Close-up of a painted interior wall showing a patched nail pop and a fine drywall crack repair, prepped for sanding or painting

How to Patch Nail Pops and Drywall Cracks (The Right Way)

Nail pops and settling cracks are a normal part of home ownership — but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. This simple guide shows you how to patch drywall problems so they blend in perfectly and stay fixed.

  • Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time Required: 20–45 minutes (plus dry time)
  • Skill Level: First-time DIYers welcome
  • Tools Needed: Joint compound, putty knife, sanding block

Tools & Materials

Tools

  • 6″ or 8″ putty knife
  • Small taping knife or 3″ putty knife
  • Sanding sponge or sanding block (medium/fine grit)
  • Utility knife
  • Dust mask or respirator
  • Clean rag or sponge

Materials

  • Pre-mixed joint compound (lightweight works best)
  • Drywall primer (or stain-blocking primer)
  • Touch-up paint or matching wall paint
  • Mesh patch (optional, for wide cracks)

→ Drywall Repair Essentials

Just a heads up: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them (at no extra cost to you). We only recommend gear we trust — thanks for your support!

Step-by-Step Instructions


1. Find the Spot You’re Fixing

Look for:

  • A nail pop — a round bump, crack, or dimple in the wall
  • A settling crack — usually a thin line, often near doors, ceilings, or corners

Touch around the spot.
If the wall feels soft or mushy, it may need more than a patch. If it’s firm with just a visible flaw, you’re good to go.

2. Scrape Off Any Loose Stuff

Use a putty knife or utility knife to gently scrape away:

  • Paint flakes
  • Cracked drywall compound
  • Loose drywall paper

For nail pops:
If there’s a screw sticking out, either:

  • Tighten it until it’s slightly recessed
  • Or remove it and add a new drywall screw 1″ above or below

Tip: Don’t stress about getting it perfect. The next step smooths it all out.

3. Apply Joint Compound (Thin Layer First)

Use a small putty knife and spread a thin layer of joint compound over the spot.

  • Cover the area, then feather (spread) the edges out an inch or two
  • For cracks, press compound into the line and smooth over
  • For nail pops, cover the hole and spread about 4″ around it

Let it dry for 1–2 hours (check your compound label).

It won’t look perfect yet — that’s normal.

4. Lightly Sand the Area Smooth

Use a sanding sponge or sanding block (medium grit) to smooth the surface.

  • Use light pressure — don’t dig in
  • Run your hand across the area to check for bumps or edges

💡 Pro Tip: Hold a flashlight sideways to spot uneven areas. It’ll highlight any ridges before painting.

5. Add a Second Coat (If It Needs It)

If it looks uneven or sunken:

  • Apply a second, slightly wider coat of compound
  • Feather the edges again
  • Let it dry and sand lightly one more time

Most spots need two coats — that’s totally normal.

6. Prime and Paint to Finish

Before painting:

  • Apply a light coat of drywall primer (this seals the compound)
  • Let it dry fully
  • Then touch up with your wall paint

⚠️ Don’t skip the primer:
If you paint directly over the patch, it might show through as a dull or shiny spot — that’s called flashing.

Cleanup

Wipe the wall with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust before painting

Rinse your putty knife and sanding block with water right after using

Say Goodbye to Ugly Wall Blemishes

Fixing drywall damage is one of the easiest ways to refresh a room.
Looking for more fast, frustration-free fixes?

→ Explore All Guides

Pro Tips

✅ Pro Tips:

  • Use setting-type joint compound (like 20-minute mud) for deeper cracks or problem areas — it dries harder and shrinks less.
  • Slightly recess the screw head when fixing nail pops, but don’t break the paper — you want the compound to grip, not crack.
  • Feather your edges wide when applying compound so the repair blends seamlessly into the surrounding wall.
  • Lightly mist with water before sanding to cut down on dust — or use a sanding sponge with a dust catcher.
  • Prime patched areas before painting — bare compound can cause uneven color and texture if skipped.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid:

Using spackle on large cracks or pops — spackle isn’t strong enough for deep repairs; use joint compound instead.

Skipping fasteners on both sides of the nail pop — always install at least one screw above and below the pop to lock it in.

Applying compound too thick in one go — it leads to shrinkage cracks or longer dry times.

Sanding too early — make sure the patch is completely dry or you’ll rip the surface and create more work.

Neglecting hairline cracks — they may seem small but can spread or reopen if not properly patched.

Drywall Repair Essentials

Patch drywall cracks and nail pops cleanly and confidently with the right gear:

Want to Make This Easier? We’ve Got the Tools

Don’t guess. Grab the go-to tools we recommend for any home project. Reliable, beginner-safe, and worth every penny.

See Our Recommended Tools

Level Up Your DIY Skills – One Weekend at a Time

Join our free DIY email list and get weekly tips, tools, and guides to tackle your next home project like a pro. No spam, just real help.