It happens to homeowners all the time, often when they're moving furniture through the house. A misjudged turn or a bit too much oomph pushing a chest of drawers toward a wall, and just like that, you've put a puka in the drywall.

But repairing a dent or a hole, even one as big as a doorknob, is not too difficult to deal with.

"Most people are reluctant to try these things because they think they need a high degree of skill," said Patricia Hart McMillan, co-author of "Painting for Dummies" and an interior designer for 35 years. "But you don't. You need patience."

The tool list is uncomplicated and relatively inexpensive: A utility knife, joint compound, also known as drywall mud, a broad knife to apply the compound, a sanding block and sandpaper — either 120-grit paper or the nonclogging variety.

If the hole goes through the wall, you'll also need some kind of mesh tape or mesh patch. Some come with an adhesive on the back to simplify the job.

Understand your repair materials, and they'll work for you, McMillan said.

"I think what really skilled crafts people have, besides knowledge, is knowing to let the materials do what they are designed to do," she said. "You really can't go slapping the materials in there."

Once your hole is ready, you should apply thin layers of drywall mud, allowing each layer to thoroughly dry before applying additional coats, if needed.

"You want it nice and dry so you can sand it very smooth," McMillan said. "And you can't cheat. You have to sand."

If it's humid, the mud will take longer to dry, so don't rush in, she said. The drier the mud, the lighter it will appear.

"You can't go in and sand mud that is still wet and then blame the mud if it moves around," she said. "As it dries, the wet look disappears, and you can test it gently with your finger to make sure it is not spongy. If it is dry, it will be hard."

McMillan says anyone can patch a hole as long as they follow the steps, read product directions and know when to be patient.

"If you do it step by step and if you follow the directions, I think it is foolproof," she said. "People should not try to take shortcuts, especially if you are doing it for the first time. You haven't developed your own expertise and you don't know how the materials are going to respond."

1. With a utility knife, cut away any ragged edges around the hole, then scrape or sand off any pieces of loose drywall or peeled paint.

2. If the dent is deep or you have a hole, first stuff some fiberglass mesh tape into the hole to provide a base for the drywall mud, then place the mesh over the hole with the edges overlapping undamaged areas of the wall. If you have the type of patch with an adhesive backing that also seals the hole, simply peel and stick before applying joint compound.

3. Using a broad knife, smoothly apply a 1/4-inch layer of joint compound with a downward stroke. Excess material can be cleaned away with your knife. A thin layer is best because it not only dries fast, but the result will be an easier surface to work with.

4. Repeat Step 3 until the patch is level with the wall, taking care to keep each layer thin.

5. With your sandpaper, preferably on a block, smooth the patch with downward strokes. Once the patch is smooth, sand with a gentle circular motion to blend the edges of the patch with the wall.

6. Wipe surface with a cloth or vacuum it, then prime it before painting.

Source: "Painting for Dummies," (Wiley, $16.99)

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.