How to patch a plaster wall - Bunnings Warehouse, by Bunnings Warehouse on YouTube. 2 min 7 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 7 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Clear the area and lay a drop sheet. Scrape out any loose plaster or paper around the hole with a 50mm scraper, then wipe the edges clean so the filler can grip.
For holes up to about 50mm across, press a self-adhesive fibreglass mesh patch over the hole and smooth it flat against the wall.
Load a 75mm broad knife with patching compound and spread it across the patch. Press it into the mesh and feather the edges level with the surrounding wall.
Let the first coat dry completely, usually 1 to 4 hours or as the tub says, then apply a second slightly wider coat to blend the repair into the wall.
When the filler is hard, sand it with 120-grit paper on a block using light circular passes until the patch sits flush. Wear a dust mask.
Wipe the dust off with a damp cloth and let the wall dry fully before you paint.
Coat the patch with a sealer or undercoat so the filler does not soak up paint unevenly and leave a dull spot.
Paint over the repair with a small roller and matching wall paint, feathering into the surrounding wall. A second coat may be needed once the first is dry.
Tips and common mistakes
Build the filler in thin coats; one thick layer shrinks, cracks and takes much longer to dry.
Sand with a block rather than your fingers so the patch stays flat and you do not dish the wall.
For holes wider than about 75mm, cut a square plasterboard patch and tape the joints instead of relying on a mesh patch.
Check the filler is bone dry before sanding or painting, or the surface will drag and peel.
Questions
What kind of filler should I use for a plasterboard hole?
A ready-mixed interior patching compound or lightweight filler works well for small holes. Use a setting compound for deeper repairs that need to harden quickly.
How long before I can paint the patch?
Wait until the filler is completely dry and sanded. Thin coats of lightweight filler may dry in 1 to 2 hours, while thicker coats can take overnight.
Can I patch straight over old paint?
Yes, as long as the paint is sound and clean. Dull any glossy paint with light sanding and wipe off the dust so the filler bonds properly.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
