Is it possible to reduce the diameter of a hole cut in plasterboard ceiling?

[uptown47]

Hi there,

I've changed my hallway downlight for a different type. There is a large hole cut (approx 140mm) in the plasterboard ceiling for the old type but the new type needs a hole about 10mm less in diameter all the way round.

I just wondered if anyone has any advice how to fix this?

Ideally I don't want to move the light (but will obviously do this if I don't have any other choice).

Is my only option to cut a much larger square section out and replace with a new section and then cut the hole for the light into that?

Or is there a way of somehow 'reducing' the existing hole?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[motorbiking]

The option you describe is probably going to work best. The other option might be to install a smoke alarm over the hole and put the new fitting somewhere else.

 

[uptown47]

The option you describe is probably going to work best. The other option might be to install a smoke alarm over the hole and put the new fitting somewhere else.

Thanks motorbiking. Appreciate you getting back to me. I was fearing that there wasn't an easy way around this but thought I'd ask.

I'll probably bite the bullet and cut a larger sheet of plasterboard out. It's a pain because the ceiling has wallpaper on and it'll mean stripping the whole ceiling etc....

 

[Tigercubrider]

someone posted this a while ago

doesn't help with the finish but maybe a decorative ring around the downlighter to hide the damage?

 

[uptown47]

That looks ideal! Will have a look whether they do one in the size I want.

Thanks!

*Edit* - shame, the maximum size is 90mm unfortunately. Thanks anyway. Worth knowing about them. Cheers

 

[Bonni]

If the plasterboard is plain finished, I cut a larger square out and skim back in. Then cut the hole size you need.

If the ceiling is artexed, it's a case of making a trim out of timber, plastic etc.. to make up the gap. Not ideal though.

 

[uptown47]

Thanks Bonni. I think I'm just going to bite the bullet, strip the ceiling of wallpaper and cut a patch of plasterboard and then patch up and paint. It'll be a lot bigger job but could probably do with a freshen.

Thanks for everyone's help