How to Patch and Paint Drywall Like a Pro

Drywall is one of the most common building materials in Florida homes, and one of the most frequently damaged. From moving furniture to door knob dings and everything in between, your walls take a beating over time. The good news? With a few basic tools and a little know-how, you can patch and paint drywall and make it look like nothing ever happened.

As a handyman across Central Florida, I’ve helped homeowners repair everything from minor nail holes to full-blown drywall replacements. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to patch and paint drywall like a pro, without leaving lumpy finishes or mismatched paint behind.

Let’s get started.

Common Types of Drywall Damage

Before you grab a putty knife, it helps to know what kind of repair you're facing:

• Nail or screw holes from picture hangers or shelving

• Small dents or gouges from furniture or impact

• Medium holes (2–6 inches), often from door handles or accidents

• Large holes (larger than 6 inches), requiring new drywall pieces

• Cracks from settling, humidity, or poor installation

Each type requires a slightly different approach but follows the same general steps.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Spackle or joint compound (for small holes)

• Drywall patch kit or scrap drywall (for medium/large holes)

• Putty knife (3–6 inch)

• Sanding sponge or sandpaper (120–220 grit)

• Primer and matching wall paint

• Paintbrush or roller

• Drywall saw (for larger repairs)

• Utility knife

• Tape (mesh or paper for seams)

• Dust mask and drop cloth

Optional:

• Texture spray (if matching orange peel or knockdown finish)

Step-by-Step: Patching Small Holes and Dents (Under 2 Inches)

Step 1: Clean the Area
Wipe away any dust or loose drywall with a dry cloth or brush. Make sure the area is free of grease or residue.

Step 2: Apply Spackle or Lightweight Joint Compound
Press the compound into the hole using a putty knife and smooth it flat. Apply it slightly wider than the hole to feather out the edges.

Step 3: Let It Dry
Drying time depends on the compound used, but most lightweight spackle dries within 30–60 minutes.

Step 4: Sand Smooth
Lightly sand the area with 120–220 grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge until it is flush with the surrounding wall. Use a light touch to avoid oversanding.

Step 5: Prime the Area
Always use a drywall primer before painting, especially if using a joint compound. It seals the repair and prevents flashing (where the patch shows through the paint).

Step 6: Paint to Match
Use leftover paint from your last project, or take a chip to your local store for a match. Apply two thin coats with a brush or roller.

Step-by-Step: Patching Medium Holes (2 to 6 Inches)

Step 1: Prep the Hole
Use a utility knife or drywall saw to cut the hole into a clean square or rectangle. Remove any loose debris or damaged drywall.

Step 2: Install a Backer Board
For stability, insert a small wooden board or scrap piece behind the hole. Screw it into place from the front, leaving part of it behind the wall for the patch to attach to.

Step 3: Cut and Attach New Drywall
Cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole. Screw it into the backer board. It should sit flush with the existing wall.

Step 4: Apply Mesh Tape
Place mesh drywall tape over the seams to prevent cracking. Paper tape also works, but requires a little more finesse.

Step 5: Apply Joint Compound
Use a 6-inch putty knife to spread joint compound over the seams. Feather the edges 2–3 inches past the tape. Let dry for several hours (or overnight if using all-purpose compound).

Step 6: Sand and Reapply
Sand smooth, then apply a second coat to blend. A third coat may be needed for a seamless finish.

Step 7: Prime and Paint
Prime the repaired area, then paint to match the rest of the wall.

Step-by-Step: Patching Large Holes (Over 6 Inches)

Step 1: Cut and Clean
Using a drywall saw, cut a square around the damaged area. Be careful not to cut into wiring or plumbing behind the wall.

Step 2: Install Framing
Attach wood cleats or furring strips inside the wall cavity. These provide a surface to screw the patch into.

Step 3: Fit New Drywall
Cut a matching piece of drywall and screw it into the framing. It should sit flush and tight.

Step 4: Tape and Mud
Apply drywall tape over the seams, then layer joint compound. Use wider strokes with each layer to blend the repair area into the wall.

Step 5: Sand, Texture, Prime, and Paint
Sand between coats, apply texture spray if needed to match the wall finish (knockdown, orange peel, smooth), then prime and paint.

If the patch is in an obvious area or on a textured ceiling, consider hiring a professional for texture matching, especially if you're dealing with vaulted ceilings or popcorn finishes.

Texture Matching Tips

Central Florida homes often have orange peel or knockdown textures. To replicate these:

• Use an aerosol texture spray (available at hardware stores) for small areas

• Practice on cardboard before spraying the wall

• Lightly knock down raised texture with a drywall knife (for knockdown finish)

• Let the texture dry completely before priming

If you're working on a ceiling repair, gravity works against you—taping and blending require more patience. Don't be afraid to call in help for overhead work.

When to Call a Pro

While many drywall repairs are DIY-friendly, there are situations where hiring a professional makes sense:

• Large holes near electrical or plumbing

• Water-damaged drywall may indicate a leak

• High or hard-to-reach areas like stairwells or ceilings

• Precision texture matching on visible walls

• Repeated cracking, which could indicate structural movement

At Moxie Home Pros, we handle drywall repairs of all sizes and match textures so well, you’ll never know there was a patch to begin with.

Final Thoughts

Drywall patching doesn’t have to be intimidating. Most small-to-medium repairs can be handled in a single afternoon with the right tools, techniques, and patience.

But if you’re unsure where to start, want a professional finish, or don’t have the time, don’t worry.

Let Moxie handle it.

We offer drywall repair and painting services across Central Florida, including Orlando, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, and surrounding communities. Visit www.moxiehomepros.com to request a free estimate or book a repair appointment.

Need help choosing materials? Want this tutorial as a downloadable guide with photos? Let us know—we’ll happily provide a printable or digital version.