How To Repair Plaster After A Pipe Has Burst

Step 1: Cover Furniture And Carpets

Cover furniture and carpets, and keep windows and doors fully open to ensure good ventilation during the application and drying processes.

Step 2: Prepare

Simply brush out any loose particles and touch in nails and screw heads with oil based paint. Ensure all wiring is insulated.

Step 3: Fill

Now that you're ready to fill, use Plaster Repair Polyfilla - ready mixed plaster on holes up to 2 inches deep. If your hole is deeper, create several layers, waiting for the filler to dry between each one.

Step 4: Apply Product

Stir the product to a smooth consistency and then apply with a filling knife, trowel or float, with upward sweeping strokes. Maintain a firm, even pressure.

Step 5: Smooth

Gently smooth off with a clean, wet float cleaning and wetting the float between strokes.

Alternatively use a length of straight wooden batten, drawing it gently across the surface, wetting as required.

Step 6: Re-Wet And Polish

Once the surface is firm but before it dries hard, re-wet and polish with a clean float for a good finish.

Step 7: Dry

Allow to dry for at least 24 hours or several days for deeper repairs.

Step 8: Apply Finishing Skim

To achieve a perfectly smooth finish, now apply Finishing Skim with a paint brush using upward strokes.

Step 9: Smooth

Smooth over using the free spreader moving in an upward curve, maintaining firm, even pressure. Don't worry about small irregularities or 'tramlines'.

Step 10: Dry

Allow to dry for 2 to 3 hours until the surface appears matt. Now, use the spreader to achieve a flat smooth finish, rewetting the surface if necessary.

Allow to dry for 24 hours.


If painting, prime before applying emulsion or if papering, seal absorbent surfaces first.