Identify the damage type: small hole, medium hole, large hole, cracks, water damage, or loose/bulging drywall
Gather materials and tools: joint compound (spackle/patch compound), drywall patch or backing, drywall screws, utility knife, tape measure, sanding block/sandpaper (120–220 grit), putty knife, feathering knife, level, drywall saw, primer, paint, caulk (if needed), dust mask and safety glasses
For small holes (up to about 1/2 inch): clean debris, lightly roughen edges, apply spackle with a putty knife, let dry fully, sand smooth, spot-prime, paint
For small dents/imperfections: scrape loose material, apply thin layers of spackle, let dry, sand smooth, spot-prime, paint
For medium holes (about 1/2 to 3 inches): cut a clean square/rectangle opening, install a backing (wood/metal) behind the edges, screw backing to studs if possible, fit a drywall patch, screw patch in place, apply joint compound over seams, embed joint tape if seams require it, build layers, let dry, sand smooth, prime, paint
For large holes (over about 3 inches): cut out to sound drywall with straight edges, install framing/backing between studs or use a drywall patch with proper backing, attach patch with drywall screws, tape seams, apply multiple thin compound coats, let each coat dry, sand between coats, prime, paint
For cracks: remove any loose paint or compound, widen slightly if needed for a better bond, apply joint compound over crack, embed tape if crack is wider or likely to move, feather edges with thin coats, sand smooth, prime, paint
For bubbling or peeling from moisture: stop water source, cut away all soft/bulging drywall to solid material, dry area fully, replace missing sections or patch, prime with stain-blocking primer if needed, apply compound in layers, sand, prime, paint
For drywall that won’t hold screws (crumbly edges): remove loose material, install a new backing (furring strip/metal bracket) or use a drywall repair anchor, reattach patch/board with screws, compound, sand, prime, paint
For loose drywall edges or seams: press drywall back into place, secure with drywall screws spaced along the seam, apply joint compound over seam, embed tape, apply additional coats, sand smooth, prime, paint
Sanding and finishing: sand until edges blend seamlessly, wipe dust off, apply primer to patched/compounded areas, apply paint matching existing sheen and color
Drying and coats: allow each layer to dry completely before sanding or adding the next coat
Cleanup: remove dust, dispose of debris properly, clean tools with water (for water-based compounds) or according to product directions