We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Cracks in walls and ceilings are eyesores that draw attention in an otherwise attractive setting. Though they’re often just cosmetic issues, left unattended, cracks are likely to get worse. It’s a similar situation with unsightly nail or screw holes that mar the surface where a picture or shelf has been removed.
It’s important to fix and refinish with the right product to ensure a long-lasting, well-hidden repair. Yet with numerous wall and ceiling materials available, it can be difficult to know where to start. The following list addresses a variety of problems and offers a range of affordable DIY solutions.
1. 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair Kit
It’s not unusual for accidental collisions to knock a hole through drywall. This 3M Repair kit handles holes up to 3 inches across, creating a fast fix that will be strong and virtually invisible once completed.
Simply sand lightly to prepare the area, apply the self-adhesive mesh patch, spackle, wait to dry, then sand, smooth, and paint. Everything needed is in the kit, including a putty knife and sanding pad.
Get the 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair Kit at Amazon for $11.50
2. Erase-A-Hole The Original Drywall Repair Putty
Few products are as easy to use as Erase-A-Hole for rapid filling of small holes like those left by nails and screws. It’s a soft putty that comes in a compact applicator to quickly work the product into small holes and cracks.
It works great on drywall, plaster, and wood—though we wouldn’t suggest using it on anything bigger than a .5-inch hole. It dries fast and can soon be painted over.
Get the Erase-A-Hole The Original Drywall Repair Putty at Amazon for $11.89
3. DAP Drydex
DAP is a well-known and trusted brand that produces a vast range of wall and ceiling repair products. This one, 12346 Drydex, took top honors when we investigated spackle for minor household repairs.
It solves one of the most common issues when filling cracks and holes, which is knowing when the filler is dry, and ready to be sanded and painted. The solution is straightforward: DAP 12346 Drydex is pink when applied and white when dry.
Get DAP 12346 Drydex at Amazon for $12.12
4. Wal-Board Tools Drywall Repair Clips
Once repairs get larger than a few inches, patches and fillers are usually impractical. A new piece of drywall needs to be cut to fit the hole. But how do you keep it in place?
Wal-Board Drywall Repair Clips are the answer. They clip over the open edge and are fixed in place with ordinary drywall screws. Once the patch is added, the retaining legs are snapped off, leaving a solid, even surface that can be finished like any other drywall joint.
Get Wal-Board Tools Drywall Repair Clips at Home Depot for $5.50
5. 3M High Strength Crack Repair
Using a caulking gun is the easiest and quickest way to apply repair compound on long cracks in walls or ceilings. That’s the method employed with this fast-setting 3M filler, which contains fiber for increased strength and durability.
The shrink-proof formula can be used on concrete, drywall, plaster, stucco, and wood. It can be used indoors or outside if sealed with exterior paint. A sanding sponge is included to create a smooth finish if required.
Get the 3M High Strength Crack Repair at Amazon for $9.88
6. Homax Aerosol Wall Texture
It’s a relatively straightforward process to patch walls and ceilings, and create a smooth finish that’s ready for painting. It’s trickier when dealing with a textured surface—and that’s where Homax Aerosol Wall Texture comes in.
This versatile product has an adjustable nozzle that allows the application to be varied from light “orange peel” to heavy splatter. What’s more, it goes on blue and dries white, so it’s easy to see when the surface is ready to paint.
Get the Homax Aerosol Wall Texture at Amazon for $13.37
7. Duck Brand Self-Adhesive Drywall Repair Fabric
The professional way to repair drywall, particularly corners, usually involves adhering tape with joint compound. It’s effective, but it takes time to master the process.
Duck Brand Self-Adhesive Repair Fabric offers an easy-to-use alternative. Made from 100 percent fiberglass, it has the strength required for large repairs, and can be repositioned if necessary. The mesh is also thin enough to hide easily.
Get the Duck Brand Self-Adhesive Drywall Repair Fabric at Amazon for $5.47
8. Rust-Oleum Wall-Surface-Repair-Products
Concrete is very durable, but it can be prone to cracking. If left untreated, small holes and chips can start to expand. Concrete patching products often contain polymers or epoxies to help prevent this.
Rust-Oleum’s two-part epoxy is a versatile compound that works with cracks in walls or floors up to .5 inch deep. It is easy to mix and apply, and forms an extremely tough bond. Once cured it can also be painted.
Get the Rust-Oleum 301012 Wall-Surface-Repair-Products at Amazon for $37.79
9. Homax Popcorn Ceiling Patch
Scuffs, scratches, and holes in textured acoustic ceilings need special attention or the repair can look almost as bad as the damage. Homax Popcorn Ceiling Patch is designed to blend in with the existing surface, making patches all but invisible.
Each tub is a ready-to-use, premixed coating with polystyrene chips to mimic existing surfaces. It is easy to apply with a brush or plastic spreader, and the water-based formula makes cleanup a breeze.
Get the Homax Popcorn Ceiling Patch from Amazon for $7.47
10. PRIME-LINE U 9271 Wall Protector
Often damage to drywall or plaster comes as a result of an accident, but it can be something as simple as a door handle frequently banging against the surface. The Prime-Line Wall Protector is a low-cost solution to prevent the latter.
The 5-inch diameter disc is made from durable vinyl. It is self-adhesive, so once the contact point is identified it sticks right in place. It could also conceal existing damage, and can be painted to match existing decor.
Get the PRIME-LINE U 9271 Wall Protector at Amazon for $2.99
11. DAP Patch N Paint
DAP Patch and Paint comes in a compact, 3-ounce tube ideal to drop into a toolbox or the pocket of workwear so it can be kept handy for spot repairs whenever needed.
Though the compound is called nail hole filler, it could be used for any minor nicks or dents. The applicator cap leaves a smooth finish that seldom needs sanding, and the quick-drying formula is ready to be painted in minutes.
Get DAP Patch N Paint at Home Depot for $6.98
12. Zinsser Covers Up 13 oz. White Ceiling Spray Paint & Primer
Zinsser’s Covers Up Spray Paint and Primer is a versatile product that can solve a number of awkward painting tasks. It comes with a vertical nozzle that’s easy to direct accurately when working overhead.
One of its main uses is as a stain blocker. It can cover water stains, nicotine, and smoke damage. It can be used on drywall, plaster, ceiling tiles, stucco, cement, and wood. The oil-based formula is touch-dry in 30 minutes and covers up to 15 square feet per can.
13. ENERLITES Duplex Receptacle Outlet Wall Plate
Older outlet wall plates often yellow with age. The wall around them can also get scuffed or damaged. Enerlites oversized wall plates solve two problems in one: providing a clean new cover, and concealing minor damage without the need to repair.
Enerlites outlet wall plates are made from polycarbonate thermoplastic. It’s a similar material to that used in motorcycle helmets, so it’s tough enough to withstand heavy impacts. It is also temperature resistant so it won’t discolor, and it’s easy to wipe clean.
Get the ENERLITES Duplex Receptacle Outlet Wall Plate at Amazon for $4.99
The prices listed here are accurate as of publication on May 31, 2023
