Step by Step Guide to Fix a Dent in the Wall [ Video]

While a house is such a beautiful invention – giving us cover from the weather and its elements and providing us with comfort and style, homeowners and occupants still have to deal with occasional home problems. Step by Step Guide to Fix a Dent in the Wall }

One of such home problems, a dent in the wall, is something that occurs very often. A wall dent can also occur because of some reasons.

Some of its causes are natural, such as water damage and wear-and-tear over time, whereas others happen because of an accidental elbow by a playful kid, the slam of a doorknob, or because we tried to move a large couch upstairs.

Regardless of what causes them, these types of damages are common around the insides of the house. Luckily, the methods for fixing them are also simple.

This means you don’t have to fret or pick your phone to call a professional the next time you see a dent on your wall because we are about to show you how to fix a dent in the wall in very easy steps.

What Causes Dents in Drywall?

A dent can be defined as a gouge that does not completely penetrate the surface of the drywall. It is bigger than a scratch or mark since it can’t be covered with a new coat of interior painting. But not as big as a wall hole, and it does not run too deep or fully penetrate the surface.

Some of the most common causes for this type of drywall damage include water licks, wall cracks, tile removal,  popping nails, termite activities, and furniture scuffs.

Water Damage

The plumbing work around the house can sometimes get faulty, and when there is a leak in a pipe passing through a wall, the water coming out can cause a dent on the surface near it.

Wall Cracking

Crack can happen in any part of the house, from the ceilings to the walls. And while the underlying cause of various cracks differs, even the tiniest crack can expand and turn into a dent.

Tile Removal

The dents caused by tile removal are usually located in bathrooms or very close to the floor. This is because, while trying to remove these ceramics, it is possible to create a nearby dent if you are not very careful.

Popping Nails

Nails may pop out when they are not secured correctly, and this can result in wall dents. This particular damage is most common in areas where nails are used and usually require immediate attention before turning into a full-blown hole.

Termite Activities

The activities of certain insects such as termites can also lead to dents on the wall. Termites generally feed on wood which makes it very likely for them to attack perfectly good drywall. This type of damage requires more than just a simple DIY fix, as you will need to involve pest control to reel it in.

Furniture Scuffs

This is perhaps one of the most common reasons why walls get dented. Damage can happen to the wall while you try to move furniture about or when you place a piece of heavy furniture next to the wall.

Although the damages are often small in size and minor, they can leave the wall looking unappealing when they happen very often.

What Household Items Can Fix a Dent in The Wall?

While fixing a wall dent is very important, the materials you use to achieve this don’t have to be far-fetched or expensive.

You can make a quick fix with household items such as toothpaste, bar soap, homemade sealant made with baking soda and glue, and even flour-based paste.

Toothpaste is commonly used for covering dents made by small nails, and it is often advisable that you use the white type as they resemble other compounds used on the wall.

Using toothpaste may be as simple as squeeze the white substance into the dent and smoothing it with a putty knife. Then it is allowed to dry before it is painted over with the same color and texture as before.

Bar soap is often used when white toothpaste is unavailable, or the paste would not do a proper job.

The trick is to dampen the bar in water and rub the wet soap over the dent until it is filled up.

A homemade sealant can also be easily made by mixing baking soda and glue and then paste over the dent. You may also need a toothpick to help you mix it well. Once it dries, you may then apply a new coat of paint.

A more intensive but quick fix includes mixing flour, salt and water to form a paste. The paste is then used to patch the dent. The patch is then allowed to dry, and a new layer can be added if need be. When the dent has been completely covered, you can then sand before applying paint.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Dent in The Wall?

Fixing a dent can cost you nothing or a few dollars depending on whether it is a quick fix or an elaborate type and depending on the available materials.

Generally speaking, fixing a dent can cost between $20 – $50 if you are doing it yourself but need to purchase a few materials and $80 – $120 if you need to hire a professional.

The repairs can also cost more if there are underlying issues that need to be taken care of. For instance, fixing a dent caused by a broken pipe or termite activities also means you will require some plumbing or pest control respectively.

How to Fix a Dent in the Wall

Fixing a wall dent is crucial for both the aesthetics and structural integrity of your house. When a dent occurs, regardless of the size, it is not only the beauty of your interior that is called to question, but the dent may also lead to further problems that can affect how long that wall lasts.

So, it is important to attend to dents as soon as you notice them. And if you have been ignoring some around the house, we will encourage you to pick up a few tools and get to work.

But first, whether it is a small or large one, let us learn how to fix a dent in the wall.

Fixing a Small Dent

A small dent is usually any dent that is 1.3 cm or ½ inches or less.

Step 1: Confirm the extent of the damage.

Know how deep and far the damage runs. This will allow you to know whether you will need a quick fix with homemade items or if it will require a more comprehensive repair with a drywall compound such as putty.

Step 2: Get your repair tools.

Some of the most common items you will need include a drywall compound, a putty knife, sandpaper, a mask, a primer, paint, and a paintbrush.

Step 3: Apply the drywall compound.

Whether you are using putty or drywall mud, start with the putty knife to apply a small glob of the substance onto the dent. Then spread it over and smooth it with the same knife.

Step 4: Add a plaster grid

This is often done for reinforcement and to ensure the compound stays in place. While the plaster can help you reinforce the repair, this step is absolutely optional.

Step 5: Apply more drywall compound.

Whether or not you added a plaster grid, wait for the first layer to dry a little, then cover it with a second layer drywall compound using the putty knife.

Step 6: Allow sitting for about 24 hours.

This will allow the compound to cure completely and ensure that the wall is fully ready for the next step.

Step 7: Wear a mask

This could be an N95 mask or any other type you have in the house. Just be sure to wear one that allows you to breathe easily while preventing you from inhaling any drywall dust.

Step 8: Sand the surface

Run a sheet of sandpaper repeatedly over the repaired drywall until the surface is smooth and the patch unnoticeable.

You can also add another layer of drywall compound; allow curing for another 24 hours, and then do a final round of sanding.

Step 9: Apply a new coat of paint

The final step is to paint that repaired area to resemble the rest of the wall surface. This means you will need to use the same color and texture of the paint as the rest of the wall.

Fixing a Larger Dent

Any dent bigger than 1.3 cm or ½ is considered a large dent and requires a different approach.

Step 1: Get some repair supplies.

When trying to fix a larger dent, some items you will need include drywall compound, putty knife, stencil, pencil, mask, sandpaper, paint, paintbrush, and drywall patch. You could purchase a kit that contains some of these items or use alternatives.

Step 2: Cut around the dent.

Using the pencil, make a circle around the dent, then use the stencil to cut the circle you have drawn. Alternatively, you can use any sharp object, such as a box cutter, to make this cut if you don’t have a stencil.

Then use the sandpaper to smoothen the edges to ensure that the drywall compound spreads evenly to cover the circle.

Step 3: Apply the drywall substance to the edges

Use the putty knife to apply the drywall compound around the edges of the circle. To do this, grab the putty knife, take a scoop of the glob and spread it around the corners of the circle.

You may also spread some across the centre of the circle, but that is not important at this stage.

Step 4: Attach the drywall patch to the circle.

Place the drywall patch over the dent. The wet drywall compound will help the patch sit in place.

Conversely, this patch will help ensure that the repair is solid, reinforcing the drywall substance.

Step 5: Apply the drywall compound.

This time, spread the drywall mud over the surface to completely cover the patch. Then use the putty knife to make things even and smooth. Please pay attention to the edges of the patch to ensure it flushes with the rest of the wall and doesn’t stand out.

Step 6: Allow curing for about 24 hours.

Allow the repairs to stand for about 24 hours to dry properly. This will allow enough time for both the patch and the mud to attach to the hole.

Step 7: Wear a mask

After 24 hours, check on your repairs and then get a mask. This could be an N95 mask or any other type you have at home. It should allow you to breathe easily while keeping the dust particles from entering your nose.

Step 8: Sand the surface

Get a 100- or 120-grit sandpaper and set it to work. This may take up to 30 minutes, but you need to sand until the surface is smooth and blends with the rest of the wall.

Step 9: Paint the surface.

The painting job needs to look like the rest of the wall. So be sure to pick the same color and texture. Then use the paintbrush to cover the patched area with enough paint, then allow drying.

Conclusion

How to fix a dent in the wall is a skill that everybody should have. Not just because of how vital it is, but because it is also very simple.

You may need various stools and items depending on the size of the dent. For instance, for a much larger dent, you may even need to purchase a piece of drywall made of the same material as the wall with the dent.

However, the process and steps are generally as easy as described above. Get what you need, follow the steps, and get that dent fixed today.