Tip #1. Determine what size hole you are dealing with. Measure the hole and determine the method as follows: small holes, such as nail holes only need a patching with joint compound. Sand it smooth after it has dried. For somewhat larger holes, about the size of a deck of cards, you will need to place a filler such as newspaper in it for a surface for the compound to adhere to. Medium sized holes (about 3 inches by 3 inches) need a hot patch, which is a piece of drywall applied by leaving a patch on each side. Very large holes, over 3 inches in diameter have to be treated just as a new wall. Remove nails and screws and cut a piece of drywall, secure it in place and then tape, compound and sand it just as you would a new wall.

Tip #2. Get all of your tools and supplies ready before you start. Repairing wall holes requires quick work, so you don't want to be looking around for supplies in the middle of the job. If the hole requires more than just a compound patching, you will need to have newspapers, drywall material, tape, trowels, etc. on hand before you start.

Tip #3. Apply just enough spackle or compound. Excess will take longer to dry and be subject to lumping. The rule is to apply as little as possible and add more if necessary, letting it dry and sanding between coats.

Tip #4. Repairing a hole means working Wit spackle or wall compound, and this requires patience. This is not a job to be rushed. Make sure the patching material is fully dry before you sand and repaint. Don't skip coats; if you need to put more than one or two to make sure the hole is filled and covered, do so. It will be worth your while to take each step slowly, otherwise the patch will show through and ruin the look of your wall. Use the drying time to clean up your tools and work area.

Tip #5. No matter how smoothly you were able to put the compound on, you have to sand the patch. You may not notice now, but there may be ridges around the edge that will show up once you apply a coat of paint. Sand lightly around the edges and dust off the sanding before you paint the wall.

Follow these tips and you will guarantee yourself an excellent patch up job, one that nobody will be able to spot once you are finished.