Fix Holes and Gaps in Walls

Fixing Holes

Different wall surfaces and different types of damage can require different repair methods. The first difference is in the type of filler you choose; there is a vast range. Small holes, like the ones left after a picture has been moved, simply require a premixed cellulose type filler, just clean any loose material from around the hole first and give sand it to remove any unevenness. Push frayed plasterboard surface paper into the hole with a small blunt tool and the apply in a small amount of filler with a putty knife. Scrape off the excess. Leave a small amount over the hole, as it will shrink as it dries. These types of filler dry in about 30min. Hand sand and dab on a little touch up paint to finish.

Fixing Scrapes

Large shallow blemishes such as scraps and gouges require very fine plaster surface filler or a joint topping compound. Sand the area first then squeeze an amount of the filler onto a scrap of flat board, use a wide putty knife to collect amounts of the filler from the board and apply it over the scrape. These fillers may take a couple of hours to dry before sanding, be sure to use a sanding block when you finish off the job so you don’t hollow out your patch. You should paint larger repairs with a primer/sealer before touching up with your topcoat.

Fixing Gaps

Gaps along joints where the skirting boards or architraves meet walls require movement so a flexible acyclic gap filler is important as it will expand and contract with this movement rather than cracking. These are applied with a caulking gun but are also available in applicator tubes. Push the applicator away from you and run a bead along the gap, this will help force the filler deeper into the gap. As you finish each section clean up the bead by wiping away the excess, the best tool for this job is a basic one, your finger. Clean up any mess with water and wait at least half an hour before painting.

Fixing Cracks

Before filling cracks in masonry it is best to scarp the crack with the tip of a sharp object first to widen it slightly, vacuum out loose dust and slightly dampen it before filling. Apply a flexible filler, wipe away excess with a damp sponge and then tap the surface of the repair with the sponge to add slight texture, this will help disguise the repair once touch up paint is applied.

Fixing Large holes