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How to patch plaster

A person applying filler to a plaster wall with a spatula

Overview

Learn how to patch a hole in a hard plaster wall. We'll show you how to prepare the area, patch it up, and apply sealer so that the wall is ready to paint.

Steps

1Prepare the area

In this example the hole hasn't gone back to brick so we can patch the white set with some topping compound. If it did go all the way back to brick we would need to put a cement mix in there, let that dry, then cover it over with the topping compound. To prepare the area rough up the surface using a sanding block and remove any excess dust with a paintbrush.

A person hand sanding a hole in a plaster wall

2Apply the topping compound

Mix up the topping compound until it is like thick toothpaste. Apply it to the wall using the hawk and spatula. Put it on thickly to fill the hole, then scrape it back. 

A person applying filler to a plaster wall with a spatula

3Sand back the topping compound

Once the topping compound is dry, sand back the area, in a circular motion, until it is smooth, even and ready for painting.

A person hand sanding a patch in a plaster wall

4Seal the patch

Use a paintbrush to cover the patch with a sealer. Make sure you wear a respirator mask. Let the sealer dry. The wall is ready for a coat of paint.

A person painting a patched area in a plaster wall

Suggested products

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.