Mastering Wall Repairs And Hole Filling!

[@6panel300]

As decorator for over 44 years Top tips, when knock ing wall plugs, try to push them just below the surface then you have something to fill to. A filling knife should have a flexible blade and is better if it's not stainless steel. Small holes should be left proud then when rubbed down it will end up flush. For medium sized holes lightweight filler such as "red devil onetime" works best with virtually no shrinkage. New builds in the UK by large housebuilders they tend to be taped and jointed as it's faster and cheaper. With larger patch repairs you can remove the paper from the back of the plasterbaord to help it to be flush especially with a taped and jointed wall.

[@coolmonkey619]

Why not stainless steel

[@pppscooby]

Stainless steel i think is less flexible and the edge tends to chip more easily.

[@coolmonkey619]

@@pppscooby so plastic?

[@coolmonkey619]

@@pppscooby so plastic?

[@pppscooby]

@@coolmonkey619 plastic edge could chip / dent easily too, but tbh just use what works for you.

[@thedj5914]

I use a spray nozzle to spray a little water around and inside the hole for a better bond 👍 if your hole is really dry, the filler will just fall out.

[@AmandaMcgovern-m4j]

I've never felt the need, nor wanted a DAD/Male mentor... till I found YOU 😁SIR👍 THANKYOU SOOOO FROGGEN much🙏 for all your wisdom & knowledge 🤗 from all is Single Mums

[@Handleyman]

Stuart you are an absolute machine. No wonder you’ve got so many subs with all the truly useful videos you post. When one of your videos lands I’m on it! I hope you and your family have a happy and safe Christmas break. And please, have a break!

[@PerformanceSC]

Love it Stuart! One thing I’ve found is that if you put a light coat of emulsion on the area when you think it is nearly finished, the paint helps highlight any potential faults and you can then remedy these, if needed.

[@karisabas]

Or put a light at an angle next to it. The shadow will show the imperfections too

[@alanlowater158]

Hi all, on my integral washing machine door the hole to house the hinge has been cut too big meaning that the hinge pulls out when closing and we have to manually put the door closed, is there a quick way to fix this? I was thinking matchsticks and/or toothpicks and wood glue then trim off, would this work?

[@William-Anderson]

A couple of things I do when filling - push the tip of the tube into the hole where possible and squeeze so the filler gets right to the back of the hole. And wet the filling knife as this helps prevent dragging the filler out when smoothing off. Great video.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

For many years now I’ve used Ronseals wood filler where you add a hardener even on walls/plasterboard. I always overfill and sand as I’ve never found a filler that truly doesn’t shrink . The wood filler is set within 20-30 minutes, sand’s easily is very strong and paints over well. Some people may disagree but it’s always worked for me. Thank you Stuart 👍

[@videostarish]

I check walls for flatness with a torch held almost against the wall, & shining the beam across the filled area, (especially in a darkened room), It shows-up imperfections like the craters on the moon...! ☺️👍

[@isyt1]

Do you find that plastered walls are much flatter than taped/jointed plasterboard?

[@FS-hp9oy]

All your videos are of High quality. Cheers mate !

[@My.Osteopath]

Thankyou so much, you have just completely saved my day!

[@TheMrJBM]

The grit of the sandpaper matters, too. Also, at least in the states, it's important to use some type of primer over the spots to help with any discoloration (mismatch when painting).

[@RiBenjafield]

Found this video very helpful. Thanks Stuart. 👍🙂

[@fredholmes6284]

I personally use the powder but instead of using water i use PVA glue it doesn't crack as easily & gives it added strength 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@seagreenspiral]

You need to use water as it produces the reaction

[@fredholmes6284]

Av done it f years.. PVA gives better than water so less likely t crack..plus there's enough water in the PVA t mix with no problems

[@eCoLL77]

I learned a lot 🙂 Thank you for sharing!

[@TheOldBlackCrow]

Great video! Here in the States, we do a little trick with big holes by removing the back paper and cutting away the outer part of the plaster part of the plaster in the shape of the hole and an inch or so of the front paper. The. No screws are needed and just feather that edge. Thanks for all you do!

[@paulinegraham6839]

Brilliant, that's exactly what I needed to watch, I'm just about to do my living room wall, got a longer curtain rail, so I need to move the fittings ... Thank you 😊 😊

[@patburke5740]

Excellent video, there are many videos covering this topic on KZbin but this one has so many tips and tricks, very useful to any homeowner. You can't beat easifill 60 for this work though.

[@mikethedigitaldoctorjarvis]

I always buy the powder,you can choose the thickness (viscosity) it's a pleasure to mix like cement,and it won't go off like the one in the tube ! as long as it's kept in non damp conditions ! i also live in a house that was built in 1939 so it's a solid brick house,which is a bonus,filling holes are a breeze.😊

[@maxsmith8336]

Thanks Stuart. You have a canny knack of making it fun too

[@pops6638]

I’m a Toupret kind of a guy myself. You can fill deep holes with it, no problem. I highly recommend it.

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Likewise. Ready mix for screw pops, powder for holes and filling.

[@pops6638]

@ I just use the powder, for everything. I’ve had no experience with the exterior Toupret yet. But I have heard good things about that too.

[@isyt1]

Me too. Lost my hair at 25 and have been wearing a toupret ever since

[@dominicdodd9759]

top tip: put a little up arrow on your patch, to ensure oriented correctly with the hole you've drawn around it.

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Good idea. On smaller stuff I just use a hole saw and turn it into a circular plug.

[@andyc972]

Thanks Stuart, my daughter was asking me this only a short while ago so I'll pass this on to show I wasn't talking nonsense ! 🤔 Two things I'd add are, a lot of people swear by the sets of "Filler blades" they are inexpensive ( available in Poundland in the UK ) although I haven't used them myself yet and also if you need a small piece of plaster board keep an eye out for a renovation going on nearby as if you ask nicely most tradesmen will be more than happy to hand you what is to them a useless off-cut, alternatively ask your Dad obviously ! 😉

[@scottvessey915]

Did some of this in the last 48 hours, good to know I’m taking the right approach 👍

[@LS-td3dz]

You can't beat using foam as a backing to the finish coat filler, always works well and dries fast so you can get the job done quicker.

[@BitsnBobs-hk5iy]

Exactly 👍 Also, using foam helps support behind the plasterboard to avoid movement and stop any cracking.

[@Titanuld]

Nice Video Stuart, Great consistency with your quality and delivery. Keep it up.

[@Phil-p4c]

Perfect Sunday morning viewing 👌

[@RB-xg2vz]

The repair filler tubs are great. Every house renovation we do I buy a tub of Siniat Smartmix. Doesn’t seem to shrink much at all, sands down nice. Works on all sized openings and holes.

[@simonbray4113]

In my experience as a decorator I found powdered fillers give a smoother finish when rubbed down.

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Agreed many products, and recommendations are based more around drying time or the lack of primer required, than the quality of the finish.

[@colinwood1337]

I wish I'd known the small hole technique years ago! But for big holes I wouldn't damage the wall further by drilling and screwing, secure the battens with grab adhesive instead, put a temporary screw in the batten to pull it forward against the plasterboard until the adhesive grabs. Then I'd also use adhesive to stick the patch on. Last thing you want is more screws in the wall to drive your stud finder crazy in the future!

[@terrywalker4733]

Thank you Stuart for another interesting and informative video. Hope you and your Family have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

[@MalcolmJames-sg3zg]

Great video. Thanks

[@NoodlesR6]

Thanks for the great video Stuart! Here in South Africa we seldom use plasterboard; labour and bricks are cheaper. Quick tip for filling holes in bricks or cement and sand based plaster: get a little squirty bottle of water and spray a little water in the hole, then the dust doesn't prevent the filler from adhering to the hole.

[@TonyMarfell]

Lots of useful tips and tricks. To the point with no faffing about. Perfect!

[@jah-leah]

4:59 had no idea. Thx

[@daviddoughty8082]

Stuart you produce excellent, credible, and relevant content for us DIYers keep up the great work in 2025 and thank you once again merry xmas fella

[@colingoode3702]

I think many UK new build houses are starting to adopt a no wet plaster finish on plasterboard to save cost & the amount of wet trades inside the house. A nightmare if you want an decent paint finish or want to paper the wall & remove it later on without damaging the plasterboard paper. Dumbed down, penny pinching house building.

[@cjkenning]

Got it in our new house. The finish is a joke!

[@MissFlight-q8f]

Took me ages to find a UK video on this 👍

[@LuminairPrime]

Excellent video is always! Regardless of where on the pond you are!

[@philipwilliams8114]

Good video. 400k subs. Stunning performance lad. Well done 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@alexcollins9513]

Stuart, don't know if it's just me in my senile years but I tend to watch you on my TV, your vids seem to end too quick for me to remember to press the like button. Rarely think of doing it during the vid. I may be talking a load of old tosh here I don't know but I think if there was a 10 second fade out (no idea what I am talking about here) it would help me anyway. Don't know if watching YT on TV is a big thing or not so for my thumbs up this comment is irrelevant. 😂😂 👍👍Going back is always a faff

[@Kx110x]

Hi Stuart I can never get my fill of your channel . A hole 🕳️ world opens up with your attention to detail , I was going to say a cracking example of what to do , but under the circumstances I think I’ll just finish with an unblemished smooth performance as always . By a very smooth guy . 👍

[@jayc1140]

🤣 what a weirdo

[@Raymond65uk]

Great video mate I aways wondered how to repair larger holes now if I ever have to I know how thanks again

[@timtim4603]

Thanks Stuart great information, I actually use wickes plaster skim, I find it pretty good it’s ready mixed it dries by evaporation and is very easy to smooth afterwards I find it best to leave a slightly proud finish come back to it next day and lightly sand you can get a very good finish with this which can be absolutely flat, it also comes in two different sizes it can dry out in the tub as it’s quite big tub but carefully sealing off with clingfilm on top of cover they have inside works well

[@chocothemagnificent1019]

I love that he uses beater tools.

[@KendalSmithy]

I recently tried a new technique to fill a fist-sized hole. I cut a square of new plasterboard bigger than the hole, but instead of cutting the edges at 90 degrees I cut them at an angle, and similarly with the hole, so that the new piece could fit snugly inside the chamfer and slightly below the surface ready for the skim. That way the repair piece can't fall through the hole and the adhesive plaster is all that's needed, around the edges, to hold it solidly in place. No bits of wood and screws needed!

[@peterandrewwilson976]

You beat me to it. That's exactly what I do. Including sometimes a long run or patch where I've run new electric cables bedind a wall or ceiling. The chamfered patch filles the hole neatly and should also allow for a slight 1-2mm overfill of plaster too. But I do tend to put batten at strategic places and screw the patches to the batten, for strength and rigidity before the plaster sets.

[@ScottCarlton-q9g]

Never thought to pull the knife from halfway - great tip Interestingly I have started to watch some of your older videos again - amazing how your tool range has changed 😂

[@LordSaliss]

Funny timing for the video considering I am doing a project in a room right now that will leave some holes to be filled and repaired 👍

[@graemeharper765]

U can also get the ready mixed lightweight filler that has no shrinking or sagging . Touprett quick fill is what we use. Dries really quickly too

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

Nice tips Stuart, very interesting video

[@russdavey1919]

Really helpful... Thanks 👍🏻

[@ExtremeShez]

Fabulous video. Thank you. Really useful.

[@andyhello23]

Like i say, youtube makers should never assume a video is dumb, i have no doubt you will answer someones question with this video I am always glad you people who make videos, make videos on easy stuff as well as complicated diy stuff Good to see, and like i said, no doubt you will help some people with this, no matter how easy it seems to most people, lots of people will find info that helps them in these sorts of videos

[@stuartnorman5209]

Signature eyebrow raise in the Intro!...love it!

[@BrightonandHoveActually]

I tend to use a different technique for medium sized holes. I take a piece from a cereal box, cut a couple of holes in it and put a loop of string through. I then use that as a backing (with the filler going onto the shiny side so it is not absorbed and using the string to hold it in place whilst I fill it but leaving it shy of the eventual surface. When it is dry I cut the string off with a small pair of scissors and fill it up the rest of the way. By using "add water" filler, I do not get significant shrinkage and I can then just sand it down.

[@leeblack7817]

Great explanations again 👌

[@mdmconstruction]

Just get small bit of ply with hole in middle to protect wall and claw hammer to pull out

[@davewhiteman8353]

Nicely done 👍

[@TeresaBell-k7p]

Very helpful advice.

[@andrebrink2189]

Absolute brilliant video and guide. Thank you for the great videos as always, you really are brilliant and thank you for helping us DIYers with advice. Quick question, what is the best way to repair cracks in internal walls and ceiling? Maybe a follow up to this video would be great. But thank you for being just the best DIY channel on KZbin.

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Firstly check for and sort any movement in the boards which may be causing the crack. Using a filling blade/scraper/knife, run it down the crack to open it and create a V shaped groove to receive the filler. If the cracks are continuous and long, every 6 inch or so make a hole with a screwdriver, about 5mm will do. Use an acrylic caulk in each hole and fill to just below the surface. You may use foam, but its expensive and messy if you're not used to using it. Use easifill or a powder mix filler, and you should get it in one application if its mixed and applied correctly.

[@andrebrink2189]

@idi0tdetectioninprogress thank you so very much for the advice. Really appreciate it

[@pauls3873]

@@idi0tdetectioninprogress thanks for the tips. Question, what purpose does making the whole serve?

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

@@pauls3873 A series of holes acts like stitching, it forms a break, a stopper if you like. Any future movement has a chance of being absorbed, that's why we use a foam or a flexible caulk.

[@pauls3873]

@@idi0tdetectioninprogress thanks for so much. This may be a daft question but I am an amateur. When you say 5mm hole. Do you mean 5mm wide hole or 5mm deep?

[@MMacNicol]

So helpful!

[@franklove9897]

I'm glad you said you can get quarter sheets of plasterboard as having watched many videos I always found it frustrating when the presenter would say "just use a scrap piece of plasterboard" - and how many of us have that lying around? Can you get quarter sheets from the DIY sheds - B&Q etc?

[@montyzumazoom1337]

I always use powdered filler, you can control the mix as you want.

[@adamvictory9381]

For medium holes I like to use the large style lollypop sticks which I wrap a piece of wire around, then I use some no nails and push through to the inside of the hole and pull back using the wire so it is stuck on the inside of the plasterboard before filling. Bit more faff but I know it stays there and doesn't drop away. Especially if there is no insulation behind.

[@sajjadyb]

Very well explained Sir! As a suggestion could you also please do a similar one for line cracks that occur after newly plastered and painted walls. God bless

[@brianthorne8609]

Have you ever used the method of locating a repair piece of plasterboard behind a hole with a piece of string and pulled tight onto the face held with filler. I accept that it does leave a hole the original size to fill but gives the backing. The baton idea does sort of solve that though...😊

[@samrix5793]

Nice video!

[@EdithWeston]

Top Tip to stop the filler sinking - spray with water, before filling - as the plaster board will 'suck out' some of the water base content in the filler - leaving an indent. AYW

[@Judgement915]

Great video, learned a lot!

[@brianhume4743]

Sanding blocks are great for Sanding skirting boards 😀

[@qwertyuiop124172]

Brilliant video

[@cherylh1159]

Thank you Stuart! Always enjoyable. I have a 75+ year old home here in Ontario Canada and it has some kind of early plaster-board and a layer coating of something so brittle, everytime I want to hang a picture I get a big chunk breaking out around the hole! Oh well, I love my home but if anyone has any tips I'd appreciate them.

[@progoproductions]

I like the powder filler way more as like you said it’s a chemical reaction so goes off quicker. Even the “quick dry pre mix” takes ages to go off. And when trying to get a room decorated in a weekend. You don’t want to be waiting for filler to dry!

[@generallyhelpfulsoftware646]

As for cutting uniform rectangles in drywall, I have a rectangular cutter for my oscillating tool that cuts a perfect 1 gang opening in drywall leaving a perfect (if smaller by the width of the blade) piece of drywall that can be used for repairs. Only problem it doesn’t work with the oscillations of my DeWalt tool, so I keep another brand’s (Skihl?) oscillating tool just for this purpose.

[@tazmaniachill]

Easy fill all the way

[@patburke5740]

Yes, easifill 60. When you start using it you won't use anything else.

[@jonathanwilliams7950]

@@patburke5740my go to too - unless I'm really in a hurry and use a 2 part epoxy filler

[@gingerelvis]

I find the powdered stuff dries a lot quicker probably because of the chemical reaction that you mentioned. Really speeds up the workflow for second fill. It's worth mentioning filler may take more paint to cover than you expect because it's so much more absorbent than plaster especially if the plaster has already been painted.

[@weemanling]

I made the switch from ready mix to powdered, and I'm not looking back any time soon. Takes seconds to mix up, you get greater control over how much you're using, next to no shrinkage, the brand i use is dry within 2 hours and cured for paint in 24, and it is much much stronger. If you're going to mix up your own, then buy a small silicon mixing cup. That way, there is no clean up as you can leave anything not used in the cup to dry out, and then it is just a case of bending the cup, and the material just falls out.

[@richbailey1093]

I was searching for this video last week 🤣

[@frankdutton8448]

Great tips. But, there's an additional method for the large hole repair. It's, as some Americans call it, the California patch that doesn't require tape as the plaster board is bigger than the hole and the gypsum and backing paper are removed. This method reduces the bulge and the feathering on the final surface coat.

[@juleswombat5309]

As an amateur bodger, I find that the ready mix tubes, often dry out and end up wasting some of the product left in the tube. The powered form gives a superior finish, and I can control the consistency on each application.

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Ready mix buy the tub versions and put cling film over the top then clip the lid on. Powder mainly though as you say, mix it to what is required.

[@FrankWoodPhotography]

Expanding foam is a good backing.

[@davidc3808]

Good video although to save time on the small holes I allow the filler to spring back slightly then just leave it to harden. Then when its sanded it doesn’t need filling a second time because you get a flush finish.

[@tureq85]

great video!! where were you 15 years ago when I was learning to DIY??

[@RogierYou]

I use a CD to prevent smearing the filler and create a bit of an elevated fill that will get almost flush.

[@generallyhelpfulsoftware646]

In the USA, the 3M corporation sells a ‘ready mix’ which includes paintable primer, an integrated spatula, and an integrated sanding block, all in a squeeze tube. Stuff is incredibly convenient. I don’t even think it shrinks much, if at all. 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair All-In-One Applicator

[@ianpearse4480]

Nice share.

[@johnthresher259]

Stuart, how about another vid about finishes for plaster board? Can you decorate straight ove plasterboard or does it need lining paper first? Etc. Keep up the good work!

[@RFC3514]

Always spray with water before filling and always leave it slightly proud of the surface (you can sand it afterwards, and it saves you having to add more and wait for it to dry a second time).

[@tonysutton6559]

Ouch, I wish that I'd checked my KZbin subscriptions earlier this morning. Ive just spent ages filling a hole in the ceiling and could have saved a fair bit of time if I'd watched this first. I suspect that I'm going to have to do far more sanding & filling tomorrow than would have been necessary if I'd seen these tips while I was eating my bacon butty.

[@callumhodgkinson2286]

little bit more expensive but pollyfilla one fill is the answer, you can work it realy easily and it doesent shrink or slump as it dries. can fill inch holes in one without anything behind it

[@robert.wigley]

No plaster layer e.g. US or new build UK where it's been taped and jointed. Use 9.5mm plasterboard instead of 12.5mm and fill the last 3mm for a super smooth finish without builing a layer over the top and feathering out.

[@pauls3873]

Great video. Please could you do video on cracks?

[@ChrisShepherdPhotos]

Seconded

[@RossCanpolat]

I second this request. I'm 5 years into a new build timber frame and I have some areas of plaster that are starting to crack up the wall, I don't really know the correct fix for this. I seen the father in law do a crack fix on a rendered wall but it kept coming back year after year so I don't want the same to happen to my plasterboard walls if I fill them.

[@jonathanwilliams7950]

@@RossCanpolatlots of things try here - I have: - added additional drywall screws to prevent movement before filling - using an ultra thin fibreglass tape before filling - cutting a v into the crack before filling using a sandable/paintable fibre reinforced flexible filler

[@RossCanpolat]

He just uploaded a video on fixing cracks, it's very helpful!

[@pauls3873]

@ thank you. Yes I saw it today, it was a very good video.

[@grahamleiper1538]

In Scotland, doing a skim coat of plaster over plasterboard is much less common than in England. Tend to skim the joints more like the US. Anything that needs to dry out is something to avoid. 😁 Older houses with lath walls were obviously plastered.

[@RFC3514]

Tiger Woods published a guide on how to fill holes, too. Very different content.

[@tonysutton6559]

Big John Holmes made hundreds of films about filling holes and they were even more different. 😲

[@RFC3514]

@@tonysutton6559 - Oh, I don't think they _were_ that different. You thought I was talking about _golf?_ 😜

[@tonysutton6559]

@RFC3514 Yes, I didn't know he did the other sort. Did he ever manage 18 holes in one film?

[@videostarish]

I've seen one's with Ron Jeremy... VERY different...! 😳

[@PaulStanyer]

Great video Stuart. Always enjoy your clear and concise demonstrations. I live in a 15 year old house. The jointing tape is starting to pull away on plasterboard painted ceiling edges. How easy is that to repair?

[@andyderp6473]

everyone grabs some pre-mix first time around no doubt but after using multiple brands and mixes I've found tetrion to be the best by far no doubt and tend to go for box with multiple bags inside for longevity sake. really isn't a big deal mixing yourself funny enough

[@askme4it]

....a great tip, rather than a screw and pliers to lever out a fixing you have to remove, just use the butter fly wing type corkscrew..... even cheap ones do the job !

[@Tyroneguy77]

Its the most standard diy job anyone should be able to do it.

[@maureengillard2373]

Would you still use the paper towel and plastic bag method if you need to re-drill the filled hole? If not, what would you use?

[@user-ik9gw4wh4c]

Here in Germany the don’t use plasterboard they plaster straight on to the brickwork.

[@d.k.1394]

Nice