TikTok Is Calling This Simplified Way To Fix A Hole In The Wall The 'Landlord Special'
There is nothing wrong with using DIY methods to fix minor problems around the home. However, when you perform these projects on your own, it is ideal to actually fix the problem instead of just masking it, which could lead to more issues later. In a viral TikTok posted by Decorators Forum UK, which has already racked up over 25 million views, they share a not-so-professional way of repairing a hole in your wall. The 20-second video explains that to "fix" a decent-sized hole in the wall, you should first start by rolling some paint over it, then place a regular sheet of white 8 ½ by 11-inch paper over the gap, and finally, roll the paint right over the top of the paper.
This method is excellent for hiding the gouge; however, it doesn't fix the problem — as many commenters were quick to point out. "This has to be a joke," one commenter wrote, while others referred to the lazy patch job as a "landlord special." Although in the post's caption, the account owner did admit that "it isn't the perfect fix," it is still alarming that they followed that up with "I know that this is fine on most jobs." While the post was obviously meant as a joke, it's a joke that conjures nightmares for those who are unlucky enough to be living in a unit owned by an apathetic landlord who's fond of DIY repairs.
These DIY fixes are unfortunately all too common for renters
You're not alone if you're amazed by the paper cover-up job used by @decoratorsforumuk in their now-viral TikTok video. This baffling fix comes with plenty of flaws and left many commenters saying it resembles the "landlord special." If you're a renter, you may have a landlord horror story detailing an amateurish renovation (often involving cheap white paint) that does little other than mask a problem while ensuring a unit is ready to rent as soon as possible.
There are plenty of groan-worthy stories online showcasing "landlord specials," including botched paint jobs that completely cover fuse boxes, locks, or even window sills, rendering them nearly impossible to open. Or poorly hung doors that are sawed down to fit — a far cheaper option than buying a new door. Not to mention the almost criminal use of duct tape to fix leaky pipes. Although it is the landlord's legal responsibility to ensure that a space is kept safe and up to code, it seems that some would rather save money than do the job right. Of course, landlords lose money whenever a property is vacant (they still have to pay the mortgage, after all), so these rush jobs remain a popular option, even if the example used in the viral post is more than just a little extreme.
How to fix a hole in your wall the right way
If you're looking for a real solution to your hole-in-the-wall problem, you can get the job done right in several ways. For instance, you can fix small nail holes with a filling agent purchased from your local hardware store. Simply squeeze the compound into the hole, then scrape off the excess with a flat plastic or metal putty knife.
For larger holes, you can use a Presto Patch, a circular piece of drywall attached to slim drywall tape (via Mercury Stardust). If the hole in your wall is a little smaller than that of the drywall on the patch, then you can measure the circumference of the patch and cut the hole to the same measurement. Then add a small amount of drywall compound to the hole and place the patch on. Cover with more drywall compound, then smooth it out. If you don't have this handy product, you can cut some spare drywall, create a DIY patch to whatever size you require, and affix it to your wall using drywall tape. If the final surface is too smooth and doesn't match the rest of the wall, spray on some wall texture spray before adding a final coat of paint.