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To fix a hole in a plasterboard wall—what some homeowners call plaster walls—you must patch the hole by applying plaster rather than drywall compound to the spot and then sanding it once it has dried. You might need to apply several coats of patching plaster for a more effective patching job. Wait for the first coat to dry overnight before you apply the second one.

You can use spackle to repair small cracks and holes on plaster. For larger holes, you'll need to patch them with joint compound or real plaster. However, you can use joint compound instead of spackle for small holes, but you'll need to wait longer for it to dry before repainting. Both spackle and joint compound are available from most home improvement stores.

Plaster is considered a more high-end material than drywall because it requires more skilled labor and installation time. Plaster is denser, creates a more effective sound barrier, and is more durable than drywall. In general, plaster walls cost more than the cost of installing drywall as well. However, drywall is usually easier to work with than plaster and costs less to repair in case of damage.

Hire a local electrician first to remove any electrical wiring on the plaster. Once that's taken care of, you can start the removal process by using a flat bar to remove the plaster and a hammer to remove the lathe. While working, wear protective gear, including gloves to protect your hands and a dust mask, to avoid inhaling plaster dust.