Plasterboard HACK | Every DIY'er Should Know, by On The Trowel on YouTube. 11 min 29 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 29 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Lay a dust sheet under the repair and put on a dust mask. Clear the area so you can work safely at the hole.
Use a pencil and straight edge to mark a square or rectangle around the damaged area. Cut back to solid plasterboard so the edges are clean.
Score the marked lines with a utility knife and cut out the damaged section. Remove loose crumbly pieces from the edges.
Cut a plasterboard offcut to fit the hole with a small gap at each edge. Test the fit before you fix it in place.
Fix the offcut into the hole so it sits flush with the surrounding board. Hold it steady while the fixing sets.
Fill the joints and any gaps with jointing compound using a filling knife. Press the compound into the edges and smooth it level.
Leave the compound to dry fully, then apply a second thin coat if the patch is still low. Feather the edges out wider than the patch.
Sand the dried compound smooth and level with the surrounding board. Wipe off the dust before painting or decorating.
Tips and common mistakes
Cut the hole square rather than following the damage, as a straight patch is much easier to fill and hide.
Keep each coat of compound thin and let it dry fully, or it will shrink and crack.
Wear a dust mask when sanding filler, especially in a ceiling repair above your head.
Questions
Can I patch a hole without a plasterboard offcut?
Yes, for small holes you can use a self-adhesive mesh patch covered with jointing compound. Larger holes need a solid backing piece like an offcut.
Do I need to use special plasterboard screws?
Use drywall screws if you are fixing the patch to timber. They have a bugle head that sits flush and will not tear the board.
How long does the filler take to dry?
Most jointing compounds dry in a few hours, but thick fills take longer. Check the tub and wait until the patch is fully hard before sanding.
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.
