How to Patch a Hole in a Plasterboard Wall

Holes in plasterboard (also called drywall or gypsum board) are among the most common household repairs, whether from a door handle, an old wall plug or a slipped piece of furniture. This guide is for renters and homeowners who want a neat repair that disappears under paint. You will learn how to size up the damage, choose the right method for small, medium and large holes, and sand and paint so the patch blends in. General information, not professional advice: always check for hidden cables and pipes before cutting into a wall.

Size up the damage first

The right repair depends almost entirely on the size of the hole and whether the board around it is still firm. Press gently around the edges. If the board is solid and only the surface is broken, a filler repair will do. If it is soft, crumbling or the paper face is peeling widely, you will need to cut back to sound board and patch.

Also check what kind of wall you have. Tap it: plasterboard on studs or metal frames sounds hollow between the supports, while solid plaster on brick or block sounds dull and hard everywhere. This guide covers hollow plasterboard walls. Solid plaster walls are patched differently, with bonding plaster or a deep filler built up in layers.

Tools and materials

Most of these are cheap and available from any DIY shop. Buy a small tub of ready-mixed lightweight filler for small jobs; it is easier for beginners than powder you mix yourself. For larger repairs, a joint compound or easy-sand filler gives a smoother finish.

Ready-mixed fillers and joint compounds come in different types. Lightweight fillers dry quickly and barely shrink, which makes them ideal for small holes. Joint compound spreads more smoothly over wide areas and sands easily, so it suits mesh and board repairs. Powder fillers you mix with water are cheaper for big jobs and set harder, but they can start to stiffen within minutes, so mix only small amounts at a time. Whatever you choose, read the label for maximum depth per coat and drying times, as these vary between products.

• Flexible filling knife, around 5 cm, and a wider one, around 10 to 15 cm
• Ready-mixed lightweight filler or joint compound
• Self-adhesive fibreglass mesh patches or mesh tape
• Offcut of plasterboard for larger holes (often sold in small sheets)
• Plasterboard saw or sharp utility knife
• Fine sandpaper (around 120 and 180 grit) and a sanding block
• Damp sponge or cloth
• Cable and pipe detector
• Dust sheet, mask and safety glasses
• Primer or mist coat, and matching wall paint