What is the best way to patch a fist-size hole in a ceiling?

Hi Sean.
if the holes are as you say squarish , firstly obtain a piece of wood at least 8 inches long and 4 inches wide , next screw in a long screw in the middle of the wood to hold onto , next push the wood into the hole holding onto the long screw ,using the screw, pull the wood flat against the plaster holding the wood tight put a screw into the left of the hole , when this is done put a screw into the right side of the hole this should hold the wood tight to the ceiling, remove the long screw then cut a bit of spare plaster to the shape of the hole and screw it into the hole ,cover with plaster and job done. hope this helps

jim
January 2010

The best way to do it would be to get a plasterer to do it, but you could save a few quid by having a go yourself.
Firstly block the holes, preferably with plasterboard which you could hold in place with another bit of plasterboard over the top, or glue. Tape over the joints with scrim tape and cover over it with finishing plaster or polyfilla trying to smooth it off as best as you can using a plasterer's trowel.
Leave it to dry for a couple of days, then paint over it.

Adam
December 2009