How to Repair Plaster Walls That Have Pin Holes

If you own a home (or even live in one), it is inevitable that sooner or later, you may want to repair some of your plaster walls, even if the repair is a small pin hole.Small pin holes will develop in our plaster walls when we hang things such as calendars, pictures or notes on our walls. They can even develop when we start to hang something and find that it isn't the ideal place because we didn't hit a stud or found we didn't like the location.Over time, we may decide to move things around and repaint those walls. Then those little pin holes should be covered and repaired.Repairing these pin holes in plaster walls is an easy task.

Things You'll Need

  • Paintable caulk
  • Caulking gun
  • Clean rags
  • Joint tape
  • Water
  • Joint compound
  • Putty knife
  • Sand paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the size of the hole. The size of the hole will actually be the deciding point on how you repair it. If the hole is really small, you may be able to repair it without much work. If the hole is a little bigger, it will require a bit more work and a bit more supplies.

    • 2

      Use a paintable caulk to fill a small hole. Place the tube of caulk into your caulking gun. Squeeze a small amount into the hole. Rub over the hole with a clean rag. Then allow it to dry before painting. If the hole is larger, you will need to do a little bit more work to repair it.

    • 3

      Cut a piece of joint paper tape big enough to cover the hole. Place it over the hole and gauge it--if the piece of tape is sufficient in size, go on the next step, if not, cut the piece to fit or cut another piece all together.

    • 4

      Soak the piece of joint tape in water. The water will help the paper to stick to the wall.

    • 5

      Cover the hole with the tape. Using your hand, gently smooth out any bubbles in the tape.

    • 6

      Apply some joint compound (sometimes called mud) over the paper with a putty knife. Use straight strokes as you apply the compound. Apply it in thin coats and remove any access as you work. Allow the compound to dry.

    • 7

      Lightly sand the area with sand paper. This is best if the sanding is done by hand.

    • 8

      Paint if desired.