After wreaths and framed artwork come down, what are you left with? Walls and doors with random holes from nails and tacks, the bane of many a real estate broker.
A DIY cotton garland made by our own Justine Hand: See A Winter White Bough.
1. Remove nails gently.
Try first with your hands before getting out a hammer or pliers.
One of our longstanding favorites for hanging light artwork and decorations: black-headed Metal Pushpins from Brookfarm General Store are easy to remove without leaving much of a trace.
2. Assess the damage.
If it’s a pin-size hole on a white wall, you can likely get away with applying a touch of filler or paint with a cotton swab.
An arsenal of tools.
Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista, from DIY Paint: Designer Michaela Scherrer Mixes Her Own Shades of White.
“You don’t want a blob,” Albert says.
3. Even the surface with a damp cloth.
If your compound has shrunk, apply a second coat.
4. Let completely dry and then gently smooth with a fine grit sandpaper.
Artist’s brushes come in handy for delicately painting over filled nail holes.
Photograph by Angus Bremner from A Georgian Townhouse Remodeled for an Artist.
5. Match the paint.
A tiny patch can be covered up with paint that’s the same color and finish as the wall.
A larger patch often requires a bit more finessing because wall colors weather and age over time: Consider adding a bit of colored tint, such as burnt umber or dark beige blended into the original (bring a sample, if possible, or a photo and your paint store will help).
Plug the hole and then camouflage it.
6. Tackle nail holes on wooden doors and paneled walls much the same way.
Tacked in place, a rope of bells from Kid-Friendly DIY Projects. Go to Palette & Paints for more ideas and advice, including.