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A short guide for a very simple DIY and home repair task: “How to patch holes in plaster walls without having to repaint afterwards?” The usual method is to use fresh plaster, joint compound and a gypsum-based filler or other type of mortar, then wait for everything to dry for anywhere from a few hours to (preferably) a day or more.
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After the patch has cured, usually painting is necessary to hide the repair, but in this guide we'll explore how to effect the repair with an alternative "all-in-one" method using powder-based patch compound that we can mix the paint into ahead of time. This way both tasks can be done at the same time with less work.
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This method was taught to me while I was working on a crew performing hotel maintenance.
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Any plastic anchors for screws present in the patch area should be removed prior to starting repairs, as they will not adequately support the mortar, Try to be gentle when pulling them out so as not to destabilize the surrounding plaster.
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To remove them, use a self-piercing sheet metal screw (a/k/a "zip" screw) held with a pair of pliers. This style of screw has a sharp tip and threads that deepen towards the head, making it easier to get a bite into the plug without expanding it in the hole. A set of carpenter's pincers can also be extremely useful for this task.
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Photos show the use of Aguaplast, a popular brand in western Europe of the useful mortar for repairing small holes and other flaws in plaster walls, but any gypsum powder-based patch compound you mix yourself will suffice (SDHome Perfect Wall Patch, USG Sheetrock Easy Sand 90 and DAP Presto Patch are some sold in North America).
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Paint: Naturally, the ideal choice is the very same paint that was used to paint the wall itself. If that is not available, focus on matching the shade, not the finish.
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Container: You can use any number of items to mix the patch compound in, from a cup or large glass to a cut-off milk carton, even an empty tub of butter. In the photos the bottom half of an empty jug of bleach is used, which proved to be a very useful and convenient container.
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…and a spoon for mixing the mortar.
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Mix only as much compound as befits the size of the hole(s) being repaired; there is no need to waste it when more can be prepared so easily. For twp (2) small holes, only between 2–3 tablespoons was needed to have enough compound to fill them.
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Leftover interior paint degrades over time in both consistency and color and may even spoil completely, with richer colors also tending to form streaks lacking pigment, so it is imperative to mix the paint very well to achieve a uniform color before adding it to the compound.
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With your patch compound mixed to the consistency needed, begin adding just a spoonful of paint at a time to mix in with the mortar.
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Add another tablespoon of paint and continue mixing. If it becomes too liquid, too much paint has been added and it must then be “dried” by adding additional powder little-by-little, stirring the whole time.
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Once the mortar has taken on the full color of the paint with a workable consistency, let the mixture rest for 2–3 minutes.
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Proceed to apply it to the holes with a small putty knife, or even with a finger, if the holes are very small or the plaster around their edges is especially weak.
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The task is finished. I hope you will find this guide useful and informative. Whether you have to make a quick repair and get out of the way with minimal lost time or you are in no rush at all, know that you always have many options.
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What I do not recommend using for these repairs are ready-to-use putties and fillers, whether in tubs, cans, or tubes, as most, if not all: dry poorly, shrink (keep this in mind), and do not dry in 12 or even 24 hours, but take several days to cure or never harden properly.
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I completely gave up on them years ago, after being continually disappointed with each one I tried.
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A basic, simple DIY repair task.
A basic, simple DIY repair task.
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