Very basic, but people do ask. Feedback welcome.
NT
Fill a hole
==Small holes== Small holes are easy & simple to fill. # remove any loose material from the hole # if the hole is in [[Sheet Materials|plasterboard]], best to cut off any unbonded little flaps of paper # Squish [[filler]] into the hole with a [[Scraper|filling knife]] # Either wipe it with the knife/scraper to make it dead flat, or let it set proud and sand it level later.
Tips: # If you're filling paper surfaced [[Sheet Materials|plasterboard]], do the mimimum of sanding, if any. # If the hole is open backed, push something to the back of the hole first to block it, such as screwed up paper. # If the sides of your hole are crumbly, evena fter removing loose stuff, brush them with diluted PVA before filling. (Many other glue types could also be used)
==Medium holes== Some holes are too big to support [[filler]] without it slumping or dropping out. These need to be provided first with something to support the [[filler]], then filled as for small holes. Any of the following can be used:
- any type of rigid board, eg [[Sheet Materials|plasterboard]], [[Sheet Materials|hardboard]], etc
- cardboard just about works
- metal mesh inside the hole
==Large holes== Large closed backed holes can be filled with [[Filler|plaster, artex, sand & cement, sand & lime, filler]] or anything similar. Limit the depth of each layer, letting each set before applying the next. Max depth per layer depends on the filler used.
Large open backed holes require fitting with [[Sheet Materials| plasterboard]] before filling. Often a piece a little bigger than the hole is cut, inserted at 90 degrees and turned round to block the hole. Its then held in place before filling somehow, eg
- string and weight for ceilings
- [[tape]], doesn't always work though
- bit of [[filler]] round the edges
- [[iron wire]]
- etc
Another way to use PB in the hole is to cut it to fit entirely inside the hole, fit it in just very slightly recessed, using wedges of cardboard/wood/paper to hold it temporarily, and fill around the edges to stick it in place, pressing the [[filler]] in deep. Remove wedges when set and complete the filling.
Yet another option is to fit some wooden sticks behind the hole that will support the new plasterboard piece. The sticks are either [[glue]]d to the existing [[Sheet Materials|plasterboard]], or for a much stronger result fixed to the existing woodwork behind the plaster. The new plasterboard can then be [[screw]]ed to the wood.
==Fillers== [[Filler]]
Not enough filler?
- Fill much of the depth of the hole with [[Insulation|polystyrene]] etc first
- Poke gravel into the filler to use less
==See also== [[Filler]]
[[Category:Repair]] [[Category:Basics]]