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)

  • 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

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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?

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