Patching a hole...

[Buglife]

I've just taken a shelf off my bathroom wall, unscrewed it but previous owners must have also glued it of something as a chunk of plaster has come out too. How best to fill this to paint on top of it? First home so a bit of a DIY novice.

Personally, I'd give it a sand around the edges/rough bits to get it all even. I'd brush the whole area over with dilute pva to give it some grip, then fill the holes as normal with polyfila. Deeper holes in two layers allowing each to dry out thoroughly. Then a fine light sand to make sure the new surface is flush & smooth, another weak pva brush-over to seal the new filler and then paint over top coat. It looks like a small easy job compared to the gaping bloody holes in my house Good luck

I would spray or brush the hole with some water, then get some all purpose ready made filler, I get mine from Wilkinsons. Then like -zeb- said, two layers of filler, leaving first layer to dry overnight. Sand, then paint over.

Ps, Youtube is your friend for all these DIY jobs.

No need for PVA as it's been previously painted. Yes to wetting it and filling proud of the hole. Once it's dry, sand it down level with the wall.

I mentioned the pva as it helps filler stay in smaller holes and shallower indentations. Obviously an old wall doesn't need pva-ing but sometimes filler in shallow holes pops out six months down the line and that's bloody annoying.

I'm with the others on Youtube though, you can learn loads. I've also learnt loads here too.

Thanks all, I've used two layers of filler over the last two days and will sand tomorrow prior to painting!

Hi
I would probably be tempted to use rapid set (joint compound) or other powder fillers such as Toupret Interior Filler.
Its finer than most ready mixed and is ideal for blending into paint etc. Cheaper too!