How to patch a hole in a wall

At some time, particularly if you’ve got kids, you’re going to have to deal with a hole in a plaster wall. So here’s how to fill a small to medium hole with no mess and no fuss.

You will need:

• For large jobs – Selleys Spakfilla Rapid
• For small jobs – Selleys Spakfilla One Shot
• Putty knife & flexible filler blade
• Fiberglass mesh
• Fine sandpaper
• Clean wipe cloths
• Drop sheet

Step 1 – Clean

Put your drop sheet down to catch any mess. Using your filler blade or putty knife clean up the edges of the hole making them as smooth as possible. You may want to use sandpaper to finish it off – The cleaner the edges of the hole, the better the filler will stick. Then wipe over the area with a clean cloth to remove any dust.

Step 2 – Prepare

For any hole bigger than 1cm in diameter with a cavity behind it, you’ll need adhesive fibreglass mesh. Cut some pieces to length and place them firmly over the hole allowing 2-3cms around the edge, overlapping the mesh in the middle of the hole.

Step 3 – Cover

Apply Selleys Spakfilla Rapid using the spatula provided. Gently push some Spakfilla through the holes in the mesh making sure it covers completely around the sides of the hole. Using a putty knife or a flexible filler blade, take the Spakfilla across the area in multiple directions. Once the hole is covered, use a single downward stroke to remove any excess. Leave the Spakfilla to dry for 30 minutes.

Step 4 – Strengthen

Check that it’s hard, then sand it back using fine sandpaper. Move in a circular motion until it’s smooth. Depending on the size of the hole or mesh that’s been exposed when sanding, you may need to repeat this process to ensure the hole is completely filled and has a smooth surface. Dust down and the wall is ready for painting. If you’re using oil-based paints wait for at least 24 hours. For more Mighty Helpful service and advice, speak to the team at your local Mighty Helpful Mitre 10.