My Wall Lost to a Doorknob

[AshRae]

I have a hole in my wall about the size of a doorknob (oops) — is there an easy way to fix this myself or do I need to hire someone? First time dealing with this!

[jackofall]

Doorknob size, super doable yourself. Get a self-adhesive mesh patch (few bucks at any hardware store), stick it over the hole, then spread joint compound over it with a putty knife wider than the patch. Let dry, sand smooth, second thin coat if you can still see the edges, sand again, prime, paint. Whole thing costs under $15 in materials. Don't overthink it, it's a forgiving repair.

[AshRae]

Thanks for the advice, working on it now!

[jackofall]

Good start! Do you have the putty knife and joint compound yet? My recommendation is to take your time with this, letting it dry completely before sanding and applying another coat. When I'm busy I'll do a step a day if necessary and am always happy with the results!

[floorman]

What about matching the paint color? Have you thought of that? Also, that looks like a wall that has a little texture, so you'll want to try to mimic that. The nice thing is that wherever doorknobs can hit walls isn't usually scrutinized, so lots of room for error!

Let us know if you have any issues with the texture, there are tricks with that too.

[JimmyMechanic]

AshRae great job so far! Some tips to match that textured:

1. For that texture, my favorite DIY method would be thinned joint compound + a texture sprayer, rather than trying to hand-stipple it.
   If you don’t have a sprayer, you can make a surprisingly good match by:
   • Thin premixed joint compound with a little water until it’s roughly heavy-cream consistency.
   • Use a stipple brush or a small piece of coarse sponge.
   • Dab it very lightly over the repair, gradually extending into the existing texture.
   • Don’t drag the brush. You’re creating tiny random peaks, not brush marks.
2. Blend the perimeter
   This is the part that makes or breaks the repair. Don’t texture only the exact circle of the hole. Extend the new texture several inches into the surrounding wall and make it progressively lighter toward the outside.

Best of luck, please send pics!!