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Make it Your DIY toolkit
How to repair
A BIG HOLE
This is for a hole up to 120mm. You’ll need a plasterboard panel, plaster repair compound, joint tape, 120-grit abrasive paper and a paint scraper or broadknife (or use a kit like the Gyprock 1.5kg DIY Rapid Repair Kit, which includes all of this). You’ll also need a utility knife and a wallboard saw. While you can spot-patch over the repair with same-colour wall paint, it’s better to refresh the entire wall.
Gyprock ‘Rapid Repair Kit’ DIY plaster repair kit, $27.71/1.5kg, I/N: 0730662
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Make a filler piece from a small section of plasterboard, marking it to slightly larger than the hole. Score along the marks with a utility knife, using another panel as a straight edge. Hold it with both hands to snap the edges. Centre the filler piece over the hole and mark around it with a pen.
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Apply compound around the front face of a backing piece, position it through the cavity, with the face against the wall to cover about a third of the cavity, push from the back and hold it onto the wall for 30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining backing piece, leaving to dry for at least an hour.
Check there is no obstructing plumbing or wiring. Use a wallboard saw to cut diagonally into the corners. Score around the mark with a utility knife and push the excess into wall. Trim the edges – hold the knife with the handle angled slightly out so the blade leaves a bevelled edge, allowing for more plaster.
Apply compound over the filler piece, then position it to cover the backing pieces, wiping away excess. Leave to dry for an hour. Tip: Keep the lid on the container between applications to prevent the mixture from drying out. Be prepared to discard it and mix a fresh batch if it hardens.
Watch it! For more tips, see our video: bunnings.com.au/fix-a-holein-a-plaster-wall
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Roll over the repaired area with same-colour wall paint and leave it to touch-dry, then paint the entire wall and leave to dry completely.
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From a second section of plasterboard, score and snap two backing pieces the width of the cavity and double the height. Add one cup of powdered compound and 150ml water to a lidded container and mix with a paint scraper or broadknife to a creamy consistency.
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Centre tape around the edges of the cavity, then use the broadknife to apply compound over the tape, overlapping onto the wall. Leave to dry for an hour. Smooth with 120-grit abrasive paper and a sanding block, wipe away dust and repeat. HANDY TIP Plasterboard is a sheet material made by sandwiching gypsum plaster between sheets of thick lining paper. To cut through, carefully use a utility knife to score one side. Use both hands to snap the plaster, then run the knife along the crease to cut the back
Poly 50mm paint scraper, $7.29, I/N: 0073971
Paint Partner 270mm paint roller kit, $7.30, I/N: 1560133
Stanley 150mm cushion grip wallboard saw, $19.50, I/N: 5713864
Dulux paint sample pot in Vivid White, $5.50/100ml, I/N: 1420596 Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.