Before You Start
For most small and medium wall holes, you need a mesh drywall patch, joint compound, putty knife, sanding sponge, primer, and matching paint.
Clean the damaged area. Cut away loose paper and remove dust so the patch sticks flat.
Apply the drywall patch. Center the patch over the hole with at least one inch of overlap around the damage.
Spread thin compound. Cover the patch and feather the compound beyond the edges so the repair blends into the wall.
Let it dry. Add a second thin coat if the mesh still shows or the repair is not level.
Sand, prime, and paint. Smooth the surface, wipe dust, prime the patched area, then paint.
Common Mistakes
Do not use one thick coat of compound. Thick compound shrinks, cracks, and takes longer to dry. Thin coats are cleaner and easier to sand.