe a door swings open too hard and puts a dent in the plaster, or perhaps moving furniture around leaves a scratch or a hole. No matter how it happens, wall damage can be a real eyesore. The good news is, fixing wall damage is something you can do yourself with a bit of know-how and the right tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix wall damage step-by-step. And if you’re in Shellharbour or the Greater Illawarra Regions, remember that AAA Fast Plastering is here to help with all your plastering, painting, and insulation projects.

How to fix wall damage

Identify the type of wall damage

The first step in learning how to fix wall damage is figuring out what kind of damage you’re dealing with. Different types of damage need different approaches. Here are some common types of wall damage:

Small holes and dents: These can be caused by nails, screws, or accidental bumps.

Cracks: These can appear due to settling of the building or temperature changes.

Large holes: These can happen from accidents or intentional holes for installations.

Water damage: This can be more serious and often involves stained or soft walls. Moisture introduced by pests like cockroaches can also contribute to this type of damage.

Gather your materials

The next step in learning how to fix wall damage is gathering your tools. Once you know what kind of wall damage you have, gather your materials. Here’s a basic list of what you might need:

– Putty knife
– Sandpaper
– Spackle or joint compound
– Drywall patch
– Paint
– Primer
– Clean cloth
– Utility knife

Small holes and dents

Let’s start with small holes and dents. Here’s how to fix wall damage of this type:

Clean the area. Use a damp cloth to clean around the hole or dent.

Use a putty knife to apply spackle or joint compound to the hole. Fill it in and smooth it out so it’s level with the wall.

Let the spackle dry completely. This usually takes a few hours.

Once the spackle is dry, use sandpaper to smooth it out.

 Apply primer to the patched area, let it dry, and then paint over it to match the rest of the wall.

Cracks

Cracks can be a bit more tricky. Here’s how to fix wall damage that involves cracks:

Clean the crack. Use a utility knife to widen the crack slightly. This might sound odd, but it helps the filler stick better.

Apply joint compound into the crack with a putty knife. Press firmly to make sure it gets deep into the crack.

Place a strip of drywall tape over the wet compound. This reinforces the repair.

Apply another layer of joint compound over the tape, smoothing it out.

Allow it to dry completely.

Sand the area smooth, then apply another thin layer of joint compound if needed. Sand again when dry.

Prime and paint the area to match the rest of the wall.

Large holes

For larger holes, you’ll need a drywall patch. Here’s how to fix wall damage with large holes:

Cut the damaged area* by using a utility knife. Cut a clean square or rectangle around the hole.

Measure the hole and cut a piece of drywall to fit.

Place the drywall patch into the hole and secure it with drywall screws.

Spread joint compound over the patch, covering the seams. Use a putty knife to smooth it out.

Place drywall tape over the seams, then apply another layer of joint compound over the tape. Allow the compound to dry completely.

 Sand the area until it’s smooth.

Prime and paint.

Water damage

Water damage can be more serious and may need extra steps. Here’s how to fix wall damage from water:

Before fixing the wall, make sure you fix the source of the water leak. Then make sure the wall is completely dry. You might need a dehumidifier or fans for this.

Cut out the damaged drywall if it’s soft or stained. Measure and cut a new piece of drywall to fit the hole. Secure it with drywall screws.

Cover the seams with joint compound and smooth it out. Place drywall tape over the seams and apply another layer of joint compound. Allow it to dry completely.

Sand the area until smooth, and prime & paint. 

Should you call us instead?

While it’s great to know how to fix wall damage yourself, some situations might need professional help. If the damage is extensive or you’re dealing with structural issues, it’s best to call in the experts. At AAA Fast Plastering, we offer professional plastering, painting, and insulation services in Shellharbour and the Greater Illawarra Regions. We can handle all types of wall damage, big or small.

Tips for preventing wall damage

Preventing wall damage can save you time and effort in the long run. Here are some tips to keep your walls looking great:

Use door stoppers. That will prevent doors from swinging open too hard and hitting the wall.

Be careful when moving furniture. Lift and carry furniture instead of dragging it.

Keep an eye on moisture. Fix leaks and address any water issues quickly to prevent water damage.

And if you have kids, encourage them to be careful around the walls.

Get a free quote today

Learning how to fix wall damage can save you time and money. Whether it’s small holes, cracks, large holes, or water damage, following these steps can help you restore your walls to their original condition. And if you ever need professional help, AAA Fast Plastering is here for you. We offer plastering, painting, and insulation services in Shellharbour and the Greater Illawarra Regions. So, next time you see a dent or a crack in your wall, you’ll know exactly what to do!