How to Repair a Large Hole in a Plaster Wall

How to Repair a Large Hole in a Plaster Wall

Dealing with a large hole in a plaster wall can be frustrating. It might be from a door that swung open too far or just wear and tear over time. But don’t worry, fixing it doesn’t have to be hard. In this blog, we’ll show you how to repair a hole in a plaster wall, so it can look as good as new.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the tools for the job. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Plaster patching compound
• Spackle or joint compound
• Plasterboard repair kit for extensive damage
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Utility knife
• Paint and primer
• Measuring tape
• Screwdriver
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, dust mask)

Your Guide on How to Fix a Hole in a Plaster Wall

Step 1: Check the Damage

The first thing you need to do is check how big and deep the hole is. The size of the hole will decide how to repair it:

• Small Holes (under 2.5cm): These are easy to fix. Simply clean the hole, apply the plaster or spackle with a putty knife, and smooth it out so it’s level with the wall. Once dry, lightly sand the area and then paint to match the surrounding wall.
• Medium Holes (2.5–5cm): For medium-sized holes, you’ll need a little extra work. First, clean the hole and add mesh or a backing compound to give the patch something to stick to. Once it's in place, fill the hole with plaster or spackle, smooth it out, and let it dry. Then, sand and paint to finish.
• Large Holes (over 5cm): Bigger holes need more work. You’ll need to reinforce the hole with plasterboard before filling.

The following steps will guide you through repairing large holes properly.

Step 2: Prepare the Hole

Preparing the hole correctly is key to making sure your repair lasts. Here’s how:

• Clean the Hole: Get rid of any loose plaster. Use a utility knife or scraper to remove any broken or cracked pieces.
• Remove Dust: Vacuum the hole and the surrounding area to clear out dust. If you skip this, the patch won’t stick properly.
• Create a Clean Edge: Use a utility knife to make the edges of the hole nice and smooth. This helps you patch it more evenly.

Step 3: Reinforce the Hole 

For big holes, you’ll need to reinforce the area before patching:

• Cut a Piece of Plasterboard: Make sure it’s a bit bigger than the hole. Mark it and trim to size.
• Attach the Plasterboard: If the hole touches the studs, screw the plasterboard into them. If there are no studs, you can use drywall anchors to hold it in place.

Step 4: Apply the Patch

Once the hole is reinforced, the next step is to apply the patch:

• Mix the Compound: To use a plaster or joint compound, follow the instructions on the packaging. You want it to be smooth and easy to spread.
• Fill the Hole: Use a putty knife to spread the plaster over the hole. Press the compound into the edges to make sure it sticks. Because the hole is large, apply it in layers, letting each layer dry before applying the next.
• Smooth the Surface: After filling, use the putty knife to smooth the surface. Try to get it as flat as possible to save time on sanding later.

Step 5: Sand the Patch

After the patch dries, usually about 24 hours,  you need to sand it smooth:

• Sand the Surface: Use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth the patch. Sand lightly and evenly until it’s flush with the wall.
• Clean the Dust: Wipe the wall with a cloth to remove any sanding dust. This step is important before painting.

Step 6: Prime and Paint

Now that the hole is patched and smooth, blend it with the rest of the wall:

• Apply Primer: Start by applying primer to the patched area. This helps the paint stick and makes the patch blend in.
• Paint the Wall: Once the primer is dry, paint the wall to match the surrounding area. 

Why Choose Professional Plastering Services?

While fixing a hole in a plaster wall can seem like a simple DIY task, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Here’s why:

• Professionals know exactly how to handle any plaster repair, big or small. They can quickly assess the damage and fix it properly, making sure the results last.
• What might take you hours or even days to do, experienced plasterers in Sydney can complete the job fast, so you can focus on other things.
• If the repair isn’t done right, it could cause more damage later. Professionals make sure the job is done correctly from the start, so you avoid future problems.

Sydney Wide Plastering offers expert wall repairs, making sure your walls look great and stay strong. Our team uses top-quality materials and proven techniques to ensure your repairs last for a long time.

Conclusion

If you're still not sure where to start or feel the job is too much to take on yourself, don’t worry. At Sydney Wide Plastering, we are available to assist with any plaster wall repairs. Our experienced team ensures your walls are fixed properly and look as good as new. Call us today at 0405 847 224 or fill out our online form for a quote.