How to Patch Nail Holes: Two Effective Methods (With Video)

As a landlord with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered my fair share of nail holes left behind by tenants. Every time someone moves out, I’m left with walls riddled with holes from nails, screws, and tacks.

Over the years, I’ve refined my approach to patching these holes, moving from traditional putty or drywall mud to more efficient methods.

Now, I primarily use spackle for its ease and convenience. However, when I don’t feel like making a trip to the store, I’ve found that toothpaste can be a surprisingly effective alternative.

Here are two thorough, step-by-step walkthroughs for each method of fixing a nail hole. I also added a video at the end.

The Before Picture Of Nail Holes

My kids tore some paintings off the wall. This left quite a few nail holes. So I saw this as an opportunity to show how to patch nail holes in drywall. Here is one of the before pictures.

Method 1: Patch A Nail Hole Using Spackle

Materials Needed To Patch A Hole In The Wall With Spackle

• DryDex spackle (in a tube)
• Putty knife or a flat tool
• Sandpaper (fine grit)
• Damp cloth

Patching A Nail Hole With Spackle Step 1: Prep the Area

Take a piece of sandpaper or a puddy knife and smooth out the area around the nail.

Patching A Nail Hole With Spackle Step 2: Apply the Spackle

Squeeze a small amount of DryDex spackle onto a putty knife, your finger, or directly on the wall. Press the spackle into the hole, ensuring it’s filled completely. Use the putty knife or your finger to smooth out the surface, removing any excess spackle.

Pro Tip: Apply the spackle in a single, smooth motion to avoid creating air bubbles.

Patching A Nail Hole With Spackle Step 3: Wait for It to Dry

DryDex spackle is pink when applied and turns white when it’s dry. This process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the hole and the humidity levels in your home.

Patching A Nail Hole With Spackle Step 4: Sand the Surface

Once the spackle is dry and white, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Sand in a circular motion until the patched area is flush with the wall.

Patching A Nail Hole With Spackle Step 5: Ready to Paint

The patched hole is now ready to be painted. DryDex allows you to paint immediately after sanding, so there’s no need to wait any longer.

Why Use Spackle To Patch A Hole?

• The color-changing feature ensures you know exactly when the spackle is dry.
• Provides a smooth, professional finish.
• Quick drying time.

Method 2: Using Toothpaste To Patch A Nail Hole

When I don’t feel like going to the store to buy spackle, or when my spackle dried out, I just use toothpaste.

Related: Toothpaste Magic: 70 Household Items You Won’t Believe It Can Clean

Materials Needed To Patch A Hole With Toothpaste

• White toothpaste (non-gel)
• Putty knife or a flat tool (a credit card can also work)
• Damp cloth
• Sandpaper (fine grit)

Patching A Nail Hole With Toothpaste Step 1: Clean the Area

Similar to the first method, start by wiping the area around the nail hole with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Patching A Nail Hole With Toothpaste Step 2: Apply the Toothpaste

Squeeze a small amount of white toothpaste directly into the hole.

Use your finger or a putty knife to press the toothpaste into the hole, ensuring it’s filled completely. Smooth out the surface with the putty knife or a flat tool like a credit card.

Pro Tip: If the hole is deep, apply the toothpaste in layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next one.

Patching A Nail Hole With Toothpaste: Step 3: Let It Dry

Toothpaste usually takes a few hours to dry, depending on the thickness of the application. You can leave it overnight to be sure.

Patching A Nail Hole With Toothpaste Step 4: Sand the Surface

Once the toothpaste is dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Sand in a circular motion until the patched area is flush with the wall.

Patching A Nail Hole With Toothpaste Step 5: Ready to Paint

The patched hole is now ready to be painted. Make sure the toothpaste is completely dry before painting to avoid any issues with the paint adhering.

Why Use Toothpaste To Patch A Nail Hole

• No need to purchase additional materials.
• Convenient and quick for small holes.
• Readily available in most households.

Additional Tips For Using Toothpaste to repair nail holes

• Test First: If you’re unsure about a particular toothpaste, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall first to see how well it dries and sands.
• Layering: If the hole is deep, apply the toothpaste in layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding more. This helps to avoid shrinkage and ensures the hole is fully filled.
• Final Finish: Remember that while toothpaste is a convenient temporary fix, it’s not as durable as spackle or other professional patching materials. For a long-term solution, it’s best to use products specifically designed for wall repairs.

Best Types of Toothpaste for Patching Nail Holes

1. White Toothpaste: The classic white toothpaste (non-gel) is the best option. It dries relatively hard and blends well with most wall colors, making it less noticeable after painting. Examples include Colgate Regular Toothpaste and Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste.
2. Non-Gel Toothpaste: Make sure to choose a non-gel toothpaste. Gel toothpastes do not dry as hard as white paste and can remain tacky, which makes them unsuitable for patching holes.

Toothpastes to Avoid

1. Gel Toothpaste: As mentioned, gel toothpaste doesn’t dry hard and can stay tacky, making it ineffective for patching. Examples include Colgate Total Gel and Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Gel.
2. Colored or Striped Toothpaste: Avoid toothpaste that is colored or has stripes, as it can be more challenging to cover with paint and may leave visible discoloration. Examples include Aquafresh Triple Protection and any toothpaste marketed towards children with bright colors.
3. Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste often contains abrasives or bleaching agents that can be too harsh and may affect the wall’s surface. They can also leave a residue that might interfere with paint adherence. Examples include Crest 3D White and Colgate Optic White.
4. Toothpaste with Granules or Microbeads: Some toothpastes include granules or microbeads for extra cleaning power, which can leave a rough texture on the wall. Avoid these as they won’t provide a smooth finish. Examples include some formulations of Arm & Hammer and certain whitening toothpastes.

Troubleshooting Tips

Cracking Spackle: If you notice that the spackle is cracking after it dries, this is often due to applying too much spackle at once. The solution is to apply thinner layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding more. If cracks appear, lightly sand the area and apply a thin layer of spackle over the cracks.

Shrinking Toothpaste: Toothpaste can sometimes shrink significantly as it dries, leaving the hole partially filled. To fix this, simply apply another layer of toothpaste once the first layer has dried. Repeat this process until the hole is fully filled and level with the wall surface.

Uneven Surface: If the patched area feels uneven or bumpy after sanding, you may need to apply another thin layer of spackle or toothpaste and sand again. Ensuring a smooth, even surface before painting is crucial for a professional finish. Sand gently in circular motions and check your progress frequently.

Discolored Patch: Sometimes, the patched area can look different from the surrounding wall even after painting. This often happens if the spackle or toothpaste wasn’t completely dry or if the paint wasn’t mixed well. To avoid this, always ensure the patch is fully dry before painting. Use a primer on the patched area before applying the final coat of paint to achieve a uniform color.

Visible Patch Lines: If you can see the outline of the patch through the paint, it may be due to not feathering the edges of the spackle or toothpaste enough. When applying the filler, make sure to smooth out the edges so they blend seamlessly with the wall. Sanding the edges lightly can also help create a smooth transition.

Difficulty Sanding: If you find it difficult to sand the spackle or toothpaste smoothly, it might be because it was applied too thickly or unevenly. In this case, gently sand the area to remove any high spots, then apply a thin layer of spackle or toothpaste over the entire patch. Once it’s dry, sand again for a smoother finish.

Recurring Holes: For holes that keep reappearing, it might be due to movement in the wall or repeated stress on that area. In such cases, consider using a stronger filler or even a wall patch kit designed for larger or more problematic holes. Ensure the wall is stable before applying the filler to prevent future issues.

Sticky Spackle or Toothpaste: If the spackle or toothpaste remains sticky for an extended period, it could be due to high humidity. Use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. For spackle, if it remains sticky beyond the recommended drying time, it might be a bad batch, and you may need to reapply with fresh spackle.

Comparison Table: Spackle Vs Toothpaste To Fix Nail Holes

Feature	DryDex Spackle	Toothpaste
Cost	Moderate	Low
Ease of Use	Easy	Very Easy
Drying Time	30 minutes – 1 hour	Few hours – overnight
Finish Quality	Professional	Good for small holes
Availability	Requires purchase	Common household item

How To Fix Nail Holes Video

I also created this video to show how to fix nail holes in drywall.

Final Thoughts

Both methods are effective for patching nail holes, but DryDex spackle offers a more professional finish and faster drying time, making it my preferred choice.

Toothpaste is a great alternative when you’re in a pinch and don’t have spackle on hand. With these thorough walkthroughs, you’ll be able to patch nail holes efficiently and have your walls looking as good as new in no time. Happy patching!

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