How to patch a hole in drywall

From doorknob dent to invisible, in three thin coats.

Time: 3 hrs · Difficulty: Medium · 6 steps

What you need

Tidy the edges
Trim off loose paper and crumbly bits around the hole with a utility knife so the edges are firm and flat.
Tip: cut away from your hand
Stick on a mesh patch
Peel off the backing and press the patch over the hole so it overlaps on every side. Tiny nail holes can skip this step.
Tip: smooth from the middle out
Spread a thin coat
Scoop some compound onto your putty knife and spread it over the patch, pressing it into the mesh. Hold the knife almost flat to smooth it.
Tip: thin coats beat one thick one
Let it dry
Leave it until it turns from grey to bright white all over. Small patches usually take about an hour, but check your tub.
Tip: bright white = dry
Add a wider second coat
Spread a second thin coat a couple of inches past the first, feathering the edges so they fade into the wall. Let it dry again.
Tip: feather the edges
Sand, then paint
Sand lightly until you can’t feel the edge with your fingertips. Wipe off the dust, then paint to match the wall.
Tip: let your fingers check