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How to fill large holes in the wall

Just make sure you use the right filler. - by Adam Dovile
  • 09 Sep 2021

Large holes around your home are normal and a fact of life, but they do detract from its overall appearance. The way to fix them, and the products to use, varies according to the situation, but the end result will be a home you’re proud to show off to visitors.

WATCH: How to fix a hole in your plasterboard wall (plus some other handy hints!)

In this particular situation, the wrong plasterboard fixings were used and the weight has ripped them out of the wall. If you've fixed cracks around the home before, larger holes are not much different and are easy to fix – just make sure you use the right filler.

Before

Before

Gather your supplies

• Cornice cement
• Plaster topping compound or SpakFilla
• Undercoat
• Paint to match your wall colour

You’ll also need

  • Sharp utility knife
  • Wide scraper
  • Sandpaper
  • Vacuum
  • Paint roller

Here's how

Step 1

Using a sharp utility knife, cut around holes and remove any loose plaster.

fix hole knife

Step 2

Mix cornice cement according to instructions. Using a wide scraper, fill in wall holes, forcing cement into plaster so it adheres properly. Scrape off cement flush with surface of wall or even slightly below. Let dry.

scrape fix hole

Step 3

Using scraper, do a thin topping coat of plaster compound or SpakFilla. Extend this coat about 50mm from holes and feather edges to wall surface. Leave to dry.

step 3

Step 4

Sand topping coats, starting at edges to blend them, then working your way inwards. Use your fingers to check for smoothness.

sanding

Step 5

Vacuum to remove dust and then, using a roller, undercoat plaster and allow to dry. Using a roller, apply 2 coats of paint in a colour to match your walls, letting it dry between coats.

final step
before after holes

The final result! Remember to apply two coats of paint in a colour to match your walls,

You might also like:

Everything you need to know before you paint the house

How to create a tiled splashback

How to make a mosaic letterbox

  • DIY
  • Renovating
  • Hacks
Adam Dovile
Adam Dovile
You still can’t wipe the smile from the affable chippie who won season 2 of House Rules with his wife Lisa in 2014. They then got married in May 2015, and moved from Melbourne to Sydney to join the Better Homes and Gardens team as their resident builder, it’s fair to say that Adam’s grin isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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