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Last updated: 25 Feb 2023
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best Drywall Repairs For DIYers And Professionals

No matter how hard you try to keep your home in pristine condition, it will show some signs of wear and tear over time. Everyday living can take a toll on the drywall and can damage it pretty easily.  If you have kids or pets in your home, then this problem can appear more early than you can imagine. All you need is to get your hands on the top drywall repairs in 2023 to improve the curb appeal of your home. 

Though patching holes and dents in the walls can be strenuous, having the right repair kit and tools can make it a bit easy. Moreover, it can save you a lot of money that you will otherwise be spending on hiring a professional handyperson or contractor. 

Here are some of the top drywall repair options that you can use to get the job done! 

Comparing the Best Drywall Repair of 2023

1

3M Drywall Repair

– Top Pick
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You will get all the essential tools in the kit for a hassle-free home repair project. No matter if you’re repairing a large hole or a small one, this kit will give you perfect results. It works efficiently to repair large-sized holes of up to 3-inches in diameter.

It includes a spackling compound, a putty knife, a self-adhesive patch, and a sanding pad. The spackling compound is easy to sand, and you will get a smooth finish with the sanding pad. So, purchasing this kit won’t be a waste for you!

Pros
  • Comes with all essential tools 
  • Perfect for covering the hole up to 3 inches in diameter
  • 3x faster in repairing 
  • Does not shrink, sag or crack
Cons
  • Not good for structural joints or stress cracks
  • Does not come with protective wares
2

Erase-A-Hole Drywall Repair

– Runner Up
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From handling small cracks to holes in the walls, this product can keep up to your expectations for a very long time. It’s a stick, so the best part is that you can carry it with you anywhere you want.

You don’t have to prepare a whole muddy mixture to plaster your wall. It’s all just one stick away from fixing!

You don’t need to worry about cracks or shrinks, as the custom blend of ingredients withstands sanding. You don’t need any extra tools to fill in the holes- just grab the stick, apply it in a circular motion, wipe it off with a cloth, and you are good to go. 

Pros
  • Quick use applicator to fix holes in walls 
  • Compact and portable 
  • Does not crack or shrink
  • Thick, durable putty to patch screw and nail holes in minutes
Cons
  • Doesn’t work well on plaster walls
3

Homax Drywall Repair

– Honorable Mention
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No matter if there’s a dent or a large hole in the wall, it will do the trick for you. The self-adhesive mesh patch covers the dents and holes efficiently and withstands impact and pressure as well. 

Homax, a drywall repair kit, is not only affordable but is also convenient to use. It fixes any interior surfaces in almost a minute.

Pros
  • Perfect for interior surfaces
  • Works great on drywall and plaster
  • Comes with an easy-to-use kit
  • Ideal for repairing cracks, holes, scrapes, and scuffs 
Cons
  • The patch doesn’t come naturally textured, and you need to refinish it with a matching spackle.
4

Stella Sealants Drywall Repair

– Also Consider
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If you want to work as an expert or hope to repair more than one point, this thorough kit is the one for you. This kit is perfect for fixing any holes in the wall and giving a fine look after painting. 

The pack includes protective gloves, joint compound, tools, sanding pads, a patch, and wooden boards to be used as backing while spreading the plaster. You can fix wall holes or cracks with this amazing kit in minutes, thus saving a lot of time for other activities. 

Pros
  • Features compact design that makes it portable and easy to store
  • The handy design for a mess-free repair project
  • Works great for drywall, plaster, and wood
  • Guaranteed customer satisfaction
Cons
  • Joint compound not enough for big wall holes
5

DAP Drywall Repair

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Looking for a flawless finish? We’ve found the right product for you!

DAP Dry Time Indicator Spackling is an easy-to-use drywall repair that can let you fix any hole in your wall with perfection. It’s convenient to use and paint, which is why most of the users opt for it. It comes in great packaging and is all set to use after purchase.

No matter if you want to use it on the interior or exterior, it can do wonders for you. This squeezable tube is all you need to fix the walls at your home and make them look great again. 

Pros
  • Easy-to-use squeeze tube
  • Good for large or small holes
  • Ready to use after purchase
  • Gives flawless finishing
Cons
  • Doesn’t include a kit
6

Duck Drywall Repair

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Another one on the list is the Duck Brand’s self-adhesive drywall repair fabric to fix your walls. It further comes in white color, so you can easily paint it afterward.

It’s self-adhesive and repositionable, so there is no chance for errors as well. You will get a roll of 100% fiberglass mesh fabric that is 25ft long and 6-inches wide. If it’s a difficult job that you’re up to, then this product is all you need for it. You will simply cut a piece off according to the hole’s size and use it as a backing to spread the plaster.   

Pros
  • Made up of 100% fiberglass mesh
  • Quickly fixes cracks and repairs holes 
  • Self-adhesive and repositionable
  • No need to pre-apply a joint compound
Cons
  • Not a great choice for beginners who don’t have any kit or other tools
7

Red Devil Drywall Repair

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Last but not the least, the Red Devil Onetime Fiber Mesh Crack Patch is the best you can ever invest in. Considering its versatility, all you have to do is cut the patch and stick it anywhere you want. If you see any recurring and stubborn cracks in your house, then here’s the solution to your problems. 

It’s the best for both interior and exterior, so you can enjoy the best results. Don’t waste your time on other products when we have selected the best for you! 

Pros
  • Aggressive bonding with joint compounds
  • Perfect for interior and exterior application 
  • Repair and reinforces recurring cracks
  • Long-lasting results
Cons
  • You need to buy other tools separately as it isn’t a complete kit

Buying Guide for the Best Drywall Repairs

Even if you are not a drywall repair professional, drywall repair kits make it easy for you. You can repair damaged walls depending on the size of the holes, different tools, skill sets, and techniques at the comfort of your home. 

Selecting the best drywall repair kit will ensure you that your wall will look new as it was! However, choosing the right one can take up a lot of your time. That’s why we have curated this buyer’s guide to help you pick the best ones on the market. 

Which Factors Should You Consider Before Buying the Drywall Repair Products?

Size of the repair

There are varied strengths of spackle, putty, and fillers. That’s why they’re made for different things. One product, for example, could be perfect for holes up to 3 inches in diameter. Another type can only fill holes up to 12” in diameter. Consider the size supported while shopping for a drywall patch kit.

Paintable and sandable

You should consider buying a repair kit that will not only hide the patch in the wall but also blends with the surroundings. It may be necessary to sand the patch flat to achieve desired results. So, if the adhesive isn’t sandable, the paint will not look good on it. However, numerous kits are available that do not require sanding. So, choose a drywall repair product wisely!

Drying time 

Another factor to consider is how quickly you want to complete the task. Is the repair critical? Or do you think you’ll be able to wait for a while? This is when the drying time comes into play. Some versions might take up to 24 hours to dry, while others can be ready in just 20 minutes. Because this is a repair job, we’re sure you’ll want something that dries quickly.

Shrinking and expanding

Shrinking and expanding are two things you don’t want to happen in a drywall repair. These characteristics make it difficult to remediate the damage. So you should get your hands on something that won’t shrink, crack, expand, or fall apart. 

How To Choose the Best Drywall Repair Kits?

The goal of a repair kit is to cover up the patch holes, buckles, and cracks. Almost every drywall patch kit is the same, but some differences in every kit can make some of them superior to the other ones. That’s the whole point, right?  

It depends on what you want, the type of supplies and tools, the type of compound, and the type of patch for the damaged hole.

Here are the things you need to know before buying a drywall repair for your home:

Types of patches in the drywall patch kit

Each kit comes with different patches and different backing types like galvanized steel mesh, fiberglass mesh, or even plastic.

The good thing about metal glass or fiber is that they will be stronger and can last up to a few more bumps than the plastic mesh backing.

When you want the drywall patch kit for damp spaces such as washrooms, there is a possibility of rusting over time. Fiber is more flexible to moisture.

Compounds

Types of compounds will differ a little bit between the kits, depending on the backing. You have to cover up whatever backing is there, so it is critical to read and follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid problems like cracks down the line. 

Type of backing

The type of backing will vary quite a bit. However, some patch kits will come with pieces of fiberglass mesh, and others will include plastic mesh or galvanized steel mesh. Most people prefer to buy fiberglass and non-ferrous metals because they don’t fall apart or rust. 

Sanding pads

These help to give the surface flatter and cleaner finish to repaint it. The best drywall repair kits include sheets of sanding sponge or sandpaper. Thus, it is up to you whether you want to get a kit with sanding pads or not.

What Type of Backing Will Work for Your Home Repair Project?

The most important thing that you should consider when buying a drywall patch kit is the area you want to repair. 

Metal backings 

Metal backings are more sturdy than other types of backing, but these are good for dry environments. These backings are not suitable for bathrooms because the moisture can tear them.

Fiberglass mesh

The fiberglass mesh is resilient to moisture. Fiberglass is the type of sheetrock that is suggested for areas with more dampness in the air. 

Plastic patches

Plastic patches are not popular for drywall repairs. The reason is that plastic is thin, and it sticks out from the wall. These are more likely to flex when you are repainting it. So, if you choose this material patch, you have to be careful during the process to avoid cracking. Choosing a smooth and pre-textured patch is a good option as you will need less or no sanding after the fixing.

When Should You Buy Drywall Repair Kits?

These kits are not appropriate for large areas. You can cover up small patches with these kits, but it will need a full repair for large holes. 

If your wall is damaged in an area over about 4 by 4, then you should give it a full repair to make it last longer. It will also aid in mending the wall’s structural integrity.

If the hole in the wall is smaller than that and you just want to cover up the dents, these kits are a good option. These are the best for small repairs!

After covering up the patch, you can give it a complete look by painting drywall, and your wall will be good as new.

Drywall Repair FAQ

Q: What should be included in the drywall patch kit?

A: A drywall patch kit should include a putty knife, sanding sponge, joint tape, joint compound, furring strips, drywall screws, pencils, spackle, and drywall scraps.

Q: What is a joint compound?

A: When you are doing wall repairs, joint compounds are used to smooth drywall seams and corners while installing new drywall. It can also be used to patch up gaps and cracks in existing drywall and plaster surfaces.

Q: Which is better for drywall: paper tape or mesh?

A: Paper tape, according to most drywall contractors, is sturdier than its counterpart. The paper tape prevents cracking along drywall seams more efficiently than plastic tape. Paper tape folds readily, making it simple to apply to get sharp inside corners.

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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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