How-To

Editorial

How to Fix Screw Holes in Plasterboard

26 April 2026·4 min read

Small screw and nail holes from hanging art are the easiest wall repair there is — no mesh, just a little joint compound (spackling) and a few minutes.

Illustrated seven-step guide to fixing screw holes in plasterboard: clean, apply compound, smooth, dry, sand, prime, paint
Seven simple steps for a smooth, professional, invisible screw-hole repair.

You’ll need

  • Joint compound (spackling), a putty knife and fine-grit sandpaper (180–220 grit)
  • Optional primer, and paint to match the wall

Step by step

  1. 1Clean the area — remove the screw if still in, brush away loose plaster and wipe with a dry cloth.
  2. 2Apply joint compound — press a small amount into the hole with the putty knife; slightly overfill it.
  3. 3Smooth the surface — drag the knife lightly across the patch to make it as flat as the wall.
  4. 4Let it dry — usually 1–3 hours, until completely dry.
  5. 5Sand smooth — sand lightly with fine-grit paper, blend into the wall, and wipe away the dust.
  6. 6Prime (optional) — a coat of primer helps paint adhere evenly.
  7. 7Paint — paint over the patch to match your wall. The screw hole is now invisible.

Tip: Use less compound for small holes and apply two thin coats rather than one thick one — feathered edges give a seamless finish.

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