How to Repair Lath and Plaster

Plaster is a mixture of limestone, gypsum, and water and it is used on the walls of buildings. Lathes are pieces of wood on which the plaster is applied. Lath and plaster repair can become difficult, depending on the conditions, and it definitely is a DIY project that requires some skill.

The first thing you need to do is find the nearest suds on both sides of the hole. Then you will need to cut out the lath and plaster so you have a clean hole between the studs. It is best if you can square your hole. This will make it easier to measure out for your insert.

With a nice clean and square are that is prepped and ready to go, you have two ways that you can make this repair. The first one would be with plasterboard and galvanised nails. Cut the plasterboard to fit and then place it in the hole then nail it. The gaps around the edges can be filled with polyfiller, one coat plaster, or flexible filler

The next way to make this repair would be with galvanised mesh. Nail the mesh between the studs as tight as you can get it. Then plaster over the top of it. The easiest plaster to work with would be one that is already pre-measured and mixed. This is a better method if your hole is uneven as it will fill in all of the gaps if it is applied correctly. Excess mesh will need to be trimmed off. This can be done with a good pair of tin snips.