How to Fix Small Holes in a Wall from Throwing Darts?
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right product for the hole size and material: Spackle compound, taping compound, toothpaste, painter’s putty or caulk, and wood putty are all good options depending on the extent of the damage.
- Make the repair in a few simple steps: Inspect the hole, sand the area, apply the compound with a putty knife, wipe off any excess product, let it dry, sand again, and paint over the repair if desired.
- Use helpful tips and tricks to minimize the appearance of the repair: Fill taped drywall seams, avoid over-sanding and over-spreading the compound, blend the paint over the repair, and minimize the appearance of the repair in the light.
Before You Begin to Fix the Dart Holes in the Wall
If you play darts, especially if you are relatively new to the game, you probably have a fair few holes you need to fix. Before you begin, you will need to make a note of what you will need.
Putty is usually the go to when it comes to filling holes in a wall, and is by far my preferred option. There are alternative methods, some of which are similar to putty, that I will get to in this article. If you don’t have the materials lying around at home, most of what you will need can be picked up easily at a hardware store in your area.
If you use putty, you will need the following:
- Wall putty
- Putty knife
- A spatula
- Sandpaper
- Paint
Spackling Compound
Using wall putty to fill dart holes in the wall is one of the best, quickest and most effective methods of wall repair.
Sparkling compound is among the most common types used by many people that need to fix holes in a wall, as a result of any number of reasons and not just from throwing darts.
There are two types of Spackling Compound:
- Heavy Spackle
- Lightweight Spackle
Obviously the tip of your dart is tiny, so the holes created in the wall are very small as well, albeit you may have a number of them from hitting the wall instead of the dartboard.
When it comes to repairing the dart holes, Lightweight Spackle is an ideal choice because it’s perfect for filling dart tip sized holes in a wall.
Lightweight Spackle for Small Holes
- It is easy to apply and dries quickly.
- Can be used for small holes, cracks, and imperfections in drywall, plaster, and wood surfaces.
- It is easily sanded down after drying to create a smooth surface for painting or leaving as is.
- Its lightweight nature makes it easy to spread, allowing for seamless blending with the surrounding surface.
As I mentioned above, Spackle dries fast. However, it also dries hard, so it will need to be sanded and smoothed off when it has fully dried.
Additionally, always make sure to let the compound dry appropriately before sanding or painting over it.
Drying time may vary depending on humidity levels and the amount needed to fix each small hole.
Alternative Methods for Fixing Small Holes in a Wall from Darts
- Painter’s putty or caulk – Very similar to sparkle putty and will also do a great job of filling dart holes in a wall.
- Taping compound -Taping compound is a water-soluble product similar to putty, however it can be a little more difficult to sand to achieve a completely smooth finish. Which is why I do prefer to use the sparkle compound.
- Toothpaste – While toothpaste is not recommended for a permanent fix, it can serve as a temporary option for small holes in walls.
How To Fix Dart Holes in Doors?
Obviously, it’s not just walls that can see stray darts.
If you hang your board on the back of a door, like so many players do, then the back of the door around your board may start to get all holey looking.
Wood putty is ideal for fixing small holes in doors.
- Wood putty is a specialized product that comes in various shades and can be used on wooden surfaces to fill holes.
- Putty is easy to apply using a putty knife, and once applied, it needs time to dry and set before it can be sanded down and painted over.
- When sanding the surface, care must be taken to avoid over-sanding or spreading the compound too thin or thickly across the door.
- Once painted over, the filled hole should blend seamlessly with the surrounding area.
How to Fix a Small Hole in the Wall from Throwing Darts?
When it comes to filling small holes in a wall, fixing the dart holes is easier than you may think.
- Start by inspecting the area around the hole to ensure there is no further damage.
- Sand and smooth the area to level the surface ready for the compound.
- Apply the compound or putty and wipe off any excess product.
- Let the compound dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once dry, sand the area to level the surface.
- Paint over the repair for a seamless finish.
Fixing the Holes
You first need to inspect the area around the holes for any rough and raised parts to the hole before using anything to fill the holes.
If there are rough parts that are difficult to get rid of, you can scrape them away using your putty knife.
Wiping the area with a damp cloth softens the particles, which also makes them easier to scrape.
Smoothing and sanding the surface before using any type of compound or putty is used, ensures that the filler adheres well to the wall.
- Use sandpaper with 120-150 grit for large drywall repairs and a finer grit of 220 or higher for smaller repairs.
- Use a sanding block or hand sander to ensure even sanding and avoid over-sanding in certain areas.
- Place a handheld vacuum under the area while sandpapering to scoop up the dust and debris created during sanding.
Applying the Spackle Compound
Get your preferred Spackle compound or putty ready and use a putty knife to scoop out enough product to fill the hole completely.
- Clean the area with a clean and dry cloth after sanding the wall
- Select your preferred Spackle or taping compound
- Use a putty knife to scoop out enough product for use
- Apply to the holes in the wall while holding the putty knife at a 45-degree angle
- Ensure that product fills all the holes completely until level with surrounding area
- Smooth excess adhesive off edges using putty knife
- Wipe away any excess compound and let it dry as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Sand lightly once dry using fine grit sand paper until the area is entirely smooth and flush with the rest of the wall.
- Be gentle when sanding near the edges of the patch to prevent damaging undamaged wall areas.
- After completing this step, wipe away any dust or debris remnants from sanding before painting.
How to Protect a Wall from Dart Holes?
To protect your wall from darts, there are several options you can consider.
Use a Dartboard Cabinet or Dartboard Surround
Dartboard cabinets and surrounds are specially designed enclosures that fit around the dart board and provide a protective barrier between the darts and the wall.
They also offer additional storage space for your darts and accessories when not in use.
Use a Dartboard Backboard or Backer
This is typically a thick, durable material such as cork or plywood that is mounted behind the dart board to absorb the impact of the darts and prevent them from damaging the wall.
Use Materials Like Corkboard, Foam, or Thick Fabric
These materials can be cut to size and mounted behind the dart board to provide a cushioning effect and minimize the risk of wall damage.
It’s important to note that the thickness of the foam and density of the protective material you choose will affect its effectiveness.
Use a Heavy-Duty Curtain Behind the Dartboard
This will help prevent the darts from hitting the wall directly and causing damage, and acts as a barrier. Thicker and denser materials will generally provide better protection against dart impacts.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to make sure the protective material extends beyond the dimensions of the dart board to catch any stray shots.
FAQs About How to Fix Small Holes in a Wall from Throwing Darts
What Is the Best Way to Fix Small Dart Holes in Walls and Doors?
The best way to fix small dart holes is by using sparkling compound or taping compound. Apply the compound with a putty knife, wipe off the excess, let it dry, sand the area, and paint over the repair.
Can Wood Putty Be Used to Fix Dart Holes in Doors?
Yes, wood putty is primarily used on unfinished furniture, flooring, and other interior woodwork, and is perfect to be used to fill small holes in doors.
References
https://homedecorbliss.com/fix-dart-holes-in-wall-or-door/
https://medium.com/@ghayyurulamin/how-to-repair-dart-holes-1ccfb97d8235
