How to Remove Nail Pops in Drywall Walls

Simple Instructions for Removing Nail Pops from Drywall

By Mark J. Donovan




As a home ages and settles, and the wood framing dries out the occasional drywall nail has the tendency to work its way to the surface of the drywall. This is referred to as a nail pop.

Nail pops are easy to remove and require just a couple of basic tools and a little drywall joint compound.

To begin with use a hammer and simply pound the nail back into the drywall.

This should require only one or two solid strokes of the hammer and should create a light dimple in the drywall.

Next, pound into the drywall another drywall nail that is near the original offending nail. Near, meaning within a ½” of the original nail. Alternatively you can use a drywall screw.

Now, using a small amount of all-purpose joint compound and a 2” putty knife, fill in the dimple caused by the hammer. Carefully smooth over the dimple with the putty knife.

Let the joint compound dry, lightly sand, and finally touch up the wall with a little paint.

If the joint compound shrunk or the area is still not to your satisfaction, then use a 3” or 4” wide drywall knife and add a thin skim coat over the nail area.

When applying this second coat of drywall flare out the joint compound over the nail area.

How to Repair a Large Drywall Hole EBook

Again, let the joint compound dry and then lightly sand. Finally touch it up with some paint and it should be as good as new.


For information on repairing a large drywall hole, see the “How to Repair a Large Drywall Hole” Ebook from HomeAdditionPlus.com.  The “How to Repair a Large Drywall Hole” Ebook provides step-by-step instructions on how to repair your damaged wall so that it looks as good as new.

See HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Drywall Calculator

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