How To Repair Holes In Plasterboard, by Deco Bliss on YouTube. 1 min 54 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 54 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Lay a dust sheet under the wall and check behind the hole for cables or pipes. Switch off the power at the consumer unit if the hole sits near a socket or light switch.
Cut away loose, crumbly plasterboard around the edge with a sharp knife until you reach sound board. Scrape off proud paper or bumps so the repair sits flat.
For holes up to about 50mm across, press filler into the hole with the filling knife. Leave it slightly proud of the wall and let it set.
For bigger holes, stick a self-adhesive mesh patch over the opening, or cut a plasterboard offcut slightly smaller than the hole and bed it in filler.
Apply the first filler coat over the patch, pressing it into the mesh. Scrape it level and leave it to dry fully, usually a couple of hours or overnight.
Add a second coat slightly wider than the first and feather the edges out beyond the repair. Let it harden.
Sand the dry filler with medium paper, then fine paper, until it feels flush with the wall. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth.
Seal the bare filler with a coat of watered-down emulsion, let it dry, then paint over the patch to match the wall.
Tips and common mistakes
Build the filler in thin layers rather than one thick lump, which shrinks and cracks as it dries.
Feather each coat wider than the hole so you cannot see a ridge once the wall is painted.
Do not sand until the filler is fully dry and pale, or you will drag it out of the hole.
Use lightweight filler for small dents and a stronger patching plaster for deep or wide holes.
Questions
What filler should I use on plasterboard?
A ready-mixed lightweight filler is easiest for small holes and dents. For larger or deeper repairs, use a patching plaster or a two-part filler that sets harder.
Can I fill a large hole without a patch?
No, filler alone will sag or fall out of a wide hole. Support it with a self-adhesive mesh patch or a plasterboard offcut before you fill.
How long before I can paint over the repair?
Wait until the last coat is fully dry and sanded, then seal the bare filler with primer or watered-down emulsion. Painting straight onto dry filler can leave a patchy finish.
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.
