What you'll need:
- Plastering trowel
- Paint brush
- Fine sandpaper
- Small chisel
- Hammer
- Plaster filler (you can either get a powder that you mix with water, or ready mixed filler)
Step 1: Prep the damage
Use the hammer and chisel to knock away any loose bits of plaster in the hole, then sweep off the debris and dust with the brush.
Dip the paintbrush in water and use it to dampen the hole and surrounding area. Older plaster is very dry and will suck moisture from your filler, causing it to crumble if you don't follow this step.
Step 2: Get filling
- Use the trowel to spread the filler over the recess.
- If the hole is very deep, apply one layer and score the surface with the edge of a trowel to create a gripping surface.
- Leave it to completely dry; the manufacturer's instruction on your filler packet will give you an indication of how long this will take.
- Once it has dried apply the second filler layer and smooth it over so that it's flush with the wall.
Step 3: Smooth
Wait for the plaster to harden then smooth over with some sandpaper so that it's flush with the wall. If necessary paint it to match the surrounding wall.