If you are preparing to sell your home, or you are redoing a space, then you’ll likely want to consider the condition of the walls. Years of scratches, smudges, holes from picture frames, and dings from accidental bumps can really detract from the beauty of a room. Fortunately, there are several easy, cheap tips and tricks that can be used to refresh your space.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste can be used to fill small holes and cracks in drywall. Simply apply the toothpaste to the damaged area and smooth it out with a putty knife. Let it dry completely before sanding it down and painting over it.
Spackle
Spackle is a type of wall filler that can be used to repair larger holes and cracks. Apply spackle to the damaged area with a putty knife, let it dry, and sand it down until it’s smooth. Then, paint over it to match the surrounding wall.
Paint Over Damage
If the damage is minor, sometimes simply painting over it can be enough to hide it. Use a small brush to touch up the damaged area with matching paint. Please be sure that you have an exact match for the current paint color when doing this. You’ll only make your problem worse if the paint is a shade or more off.
Wallpaper Patch
If you have wallpaper on your walls, you can use a wallpaper patch to repair small holes or tears. Simply cut a patch from spare wallpaper or a sample, apply wallpaper paste to the back, and press it onto the damaged area. Smooth out any air bubbles and let it dry completely.
Drywall Patch Kit
For larger holes or damage, a drywall patch kit can be used. The kit typically includes a self-adhesive mesh patch and joint compound. Apply the patch to the damaged area and cover it with joint compound. Smooth it out and let it dry before sanding it down and painting over it. Be sure it is 100% smooth before painting, or you may see less than flattering texture when the paint dries.