Plasterboard Repair – Video Series

Video 6: REPAIRING HOLES AND CRACKS IN PLASTERBOARD

REPAIRING A SMALL HOLE OF UP TO 200mm

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

100mm & 200mm Repair Patch

To repair a small hole of up to 200 millimetres square, use a USG Boral Plasterboard Repair Patch. They come in two sizes – so choose the size which is LARGER than the hole you want to fill. Simply follow the instructions on the package or watch the video above.

REPAIRING A LARGE HOLE IN PLASTERBOARD

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

USG Boral Fibreglass Tape
USG Boral Total Joint Finish
2 timber battens 100mm longer than the width of the hole
Plasterboard screws
Piece of plasterboard

TOOLS

150mm broad knife, or:
USG Boral DIY broad knife 150mm
Measuring tape & pencil
Screwdriver/Cordless drill
Keyhole saw
150-grit sanding sheet & hand sander
Trimming knife

REMOVE AND REPLACE DAMAGED PLASTERBOARD

  1. 1.Cut a piece of plasterboard large enough to completely cover the damaged area. Mark its outline on the wall with a pencil, then punch a hole in each corner of the marked area with a screwdriver.
  2. 2.Using the keyhole saw, cut along the outline. Be careful NOT to hit any plumbing or electrical wiring behind the sheet. Remove the damaged section of plasterboard.
  3. 3.Screw the timber battens behind the plasterboard sheet - countersinking the screws slightly below the board's surface so they can be filled later.
  4. 4.Position the replacement piece of plasterboard into the hole and screw it to the timber battens.

FINISH THE REPAIRED PLASTERBOARD

  1. 1.Centre a strip of fibreglass tape over the centre of the joins - be careful NOT to overlap it.
  2. 2.Apply first coat of Total Joint Finish using a broad knife - spread it over the joins until the tape is lightly covered. Allow to dry for 24 hours, or longer in cool conditions, then sand lightly.
  3. 3.Apply second and third finishing coats of Total Joint Finish, feathering out from the edge of the patch with a thin coat each time so the repaired area is less visible. Leave the compound to dry then sand between each coat.
  4. 4.Once the third coat is thoroughly dry, sand lightly to create a smooth finish for painting.

REPAIRING CRACKS IN PLASTERBOARD

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

USG Boral Patching Plaster
USG Boral Total Joint Finish

TOOLS

150-grit sanding sheet & hand sander or a soft sanding block
100mm broad knife, or:
USG Boral DIY broad knife 100mm
  1. 1. Ensure the surface to be repaired is clean, dry and free of any loose material.
  2. 2.Mix the Patching Plaster according to the instructions. Don't mix more than you can use within half an hour.
  3. 3.Using the broad knife, press the Patching Plaster firmly into the crack. Scrape away excess plaster and allow it to set for 2-3 hours, or longer in humid conditions.
  4. 4.Apply a second coat if necessary, tapering beyond the edges of the crack and allow to dry again.
  5. 5.Lightly sand until smooth, then apply a finishing coat of Total Joint Finish with the broad knife, spreading it lightly beyond the edges of the crack.
  6. 6.Allow to dry thoroughly for 24 hours, then sand lightly before painting.

SAFETY FIRST!

  1. Ensure any ladders, scaffolding, trestles or planks you use are adequate and safe
  2. Read cautionary notes on all product packaging
  3. Wear safety gloves when using sharp tools
  4. Wear a dusk mask and eye protection when sanding
  5. We recommend you consult with a licensed electrician and/or plumber about any electrical wiring and/or plumbing requirements, prior to installing plasterboard

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