I could easily write a blog series on how to use walls to infuriate your spouse... use oversized nails (okay, spikes) to hang items on your wall; move the items hanging on your wall abnormally frequently, etc.—but you probably don’t need help with that. After all, isn't the main purpose of a wall to provide a canvas for creative expression? 

So instead, here’s a helpful blog with 5 tips on how to cover up your wall “experimentation” with easy wall repairs. Whether you’re moving and need to cover some small nail holes QUICK or you’ve been tapping into your creative side and tapping in a bunch of nails — or, (gulp), dreaded wall anchors—this blog is for you.

1. If you're in a pinch, grab a tube of white toothpaste:
   This is a good trick for very small holes when you don’t have another alternative on hand. Simply place a little bit on your fingertip (white paste only, not gel) and rub over the hole to fill it in. If you have painted walls that aren’t white, once it dries just touch up with a small brush using your matching paint color.
   
   TIP:
   Try to always have a small amount of the paints you’ve used in your home handy, so touch-up jobs are quick and easy.
   
   

2. For a DIY nail hole filler, combine toothpaste, baking soda and water into a paste:
   Adding the baking soda and water to toothpaste will allow you to have a bit thicker product. This can do the trick not only for tiny nail holes but also for bigger holes left from a larger nail, screw or anchor. Mix your paste thick enough to fill in the hole, apply it with a putty knife and wipe away the extra. Once dry, smooth it with fine sandpaper and touch up with paint, as needed.
   
   

3. For small to medium holes, purchase nail hole filler:
   Sold ready-made in your favorite home improvement store, usually wherever they have drywall repair kits, etc. Simply squeeze out a small amount on your finger and apply to fill the hole. Let dry, sand down and paint, as needed.
   
   

4. For larger areas, use drywall compound or putty:
   Also found where they sell all things drywall. Use a putty knife to fill the area that needs repair. Follow directions for drying time, sand down lightly to smooth and then touch up with paint. I prefer filler that goes on the wall pink or purple and turns white to indicate when it’s dry enough to be sanded.
   
   TIP:
   Don’t apply too much compound or putty per application or it won’t dry well underneath, and you’ll end up with a mess that pulls off good drywall because it got wet and broke down. For bigger repairs, plan on multiple coats with light sanding in between until the area is smooth again.
   
   

5. Have a big gaping hole? Pick up a drywall patch kit:
   For even bigger repairs like a bedroom doorknob that put a hole in the wall behind the door (Thanks, Uncle Jim!), then this will be your best bet. Also available in your home repair store in the (you guessed it) drywall area. Simply choose the kit with a patch bigger than the area you’re repairing and follow the manufacturer’s directions for a top-quality result. Once everything is dry and sanded, follow up with your touch-up paint.

So whether your wall repairs are the result of an accident or self-inflicted (i.e., grabbing a “railroad spike” when a regular nail or hangar can’t be easily found), you now have some techniques to fix your walls and prevent having to fix your relations with perturbed family members or roommates.

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?