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How to Repair Holes and Cracks in Plasterboard

How to Repair Holes and Cracks in Plasterboard

How to Repair Holes and Cracks in Plasterboard

Before You Start

Plaster comes in two basic forms:

1. Plaster Board

2. Plaster Mixes

Depending on where you live and how your home is constructed, you may either have walls made of Plaster Board or a wall of brick covered by a Plaster Mix.  Here are tips how to repair holes and cracks in plasterboard.

Before you begin your project, you must first determine if your walls are Plaster Board or a Plastered Sub-Surface.   The easiest way to do this is to knock on the wall and listen for a hallow sound.  If it sounds hollow, it is most likely plaster board.  This is important as you will want to select the right Pre-Mixed Plaster Filler for your type of wall before you begin your project.  Your local hardware or Do-It-Yourself retailer will help you in your selection.

Tools Needed

1. Sand Paper

2. Filling Knife  (a wallpaper scraper can be used in most cases)

3. Pre-Mixed Plaster Filler

4. Newspaper   (depending upon hole size

Start Your Project

To repair Small Cracks in Plaster, follow these instructions:

1. Remove any chipped paint or material from the edge of the crack with a filling knife or similar tool.

2. Remove any chipped paint or material from the edge of the crack with a filling knife or similar tool.

3. Using a Pre-Mixed Plaster compound, fill the crack using either your fingers or a filling knife.

4. Allow the Plaster compound to dry and remove any excess from the surface of the crack.  Either use a light sandpaper or sometimes it is enough to remove excess filler by simply running your fingers over the repaired area.

To repair Large Cracks in Plaster, follow these instructions:

1. Remove any loose material from inside the crack with a Filling Knife or Sandpaper.

2. Remove any loose material from inside the crack with a Filling Knife or Sandpaper.

3. Using a Filling Knife and a Pre-Mixed Plaster filler, begin to fill the crack.

4. When the Plaster is even with the surface of the crack, used the Filling Knife to remove any excess material.

5. Allow the Plaster to Dry.

6. Depending upon the size of the crack, the Plaster may shrink leaving an indentation that should be treated as in Steps 3 & 4 above.

7. Lightly sand away any excess Plaster so that the filled crack is level with the surrounding surface.

If you are repairing a Small Hole, one of the best techniques is as follows:

1. Very lightly sand away any rough edges on the exterior of the hole with a light grade sand paper.

2. Very lightly sand away any rough edges on the exterior of the hole with a light grade sand paper.Wet a piece of newspaper with water and plaster mix.

3. Wet a piece of newspaper with water and plaster mix.Wad the newspaper into a shape the will fit the hole, and then place it into the hole.

4. Wad the newspaper into a shape the will fit the hole, and then place it into the hole.With a filling knife, apply Pre-Mixed Plaster (available in small plastic tubs from DIY or Hardware retailers) over the newspaper.

5. With a filling knife, apply Pre-Mixed Plaster (available in small plastic tubs from DIY or Hardware retailers) over the newspaper.  Apply enough plaster compound to adequately cover the hole and approximately 2 inches on each side.

6. Apply enough plaster compound to adequately cover the hole and approximately 2 inches on each side. Allow the plaster to thoroughly dry, and lightly sand with a fine grade sandpaper.

7. Allow the plaster to thoroughly dry, and lightly sand with a fine grade sandpaper.Paint the area with a matching paint colour.

8. Paint the area with a matching paint colour.Notice:  If you have large holes in your plasterboard or plastered wall, you may want to use Plaster Tape to cover the hole.  Plaster tape can be purchased at most hardware or Do-It-Yourself retailers. Once the hole is covered with the tape, simply apply pre-mixed plaster on top of the tape and then lightly sand when dry.

Notice:  If you have large holes in your plasterboard or plastered wall, you may want to use Plaster Tape to cover the hole.  Plaster tape can be purchased at most hardware or Do-It-Yourself retailers. Once the hole is covered with the tape, simply apply pre-mixed plaster on top of the tape and then lightly sand when dry.

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