How to Fill a Nail Hole

If you have just moved a picture from one area of the wall to another, you will have to cover the old nail hole. Here’s how to do it.

Finished Wood

Step 1 – Drive a Nail into the Wall

With the hammer, drive a nail into the wall. Make sure the nail is sunk below the surface of the wall. You will have to use a nail set to do this. Use the hammer to hit the nail set that is placed on top of the nail to make sure the nail gets below the surface.

Step 2 – Apply the Wax Pencil

Apply the wax pencil to the nail hole. Take the cloth and wipe away the excess wax.

Unfinished Wood

Step 1 – Drive a Nail into the Wall

Drive a nail into the wall. As with the finished wood, you will have to use a nail set to drive the nail below the surface. Follow the process described above.

Step 2 – Apply the Putty

Make sure the color of the putty matches the wall. Use the putty knife to apply the putty to the nail hole; then level the putty with the knife. Let the putty dry completely.

Step 3 – Sand the Putty

Gently sand the putty until it is smooth.