How To Fix Large Drywall Holes Before Painting

You finally decide to refresh your walls with a new color, only to realize that the surface isn’t ready. The kids’ old poster tacks, a loose doorknob, or maybe a wall anchor from a heavy picture left behind a crater. These larger holes stare back at you, making your clean-paint dreams feel a little out of reach.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve seen every kind of wall damage imaginable in homes around Omaha, from thumbtack holes to full-on dents from furniture corners. Since 1996, our team has repaired, sanded, primed, and painted thousands of walls. The truth is, proper wall repair before painting matters as much as the paint itself.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to patch bigger holes before painting. We’ll answer the most common homeowner questions, explain what materials to use, and help you decide when it might be better to hire a professional. By the end, you’ll feel confident knowing how to achieve a smooth, lasting finish, without shortcuts that lead to visible repairs later.

What Materials Do You Need to Patch Large Holes?

A larger hole in your wall is anything you can’t simply fill with lightweight spackle in one swipe of a putty knife.
These typically include:

• Holes larger than a quarter inch wide
• Damage caused by wall anchors, door handles, or accidents
• Cracked or crumbling drywall edges around the hole

Smaller nail or screw holes can often be patched with quick-dry spackle, but larger ones require a little structure to hold the patch. Without the right base, your repair will shrink, crack, or show through the paint.

For holes up to about 6 inches wide, you can usually use a patch kit or a drywall repair compound with a mesh or metal patch. For anything beyond that, especially if there’s wall movement or structural damage, cutting a new piece of drywall might be necessary.

Here’s what you’ll need for most medium-sized wall repairs:

• Drywall patch (metal mesh or self-adhesive fiberglass)
• Joint compound or drywall mud
• Putty knife (4"–6")
• Sanding sponge or fine-grit sandpaper (120–220 grit)
• Primer
• Matching paint
• Optional: utility knife and drywall saw if the hole has loose edges

For Omaha homeowners, local hardware stores like Menards, Home Depot, or Ace carry ready-to-use patch kits that include most of these items.

How Do You Prepare the Hole Before Applying the Patch?

Before you apply any product, clean and shape the hole. Paint won’t stick to loose debris, and filling over damaged edges can make the repair obvious later.

Follow these quick steps:

1. Remove loose drywall or paint chips with a utility knife.
2. Widen the hole slightly into a clean, even shape—this helps the patch adhere properly.
3. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth or vacuum attachment.
4. If the hole goes through to the other side, back it with mesh tape or a pre-made patch.

If your home has textured walls, note that you’ll need to reapply texture later for the repair to blend in.

How Do You Apply a Wall Patch?

Start with a smooth, flat surface and take your time; rushing this step is one of the most common DIY painting regrets.

1. Apply the patch: Center a mesh or metal patch over the hole. Press firmly to make sure all edges adhere.
2. Spread joint compound: Using a putty knife, apply the compound over the patch, feathering it out a few inches beyond the edge. This helps it blend into the surrounding wall.
3. Let it dry completely: Drying times vary depending on humidity, something Omaha homeowners know well. In summer, it might take 2–4 hours; in winter, a bit longer.
4. Sand smooth: Once dry, lightly sand until the area feels flat to the touch. Use a bright light to check for raised edges or uneven spots.
5. Repeat if needed: Larger holes often need a second thin layer of compound to hide the patch lines. Let that dry and sand again.

When you run your hand across the wall, you shouldn’t feel where the patch starts or ends.

Do You Have to Prime After Patching?

Yes, always prime. Skipping primer is one of the fastest ways to see your patch flash through the paint.

Joint compound absorbs paint differently than drywall, leaving a dull or uneven sheen in that spot. A quick coat of primer creates an even base and prevents that patch from standing out once painted.

If you’re using Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams paints, both offer self-priming options, but for patched areas, it’s still smart to spot-prime first. Omaha’s mix of humidity and temperature changes can make paint dry unevenly without proper sealing.

Can You Patch Over Textured Walls?

Yes, but matching texture takes some practice. If your walls have an orange-peel or knock-down texture, you’ll need to replicate that before painting.

There are aerosol texture sprays available in adjustable patterns. Test the spray on cardboard first, then lightly mist the repaired area until it resembles the existing texture. Once dry, lightly sand the top for a natural look and then prime before painting.

If you’re unsure how to blend the texture, a professional painter can usually fix it quickly; it’s one of those skills that looks simple but takes repetition to perfect.

How Long Should You Wait Before Painting Over a Patch?

Let the patch dry completely before applying primer or paint. If you paint too soon, moisture trapped in the compound can cause bubbling or peeling later.

• Joint compound: Typically dries in 12–24 hours, depending on thickness.
• Fast-drying spackle: Usually ready within an hour or two.
• Deeper repairs: May need 24 hours or more.

Omaha homeowners often find that during humid months, drying takes longer, so patience pays off here. Use a small fan or dehumidifier to help speed up the process if needed.

What If the Hole Is Too Large for a Patch?

If your hole is larger than about 6 inches, a mesh patch may sag or bulge. In that case, you’ll need to cut a square around the damage and install a small piece of drywall.

Here’s a simplified version of that process:

1. Cut out the damaged area into a clean rectangle.
2. Cut a matching piece of drywall slightly smaller to fit into the hole.
3. Secure it with drywall tape or wood backing strips behind the wall.
4. Apply joint compound, feathering out the edges in several thin layers.
5. Sand and prime once dry.

This takes more time but creates a seamless repair that will last through seasonal expansion and contraction—something Omaha’s freeze-thaw cycles can really test.

Should You Hire a Professional Painter for Wall Repairs?

If you’re comfortable using a putty knife and have patience for sanding, small to medium repairs are doable for many homeowners.

However, hiring a professional can be worth it when:

• The damage covers multiple areas or walls
• The wall has existing texture or sheen differences
• You’re painting in a main living space and want a perfect finish
• You’re short on time before moving or hosting guests

Professional painters handle these repairs daily. They use the right compounds for the depth of the hole, ensure smooth transitions, and match the wall texture precisely. If you’re getting your interior painted, most companies—including Brush & Roll Painting—include patching as part of the prep process before applying paint.

FAQ: Bigger Hole Patching Before Painting

1. Can I use spackle for large holes?
   Not usually. Spackle is ideal for nail holes or minor dents, but it can shrink or crack in larger areas. Use a joint compound or a mesh patch kit instead.
2. What’s the difference between spackle and joint compound?
   Spackle is pre-mixed and dries quickly for small fixes. Joint compound is smoother, easier to sand, and better for covering mesh patches or seams.
3. Do I need to paint the whole wall after patching?
   If your color match is perfect and the sheen is consistent, you might get away with painting just the patched section and blending outward. But often, the repaired area stands out slightly, especially with eggshell or satin finishes, so repainting the full wall gives a cleaner look.
4. What if my patch keeps showing through?
   You might need a second coat of primer or another thin layer of compound to even it out. Shine a light across the wall to spot any raised edges or dull patches before painting again.
5. Can humidity in Omaha affect my patch?
   Yes. High humidity can slow down drying times and make the compound soften slightly. Keep your home temperature steady (around 68–72°F) and avoid painting on very damp days if possible.

Hiring a Painter in Omaha, NE

Fixing larger wall holes before painting isn’t just about looks; it’s about giving your new paint job a strong, smooth foundation. A few extra steps now can save you from visible patches, uneven textures, or peeling later on.

At this point, you should feel confident identifying the right products, understanding when to prime, and knowing when to call for help if the repair feels overwhelming.

Brush & Roll Painting has helped Omaha homeowners prepare their walls the right way since 1996. Our goal isn’t just to paint, it’s to educate and help you make confident decisions about your home.

If you’re planning an interior painting project and want a smooth, professional finish from start to end, click the button below to get a quote.

If you are not ready to get too deep into your project, try our interior painting pricing calculator to explore your options.