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How to patch a hole in the wall

Like a pro.
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Don’t crumble over an old wall that needs a bit of love. With a free afternoon and a few basic supplies, you can repair any holes and render like a pro!

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When you need to fill a large patch in your wall, it might seem daunting but with Adam’s DIY tips, you’ll be filling it in liked a pro, in no time. He’ll take you through the whole process from preparing the surface, filling in the patch and then making sure it’s nice and smooth and ready for painting.

It might sound like a straightforward process, but Adam has some great tips to turn a potentially dodgy job into something that looks professional.

Gather your supplies

Dunlop acrylic render 20kg

You’ll also need

  • Masonry chisel
  • Hammer
  • Old paintbrush
  • Bucket
  • Mixing rotary bit
  • Drill
  • Sponge
  • Float (metal)
  • Hawk
  • Scrap timber
  • Wooden or plastic float

Step 1

how-to-patch-hole-in-wall-step-1
(Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au) (Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au)
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Assess the area for repair, then chisel loose render or brick with chisel and hammer. Remove debris and dust with a dry paintbrush.

Step 2

how-to-patch-hole-in-wall-step-2
(Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au) (Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au)

Add 3.5 litres of water to a bucket and gradually mix bag of render with drill and mixing rotary bit until the consistency is creamy and lump-free.

Step 3

how-to-patch-hole-in-wall-step-3
(Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au) (Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au)
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Wipe down area to patch with damp sponge for a dust-free key for render. With float, immediately load hawk with render mix.

Step 4

how-to-patch-hole-in-wall-step-4A
(Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au) (Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au)
how-to-patch-hole-in-wall-step-4B
(Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au) (Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au)

Apply render to patch with float. Spread evenly over patch until filled. With the straight edge of scrap timber, scrape away excess render until surface is flush with surrounding wall.

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Allow to partly cure for 10-30 minutes so the consistency is firm but flexible. Cure time depends on temperature, humidity and wall conditions.

Step 5

how-to-patch-hole-in-wall-step-5
(Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au) (Credit: Alan Jensen/ aremediasyndication.com.au)

Smooth and polish render with wooden or plastic float, and blend with surrounding wall. Use a sponge to smooth render flat, and dab for a sandy or coarse effect. Allow render to dry thoroughly before applying your choice of decorative finish.

Safety notes

When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing.

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Project notes

Mixed render can be used for indoor and outdoor projects, on bricks and concrete. It is workable for around 1 hour (less time in hot and dry conditions). Apply render for cracks up to 10mm deep, and apply 2 coats, if required.

You might also like:

How to patch a hole in the wall from a door handle

How to fill large holes in plasterboard

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