When working with plaster, it's best to only work with small amounts on the hawk and trowel. Try to build up a rhythm so you can cover the patch repair before the plaster starts to set

There are many different fillers and plaster products available, so be sure to consider the range and select a product that is best suited to your job. For example, if you only need a small amount, you might find it easier to use ready mixed plaster Some plaster products shouldn’t be applied to a depth of more the 12mm in one go. If this is the case, you may need to make two or more applications Use a digital stud detector to locate studs, noggins and joists in walls and ceiling (Image credit: Getty Images) Can I Use Caulk To Fill Holes? If you are planning to paint the wall, it’s a good idea to apply a sealer or primer paint to help your finishing paint to adhereMeasure and cut a new piece of plasterboard to fill the hole. Fix in place with plasterboard screws or nails. Mix up plaster, apply and leave to dry. The two main repair methods can be found below: Repairing a Plasterboard Hole Using a Piece of Plasterboard or Timber Drive nails into the noggins at an angle to secure them to the joists. Using plasterboard that's slightly thinner than the depth of your ceiling, cut a piece the same size as the hole. Fix it in place with plasterboard nails along the joists and noggins. Step 3

Thorough preparation is key to achieving a high-quality finish, so be sure to remove all traces of old plaster, dust and grease for the area you plan to repair Depending on the shape of the hole, whether its circular or has jagged edges you may need to use a padsaw, jabsaw or hobby knife. Be careful using any of these items as they are sharp and can slip quite easily.Yes you can use decorators' caulk to fill small holes such as nail and screw holes, but it's not really suitable for holes any bigger than quarter of an inch. Add a dollop of caulk and smooth out with a putty knife or a wet finger for nail and screw holes. Add as much filler as you need to until the hole is filled flush with the surface of the wall. Use the trowel to get the surface as flat as possible. Most modern ceilings are built from sheets of plasterboard nailed to the joists. These joints are taped with scrim - a very open-weave, self-adhesive tape. Wet plaster is then added, or the ceiling is finished with jointing tape and compound - which seals the joints and creates a surface ready for decorating. The floor of the room above a plasterboard ceiling may well be laid with floorboards or chipboard. Suspended ceilings