How To Repair Dent and Gouges in Drywall
Dents and gouges are easily repaired using joint compound or other patching material. Small gouges can usually be repaired without the use of reinforcing mesh tape. Simply applying one or more coats of joint compound will fill and hide most damage.
For dents, simply apply patching compound with a putty knife to create a smooth, even patch. Allow the patch to dry. Because the material may shrink as it dries, additional applications may be necessary to completely hide the damage.
If you apply too much and fill in the surrounding texture, use a damp rag to wipe away the excess. You may wipe away the patch material too, but it is easy to just reapply another coat.
After the compound has dried for at least a couples hours, lightly sand it smooth. Wipe away any dust and apply another coat of joint compound if needed. After the joint compound has thoroughly dried, it can be sanded and painted.