Filling and Repairing Small Holes in a Plastered Wall

Taking down a picture, removing an old shelf or moving a television leaves small marks on a wall. They are minor, but they can be surprisingly noticeable once the furniture is moved or the light hits them at an angle. The repair is simple, cheap and satisfying, and a patient approach makes it almost invisible. Here is how to fill small holes and dents in a plastered wall so that they disappear.

Gather what you need

You do not need many tools: a ready-mixed all-purpose filler or a lightweight filler for small holes, a flexible filling knife, fine sandpaper (around 180 to 240 grit) with a sanding block, a damp cloth, a small brush and paint to match. For deeper holes, you may also need a repair patch or a two-part filler, and the instructions on the packet will tell you what suits each job.

Prepare the area

Good preparation makes the biggest difference. Check the hole and use a knife or a screwdriver to remove any loose plaster, flaking paint or sharp edges, then brush away the dust. If an old wall plug is still in place and loose, pull it out. If a nail or a screw remains, take it out. Wipe the area with a barely damp cloth and let it dry. Fillers grip best on a clean, sound surface.

Apply the filler

Scoop a small amount of filler onto the knife and press it firmly into the hole, drawing the blade across the surface at a shallow angle, to push the filler in and remove the excess. Fill the hole slightly proud of the wall, because most fillers shrink a little as they dry. Do not try to make it perfect at this stage. For holes deeper than about a centimetre, fill in layers, allowing each to dry first, so the filler sets evenly and does not crack.

Allow it to dry

Drying time varies by product, the size of the repair and the temperature of the room, and the packet gives guidance. Resist the urge to hurry, because sanding damp filler leaves a mess and an uneven surface. Many modern fillers change colour as they dry, which is handy for judging when they are ready.

Sand smooth

Wrap fine sandpaper around a block and sand lightly in circular motions until the filler is level with the wall. Run your hand across to feel for bumps and hollows, since your fingers often notice what your eyes cannot. If you find a dip, add a thin extra layer and repeat the process. Wear a dust mask when sanding and wipe the area afterwards with a slightly damp cloth.

Prime and paint

Filler absorbs paint differently from the surrounding wall, so a patch can show through as a dull spot. Dab on a little primer or a coat of the wall paint to seal the repair. Then paint the area, blending outwards with light strokes. If the wall's paint has aged or faded, you may need to repaint the whole section, up to a natural break such as a corner, to avoid visible patches.

When the hole is larger

Holes from heavy fixings or old anchors may need more than filler. A self-adhesive mesh patch bridges larger gaps, and a deeper hole in plasterboard may need a proper patch cut to size. If you plan to put a new fixing in the same area, see our guide to hanging a shelf securely for the right plugs and drilling advice. Older homes may have materials such as lead paint or other substances, so take care when sanding in older properties and seek advice if you are unsure.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my repair look raised or visible? The filler may have been left proud and not sanded enough, or the paint finish differs. Sand it flush, prime and repaint the area.

Can I paint straight over filler? It is better to prime or seal it first so the paint dries with an even finish.

How do I stop filler cracking? Avoid applying it in thick layers, and let each layer dry before adding the next.