For a small to medium hole in a smooth plaster wall:

Base coat plaster (water and pre-mix plaster)

Finishing plaster (Hydrated lime, gauging plaster and water)

A plastic mortar box

A rectangular trowel

A flat metal surface with a handle underneath (known as a "hawk" for some reason)

Some metal screen lath

Metal snips

A chisel

Some flathead nails

A hammer

Some plaster bonding agent

A small bucket

A flour sifter

A large paintbrush

A piece of plywood, about 2' x 2'

A strip of metal or plastic, about 1/8" thick and small enough to fit inside the hole once it's been prepared (see below)

A plastic hair comb

For a hole in a gypsum board wall:

A new piece of gypsum board

Some paper wallboard tape

Some joint compound, referred to as "mud"

Some drywall screws

A Phillips-head screwdriver

A wallboard knife, about 5" wide

A keyhole saw

A large nail

A hammer

A pencil

A ruler

Some fine (100 grit) sandpaper, and a sanding block

An old salad plate

A piece of 1" x 3" lumber, about three times as long as the hole that you'll cut around the damaged area (see below)

About half an hour for the initial patch, before painting

2torial #0658: Learn2 Patch a Hole "Quick! Before the landlord sees it!" So, that was one heck of a party last night, and your friends had a really good time. Who was that guy who brought his own whiskey? Maybe he was the one who punched that hole in the bathroom wall....oh well, you needed to practice your wall-patching skills in any case, right? There are two types of wall that you're likely to encounter: plaster and gypsum board. A plaster wall is difficult to repair: larger holes as well as corner work are best left to a professional, while smaller holes can be worth trying to repair yourself. If you've got to match a textured surface, get a pro...you can watch and learn for next time. A gypsum board wall is easier to repair, but patience and care are still required to produce best results. Professionals spend months learning proper "mud and tape" technique. As far as knowing the type of wall that you've got, keep this in mind: If someone broke their hand making the hole, it's likely a plaster wall. If no hands were broken, it's a gypsum board wall. Method 1: Plaster Wall When repairing a plaster wall, you'll first prepare the area, then apply a first coat of plaster over a metal screen "lath". Finally you'll apply a second coat of plaster and smooth it all out for painting. Method 1 - Step 1   Method 2: Gypsum Board Wall When repairing a gypsum board wall, you'll first cut a rectangular hole where the damage is. Next, you'll place a fresh piece of board in there, and seal the seams with the tape and "mud". Method 2 - Step 1