How to Patch a Hole in Plasterboard

Holes in plasterboard happen. Doorknobs, failed fixings, accidents. The good news? They're one of the easier DIY repairs - if you use the right method for the size.

Small Holes (Under 2cm)

Nail Holes and Small Dents

What you need:

• Filler (Polyfilla or similar)
• Filling knife or old credit card
• Fine sandpaper (120 grit)

Method:

1. Clean any loose material from the hole
2. Press filler into the hole with your finger or knife
3. Overfill slightly (it shrinks)
4. Let dry completely (usually 1-2 hours)
5. Sand flush with the wall
6. Touch up paint

Pro tip: For tiny nail holes, toothpaste works in a pinch. But proper filler lasts longer.

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Medium Holes (2-10cm)

The Backing Method

Holes this size need support behind them - there's nothing for the filler to grip onto.

What you need:

• Piece of plasterboard or thin wood
• String or wire
• Filler
• PVA glue
• Filling knife

Method:

1. Cut a piece of plasterboard slightly larger than the hole
2. Drill two small holes in it, thread string through
3. Apply PVA around edges of the backing piece
4. Push through hole at an angle, pull back flat against inside of wall
5. Tie string around a pencil to hold it tight while glue dries
6. Once dry, cut string flush
7. Fill over the patch in thin layers
8. Sand and paint

Self-Adhesive Patches

For holes up to about 10cm, mesh patches are brilliant:

Method:

1. Clean hole edges
2. Stick self-adhesive mesh patch over hole (covers at least 2cm beyond edges)
3. Apply filler over mesh in thin coats
4. Each coat should extend slightly beyond the last
5. Sand smooth once dry
6. Paint

Cost: Mesh patches are about £3-5 for a pack. Worth having in the toolkit.

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Large Holes (Over 10cm)

The California Patch

This is the proper way to repair larger holes invisibly.

What you need:

• New piece of plasterboard (slightly larger than hole)
• Stanley knife
• Jointing tape
• Joint compound or filler
• Sandpaper

Method:

1. Cut new plasterboard piece 3-4cm larger than hole all round
2. Score the back, snap, and peel off the backing - leaving just the front paper and a thin layer of plaster
3. You now have a "patch" with paper wings
4. Clean up hole edges to a neat shape
5. Apply thin layer of filler around hole
6. Press patch in place (plaster part fills hole, paper wings overlap wall)
7. Smooth out, let dry
8. Apply another thin coat over the whole area
9. Sand, repeat if needed
10. Paint

Full Plasterboard Replacement

For really large damage (doorknob through wall, etc.):

Method:

1. Cut damaged area into a neat rectangle
2. Cut back to expose half of the studs on each side
3. Cut new plasterboard to fit
4. Screw to studs
5. Tape and joint the seams
6. Sand and paint

This is where most people call me - it's not difficult but needs some confidence.

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Common Mistakes

Mistake	Why It Fails	Do This Instead
One thick coat	Cracks as it dries	Multiple thin coats
Not sanding between coats	Lumpy finish	Light sand each layer
Painting before fully dry	Paint bubbles	Wait 24 hours minimum
Wrong filler type	Won't adhere	Use proper wall filler
Ignoring texture	Patch looks obvious	Match existing texture

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Matching the Finish

Smooth Walls

Sand with 120 grit, prime, paint. Two coats usually needed.

Textured Walls

Harder to match. Options:

• Stipple with a sponge while filler is wet
• Use textured paint
• Accept it won't be perfect (or call a plasterer)

Artex Ceilings

Don't try to match artex patterns - it's almost impossible. For ceilings, consider having a plasterer skim the whole ceiling smooth.

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When to Call a Pro

DIY is fine for:

• Holes under 15cm
• One or two repairs
• Hidden areas
• You're redecorating anyway

Get help for:

• Multiple large holes
• Load-bearing areas
• You want invisible repairs
• Matching tricky textures

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Products I Recommend

For most jobs: Polyfilla Multi-Purpose For larger patches: Gyproc EasiFill For mesh patches: Any self-adhesive fibreglass mesh

All available at B&Q, Screwfix, or Toolstation in Exeter.

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Hole bigger than you're comfortable with? I patch plasterboard across Exeter - quick, clean, invisible repairs. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.