Fix Nail Pops in Drywall

As a new home settles, the sheet rock nails pop during the first two years..... How are you going to fix them?

Steps

  1. In the center of the nail pop, place the tip of nail punch, and tap in with hammer.
  2. As you tap in the nail pop the sheet rock mud or old Spackle will fall out and break off. If you discover a screw instead of a nail, just tighten the screw by turning clockwise with a Phillips screwdriver. And proceed with step 3.
  3. Using "Dap Fast 'N Final Lightweight Spackling, and a small Spackle blade, spread a small amount over the hole.
  4. Allow to set for about 10 minutes, (Good time to prep other nail pops), then lightly sand the nail pop with fine grit sandpaper (150 - 220).
  5. Brush off excess sanded dust, primer and paint with touch up paint of the same color.



Tips

  • Don't neglect using primer before touch-up paint. If you don't use primer on the patch it will "flash," or show through the paint.
  • If your walls have a texture on them, you will have to match it before painting. Some textures can be matched with some drywall mud or Spackle and a putty knife. Others have to be sprayed on, so if you have one of those textures you buy a small can of texture at a home center or hardware store.
  • An option after Step 2 is to use short drywall screws above and/or below the nails. This will ensure that the nails don't resurface. If you do this, be sure that the drywall screws dimple but don't break the drywall paper surface.
  • There are other spackles besides "Dap Fast 'N Final Lightweight Spackling", however this dries quick, and sands & paints easily. Can be picked up at Walmart, Home Depot, or any hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Nail punch
  • Dap Fast' N Final Lightweight Spackling
  • Small Spackle blade
  • sandpaper
  • Touch up paint

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