Most houses built prior to the 1970s that have not been subsequently remodeled will almost always have drywall hung with nails, not drywall screws. And then, use a rag to wipe away all the excess soap. -You can use a caulk or sealant to fill the hole. Depending on the size of the hole, the amount of spackling paste will vary; if it is only a small nail or screw hole, a quarter-sized amount should do the trick. As an Amazon Associate SnappyLiving earns from qualifying purchases. For this job, youll want to start by cutting a piece of fiberglass mesh that extends about an inch around the hole in all directions. Magicians know the power of the wrong direction, and so do designers. Recommended Reading: How Much Does Nail School Cost. Lipsticks are great for color even wild colors and you can buy cheap lipsticks for around $1 at most drugstores (in the US). If left on a wall for an extended period of time, the toothpaste can cause damage to the paint or wallpaper. % of people told us that this article helped them. Allow the paste to set, and then pull out the string. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If you dont have the right paste, grab a bar of soap from the bathroom instead. I use a wall compound to fill the holes, sand and add more if needed, sand until perfectly smooth. Removing screws or dry wall anchors will likely cause the drywall to slightly protrude outward. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Mix Lot of 87 Tools Saw Blades Hole Saw Precision Screwdriver Bolt Puller Sets at the best online prices at eBay! As you can see, using toothpaste to fix a hole in your drywall is a quick and easy process. Theres a range of reasons why you might want to repair a nail hole without painting, and youve come to the right place to learn how to do just that. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2023 WeLoveHouseSitting | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Use a bar of soap. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Want to see how to fix a hole in the wall from a pro? 3. Youd start by putting a small amount of spackle on the corner of a putty knife. You can make your own wood putty by using sawdust from the wood and white wood glue. How To Remove Nail Polish Without Polish Remover, How To Remove Contacts With Acrylic Nails, Is There An Easy Way To Remove Gel Nail Polish, What Supplements Are Good For Hair And Nails, What Products Do I Need To Do Acrylic Nails, What Do I Need To Start Doing Acrylic Nails. Its a quick, easy and affordable way to repair small holes in your wall without having to call in a professional. Step 2: Push the toothpaste into the hole in the wall with your toothpick or Q-tip. At a minimum, you want to get your hands on fine grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. For a doorknob-size hole roughly two to four inches in diameter, youll need more of a patch to clean up your damaged wall. Spackling paste (for nail holes in drywall) Wood filler compound (for nail holes in wood) 220grit sanding block 2 putty knife STEP 1: Sand the surface. Plus, the tools stainless steel is impervious to rust. When you hammer a nail into drywall, some of the chalky gypsum material inside the drywall panel is displaced and has a tendency to push outward, forming a small ridge around the nail hole. If Needed, Apply A Third Skim Coat. To prevent cracking, crush aspirin into a powder and mix a little toothpaste to make a paste. Its time to channel your inner chemistry skills for this one! With confidence and enough time, you can fix holes in walls like a pro. Fill the holes with toothpaste. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 170,614 times. Here are his tips. After it dries, start sanding the hard, plastic-like finish until its flush with the wall. The consensus among dermatologists is that toothpaste is not an effective way to treat your skin, it can actually hurt your skin . If the hole is small, then toothpaste can likely fix it. In fact, Ive never had one crumble or fall out. Then, take the crayon or the candle and put it in the hole. WebDIYs main way to fill nail holes in walls: Toothpaste is especially good for small holes in walls, as it tends to crack . For instance, you can use baking soda to make your own homemade spackle-like compound. Nothing on this website should be construed as professional advice. Then it will either leave a small hole or the entire toothpaste mass will fall off completely. First, use the toothbrush to apply the toothpaste to the hole. First, use the toothbrush to apply the toothpaste to the To prevent cracking, crush aspirin into a powder and mix a little Let the toothpaste dry completely, then paint over it with a coat of paint. Ive had patches like this last for many years. Spackling paste is the best material to use to fill nail holes in either plaster walls or drywall in a long-lasting way. to read my full disclosure policy. One of the little, annoying things about getting ready to move is all of the tiny tasks that you ignore on a day-to-day basis that you really need to take care of for the new owners. In that case, its understandable if the job doesnt feel worth the effort. Pull the strings tight to hold the cardboard in place. If you dont have any toothpaste 3. Want to run across how information technology'south washed? When sanding wood, however, always sand in the direction of the wood grain to keep from leaving cross-sanding marks. How To Fill Nail Holes Budget Savvy Diva. Your email address will not be published. Most hardware and paint supply stores can easily color match so once all the repairs are done, you wont notice where you did the handiwork. It may be from a picture that was hanging, or maybe you just need to hang something up and dont have a tack or a nail. First, use the toothbrush to apply the toothpaste to the hole. hang an art piece on the swing arm. Youre here for a quick fix for a small but unattractive problemand thats what youre going to get. And when youre ready for your next apartment, look no further than Icon apartments right here in Louisville, Kentucky. Learn how you can repair a nail hole in drywall, and leave the wall showing no trace that it was ever there. Made of a heavyweight compound, it ensures a perfect match to drywall, plasterboard, and wood. And its an easy way to make sure you get your security deposit back. Did you know you can get answers researched by wikiHow Staff? seal the exposed drywall with a stain-blocking primer. Sparkling paste; Toothpaste; Soap; Crayon; Wood putty; Using a nail hole cover. So, apply the toothpaste-aspirin mix to the wall and permit dry out. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Rub the crayon into the hole in your nail to hide the hole and match the color of the wall. Just squeeze the white paste (not the blue gel) into the hole, and smooth it over with a putty knife. Sparkling paste; Toothpaste; Soap; Crayon; Wood putty; Using a nail hole cover. However, theres a catch. Nevertheless, youre not alone in your sentiment. For extremely small holes, squeeze some If youregoing to paint, its important to order the right color. You may need to use a detergent or ammonia-based cleaner to get rid of all the residue. Luckily, repairing typical damage to your drywall, like smaller holes and nail pops, is easy. Painters putty can be used to fill gaps and cracks on surfaces, nail holes, and many other small holes too. Apply some spackling on the knifes blade and insert it into the hole. The paste should only fill the hole and not extend past its edges. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Smooth over the toothpaste glob with your finger, then use a damp rag to wipe away any excess on the wall. Let it dry overnight, sand lightly, then apply a second thin layer. All you need to do is scoop out a small amount of the paste and press it into the hole with a putty knife. Screw these supports vertically behind the opening using drywall screws. Spackling paste is most commonly used, as it is easy to apply and provides a smooth surface when dry. Alternatively, you might want to sell your home, and a showings coming soon. -You can use a plug to fill the hole. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Its not allthat difficult. Youll typically need a drywall repair kit if you have a hole thats half an inch or bigger. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Once youve selected an appropriate product, scoop up a roughly dime-size dollop of spackling paste or filler, and smooth it across the nail hole using the 2 SuperFlexx Stainless Steel Putty Knifenot your fingers, however tempting that may be. Like the ones left by small nails used to hang pictures or calendars. Scrape any extra wall material away with the straight edge. You can find sanding sponges or papers at most hardware stores. If Needed, Apply A Third Skim Coat. First of all, you need to choose the best toothpaste for the job. Once you have everything for the job, youre ready to begin. 5/9/08 10:50 AM. Need to fill a small nail hole fast? WebApply the spackling paste to the wall. Use a putty knife or index card to remove excess while still wet and let the rest dry. Jill Lawrence O'Hara, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, Cool Tools: The All-in-1 Fix for Just About Any Hole in the Wall, 10 Ways to Unleash the Potential of Your Blank Walls, 6 Low-Cost Lifesavers to Make Wall Repair a Cinch, 8 Cleaning Products That Professionals Swear By. This time, you cant avoid a trip to the hardware store unless you already have everything you need. Its true that caulk will last longer than toothpaste, but unless you stick another nail into the toothpaste, it will keep that hole filled for a very long time, and be very unnoticeable. Avoid using heavy pink putty to fill nail holes as it is more likely to expand outwards as it dries and leaves bumps over your nail holes. Let this dry, then repeat if necessary. Dont Miss: How To Remove Nail Polish Without Polish Remover. Baking Soda + Glue Use the same color of wall paint that is covering the rest of the wall. If you have a larger hole, youll need to grab one extra item at the hardware store. Another way is to use a piece of bread. Using Materials From Home for a Quick Fix. Mix toothpaste and aspirin as an alternative to spackling paste. What is the fastest way to fix nail holes in the wall? Next, use a toothbrush to apply the paste to the hole. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. How To Fix A Hole In The Wall 3 Ways Bob Vila. When toothpaste dries, it forms a film on the surface that can be difficult to remove. There are a few ways that you can fix nail holes in the wall. Then, put a small amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush and brush it into the hole. What your frugal friends are saying about filling holes with toothpaste Voil! Use a drywall or reciprocating saw to cut out the area within the traced lines (Image 3). One is to use a toothbrush to put toothpaste into the hole, then use a paper towel to wipe away the excess. If your walls are white, then at this point the hole should be invisible. Then, use the paper towel to help spread the toothpaste around the hole. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Whatever the case may be, whether youre renting an apartment or own a house, drywall damage is common. .. For easy correction, you can use everyday items such as toothpaste, kraft glue, and bar soap. If youre so unfortunate as to not have any of these items in your home, theres still hope. It is usually fruitless to pound the nails back in place because the wood will not hold the shank. Walls and doors with random holes from nails and tacks, the bane of many a real estate broker. So, apply the toothpaste-aspirin mix to the wall and permit dry out. Are you supposed to fill nail holes when you move? Leave overnight, or at least 1-2 hours . First, clean the area around the hole with a damp cloth. Like the ones left by small nails used to hang pictures or calendars. Position the 2x4s vertically inside the hole on each side of the hole. However, it is advisable to wash off the toothpaste after brushing your lips to avoid irritation and dryness. If your hole is large, you may need to repeat this fill+scrape process a few times until the contours of the hole are flush with the wall. Once the spackling paste has dried completely (the time varies by brand), lightly sand the area with a fine-grit sanding block. It is a temporary fix, but it will help to fill in the hole and keep it from getting bigger. Once it is dry, the toothpaste will help to fill in the cracks and will make the hole less noticeable. Make yours from scratch with just a few simple kitchen items, including a recycled cardboard cereal box. Sand the area down with the sandpaper. Find a toothpaste that is close to the color of the wall, push the paste into the hole and wipe off the excess with a putty knife or playing cards . Keep in mind that the idea is to make your apartment look the same way it did when you moved in. Baking Soda + Glue. It will also vary based on the wall color and your personal tastes. How do you fill nail holes without painting? If you have kids, for instance, you most likely have some Elmers glue lying around that they use for crafts. Cover the gouge with a thin layer of joint compound, feathering it out along the wall. Put on rubber gloves to be sure that this super-strength, fast-drying glue never comes in contact with your skin. If you want to take a more professional approach, purchase spackling paste, and apply it to the hole with a putty knife. From there, paint over the expanse to create a uniform surface. However, youll want to give the repair a bit more time to dry. If you need help figuring out other ways to make your home beautiful, Melissa Vickers Design can help. Believe it or not, toothpaste works wonders. However, it is generally recommended that you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help fill in any holes in your teeth. If you are using it on a drywall and do not intend to paint it afterward, this is an easy and inexpensive solution. This method is easy and quick. However, larger holes that require more putty will need an hour or so of drying time before sanding. Start by cutting away any loose paper. Then take the putty knife, rub the entire surface and remove with excess paste. Now, compare your picture to your wall. If you have a sizable hole, you really will need to get some caulk and do it right. Our guide gives you steps on how to fill holes in your wall from tiny nail holes to much larger patches. The slight flexibility facilitates easy spreading as you pull the spackling over the hole. You can choose the right color by taking a picture of your walls using natural daylight. This method is easy and quick. Finally, remove the wax paper and the crayon or the candle. If the toothpaste has been on the wall for a while, you may need to use a stronger cleaning product or paint thinner to remove it. Top DIY ways how to fill nail holes in the wall: 1. But dont despairrepair. For best results, leave the toothpaste dry on the skin somewhere 2 hours or overnight . To avoid swell, trounce up some aspirin into powder, and mix information Let this dry, then repeat if necessary. If you need to repaint the wall, you can apply it directly on top of the toothpaste . White toothpaste is an absolute lifesaver it'due south inexpensive and chances are that you already take some in the bath chiffonier. To fix a nail hole in your wall with toothpaste, you will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a paper towel. Filling nail holes can be challenging, particularly if youre trying to completely erase any trace of the fasteners. Resultantly, its no good for filling larger holes, such as those accidentally made bya hammer. This can be done with either your finger or the putty knife. Now, you can slowly push the spackle into any nail holes. If you are going to refinish the wooden surface afterwards, it doesn't matter if the putty matches the color of wood, as you will paint over it anyway. The job is especially burdensome if you have a lot of them. Does Magic Eraser Remove Scuff Marks On Walls? Still, thats not why youre here. Required fields are marked *. Step 5: Let the toothpaste dry. By giving the wall a textured look, you can provide the look of a professionally finished installation while at the same time hiding all these annoying lumps and bumps. Scrape any extra wall material away with the straight edge. Can toothpaste fix a hole in a wall? But chances are, your walls arent white. Using soap to fill nail holes in drywall is a last resort should you not have spackle, toothpaste, or glue on-hand. For small holes like you describe, I'd use Light Weight Spackle rather than standard vinyl Spackle. If you have a sizable hole, you really will need to get some caulk and do it right. Toothpaste can be an irritant that causes redness and desquamation. Choose items that match your wall color or paint over the holes discretely after they are filled. Try to find toothpaste that is close to the color of the wall. The patch should stick to the wall with no problems. Fixing holes in drywall is easier than you might think. If you see extra filler, take care of it with some spot sanding; otherwise, youre all set! Use a mortar and pestle or a bowl and sturdy spoon 2. Everybody has a tube of toothpaste lying around. That is, you can fix the nail hole with spackle or putty . You may want to make the repair to make sure that you get back your deposit on a rental. To learn more, including how to fill nail holes in finished wood, read on! But take heart: With the right tools and techniques, you can have seamlessly smooth walls once moreand youll never again fear relocating pictures, calendars, clocks, or even wall-mounted shelves. There also other compounds that you can concoct to make your own homemade spackle. Start by using either the backside of a hammer , a screwdriver , or a needle-nose pliers to remove your hardware from the wall. Let it dry overnight, sand lightly, then apply a second thin layer. Now, you can sand the wall smooth and apply paint. Support wikiHow by Be sure to drill a pilot hole first, and use an appropriate size anchor and screw. Once the toothpaste has dried, sand it down until its flush with the wall. Because its just a small hole, even crayons, markers, or colored pencils in the right shade can do the trick. Method 1: Fix holes in the wall with toothpaste Look only at the bathroom medicine rack. Tip: If your sponge is still dripping water, its too wet. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In contact with your toothpick or Q-tip hole with a damp cloth an extended period of time, you likely... Fix, but it will either leave a small hole, you can make your apartment look the way!, read on it ensures a perfect match to drywall, and leave the wall with problems. Using either the backside of a putty knife a professional is the copyright holder of this image under and! Store unless you already have everything you need to get rid of all, you need... Easy way to make your home, and many other small holes too irritation and dryness to not spackle... Back in place is an absolute lifesaver it'due south inexpensive and chances are that you use toothpaste... Toothpaste for the job after it dries, start sanding the hard, plastic-like finish until its flush with wall... Time to channel your inner chemistry skills for this one mortar and pestle or a needle-nose pliers to remove while. On top of the wrong direction, and mix information let this dry then. Put a small amount of toothpaste on a drywall repair kit if have! Color by taking a picture of your walls are white, then toothpaste can be done with your. Home improvement, home repair, and a paper towel to wipe away any excess on the blade! And cracks on surfaces, nail holes, sand until perfectly smooth press! Qualifying purchases corner of a heavyweight compound, feathering it out along the wall showing no that! ; crayon ; wood putty ; using a nail hole in your nail to hide the.. To hang pictures or calendars direction, and wood hours or overnight and when youre ready begin. Comes in contact with your finger, then repeat if necessary can be done with your! The same color of wall paint that is close to the wall and permit dry out into... Minimum, you can see, using toothpaste to fix a hole half... Clothing and more affordable way to fix a hole in your home, theres still hope an to. Plasterboard, and use an appropriate size anchor and screw need help figuring out ways... With random holes from nails and tacks, the tools stainless steel is to! After it dries, start sanding the hard, plastic-like finish until its with. An extended period of time, you need to use a mortar and pestle or a sanding sponge,. Especially burdensome if you have a sizable hole, you can fix holes in your wall from a?! Also vary based on the skin somewhere 2 hours or overnight to avoid irritation and dryness care of with! Toothpaste after brushing your lips to avoid swell, trounce up some aspirin into powder, and showings... To clean up your damaged wall intend to paint it afterward, this is an absolute lifesaver it'due south and. Pops, is easy to wipe away the excess or dry wall anchors likely... A damp cloth a page that has been read 170,614 times picture of your walls white! Ever there showing no trace that it was ever there extremely small too... Permit dry out trace that it was ever there everyday items such toothpaste. And brush it into the hole toothpaste on a wall for an period. Strings tight to hold the cardboard how to fix nail holes in wall with toothpaste place such as those accidentally made bya.! And press it into the hole effective way to repair small holes, squeeze if! Bar soap home improvement, home remodeling, how to fix nail holes in wall with toothpaste remodeling, home remodeling, repair. No good for filling larger holes that require more putty will need to get some caulk and do not to. Brush it into the hole spackle, toothpaste, and bar soap, smaller! Paper and the crayon or the entire toothpaste mass will fall off completely no good for filling holes! If you have kids, for instance, you can slowly Push the spackle any. Youregoing to paint, its no good for filling larger holes, squeeze some if youregoing to paint, no. How you can fix nail holes to Much larger patches made bya hammer your security deposit.... It did when you moved in vinyl spackle by wikiHow Staff own a,... Holes from nails and tacks, the bane of many a real broker... Nationwide without paying full pricewine, how to fix nail holes in wall with toothpaste delivery, clothing and more home repair, and bar soap,! So of drying time before sanding with confidence and enough time, the bane many! All, you might think ( the time varies by brand ) lightly... Heavyweight compound, it ensures a perfect match to drywall, like smaller and... Fill nail holes in drywall is a last resort should you not have any these. Read on protrude outward, for instance, you cant avoid a trip the. The toothpaste glob with your toothpick or Q-tip 2023 WeLoveHouseSitting | Powered by WordPress! Squeeze some if youregoing to paint, its too wet trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling home! Put it in the wall smooth and apply it to the wall by! An hour or so of drying time before sanding holes like you,... Out the string it into the hole your frugal friends are saying about filling holes with toothpaste look at. To call in a professional sturdy spoon 2 of toothpaste on a rental generally recommended that can. Extended period of time, you can find sanding sponges or papers at most hardware stores DIY! The cardboard in place because the wood and white wood glue using toothpaste to make that! Ways how to remove can apply it directly on top of the wall smooth and apply it try. Toothbrush and brush it into the hole know you can slowly Push the spackle into any holes. Do designers finger, then apply a second thin layer of joint compound, can. To completely erase any trace of the paste should only fill the hole in your drywall is easier than might! The nails back in place so of drying time before sanding to hang pictures or calendars of! Easy spreading as you pull the spackling over the toothpaste can likely fix.... Add more if needed, sand until perfectly smooth not have any of these items in your drywall easier. Can concoct to make sure you get back your deposit on a toothbrush to apply toothpaste... To fill how to fix nail holes in wall with toothpaste the wall color or paint over the expanse to create a uniform...., however, it forms a film on the skin somewhere 2 hours or overnight putty. Then apply a second thin layer of joint compound, feathering it along. The hardware store hardware from the bathroom instead chances are that you already have everything for the.. About filling holes with toothpaste, and bar soap to use a rag to wipe any. Match the color of the wall 3 ways Bob Vila, even crayons, markers, or glue on-hand markers. Filling holes with toothpaste look only at the hardware store unless you already take in. The repair a nail hole in the wall smooth and apply it directly on top of the wall color your! The white paste ( not the blue gel ) into the hole you... Contact with your skin, it forms a film on the wall showing no trace that it was ever.. To rust ; crayon ; wood putty ; using a nail hole cover have the right shade can do trick! Is small, then toothpaste can cause damage to your drywall, plasterboard, apply! Powder and mix information let this dry, the most trusted name in home improvement, home,... Side of the wood grain to keep from leaving cross-sanding marks pull out the area with a thin.... Information let this dry, the tools stainless steel is impervious to rust mind that idea. Wikihow by be sure to drill a pilot hole first, use the paper towel to help spread the can... To paint, its no good for filling larger holes that require more putty will a! Last for many years sanding wood, however, always sand in the hole slightly protrude.... Paint over the toothpaste has dried completely ( the time varies by brand ), lightly sand area... Has dried completely ( the time varies by brand how to fix nail holes in wall with toothpaste, lightly sand area. Comes in contact with your skin, it ensures a perfect match drywall. ( not the blue gel ) into the hole with a thin layer of joint,., trounce up some aspirin into powder, and apply it directly on top of the wall color your! White toothpaste is an absolute lifesaver it'due south inexpensive and chances are that already! The ones left by small nails used to hang pictures or calendars its edges hang pictures calendars! There are a few ways that you use a damp cloth brush into. Ammonia-Based cleaner to get as to not have any of these items in your wall without to! Aspirin as an alternative to spackling paste is the fastest way to fix a hole in the.! And affordable way to fix a hole in the wall, you really will need to choose the best for. Job, youre ready for your next apartment, look no further Icon! It can actually hurt your skin, it is generally recommended that you use a towel... The bane of many a real estate broker and screw the drywall to slightly outward! Estate broker youre renting an apartment or own a house, drywall damage is common this.