How to Fill Nail Holes in a Wall (Wall Filler)

Quick answer: to fill a nail hole or small crack in an interior wall, clean the area, press a ready-to-use wall filler (wall repair paste or putty) into the hole with a scraper so it sits flush with the wall, and let it dry fully. Sand it smooth if needed, then paint over the patch on a coloured wall. For a crack, a self-adhesive mesh tape under the filler helps reinforce the repair. It is a quick job after taking down pictures or holiday decorations, or before you move out of a rented home.

What is wall filler?

Wall filler is a paste or putty used to fill nail and screw holes, small cracks and dents in interior walls before painting. In the US it is often called spackle or wall repair putty; in the UK it is usually called wall filler. Ready-to-use fillers need no mixing.

TidyMend sells two ready-to-use options for small interior wall repairs:

Wall repair paste with scraper: one tube of white repair paste and one scraper, for nail holes, small cracks and marks on painted interior walls.
White wall putty repair kit: one tub of ready-to-use white putty, one scraper and one sandpaper, for holes, peeling spots and small cracks on interior walls.

For cracks and joints, the self-adhesive fiberglass mesh drywall tape (4.5 cm × 30 m) reinforces the area before you fill. See all Wall Patch & Putty.

What you need

Ready-to-use wall filler, paste or putty
A scraper or filling knife (included in both kits above)
Fine sandpaper (included in the putty kit)
A dry cloth or soft brush
Optional: self-adhesive mesh tape for cracks, and paint to match the wall

Step-by-step: how to fill a nail hole

Remove the nail or hook. Pull out the nail or screw, and remove any loose plaster or paint flakes around the hole.
Clean the area. Brush or wipe away dust so the filler can stick to the wall.
Apply the filler. Squeeze or scoop a little filler onto the scraper and press it into the hole.
Smooth it flush. Draw the scraper across the hole so the filler sits flush with the wall, and scrape away the excess.
Let it dry fully. Leave the filler to dry before you sand or paint. For a deeper hole, fill in thin layers and let each one dry before adding the next.
Sand smooth. Lightly sand the patch so it is level with the surrounding wall, then wipe off the dust.
Paint if needed. On a coloured wall, paint over the patch once it is fully dry so it matches.

Step-by-step: how to fill a small crack

Clean the crack. Remove loose material and dust from the crack.
Add mesh tape. Cut a length of self-adhesive mesh tape and press it over the crack so it lies flat.
Cover with filler. Spread a thin layer of filler or joint compound over the tape with the scraper.
Dry, sand and paint. Once the filler is dry, sand it smooth and paint.

After the holidays: hanging without new holes

If you are filling holes after taking down pictures or seasonal decorations, you may want fewer new holes next time. Self-adhesive options such as adhesive hooks and mounts or nano mounting tape stick to smooth surfaces instead; see what nano tape is and how to use it. Check the limits on each product before you hang anything, and note that some adhesives can mark paint when removed.

Tips for an invisible repair

Use a little filler at a time; it is easier to add more than to sand away a large lump.
Fill deep holes in thin layers, letting each layer dry first.
Hold a torch at an angle to the wall to spot any patch that is not yet level.
On coloured walls, plan to paint over the repair once it is dry.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between wall filler, spackle and putty?

They are names for the same kind of job: a paste or putty that fills small holes and cracks in interior walls before painting. “Wall filler” is the common UK term; “spackle” and “wall putty” are common in the US.

Do I need to mix the filler?

Not with the TidyMend wall repair paste or the white wall putty kit; both are ready to use, with no mixing needed.

Can I paint straight over wall filler?

Let the filler dry fully and sand it smooth first, then paint.

How do I fill a deeper hole?

Fill it in thin layers and let each one dry before you add the next or sand.

Can I use these on outside walls or ceilings?

The wall repair paste and putty kit are described for interior walls. The mesh drywall tape is for drywall, plaster and ceiling cracks before filling and painting.

How to Fill Nail Holes and Small Cracks in a Wall (Wall Filler Guide)