Drywall Repair FAQs: How to Hide Holiday Guest Mishaps Like a Pro

The holidays are great for hosting—but not so great for your walls. Extra guests, crowded rooms, moved furniture, and the occasional mishap can leave behind dents, holes, and damaged drywall. By the time decorations come down, many homeowners in Janesville notice their walls didn’t escape the season unscathed.

At Tuescher Painting & Drywall Repair, we handle post-holiday drywall repairs every year. Below are answers to the most common drywall repair questions—along with professional insight on when DIY works and when it doesn’t.

What Are the Most Common Holiday-Related Drywall Issues?

After the holidays, we typically see:

• Nail and anchor holes from temporary décor
• Dents from furniture and door impacts
• Corner bead damage from heavy foot traffic
• Scrapes and gouges from moving decorations or storage bins

Most of this damage is cosmetic—but left untreated, it shows.

Can Small Nail Holes Be Fixed Without Replacing Drywall?

Yes—if done correctly.

For small nail or screw holes:

• Remove loose material around the hole
• Apply lightweight spackling or joint compound
• Smooth with a putty knife
• Lightly sand once dry
• Spot prime before painting

Skipping primer is the most common mistake. Without it, the patch will flash through the paint.

How Do You Fix Dents and Dings?

Shallow dents can usually be repaired without cutting into the wall.

• Lightly sand the area to remove raised edges
• Apply joint compound in thin layers
• Feather the edges to blend with the wall surface
• Sand between coats for a smooth finish

Rushing this process leads to visible patches—especially under natural light.

What About Larger Holes From Door Handles or Furniture?

Holes larger than a few inches require reinforcement.

Proper repair involves:

• Installing a backing support inside the wall
• Cutting a clean patch piece
• Securing and taping seams
• Applying multiple coats of compound
• Sanding for a seamless blend

These repairs are easy to spot when done incorrectly.

Why Do Patches Show Through After Painting?

Even well-filled holes can become visible if:

• The area wasn’t properly feathered
• Texture wasn’t matched
• Primer was skipped
• The wrong paint sheen was used

Drywall repair is as much about finishing as it is about filling.

Should Drywall Repairs Be Done Before Painting?

Always.

Painting over damaged drywall only highlights imperfections. Professional drywall repair ensures smooth surfaces so paint looks clean, even, and intentional—not patched.

When Is It Time to Call a Professional?

DIY works for small fixes—but professional repair is the better choice when:

• Damage is clustered or extensive
• Corners or ceilings are involved
• Texture needs to be matched
• You want a flawless, paint-ready finish

At Tuescher Painting & Drywall Repair, we specialize in making drywall damage disappear—not just covering it up.

Clean Walls After a Busy Season

Holiday memories should last longer than drywall damage. Whether it’s a few nail holes or noticeable dents, proper repair restores your walls and prepares your home for a fresh start.

Tuescher Painting & Drywall Repair proudly serves Janesville homeowners with professional drywall repair and painting services that look right—because details matter.