How to Use Pushpins Without Damaging Walls
By Design Ideas - Fun, functional & affordable home & office ... | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use pushpins safely on walls and corkboards. Discover tips for choosing wall-friendly pushpins and avoiding holes or marks.
Quick answer
Use pushpins only on soft surfaces like cork or fabric boards. For painted walls, choose removable adhesive hooks or washi tape instead.
Why pushpins can damage walls
Standard pushpins leave small holes in drywall and painted surfaces. Repeated use can chip paint or create visible marks. Even lightweight pins can cause damage if the wall is soft or the pin is pushed too deep.
When pushpins are safe to use
Pushpins work well on cork bulletin boards, fabric-covered boards, and foam boards. They are also fine on soft wood or particle board if you don't mind tiny holes. Avoid using them on wallpaper, plaster, or thin paneling.
How to use pushpins without damaging walls
- 1. Choose the right surface: Only use pushpins on cork, fabric, or foam boards. Avoid drywall, plaster, and wallpaper. Common mistake: pressing a pushpin into drywall. It will leave a hole every time.
- 2. Select wall-friendly pushpins: Look for pushpins with broad heads or plastic bodies that distribute pressure. BusyBee™ or Sedona™ pushpins are good options. Checkpoint: if the pin has a very thin metal head, it may sink deeper and cause more damage.
- 3. Insert at a slight angle: Push the pin in at a 45-degree angle instead of straight in. This reduces the depth of penetration and makes removal easier. Common mistake: pushing straight in. This creates a deeper hole and can crack paint.
- 4. Don't push all the way in: Leave the head slightly above the surface. This makes removal simpler and reduces the chance of tearing the board. Checkpoint: if the head is flush with the surface, you've pushed too far.
- 5. Remove gently and fill holes if needed: Pull straight out with steady pressure. If you do leave a small hole, fill it with a dab of spackle or a toothpaste dot. Common mistake: twisting or yanking the pin out. This can enlarge the hole or chip the paint.
Pushpin options for your board
- BusyBee™ pushpins (set of 6): BusyBee™ pushpins have plastic bodies and wings with metal stingers. The metal tip is sharp enough for cork or fabric but the plastic body is lightweight, reducing the risk of deep gouges.
BusyBee™ pushpins (set of 6) - Sedona™ pushpins (set of 6): Sedona™ pushpins are cactus-shaped and come in a set of 6. Their unique shape makes them easy to grip, so you can control insertion depth and avoid pushing too hard.
Sedona™ pushpins (set of 6) - Fleet™ battleship pushpins (gray: set of 6): Fleet™ battleship pushpins are designed like battleships in gray. The broad base distributes pressure evenly, which helps prevent the pin from sinking too deep into soft boards.
