Small nail holes? Get your wall ready for paint.

Moved a picture and left a few nail holes behind? Sound, dry drywall with tiny nail holes is a manageable starting project. Pick a spackling product labeled for your wall and follow its drying and finishing directions.

What you’ll need

• Spackling compound
• Small putty knife
• Clean cloth
• Compatible primer and touch-up paint

Take it step by step

1. Check the wall first. If the surface is damp, soft, crumbling or stained, find the cause before covering it. Small holes in sound drywall are different from damaged drywall.
2. Wipe away dust. Press a small amount of spackling into the nail hole with the putty knife. Scrape away excess and feather the edge rather than leaving a raised lump.
3. Let the patch dry for the time on the label. If it shrinks, apply another thin layer and let that dry too. Avoid rushing into paint while the repair is still wet.
4. Finish the patch as directed by the product manufacturer. If sanding is needed, control dust and use appropriate protection. Do not sand old or unknown coatings until you know they are safe to disturb.
5. Prime the repaired area if your patch and paint directions call for it, then apply the matching wall paint. Keep in mind that older paint can fade; repainting the full wall may give a better match.

When to ask for help

Call for help with wet drywall, recurring cracks, a large hole or an unknown coating that needs testing.