How I Patch Up Holes in My Walls Without a Trace (Even on Textured Paint)
- Beril Yilmaz
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
There’s something deeply satisfying about a freshly painted wall or a new piece of artwork hung just right—but behind every gallery wall change or shelf move hides a less glamorous truth: holes, dents, and dings. And while they might seem harmless at first, leave them unattended and they can make a space look tired and unloved. That’s where my no-fuss method comes in.
Over the years, I’ve tested every quick fix and shortcut there is. I’ve peeled off paint with stickers, gouged the wall with a rogue shelf bracket, and yes—I've tried covering holes with a picture and pretending it’s not there. But I’ve since developed a repair routine that’s simple, efficient, and genuinely makes those imperfections disappear.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I patch up holes in my walls step-by-step using tools and techniques that anyone can master. Whether you’re dealing with a pinhole or something more dramatic, I promise you don’t need to be a professional to get it looking brand new.
1. How I Patch Up Holes in My Walls: What I Always Have to Hand
Before I get started, I make sure I’ve got all my go-to materials ready. No two holes are quite the same, but this kit has never let me down:
Ready-mixed filler (I use one that dries fast and sands down smoothly)
A small metal or plastic scraper
A fine detail sanding sponge
Microfibre cloth
Water spray bottle (for a mess-free wipe down)
Primer
Wall paint (matched to my current colour)
A sponge brush or angled paintbrush
Masking tape (for protecting skirting boards and trims)
🛠 Top Tip: Keep an old toothbrush handy for clearing out deep or dusty holes—it’s more effective than you'd think.
2. How I Patch Up Holes in My Walls: My Prep Process (It's Quick but Crucial)
I’ll be honest—this step is boring, but skipping it always ends in regret. The cleaner your surface, the smoother your repair will be.
Here’s how I prep a wall hole like a pro:
Clear the hole: If there’s any loose plaster or old filler clinging on, I gently scrape it away with my scraper. For anything really stubborn, a quick flick of a screwdriver does the trick.
Spray and wipe: Using my spray bottle, I give the area a light mist to catch any leftover dust, then wipe it down with a microfibre cloth.
Assess the damage: If the hole has jagged edges, I lightly feather around it with a sanding sponge just to level it out. It’s a small step but makes the filler blend more easily later on.
3. How I Patch Up Holes in My Walls: Filling Like a Perfectionist (But Quicker)
Now comes the satisfying bit. Filling the hole is actually pretty meditative once you get the hang of it.
Scoop and spread: I take a dollop of filler on the scraper and press it directly into the hole. For shallow ones, a single swipe usually does the job. For deeper ones, I build it up in layers—allowing each one to dry fully before applying the next.
Smooth the edges: Once the hole is filled, I gently run the scraper flat across it to smooth out any lumps. I make sure to feather the edges into the surrounding wall to avoid a visible mound.
Let it dry: I always wait a few hours longer than the packet says, just to be sure. Overnight drying guarantees no surprise dents after sanding.
🛠 Mini Hack: I keep a post-it note over the patch while it dries if I’m doing several at once—helps me remember which ones need sanding!
4. How I Patch Up Holes in My Walls: Sanding Without the Stress
This is where things come together. Done right, no one will ever know there was a hole there at all.
Choose the right grit: I use a fine detail sanding sponge rather than loose paper. It’s easier to grip and lets me control the pressure.
Small circles, light pressure: I go slow and steady, working in tight circular motions until the surface is level with the rest of the wall. If I go too far, I simply reapply a bit more filler and repeat.
Wipe down again: Once the sanding’s done, I clean the area with a damp cloth to remove dust before painting.
5. How I Patch Up Holes in My Walls: Painting for a Flawless Finish
This is where the magic really happens. Done right, the patch will blend so well, even I forget where it was.
Prime the patch: I use a basic primer and apply it with a sponge brush for even coverage. This step prevents the filler from absorbing too much paint and helps with colour matching.
Paint and feather: Using my wall-matched paint, I apply a light coat directly over the patch and slightly beyond, blending the edges. If needed, I’ll go in with a second coat after drying.
Final blend: I check the wall in both natural and artificial light. If I spot any unevenness, I gently touch up with a small brush.
🛠 Bonus Tip: Keep leftover paint in small jam jars, clearly labelled by room and colour—it saves you rummaging through half-used tins later.
So, that’s exactly how I patch up holes in my walls—without any stress, mess, or guesswork. It’s a method that’s saved me countless times and has turned wall damage from a dreaded chore into a quick and satisfying win. Next time you rearrange your artwork or move a shelf, don’t panic about the holes—just grab your filler and follow my steps. You’ve got this.
FAQs: How I Patch Up Holes in My Walls
How do I fix a really deep hole in the wall?For deeper holes (like from wall anchors or screws), I fill the base in layers. Sometimes I’ll stuff the bottom with a bit of crumpled paper to give the filler something to grip onto.
Do I really need to prime before painting?Yes. Primer evens out absorption and helps the paint blend into the surrounding wall, preventing dark or shiny spots.
What if I don't have the exact paint colour?I recommend getting a sample pot mixed from a paint shop using a colour scan. Alternatively, repaint the entire wall for a seamless match.
Need Expert Help?
If you love a DIY project as much as I do but want that flawless, high-end finish, we’re here to help. Our team at BY Design And Viz specialises in full-scale interior and exterior design, including architectural concepts and renovation-ready plans.
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