How to Patch Dents and Door-Knob Gouges in Drywall

A dent or gouge in the face of drywall is filled flush with a flexible putty knife. It fits a stable local depression with sound board around it and no hole through.

What you need

Model 02100Black & Silver® 1-1/2” Flexible Putty Knife/Scraper $7.17 each$4.88 each at 100 or more
Model 02250Black & Silver® 2” Flexible Putty Knife/Trowel (Stainless Steel) $7.79 each$5.30 each at 100 or more
Model 01150Black & Silver® 2” Flexible Putty Knife, SS $17.24 each$11.72 each at 100 or more
Model 061081-1/2" Flexible Pro Stainless Putty Knife $8.82 each$6.00 each at 100 or more
Model 062222" Flexible Pro Project Putty Knife $6.44 each$4.38 each at 100 or more
Model 062282" Flexible Pro Stainless Putty Knife $9.41 each$6.40 each at 100 or more

repair compound approved for the board and finish
primer or sealer
topcoat

Steps

Look at the damage in ordinary and raking light. Confirm it is a stable dent or gouge with sound board around it and no hole through.
Check for loose board, dampness, soft paper or core, and nearby joints or corners. If any show, stop and reclassify the repair.
Protect the surrounding surfaces. Prepare only the layers the repair material's instructions call for.
Mix or dispense the repair compound exactly as directed. Add no water, paint or other material.
Take a controlled amount for one placement and press it into the depression, keeping the defect visible.
While the material is workable, skim off the excess in one steady pass, leaving enough in the low spot. Use the surrounding wall as your guide.
Feather the edge toward the wall with lighter passes, keeping the filled center. Stop on a clean wet shape.
Let it cure, sand only as the compound's instructions allow, then prime and paint with the products named for the repair.

Tips

Check the dry repair in raking light. A sink, pinhole or ridge needs the specified correction, not more wet material.
If the center pulls out when you strike, check the surface, material, support and knife. More force is not adhesion.
Two tracks following the knife mean edge damage or dried residue. Clean the knife before reworking.
The 1-1/2 in. and 2 in. knives are the starting point. Choose other widths by the size of the work area.

Watch out

Old texture, patching compound and paint can contain asbestos or lead. Do not scrape or sand an unidentified layer.
Stop if the dent changes, the board flexes, a crack runs from it, or the area is damp or stained. Fix the cause first.
A hole through the board, lifted tape, a corner injury or plaster is a different repair. Do not fill it as a dent.

Questions about the right tool for your job? Email cs@hydestore.com or call 508-916-6442.