How to Repair Holes in Ceiling

Clear away any loose ceiling material around the hole with your fingers. Remove any damp or crumbling drywall around the hole. Wipe away any debris around the hole with a rag. Allow the ceiling to dry completely before continuing to the next step.

Cut a piece of pegboard with a saw so that its length is slightly longer than the hole. The pegboard width should be slightly smaller than that of the hole so it will slide through the ceiling. You will slide the pegboard through the hole in the ceiling and then rest over the top of the hole.

Thread a piece of wire or string through two of the holes in middle of the pegboard. Tie the loose ends to the string or wire together so that it forms a loop.

Coat one side of the pegboard with drywall compound. Use your putty knife to spread a thick but even coat along the entire side of the board.

Slide the pegboard through the hole in the ceiling. The drywall compound side should be facing down towards you. Center pegboard over the hole as best you can, then pull down hard on the string so the pegboard sticks firmly to the topside of the ceiling.

Allow the drywall compound to dry for several hours. Cut the string or wire attached to the pegboard. Pull the string or wire through the pegboard. Apply drywall compound where the holes from the string were. Allow to dry.

Apply another coat of drywall compound to the pegboard with your putty knife and allow to dry. Repeat this process until the drywall compound is flush with the surface of the ceiling. Allow the final coat to dry for one full day before sanding away any excess. Paint the area to match the rest of the ceiling.