How to Fix a Dent in the Wall? How Hard Is It?

Dents in walls are from different things, such as a falling object, someone hitting the wall with their fist, or something as simple as a ball bouncing off it.

Whether it’s from a moving accident or kids playing around, these dents can be unsightly. If you are wondering how to fix a dent in the wall, read on!

The first step that you need to do is to smoothen the edges of the dent. Then, put a small amount of joint compound to level the wall. Lastly, paint over the area to make it look new.

All the above instructions are just a few steps that you can use to fix a dent in the wall. 

How to Fix a Dent in the Drywall?

Drywall is a construction material made from an inorganic compound with gypsum as the main component, used as an interior wall finish and ceiling.

It has many advantages over traditional lath and plaster, such as being lighter, faster to install, and fire-resistant.

small damage in a drywall

However, using drywall has its disadvantages. One of the disadvantages of using drywall is that it’s vulnerable to dents.

It is because drywall is softer than plasterboard and can be damaged easily.

If you have a dent in your wall, do not panic because you can repair it with simple household tools.

How to Fix a Small Dent in the Drywall

Let’s say that you accidentally put a small dent in the drywall while moving furniture around?

Or maybe you have a pet who likes to play with balls indoors and occasionally knocks them into the wall, leaving behind a telltale dent.

Whatever the cause, tiny dents in drywall are relatively easy to fix. Here’s what you need to do:

First, locate the dent and assess the damage. If it is small and shallow, you should be able to fix it with nothing more than a hairdryer.

Once you’ve determined that a hairdryer will suffice, carefully direct the heat towards the center of the dent.

Apply steady, even pressure as you move the hairdryer back and forth over the area. The heat will cause the drywall to expand, and eventually, the dent should pop back out.

If the hairdryer is not enough to pop back the dent, you have to take another course of action.

How to Fix a Dent in the Plasterboard?

There’s something not right about that wall. It’s got a big dent in it, and it looks out of place. What on earth could have caused such a thing?

Maybe someone threw a party and got a little too rowdy. Or maybe there was an earthquake or some other natural disaster.

Whatever the cause, dents in the wall are unsightly, but you can restore them using these simple steps.

The first step you need to take is to see if you can resolve it with a hairdryer. Like drywall, you can apply heat to the plasterboard using a hairdryer. The heat softens the plasterboard enough for you to push it back up.

You can also use a plunger to try to push the dent out from the inside.

After heating, apply a cold compress to the area around the dent to help it cool and harden quickly.

If the dent is too big or deep, you may need to patch it with the drywall compound.

Here’s how to do that:

Apply a layer of drywall compound to the dented area using a putty knife.

Press a piece of mesh drywall tape into the wet compound.

Apply another layer of compound over the tape, then smooth it out.

Let it dry for 24 hours, then sand it down until it’s flush with the rest of the wall.

How to Fix a Big Dent in the Wall

Regardless of how it happens, dealing with a dent in the drywall can be a pain, but there is no need to panic.

With elbow grease and some basic supplies, you can fix the damage and have your wall looking good as new.

Fixing a big dent in the wall is more troublesome than repairing a small one, but it is still doable.

Begin by sanding the rough edges of the dent.

Next, fill the bucket with warm water and soak the sponge. Wring out the sponge and use it to clean the around the dent, being careful not to get any water on the actual drywall.

Once the area is clean, use the wire brush to remove any loose paint or wallpaper around the dent.

Next, apply a generous amount of drywall compound to the dent, using the putty knife to spread it evenly.

Allow the compound to dry completely, then sand it down until it is flush with the surrounding wall.

How to Fix a Dent in the Wall without Sanding

If you would like to fix a dent in the wall without standing, there is another method you can try. Begin by vacuuming up any loose dirt and debris around the dented wall.

After clearing the area with the debris, use the wire brush to remove any loose paint or wallpaper around the dent.

Lastly, you can apply the putty to even out the surface.

How to Fix a Dent in the Wall with Toothpaste

Yes! You heard it right. All you need is a tube of toothpaste and a cloth to fix that eyesore on the wall.

Squeeze some toothpaste onto the cloth and rub it into the dent until it’s gone. Then wipe away any excess toothpaste and let the wall dry.

How to Fix a Dent with Drywall Compound

The first step is to always clean the area around the dent with a rag and sandpaper until it is smooth.

putty knife with drywall compound to repair wall damage

Second, apply a thin layer of drywall compound to the area with a putty knife. The mixture must be completely dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply additional layers of drywall compound and sand smooth between each layer until there is no visible dent on the wall.

How to Fix a Dent with a Vacuum Cleaner

Step one: Plug in your vacuum cleaner and turn it on to the lowest setting.

Step two: Place the vacuum cleaner over the dent and hold it in for about 30 seconds.

Step three: Remove the vacuum cleaner and check if the dents are gone if it is still visible, you can repeat the process until the wall dent is gone.

How to Fix a Dent with a Bucket of Water

If the dent is small, you can fix it with a bucket. All you need is to fill a bucket with water and ice, place the bucket against the dent and wait for the ice to melt.

Once the ice has melted, the dent will pop out.

How to Fix a Dent with a Sponge

Sometimes, a dent in the wall is too small to repair with a plunger or a broom. In those cases, you can use a sponge soaked in warm water and then press it against the dent. Gently push and twist the sponge until it is gone.

How to Fix a Dent with a Wire Brush

There are circumstances where a family member will cause a dent in the wall that is too big to repair with a plunger or a broom. In those cases, you can use a wire brush. 

Dip the wire brush in warm water and press it against the dent. Push the wire brush gently until there is no more dent.

How to Fix a Dent with Primer

Regardless of how it got there, a dent in the wall can be noticeable, and it can be tempting to try and fix it as soon as possible.

However, before you reach for the putty or the paint, you may want to consider using a primer. Applying a thin layer of primer to the dent can help to fill in the indentation and give the area a smooth finish.

In addition, it’s a quick and easy way to fix a small problem before it becomes a big one.

How to Fix a Dent with Sandpaper

Sandpaper is a great way to fix a small dent in the wall. Begin by wetting the sandpaper and then rubbing it against the affected area on the wall.

sanding and repairing a wall

Make sure to keep rubbing until it disappears. If there are any rough patches, you can use finer sandpaper to smooth them out.

Final Thoughts

Dents in the wall can be an eyesore and a hassle to fix. However, by using the right tools and know-how, you will be able to fix them.

We have outlined several methods on how you can restore a dented wall, depending on its size and severity.

If you are still having difficulty fixing the dent yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional. They will be able to help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.