How to Fix Dart Holes in Wall – Easy & Quick DIY Tips to Fix Dart Holes
You can expect to make a few mistakes when playing darts at home. Your dart will land in your wall or door. Perhaps you just moved into a house with dart holes. There are many ways to fix dart holes in walls. Wood putty or wall putty is the best and easiest way to repair dart holes. Similar to other DIY projects, there are quick fixes that can be applied for temporary problems. However, detailed procedures are available here. To know details continue reading.
How to fix dart holes in wall
It’s great fun to have a dartboard. The game of darts can be enjoyed with friends or professionally. Unfortunately, your wall may not think it’s so great. Your dartboard will eventually suffer if it doesn’t have a solid backing. We’re going to show you how to fix dart holes in wall.
Check out: How to improve darts accuracy
Get your materials
You will need to know a few things to fill dart holes with this method:
- You will need either spackle or wall putty (both are fine) to fill in the gaps.
- If you intend to paint the entire wall, you will need to purchase paint.
- Sandpaper, spackle knife, tarps, and a good paintbrush are also required for fixing your wall.
Many options are depending on your goals and what coverage you need.
Prepare the Area
You should first lay down sheets or tarps to prevent spackle, paint, and other debris from getting everywhere. Preparing the area is essential before you start putting spackle in the dart holes. Spackle shouldn’t be applied to spots with loose or broken pieces.
Any spackle that has been applied to the drywall will also be ruined by this debris. To remove all debris and smoothen things out, you can use sandpaper. Then, you can use compressed air to blow out any debris.
Spackle
Now you can fill the holes with your spackle or putty knife. Apply small amounts of spackle to the holes. Too much will cause a mess. You can push the spackle as far as you want with the putty knife. Fill the gaps completely. Use the putty knife again to scrape any spackle off the wall. It may take up to 24 hours to dry, depending on what product you use and the temperature and humidity.
Smooth it out and paint
Once the spackle has dried, the dart holes have been filled, and you can finish the wall. To remove any bumps that may have been caused by the spackle, use fine-grit sandpaper. After everything has been smoothed, you can get your paintbrush and begin to paint the wall. It is best to use the same paint color and type as before. It will take some effort to make the repair spot look like the rest of your wall. If you have the time and desire the best results, you should paint the entire wall. Now all you need to do is let the paint dry.
Other ways to fix dart holes in the wall
Use white bar soap
While it is temporary, filling dart holes in walls with bar soap works well enough. You can also paint the spots after you have used the soap shavings.
Use the soap
Simply rub the soap bar across the holes until it is fully absorbed. To remove any soap residue, use a dry cloth. You will need to dry the cloth or rag before you can wash the soap. It will be acceptable to temporarily fill in holes too, for example, cover them up if your landlord comes by.
Paint it
You can make this quick fix permanent by painting over the soap with the same color paint as your walls. The protective layer will form when the paint dries on the soap. It can last for several years if you continue to paint the soap.
Toothpaste
This method may sound a little shaky, but many people prefer to fill small holes in walls using toothpaste. Toothpaste is a temporary solution that can be used to temporarily fix problems. However, it can dry quite hard. To add extra protection, you can paint toothpaste over it once it has dried.
Gather your materials
You will need some toothpaste in plain white, a putty knife, and a rag. A paintbrush and paint are optional.
Apply the toothpaste
Use your putty knife or a little toothpaste to make the holes. To remove excess toothpaste, wipe it off with a dry cloth. Let the toothpaste dry. You can paint the toothpaste over once it is dry.
Use Paint
Okay, while the above spackling technique is the best, it requires a lot more materials and a complete renovation. This is a lot of work. This method involves plastering paint into small holes on your wall if you have only a few dart holes. This is a surface treatment. This method works best in very shallow holes.
Prepare the area
You will need a plastic tarp, fine-grit sandpaper, and a paintbrush to complete the task. It is essential to use the same color and paint on your walls as you do on your floor. Otherwise, it will look very odd.
To prevent your floor from getting dirtier:
- Lay down the tarp.
- Smoothen the area you are working on with the sandpaper.
- Get rid of any paint chips.
- Do not apply new paint to old paint.
Old paint can cause flaking and lead to flaking of the paint.
Let the paint dry before you apply it
After the surface is prepared, you can apply your paint to it. First, the color should fill in any holes in it that are thick enough. Then, you can fill those holes with a toothpick or another similar tool. Remember that paint shrinks as it dries, so you might need to apply multiple coats to fill in the gaps. Nevertheless, this is a quick fix that works, even though it may seem a bit tedious.
Tips and tricks to fix dart holes in wall
These tips and tricks will help you to fix dart holes in the wall with the best results.
- Always clean the area before you leave. Permanently remove any old paint or other debris.
- When filling holes, make sure everything is dehydrated.
- Make sure you have enough ventilation to dry putties, paints, toothpaste, and other items quickly.
- Avoid direct sunlight if possible. Sunlight can cause paint to dry too fast and crack when it dries.
- After you have repaired the holes, install some kind of backing to prevent it from happening again.
Check out: How high is a regulation dartboard hang
How to protect your wall when playing darts
Use a dartboard cabinet
The benefits of a good dartboard cabinet are apparent. This cabinet is a must-have for any art enthusiast. Its neatness, its ability to stay on the wall, and the relaxed bar vibe it creates. You can also use it for other purposes when you’re not playing. Although a dartboard cabinet will not provide complete wall protection, it is still aesthetically pleasing and professional-looking. No matter what size they say, it does matter. There are many sizes of dartboard cabinets. The bigger the cabinet, it will provide more protection. You should always be aware of the dimensions. A dartboard cabinet will not protect your wall fully. It will not cover the entire wall and expose parts of the wall below and above the cabinet. These are the most common places that darts tend to go. A dartboard cabinet may not be enough protection for beginners with inconsistent or wayward goals. You can combine the dartboard cabinets with other options if that is the case.
Use a dartboard backboard
A dartboard backboard can protect your walls and dart tips from getting all messy. Dartboard backboard are a great idea. A foam ring is placed around your dartboard to provide additional protection. It is usually easy to mount and remove. A stray dart from the ground will only hit the foam. It will not land on the floor, as the foam will trap it. It is essential to consider the thickness of the foam – typically, 1 inch is ideal. Some dartboard backboards are as thick as 0.5 inches, but they are uncomfortable because darts can sometimes get through them like butter. Consider these factors when choosing a backboard for your dartboard. First, make sure you check the size. They come in many sizes. You can get more protection by choosing the larger sizes. You will be making sacrifices. However, it is a good idea to choose thicker backboards because this will make them heavier. Read a details guide on how to build dartboard backboard.
Insulation with polystyrene
Polystyrene foam can also be used as wall insulation. In addition, these thick polystyrene foams are great for protecting against stray darts. You might have some insulation leftover from recent home repairs. You can use it behind your dartboard to add protection and even prevent darts from hitting the ground. It won’t look great, but it will do its job.
Cardboard
While cardboard is not the best option for wall safety, it can be a good alternative. Many of us have cardboard boxes around, and it’s time to make a difference! Double down on the dartboard and place a few layers behind it. A single layer will not be enough to stop darts from hitting your wall. You can. In one swift motion, you will damage your walls, dart tips, and cardboard.
Old Doors
Any door you have lying around can be used, provided it isn’t used for another purpose. Old cabinet doors can also be used in the same manner. Even though it would be a risk to your old door, your walls will still be intact. An old door will provide more protection. Cabinets can sometimes be used as portable dartboard cabinets.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating to have tiny holes in your wall caused by stray darts. However, it is easy to fix dart holes in wall. Even if you’re not the handiest person around the house, it should be easy to patch up holes with wall or wood putty. In addition, you can keep darts out of your home by putting up protection to stop darts from hitting the walls.
