The Best Wall Repair Kit

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray
Published on
February 25th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the ASD (Advanced Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician),
WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), and bio hazard cleanup, as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning dates all the way back to keeping his rugby gear tidy while a young lad. Ben holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a mountain of hands on experience at the school of hard knocks.

The Cleaning Institute

Walls are prone to becoming scuffed up and dented over time when moving furniture throughout the home or due to animals or small children that are present. As the largest surface area in buildings, blemishes and imperfections are bound to develop when spending time in each room. The quality of the walls influences the value and overall appeal of the setting, which makes it necessary to maintain the surface and repair any damage that occurs. Wall repair kits are an affordable way to repair damage without hiring a professional.

Wall repair kits are effective in reversing the damage and restoring the quality of drywall, stucco, wood, or paint. We tested the best wall repair kits in the industry to find the top products that delivered the most impressive results and were the easiest to apply. With our years of experience in the industry, we know how to evaluate each product to determine how well it works. Our top pick is the 3M Patch Plus Primer Kit with 8 fl. oz Patch Plus Primer, which delivers an elegant and smooth finish as a product that is manufactured in the U.S. It can repair small holes or cracks and only takes 30 minutes to dry. The Duck Brand Self-Adhesive Drywall Repair Fabric is our honorable mention because it’s self-adhesive and can be repositionable, which makes it ideal to use for difficult jobs. The product proves to be strong, fast, and easy to use, which is ideal for beginners. The Duck Brand Self-Adhesive Drywall Repair Fabric is 100 percent fiberglass mesh and doesn’t require a joint-compound to be applied beforehand.

Testing Categories

With the use of a few testing categories, we were capable of evaluating each product to narrow down the top options when restoring different types of wall surfaces. Our categories include application, durability, and odor when evaluating the overall quality and value of each wall repair kit as we narrowed down our choices.

Application: The application and the ease of use of the wall repair kits were examined when determining how easy the products were to apply when spackling and repainting the affected area. We evaluated the tools that were included in the kit and the texture of the formula.

Durability: The durability of the wall repair kits was a necessary category to include to determine the quality of the results and how long the formula lasted once the wall was repaired. We took a close look at how well the material or fabric blended in with the wall on the affected area and if the end result looked flawless.

Odor: Due to the chemicals that are often used in wall repair kits, we considered the odor that may be present once the product was applied. We checked to see if a strong odor was left behind and if it overpowered the room, which may require wearing protective gear or a mask.

Top Pick

3M Patch Plus Primer Kit
with 8 fl. oz
Patch Plus Primer

The 3M Patch Plus Primer Kit delivers an elegant and smooth finish. It’s manufactured in the U.S. and can be used for damaging surfaces, repairing cracks, and patching holes.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The 3M Patch Plus wall repair kit is ideal to use on stucco, drywall, wood, and plaster, which makes it versatile in different areas of the building. It can also be used to repair walls. The patch is easy to blend and can be cut in any size. The elegant and smooth finish that it delivers allows it to have a high quality that erases any of the damage. The product is simple and straightforward to use but is ideal for moderate damage without requiring too many products or tools used. Respackling the surface area is necessary to achieve the desired results after sanding the wall down. A little bit of the putty also goes a long way, which allows the product to be used multiple times with its long shelf life. The putty continues to stay soft and easy to apply when exposed to air. The kit is manufactured in the U.S. It’s considered to be a spackling compound and primer in one that is easy to use for those who don’t have experience with repairing walls due to its simple application process. The results prove that the repair is invisible once the paint is applied. It includes a 30-minute dry time that is based on ½ inch diameter hole by ½ inch deep, which allows users to enjoy a quick and seamless process that can all be done in a day. Priming is also not a required step during the process.

Biggest downsides: The putty knife is average and has a cheaper quality. It’s large size makes it difficult to use in hard-to-reach or small areas. The drying time for the spackle also takes longer than advertised and can require several hours compared to 30 minutes. A real rubber or wooden sanding block will prove to be more useful than the sandpaper sponge that is included in the kit.

Honorable Mention

Duck Brand
Self-Adhesive
Drywall Repair Fabric

The Duck Brand Self-Adhesive Drywall Repair Fabric includes 100% fiberglass mesh and is self-adhesive and can be repositioned. It offers a quick process for repairing holes and cracks in drywall.

Price Check

Most notable upside: A single roll is included in the wall repair kit with a compound that is smooth like butter and is easy to work with while repairing the drywall. In the package is a roll measuring 6’’x 25’ of product. This is a good amount of product and will be able to tackle many DIY projects. A wet hand can be used when smoothing out the texture that is applied, which prevents the need to perform not as much sanding throughout the process while still delivering high-quality results. The simplicity of how the wall repair kit works makes it easy to use without a lot of skill or any experience required. The formula also sticks better compared to similar products on the market and allows the consumer to save money instead of paying for professional drywall services. The mesh material is easy to cut out with scissors to create a custom patch for the hole that is to be patched, even on larger surfaces.

Biggest downsides: The kit may not work as well as joint tape that can be used. The mesh material can also increase the risk of tearing once it’s under the plaster due to its thin texture. On some surfaces, it can be difficult to stick well to the wall and can require more putty than necessary. It is not as self-adhesive as it’s advertised and can be difficult to cover with putty on areas where it sticks to the wall.

Green Pick

soto
PAINT
TOUCH UP

The soto PAINT TOUCH UP is versatile for interior use with touch-ups and repairs. A broad range of white color shades is available, which can be used on different types of surfaces in the home.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The soto PAINT TOUCH UP is ideal to use on scuffs, nicks, chips, and scratches without having to apply multiple coats to reverse the damage. It has a high level of versatility and can be used on shutters, interior doors, paneling, windows, trim and molding, decor, indoor furniture, decor, and cabinets. The product has an ultra low odor and is solvent-free, which makes it safe to use for those who are sensitive to chemicals. It has zero VOC and is safe to use around children and pets. The formula is easy and quick to apply and dries in less than one hour. Consumers can even request a free color chart before purchasing the product to ensure that it matches their interior setting. It works as a whiteout for all imperfections and goes on smoothly.

Biggest downsides: The bottle may be dried with a solid mass at the bottom of the bottle when it arrives, along with a damaged brush. It’s also prone to developing clumps or becoming too watery over time. The paint may also scrape off easily after it dries and does not last long-term with covering up imperfections on the walls. The bottle is also very small and doesn’t allow for many surfaces to be covered when performing touch-ups despite its price.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Wall Cleaning

Patching a wall can leave behind a mess due to the putty that is used. The surface around the hole should be sanded down to create an even surface that isn’t raised and blends in well. Wipe off any dust that is left behind with the use of a clean rag that is wet to ensure that it acts as a magnet for the dust and leaves behind a flawless finish. Cleaning the dust will prevent it from circulating in the room, which can be hazardous if residents breathe it in while spending time in the setting. You’ll also need to sweep the floor to collect any dust that was sanded off of the wall.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Wall repair kits should be stored in a dry setting that is room temperature to preserve the putty and prevent it from becoming solid. The putty should be properly sealed to prevent it from drying out. Consider placing it in an air-tight container or bag to increase its shelf life. Keep the product away from other types of chemicals. The kit should be kept out of reach from children and animals due to the harmful chemicals that it contains, which can be hazardous. Consider storing it on a top shelf in a cabinet to ensure that it’s out of reach.

The Best Wall Repair Kit

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

3M Patch Plus Primer Kit
with 8 fl. oz
Patch Plus Primer

Duck Brand
Self-Adhesive
Drywall Repair Fabric

soto
PAINT
TOUCH UP

All Our Picks

3M Patch Plus Primer Kit
with 8 fl. oz
Patch Plus Primer

Duck Brand
Self-Adhesive
Drywall Repair Fabric

soto
PAINT
TOUCH UP

Tips for Effective Wall Cleaning

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Best Wall Repair Kit

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

3M Patch Plus Primer Kit with 8 fl. ozPatch Plus Primer

Duck Brand Self-AdhesiveDrywall Repair Fabric

soto PAINTTOUCH UP

All Our Picks

3M Patch Plus Primer Kit with 8 fl. ozPatch Plus Primer

Duck Brand Self-AdhesiveDrywall Repair Fabric

soto PAINTTOUCH UP

Tips for Effective Wall Cleaning

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

3M Patch Plus Primer Kit
with 8 fl. oz
Patch Plus Primer

Duck Brand
Self-Adhesive
Drywall Repair Fabric

soto
PAINT
TOUCH UP

3M Patch Plus Primer Kit
with 8 fl. oz
Patch Plus Primer

Duck Brand
Self-Adhesive
Drywall Repair Fabric

soto
PAINT
TOUCH UP