Fix your damaged drywall with these simple repair tips.

Small dings and dents are easy.

Scrape away loose debris, apply lightweight spackle over the hole, and let it dry.

Add more spackle if the hole isn’t filled, then sand smooth.

For popped nail heads, drive in a drywall screw about 1-1/2 inches above or below to

hold the drywall.

Then drive in the popped nail, spackle, and sand.

Holes from a doorknob can be fixed with a small patch kit.

Stick it over the hole, then use a drywall knife to cover with lightweight joint compound

in a crisscross pattern.

Feather the edges so it blends with the wall.

Let it dry, then add another coat of compound if necessary.

A great fix for holes six inches and smaller is called the California patch.

Cut a new piece of drywall about two inches bigger than the hole.

Score the back about an inch from each side.

Snap off the loose gypsum but leave the paper backing.

Hold it over the hole, and mark around the gypsum.

Cut out the area with a drywall saw.

Apply joint compound to the back of the paper, press into place, and cover with a couple

of coats of joint compound.

For larger holes, cut a piece of drywall a little bit bigger than the hole.

Hold the patch over the hole, trace it, and cut along the lines.

Hold small furring strips inside the hole on two sides and secure with screws.

Now set the drywall patch in place, and secure it to the furring strips.

Apply joint tape and compound.

Got a dinged up corner?

Cut the damaged corner bead with a hacksaw, and use a knife to cut the drywall.

Remove the damaged piece, and cut a new corner bead to fit.

Secure the piece, then apply joint compound to the corner.

Finish all repairs with a light sanding, primer, and paint.

If you’re repairing a textured wall, lightly sand the repair to blend with the surface.

Then mix 4-parts joint compound to 1-part water.

Dip a stiff brush, and flick it onto the wall in a forward motion.

Another option is a texture spray.

Shake the can, adjust the nozzle, and spray in a circular motion about 6-18 inches from

the wall.

For a knockdown finish lightly flatten with a drywall knife.

Just a few simple steps, and your walls will look as good as new.

Want more great ideas and how-to’s?

Go to Lowes.com/HowTo or just click to subscribe.

Next, learn how to paint your walls.