Fix Holes in a Ceiling

Holes in the ceiling can be caused by many things, including leaks, lighting or fixture installation, furniture re-arranging and simple accidents. It is hard not to notice when a room's ceiling has a hole. Most holes are small enough that a simple patch is adequate to fill and cover the hole. Even larger holes can be managed with the proper supplies and set up. Fix holes in a ceiling as soon as they are noticed to avoid having them become bigger, even more unsightly problems.

Steps

  1. Prepare a container of spackle. Many brands of spackle or putty come premixed in disposable containers, and can just be opened and used. Drywall compounds are also available that can be mixed in a small, disposable cup.
  2. Remove the debris around the hole. Strip away any old paint or loose and flaking spots of drywall. If the hole was created by a screw or other attachment that affixed something to the ceiling, make sure all of the attachment pieces have been removed from the area, including inside the hole.
  3. Dust the area around the hole with a toothbrush or small paintbrush to remove any dust.
    • If the hole is larger than half an inch, use an adhesive mesh tape on the hole. Scrape the area around the ceiling hole, and apply the tape in strips that run at least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} past the hole before preparing the area for spackling.
  4. Moisten a small, soft sponge and dampen the hole, rubbing gently. Make sure the ceiling hole is wet, but not dripping. This will ensure the drywall spackle can easily attach to the hole, and stay in place.
  5. Patch the ceiling hole with the spackle mixture. Use a putty knife to press the spackle inside and around the hole. Smooth the putty over and beyond the hole. The spackled area should be at least twice the size of the hole. Continue to spread the spackle over the hole until a flat surface has been created that is consistent with the ceiling.
  6. Dry the spackle completely. Leave the area open and untouched overnight to dry thoroughly.
  7. Sand the area. Rub a piece of sandpaper over the hole several times, applying pressure on the spackled area until the spot is level with the ceiling.
  8. Use a brush or soft cloth to dust the area clean.
  9. Paint the spot with a color that matches the ceiling.

Tips

  • Use waterproof spackle, especially when patching ceiling holes in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Warnings

  • Wear goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from the dust and putty, particularly while in the process of sanding the ceiling.

Things You'll Need

  • Spackle
  • Disposable cup
  • Toothbrush
  • Paintbrush
  • Adhesive mesh tape
  • Sponge
  • Putty knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Ceiling paint

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Sources and Citations

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