What is the recommended method to patch a large hole in plaster?

• A. Remove damaged area, install backing, apply patch material, and feather edges to blend
• B. Fill with plaster filler and skip backing
• C. Ignore while patching
• D. Use wallpaper paste

Answer: (A)

When patching a large hole in plaster, the repair should start by creating a solid foundation behind the patch so the material won’t sag or crack. Remove the damaged plaster around the hole to expose clean, stable edges. Then install backing behind the hole—such as a piece of wood lath, metal lath, or a backing board—so the patch material has something to grip and resist movement. Apply patch material over the hole, building it up in layers if needed, and press it into the backing to ensure good adhesion. Feather the edges so the patched area tapers smoothly into the surrounding plaster, then sand, prime, and paint as needed. Skipping backing or using a filler alone won’t hold up for a large hole, and using wallpaper paste or simply ignoring the hole doesn’t address the structural and finishing needs of plaster repair. This approach provides a durable, seamless repair.