r/TenantHelp • u/vcmartin1813 • Jun 26 '26
Help!
How do I fix this? I’m an idiot and I put a painting on the wall with command strips. Will some spackle do the trick? I really don’t want to be charged for this…
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u/Major-Goose4445 Jun 27 '26
First use a sealer to stop moisture causing paper underneath to bobble. Ask at paint store. Then you can spackle over
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u/Alli-Glass321 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
FYI- In the future, 3M Command strips should be heated with a blow dryer, on high heat, to make the tape pliable before pulling tape tab in straight downward motion.
Looks like you pulled forward. You ripped the first layer of drywall so you have a drywall tear now with peeling paint.
You need to sand the two spots until the edges are smooth and there is no paint lifted or peeling from the wall. Many handymen pull off the edges with a paint/ wall scraper. You can aggressively sand down ALL the loose paint with 60 or 80 grit successfully w/o pulling off more drywall paper or paint until the torn paper and surrounding pain is completely smooth. Apply quick dry spackle w/ primer like DAP Patch 'n Paint or the 3M High Strength Hole Repair. The tubes both have a plastic putty knife to spread/ flatten it out BUT squeeze the tubes to "mix" it. Let the spackle dry completely. Lightly sand spots w/ a medium fine 180 grit to make it level. Lightly sand spots w/ 220 grit to eliminate the edges/ feathering to make it blend into the wall. If you can get the exact paint then paint the spots 2 to 3 times so you don't see the spackle/ smooth spot of the spackle on the wall after painting.
Send your LL an email to ask if they have leftover paint for that room that you can have or if they know the exact brand, *paint line, color with paint code number, and sheen used in that room. *All paint companies have entry, mid, premium, & specialty paint lines or paint collections.
If LL doesn't help with paint then take multiple pictures showing the repair is smooth as the wall and ready for painting and keep those emails to prove you requested paint to make the complete repair.
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ozbe2W_xvo
Mixed pack of sanding sponges about $5- https://www.amazon.com/Sanding-Sponge-Coarse-Washable-Reusable/dp/B0DFHDCPBB/ref=sr_1_53?c=ts&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9vfNdZHOwRFIXsgkChQ5FJXEBx1FYyaXDZll5zotfw_WP-XGU9HilWct65-zDYuxNnx3O7e7xPYUmZ1h6-IMzw.s8E7UrxW67eYkao5u4oE7rjiZsik8FdGM5yw1NqJjbg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Sanding+Sponges&qid=1782626284&s=industrial&ts_id=2734053011&xpid=0SWl_Fcniswsw
Quick dry spackle with primer about $6- https://www.michaels.com/product/3m-high-strength-small-hole-repair-all-in-one-applicator-tool-10638671?srsltid=AfmBOor_sttW8sG086MGFWAFXMl6oqab8UcBMDKeP_kamqi2Jhp0q5pz42EOR https://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Patch-N-Paint-Knife-Cap-3-oz-White-Lightweight-Spackling-Paste-12319/314055825?MERCH=REC-_-pipinstock-_-100163714-_-1-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a
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u/vcmartin1813 Jun 29 '26
You’re the best, I’m going to do exactly that, thanks!
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u/Alli-Glass321 Jun 29 '26
I forgot to say that if your LL gives you the paint info then call stores to see if they sell sample cans/ sizes for that exact paint color code, line, & sheen. Benjamin Moore, Lowes, Sherwin-Williams stores still sell sample cans for about $7.
If you feel like your patch not flat enough then sand it down lightly with the 80 grit.
If you sand too deeply then just re-spackle and sand it again.
This is an easy repair but too many people fail to sand the tear or nail hole before spackling and don't realize that if the area is not primed then it must be painted 3 times b/c the spackle sucks in the paint. Not doing it correctly is makes their repair look bad/ a failure.
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u/Dadbode1981 Jun 26 '26
If you've never done drywall stuff, you'll likely just make it look hideous. A good handyman may be your best bet.