How to fix stripped paint and dent on plasterboard?

Question

Hi All!

I am pretty new to DIY and have a bit of a disaster trying to do a few things around the house over the Easter long weekend.

Firstly I was trying to install a smart powered roller blind opener and ended up installing it too high. I tried to peel it off slowly but ended up taking a chunk of paint off the plasterboard. I’ve seen on other posts that I’ll have to level it with this uni pro filler and then sand it down with a medium grid sandpaper and then paint over it. Would that be right?

Secondly, I accidentally dented when I elbowed a window frame (see second photo). Can I use the same uni pro filler on this? Then sand it down and paint over it?

Do you have any recommendations on tools and/or type of paintbrush I should use? So far I have gathered I’ll need the filler spreader thing, a paint brush, medium grid sandpaper and face mask for the sanding dust.

Thankfully its a new house and the builder has left some paint so I don’t have to worry about colour matching… although perhaps I should stop trying to DIY things as it has been getting quite disastrous so far.

Thanks in advance!

MitchellMc · Answer

Keep us updated @Fenrir, and please, reach out if you need further assistance or get stuck.

Mitchell

Fenrir · Answer

Hi Mitchell, thank you for going through the steps and providing the linked tool list as well as the primer. The tip of layering it instead of going at it at one go was also helpful as I was planning of just plopping the filler in one go. Will have a go at the repair on the weekend.

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Fenrir. It's sensational to have you join us and many thanks for your question on repairing plaster.

You’re definitely on the right track. Don’t be too hard on yourself as this is all very fixable and a pretty common DIY learning experience.

Yes, the Uni Pro filler will work for both the peeled paint area and the dent. The key thing is how you apply it: build it up in thin layers rather than trying to fill everything in one go. You only need enough to level out the surface, not create a big mound. Let each coat fully dry before adding another or sanding.

Once it’s smooth and flush with the wall, give it a light sand with a medium (or even fine) grit sandpaper to blend it in.

One extra step I’d strongly recommend is using a primer before painting. Filler is quite porous, so priming helps seal it and ensures your topcoat matches the surrounding wall properly rather than looking dull or patchy.

For tools, you’re on the right track:

* A small filling knife/spreader
* Sandpaper (medium + fine is ideal)
* A decent quality paintbrush (a small synthetic brush is great for this kind of touch-up work)
* Dust mask for sanding

Take your time with it and you’ll get a great result. Honestly, this is exactly how most people learn and your next attempt will already be much easier

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell