How-To

Editorial

How to Fix a Large Hole in Plasterboard

16 May 2026·6 min read

Moved a heavy frame and left a hole? A large hole in plasterboard looks daunting but is a straightforward fix with a mesh patch and joint compound. Here is the full method.

Illustrated eight-step guide to fixing a hole in plasterboard: clean, apply mesh patch, first coat, dry, second coat, sand, prime, paint
The eight steps at a glance — from a clean opening to an invisible, painted repair.

You’ll need

  • Self-adhesive mesh patch (and a plasterboard backing piece for holes over ~5cm)
  • Joint compound, a putty knife, fine-grit sandpaper, primer and paint

Step by step

  1. 1Clean the area — remove loose plaster/paper around the hole and brush away dust and debris.
  2. 2Apply the patch — centre a self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole and press firmly for good adhesion.
  3. 3First coat — spread a thin layer of joint compound over the patch with the putty knife; smooth it out evenly.
  4. 4Let it dry — allow it to dry completely (check the product’s drying time).
  5. 5Second coat — apply a wider, thinner coat and feather the edges to blend into the wall.
  6. 6Sand smooth — once dry, sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe away the dust.
  7. 7Prime — seal the patch with a coat of primer and let it dry.
  8. 8Paint — paint to match the wall. The hole is now invisible.

Tip: For holes larger than ~5cm, first fit a backing piece of plasterboard behind the hole, then patch over it — and always work in thin coats, letting each dry fully.

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