Fixing 1inch hole surrounded by torn drywall paper using spackle

Question

I am preparing to repaint a wall after trying to patch up way too many holes and dents caused by errant golf balls.

I've gotten most of them to where they're very difficult to see or feel unless you're really trying from up close.

Except there's one hole that I have been unable to fix with just spackle and sanding. It's about ¾in and was surrounded by some torn dry wall paper that I've scraped off so it's smooth at the immediate edges.

1. Is this fixable with just spackle or do I need to cut out that part and replace it? I'm attempting to put some drywall tape in the hole, spackling over it, applying primer, then another coat of spackle, and then sanding. Does this have any chance of success? Or is there a better way?

2. How perfect does the repair need to be before I should apply the paint? For example, should faint outlines, sort of like what you can see in the right side of the picture pre-sanding, be okay?

Update: Came out really well in the end. In retrospect it may have been easier to use joint compound or a different technique better suited for larger holes. But what I did:

1. Stuck a ball of mesh tape in hole
2. Three layers of spackle, the first just to cover the hole and fill in the space left by torn dry wall paper (pictured), the second was to cover it and blend the creases in with surrounding the wall, the third is probably unnecessary if you're skilled at the application and sanding process, but for me, was to fill in some uneven spots
3. Primer
4. Paint

I would also have benefited from a 6-inch putty knife, I was using a 4-inch one and this led to uneven surfaces -> over-sanding -> trying to fix with more spackle / death spiral.

Lastly, if you aren't go to paint over it, a different method is probably preferable.

Second Patch:

End Result, zoomed in, hi contrast:

Answer 1

Your treatment of the torn paper looks good.

You should sand between layers of filler.

Keep adding filler and sanding until you can't feel the patch with your bare fingertips.

That mess on the right needs more filler at the top, but sand it first.

Answer 2

Note: This answer assumed a larger hole than what we apparently have here. I recommend it for patches (exposed gypsum with missing paper) of over 1 inch.

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Joint tape goes over the hole, not in it. The right solution is to skim the hole to fill it, lay tape over the hole so it laps the undamaged drywall, and let that dry. A deep patch may take more than a day. Be sure to apply compound under the entire tape area, but it should be thin so as not to create humps. I recommend paper tape rather than mesh tape. Mesh can be difficult to cover effectively.

After that, skim again to hide the tape and fill the dimple formed as the compound shrinks. Repeat until you have a smooth, widely-tapered repair. There should be very little sanding required.

This type of repair calls for a 6" knife minimum. I'd use a 10" or 12" knife.

How perfect? Perfect. You should not be able to see or feel imperfections. With good technique this is not difficult at all for such a small repair. Press firmly with the knife so it flexes against the wall. Use a circular path to follow the shape of the hole. If done properly the only sanding required is for very tiny bumps and edges. Use long, light strokes to achieve a flat finish. Too much pressure will result in waviness.

Here's a good example of the expected outcome even for your small repair. To finish it to perfection, use a damp cloth to scrub away the extreme outer edge of the compound area, blending it with the paint texture.

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