Melbourne
How to Fix a Hole in a Wall
Here's how to fix a hole in a wall yourself, and when to call us instead.
How do I fix a small hole in a wall myself?
Clean the edges, cover with a self-adhesive mesh patch or a scrap of gyprock cut slightly larger than the hole, then fill with a plaster-based filler like Selleys or Dulux Wall Filler. Let it dry, sand smooth, then prime and repaint the patch so it doesn't flash under a different sheen. For nail holes and dents under about 5cm, this is a genuine weekend job.
What if it's a hole in a plaster wall, not gyprock?
Older Melbourne homes usually have solid lime plaster, or plasterboard over timber lath, not modern gyprock, so the repair differs. Standard gyprock filler can crack away from a lime base. We match the repair to the actual wall type before quoting, which is why a photo quote over the phone is usually a guess.
When is a hole too big to DIY?
Anything wider than a fist, water-damaged plaster, a hole near a light switch or in a load-bearing wall, or more than two or three patches in one room. These usually telegraph through the paint later if filled yourself. That's when it's worth getting it done properly the first time.
How much does it cost to have it fixed and repainted properly?
A single patch and blend-repaint typically runs $250-$450 depending on wall type and paint match, more for multiple holes or a full wall skim. Our house painting cost guide has the wider room and whole-house ranges if you are planning more than a patch. See the cost guide →
The finish we bring to it
Smooth wall finish
Cornice & ceiling
Skirting & trim
Hallway walls
Request a free quote
Tell us about your project and we'll call you back within 2 hours during business hours.
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See our full plaster and preparation service or the house painters Melbourne overview.