I recently discovered that the baby gate we use to keep my dog from going downstairs has caused some damage to the wall in my apartment. It's a small area where one of the posts has taken off some of the material. I'm looking for tips on how to fix this damage. I've attached a photo for reference: https://imgur.com/a/m50iJ8k.
1 Answer
To tackle the wall damage, you’ll need a few supplies: some pre-mixed spackle (the color-changing kind works great), a wider putty knife (around 3 inches), and a sanding block with 150 grit. Start by applying the spackle to the damaged area, making sure it goes a little thicker than necessary and overlaps onto the undamaged wall. Once it’s fully dry (give it extra time if you're using the color-changing spackle), sand it down for a smooth finish. If you decide to repaint, it’s usually best to do a whole wall rather than just patching since touch-ups can be noticeable. It’s a small area, so it shouldn’t require too much paint. And if you're worried about your landlord, it never hurts to check in about what's considered normal wear and tear!
Good advice! Just remember that if your wall is plaster, matching the texture perfectly might be a bit tricky.
Absolutely! Just as a tip, don't forget to apply a few coats of primer over the spackle once it's finished.