Repairing a Drywall Nail Pop

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Nails in drywall can work loose over time, resulting an unsightly bulge or “pop” in a wall or ceiling. To repair a drywall pop:

1. Use a screwdriver and pliers to dig out the nail.
2. Drive a drywall screw into the stud or joist near the hole with the head of the screw just below the surface.
3. Fill the hole and screw head with drywall joint compound.
4. Allow the joint compound to dry, then apply additional coats until the repair is flush with the surface of the drywall.
5. Use sandpaper or a damp sponge to smooth out the repair.
6. Prime and paint the repair.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• How to Repair a Popped Nail in Drywall (video/article)
• How to Repair Damaged Drywall (video)
• How to Repair Small Holes in Drywall (article)
• How to Patch a Hole in Drywall Using a Hot Patch (article/video)

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To repair a drywall pop you must first dig out the loose nail that is causing the bump to begin with, then drive in a drywall screw close by to replace the support. The screw head should be just below the drywall surface.

Next, apply drywall joint compound to fill the hole. When it dries, apply additional thin coats until the voids are gone. Finally, smooth out the repairs to the surrounding surface with a damp sponge or sandpaper.