How To Fix A Hole In The Wall: Step By Step Guide

Key Takeaways:

• Select the right filler: Use ultra-lightweight products for small dents and flexible compounds for areas prone to movement.
• Prioritise prep: Always remove loose debris or frayed plasterboard paper before you start filling.
• Build thin layers: Apply your filler in multiple light coats rather than one thick layer to prevent shrinking.
• Seal with primer: Priming is essential to stop the filler from absorbing your topcoat and creating a dull spot.

Fixing a hole in your wall starts with choosing the right technique for the size of the damage. A tiny puncture from a picture hook only requires a quick dab of filler. However, a larger impact hole in your plasterboard may require a block and a mesh patch and several thin layers to ensure the repair disappears. If you focus on the preparation stage, your wall will stay perfectly smooth and won’t show “flashing” once your new paint dries.

What Tools And Materials Do You Need To Patch A Hole In The Wall?

You will achieve a much cleaner result by gathering the right supplies before you begin. Aside from a flexible filling blade and sandpaper, your most important asset is the filler itself. Since different types of wall damage react differently to drying times, we recommend choosing a product designed for the specific scale of your repair.

Quick Selection Guide

Once you have your materials, confirm your wall type. Most modern Australian homes use plasterboard (often called Gyprock). You can test this by tapping the surface. A hollow sound indicates plasterboard. If it feels rock-hard and sounds solid, you are likely dealing with masonry or older lath and plaster. While these steps are designed for plasterboard, they work effectively for small chips on almost any internal surface.

How Do You Fix Small Nail And Screw Holes?

These are the common “tenant” holes left behind after removing wall art or shelving.

1. Clean the area: Wipe away any dust or loose paint. Use a utility knife to carefully trim any raised “burrs” so the surface is flat.
2. Fill the void: Press your filler firmly into the hole. If you want to fix the wall fast, a shrink-free product like Soudal Pro Gaps Light Speed Filler lets you paint almost immediately. Use your blade to swipe the filler flush with the wall.
3. Sand and paint: Once the Soudal Pro GapsLight Speed filler is dry, sand it lightly with a fine-grit pad. Apply a spot of primer followed by your matching topcoat. If you are using the Soudal Pro Gaps Fill & Paint, Quick Dry or Exterior filler’s, then lightly sand being careful to avoid ‘pilling’ across the surface. ‘Pilling’ needs to be removed before painting otherwise it will affect the finished surface.  

How Do You Patch A Hole In The Wall (Medium Dents)?

Dents from door handles or furniture bumps often fail because DIYers try to use one heavy, thick coat of filler.

1. Clear the edges: Remove any flaking paint or loose plaster. Filler needs a solid surface to bond to.
2. Apply the first coat: Use Soudal Pro Gaps Light Speed Filler to bridge the dent. Press it in and spread it slightly beyond the perimeter of the damage.
3. Feather the edges: Hold your blade at a shallow angle and sweep outward. This thins the filler at the edges so you don’t end up with a visible “hump” on your wall.
4. Second coat: If the product shrinks slightly as it sets, apply a final thin “skim” coat before your final sand. If you are using the Soudal Pro Gaps Fill & Paint, Quick Dry or Exterior filler’s these are far more difficult to get a high quality finish on a flat surface. It is not really feasible to do a final skim coat with these products, and you also need to consider the effect of ‘pilling’ on the final surface.  

How Do You Repair Large Holes In Plasterboard Properly?

If the hole is larger than a $2 coin, filler alone will eventually sag or crack. You need to provide structural support for the repair.

1. Square the hole: Use a utility knife to cut the damaged section into a neat rectangle.
2. Apply a patch: Place an adhesive mesh patch over the gap. This provides a “skeleton” for the filler to grip.
3. Layer and blend: Apply your first layer of Soudal Pro Gaps Light Speed through the mesh. Once dry, sand lightly and apply a second, wider layer. The secret is to blend the filler so far out into the wall that the eye cannot find the transition.
4. Finish: Sand the area until it is perfectly smooth. If the wall paint is old, you may need to paint the entire wall section from corner to corner to hide the patch.

For more details on finding the right product for your renovation, browse our full Pro Gaps range. 

How Do You Get A Professional Finish?

The hallmark of a professional repair is the sanding. Always sand much wider than the actual hole. This creates a very gradual slope that becomes invisible once painted.

If you are dealing with a crack where the wall meets a window frame or skirting board, avoid using a rigid filler. These areas move as the house breathes. Instead, use a paintable acrylic sealant like Acryl Paintable Sealant. You can find more targeted solutions in our range of Soudal Sealants, or if you’re ready to buy, find your nearest Soudal stockist to finish your job.

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