Q and A Interiors

Dear Q/ A- I have a hole in my wall from my son throwing a book at his little sister. What is the best repair method?
Signed
"I need a hole in my wall like a hole in my head."

Dear Holes in places-
I first and foremost recommend removing all books from little arms length-actually anything heavy enough for a child to pick up that could inflict real damage to anything.

Then if you opt for the super easy method; Hang a picture over the hole. If you don't have anything that matches the room you can go buy a piece- YAY! Shopping spree. Although a "good" designer wouldn't suggest this misleading patch-up method, I have seen many a clever "camouflage-the-fight" pictorial arrangements (children aren't the only ones who throw things when they get upset).
Another option is to have your son (or you to release some aggression) throw more books around the room and create wall texture/art. The random dents will always be a conversation starter.
If you wanting to fix the hole in a seamless manner- and I'm assuming it's not TOO massive. (how big a dent could your son have made?) I have some good news for you, it's fairly easy. :)

You will need:
Newspaper
joint compound
putty knife
sandpaper
touch up paint

Step 1- Crinkle up newspaper (allow children to play with newspaper during this time- perhaps making hats or planes) and stuff it in the hole- unless the hole is shallow or on top of a wall stud, then continue to step 2.

Step 2- Use putty knife to fill in the hole with joint compound. You don't really HAVE to use a putty knife- I usually use my fingers, although it may make it harder for some to accomplish the next motion which is: Smooth down patch. Fill compound up and over the hole. When it dries it shrinks and hardens in a nice white blob.


Step 3- The next day when it's dry, or when you get around to it again- use the sandpaper and move in circular motions to smooth the patched area. If you are soft and steady your hole will blend in with the rest of the wall , making it almost impossible to know your son ever had a tantrum. *Be careful when you're sanding- it's easy to sand too much and then you have to repeat step 2 which takes time and we all have more fun things to do than reapply joint compound. That is why I suggest using circular methods- it's easy to get carried away if you are just sanding with no rhyme or reason.

Step 4- Once sanding is finished, paint the area with primer and allow it to dry thoroughly- this can be a pain especially if you are like me, and don't like being tied down waiting on anything let alone for nothing more than PAINT TO DRY. But- this leaves opportunity for you to multi-task. YAY. Read a book, eat a cookie, do something while you are waiting.

Step 5- Once primer is dry repaint the area with your desired color, or choose to use this opportunity to repaint your entire room a new color, hang wall paper, and make whatever changes you feel are needed.

So that's it. You're done! If only keeping brother and sister happy were this easy.