If only a small area is damaged, patch the hole only and level it off. For large holes, patch with a strong mortar mix before applying a screed or self-levelling compound Tools and materials Dusting brush, paintbrush, PVA solution, mortar, gauging trowel

Dust out any loose material or debris from the hole using a dusting brush. Dampen the hole with some PVA solution made up of four parts water to one part PVA. Once the PVA is tacky, press some mortar into the hole and use a gauging trowel to smooth it over.

Extracted from DIY- Know How With Show How published by Dorling Kindersley, price £25.00. Copyright © 2006 Dorling Kindersley Ltd, Text copyright © 2006 Julian Cassell and Peter Parham