DIY & Home

Minor Plaster Repairs

Plaster walls often crack, dent or get knocked, leaving you with an ugly hole. Repairing plaster is an easy DIY fix, here's how Enlarge

Minor Plaster Repairs

Plaster walls often crack, dent or get knocked, leaving you with an ugly hole. Repairing plaster is an easy DIY fix, here's how

Step 1: You will need

  • plastering trowel
  • paint brush
  • fine sandpaper
  • small chisel
  • hammer
  • plaster filler

Step 2: Prep the damage

Use the hammer and chisel to knock away any loose bits of plaster in the hole. Then sweep of the debris and dust with the brush.

Take the paint brush, dip it in water and dampen the hole and surrounding area. Older plaster is very dry and will suck moisture from your filler, causing it to crumble, if you don't.

Step 3: Get filling

Use the trowel to spread the filler over the recess. If the hole is very deep, apply one layer and score the surface with the edge of a trowel to create a gripping surface. Leave it to completely dry, the manufacturers instruction on your filler packet will give you an indication of how long this will take. Only then should you apply the second filler layer and smooth it over so it's flush with the wall.

Step 4: Smooth

Wait for the plaster to harden and then smooth over the plaster with some sandpaper so it is flush with the wall.