How to fill a hole or a crack

Does your wall have holes or cracks, and you’re unsure how to repair them? Follow our expert’s advice, and your wall will regain its smooth surface, ready for painting. This video explains how to properly apply filler to fix holes and cracks.

Preparing your workspace

To ensure a successful project, start by protecting your floors and furniture with a protective tarp and preparing your wall. Sand any uneven areas to create a smooth surface, scrape out the holes, and widen the cracks. Dust the walls thoroughly and moisten the holes and cracks to enhance the filler’s adhesion. If your wall surface appears chalky, apply a primer hardener. This will strengthen and solidify weakened materials and stabilize powdery surfaces.

Materials and tools you will need

To fill holes and cracks, use a heavy-duty filler, such as PRESTONETT R. This product is suitable for all surfaces (brick, concrete blocks, plasterboard, cellular concrete, plaster tiles) and can be applied in any thickness. You will also need water and the following tools:

• mixing trough
• sponge
• utility knife
• triangular scraper
• at least two blades
• kraft adhesive tape
• sanding block
• protective tarp
• dusting brush

For your safety, wear gloves, a mask, and safety glasses.

Preparing the filler

Once your workspace is ready, prepare the filler. For a smooth, lump-free mixture, add water first, then the powder. Mix the filler with a blade until you achieve a homogeneous paste. Pro Tip: To check if your filler is ready, turn the blade upside down. If the filler stays in place, the consistency is perfect for application! You will have about 35 minutes to use the prepared filler.

How to fill a hole

To fill a hole, use two blades. Start at the center of the hole and work outward, pushing the air out. Once the hole is filled, use the wider blade to smooth the surface. For very large holes, our expert suggests stuffing them with newspaper before applying the filler as usual. Be sure to leave a slight overfill.

As the filler begins to set, scrape off any excess with the blade. If the filler shrinks slightly after drying, apply another layer to level it out.

How to fill a crack

Apply the filler from the inside to the outside of the crack. Press firmly on the blade to ensure the filler penetrates the edges. The same process applies to hairline cracks. For more details, watch the video with Raphaël Estrella, expert and technical advisor at Beissier.

Finishing touches

Allow the filler to dry:

• 2 hours for small holes and cracks (less than 2 cm wide)
• 24 hours for larger areas

Sand the area with 80 to 120-grit sandpaper. After sanding, apply a finishing coat of filler and let it dry before painting.

Admire Your Work. Now step back and admire the result. You’re done!