Patching holes in plaster walls without needing to repaint afterwards

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Removing another anchor from the wall; in this example, two holes are being patched at the same time.

Step 4

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).

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Begin to mix the paint with the patch compound, and as shown in the photos, from the outset it's clear that the amount of paint is insufficient, that the mixture will be very dry, but just use it to start to moisten the powder.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Apply the compound amply with a putty knife, and as this is an “irregular stippled” texture on the wall, we can finish contouring the unevenness with our fingers once it's in place.

Step 9

Do likewise with the second hole, and if too much mortar gets applied, it can be removed with a finger, a damp cloth or sponge.

Step 10

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.