Need help with dry walls

izafar

Due to a very unreasonable increase in the APT Rent, I have decided to move another one (which is cheaper and better then my current one!). The issue is I have many holes in the walls where I placed screws for hanging speakers, photo frames etc. I wanna know is there a way I can fix those holes so that they are not noticable when I move out. I simply dont wanna pay $10 per hole as damage charges.

Any help from the DIY guys will be appreciated.

Thanks

dorokusai

DAP makes some great spackling, it is pink when applied to the holes, and dries white. That way you know its good to go. Use a plastic or metal putty knife.

Management usually means large holes, not picture holes. I always spackle everything, just so they have no excuse. As long as you spackle, and then perhaps some light sanding with a cheap sandpaper sponge, you should be fine. That is more than most people do anyways. They are going to repaint anyhow.

Good luck in the new apartment.

tryrrthg

They make some putty that you can fill in the holes. Just go to home depot or I got mine at Wal Mart. works like a charm. if you really want to keep it cheap I've been told white toothpaste will work too, it just won't get hard.

hoosier21

holes from hanging pictures and such should fall under normal use/wear or whatever, and should not bring any charges (unless your landlord is a total ****) For these holes go to Home Depot, that have a hole filler that comes in a squeeze tube, and is marked "no sanding" or something like that.

how big are your holes from the screws? if they are larger than say a pencil, you will need to get Lightweight Spackling Compound and fil in the hole with a putty knife, if you are good you can apply it and not even have to sand.

Good Luck

burdette

Go to Lowe's or HD or wherever and get some ... well.. there will be several different products that will work, but "spackling" is sort of the generic name. Here are examples:

http://www.gesealants.com/sealants/residential/portfolio/other/gespackling.shtml

http://doityourself.com/store/spackling.htm

The procedure will depend on the size of the holes. If they're large holes, don't try to fill it all at once out to the surface of the wall.. you'll have to fill it some, let it dry, do it again. Some of the products are pretty gooey and they'll 'bulge' out and down, so again, don't try to fill all at once. Some products are drier. You'll just have to experiment with whatever you buy.

If the walls are textured, i.e. bumpy, you can try to match the texture my mixing something into the final coat of spackle. You could use a little sand or some tiny pieces of shredded styrofoam.. again.. you'll have to try things out. Don't glop it on or you'll end up with as big an eyesore as the hole. The point is to have the final, dried, layer of spackle at the same 'level' as the rest of the wall.

If they are REALLY big holes, i.e. 'damage'.. you may have to patch the wall. I think the second link above includes some patch kits. Go to a good store and ask them ... some of those people really do know what they're talking about.

As for paint... a bit of a shot in the dark. If you have basically white or offwhite walls, you can probably buy an off the shelf pint of half pint and touch up. Pay attention to sheen.. you don't want to paint, for example, gloss over flat or the filled holes will REALLY stand out.

If you're really confused, post some pics.

EDIT: I agree with the others (those posts weren't up when I started), don't do more than is necessary. But.. I've experienced both types of landlords.. some understand normal wear and tear.. some, care more and will get'cha if they can.

izafar

Thanks guys for the helpfull tips. I will visit Homedepot and check these items out. The idea of squeeze tube sounds good and I will try to get one. My holes are mostly caused by 1/4" thick screws, but there are many as I have tried various scpeaker placements:D

I do have one big hole which was cuased by runnig a pretty fat cable for dish. That holes runs through the wall and I have to completely fill it.

faster100

large holes, very large... spray foam then spackle.. otherwise spackle, tube smube... take your finger or putty knife and push it in to the holes. they know you have holes and don't usually want a fit and finish, they just don't want to walk in the door and see what looks like bullet holes all through the house..

I have moved stuff several times through the 4+ years we have lived here, i go back and spackle after each move/change.. so i don't have to make up for lost time when/if we move..

TroyD

for small holes, and if you are only worried about getting your deposit back, believe it or not, you can use plain white toothpaste as spackle. It doesn't last forever but it works in a pinch to get your deposit back.

BDT

Tour2ma

Great minds... etc.

As soon as I read the post I thought "toothpaste"... as a plus it leaves the room minty fresh...

izafar

OK, will do a toothpaste test tonight, and if it has better results then I will use it couple of days before moving.

Thanks.