Temporary Wall Fixes for Renters: Patch, Paint, and Impress the Agent

April 8, 2025

How to Fix Temporary Wall Damage Like a Pro – And Stay on the Agent’s Good Side

So you’ve come to the end of your lease, and your walls are... well, let’s just say “a little worse for wear.” Blu Tack marks, picture hook holes, scuffed corners, or maybe a mysterious dent that “was totally there when we moved in” (wink wink). Sound familiar?

Look, whether you’re renting your first flat, wrangling toddlers with sticky fingers, or downsizing into a quiet little unit with plenty of projects on the go—scratched or marked walls happen. But here’s the good news: with a bit of know-how, a handful of tools, and a trip to your local hardware mate (hello Strathalbyn H Hardware 🙌), you can get those walls looking smooth again before inspection day.

1. Start With a Close Look—Not Everything Needs Repainting

Before you panic and start planning a full repaint, get up close and personal with the damage. A lot of those little blemishes aren’t as tragic as they look. Marks from furniture or fingerprints? Try a sugar soap solution and a soft cloth. Sometimes a good wipe down is all it takes. Trust me, you’ll be amazed what a bit of elbow grease can do.

2. Filling Small Holes—No Tradie Needed

Those tiny holes from picture hooks, screws, or wall anchors? You can handle these like a legend.

What you’ll need: A tube of wall filler or spackling paste, a filling knife, and a damp cloth.
How to fix it: Clean the spot, squeeze a bit of filler into the hole, and smooth it over with your knife. Wipe off any extra while it's still wet.

Once it’s dry (usually in an hour or so), lightly sand it back using fine-grit sandpaper until the patch is flush with the wall. Job done!

3. Those Bigger Oopsies? Time to Patch and Sand

If your wall’s taken a bit more of a hit—a dent or larger cracks—you’ll want to use a patch repair kit. These come with a flexible patch material that you can stick over the damaged area. Once that’s on, just smooth filler over it, let it dry, then sand it down. It’s a few more steps, sure, but totally doable with the right tools and a good playlist blasting.

4. Painting Touch-Ups—Fair Wear and Tear Won’t Cut It

Real talk: landlords love a fresh wall. If the damage was your doing (oops), patch up and paint over like a boss. The trick is matching the paint. If you’re lucky, your landlord has left behind the exact colour and brand. If not, pop into Strathalbyn H Hardware with a sample or a photo under natural light. We’ll help you find the closest shade—and we can tint it for you on the spot.

Pro tip: Use a blending technique rather than painting big chunky patches. Feather the edges with a small roller to help it disappear into the rest of the wall.

5. Covering Job Done? Here’s How to Impress at Inspection Time

You’ve patched, painted and puffed the cushions just so. Now for the finishing touch:

Hit high-traffic areas (like hallways or near light switches) with a magic eraser or touch-up paint
Straighten skirting boards and give them a clean too—they help frame the walls
Check for missed dings by walking through the place in natural light

And don’t forget to take before-and-after photos—proof of your hard work, and your wall-fixing wizardry.

The Magic is in the Tools (and the Advice You Get)

You don’t need fancy gear or years of experience to fix minor wall damage. You just need a bit of DIY confidence, reliable gear, and the kind of advice that doesn’t come in a YouTube video. That’s why popping into a helpful local place like Strathalbyn H Hardware can make all the difference. Our team has helped hundreds of renters, homeowners, and serial renovators patch up their walls—or plan entire makeovers.

If you’re diving into repairs or lining up more projects, we’ve got the gear you need—and the tips to make it stress-free. From wall repair kits to sanding blocks, paintbrushes to custom tints, our shelves are full of exactly what renters are after when bond day is near. And if you're not sure where to start, just ask. We’re pretty good at this stuff 😊

Happy patching, friend—and good luck impressing that agent!

Cheers,
Candeece