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How to Paint Over Molly Bolt Inserts

Molly bolt wall anchor inserts are hammered through a pre-drilled hole in drywall and expand a metal casing -- as its screw is turned clockwise. Once the metal casing is fully flared out, it cannot be removed from the wall - which is a drawback to this particular wall anchor. Undesired molly bolts must be lowered below the surface of the wall, filled-in with spackle -- known as joint compound -- and painted over -- the same method used in any drywall hole patching.

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Putty knife
  • Joint compound
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hammer the molly bolt head slightly below the surface of the drywall.

    • 2

      Spread joint compound over the molly bolt head area, with a putty knife, to fill the slight depression created by hammering.

    • 3

      Allow the joint compound to dry for 10 minutes and spread it flat with the putty knife.

    • 4

      Paint over the freshly filled area, using light brushstrokes and two to three coats, to ensure the color fully adheres to the joint compound.