How to install VJ panels on a timber frame?

[SPP]

Hi, 

I want to rip off my old MDF walls and place brand new VJ Panels onto the timber frame. 

From the videos I have seen, the timber frame needs to have a set spacing.

Can someone here explain why the timber frame needs to have set spacing. What if the spacing I have is not as per VJ Panel manufacturer specification. What can I do in this regard? 

Regards
Sree 

[SPP]

Hi @JacobZ , @Dave-1 , @EricL , @MitchellMc 

The VJ Board is going up! See attached photo. 

Now, the next task for me is the painting. 

Courtesy of cutting around windows, I have quite a few off-cuts of VJ Board that I can practice on. 

I wanted to get this model here: 
https://www.bunnings.com.au/wagner-flexio-575-paint-sprayer_p0133012 

Given that this is VJ Board and therefore sensitive to moisture, do I need a special type of paint? I would like to go for a nice cream white for the walls and if possible, prefer eco-friendly paint. 

The model of spray gun that I have suggested, is that fine for a 3.5 x 3 m room (floor area) and 2.4 m ceiling height (standard). 

[Dave-1]

Evening @SPP 

Looks good I havnt spray painted anything as yet tho do have a fence and a bessa block wall I have to do. The wall I will do with a roller but the fence I will spray pain. So will sit this section out and see what recomendations there are

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @SPP 

Using the Wagner Flexio 575 Paint Sprayer is perfectly fine. It is designed for spraying paint on indoor/outdoor walls. In regards to the paint, I suggest using the best quality acrylic paint your budget can afford. I propose using Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat 4L and for the topcoat I suggest Dulux 4L Vivid White Low Sheen Wash&Wear +PLUS Anti-Scuff Interior Paint.

Your suggestion of doing some practice runs on your panel offcuts is a very good idea. This will also show you how the sprayed primer will behave on the panel. You'll also get a chance to play with the spray settings and adjust it to the optimal pattern.

Here is a link to painting the Easycraft panels: Guide To Painting Easycraft Panels

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles, and a paint rated paint mask when working on your project.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[SPP]

Hi @EricL, @Dave-1 , @JacobZ  and @MitchellMc 

Well, the VJ Board has gone up on the walls and ceilings. I am very happy with how it looks. I will provide photos soon once I have got the lighting all sorted. 

Now, I have been told by the carpenter that I need to do the following: 

1) Get a sander block and sand down the door frame to remove movement marks. 

2) Use Selly No More Gap to fill in the gap between the architrave and window frame (the architrave width is 9 mm, the window frame is 6 mm). 

3) Use Uni-Filler to fill in the gaps wherever they are (from punching the holes). Where the nails have not gone in all the way, I need to use a hole punch to push them in. 

I have plenty of off-cuts, to practice painting on. My question now is: 


1) Can I use the orbital sander instead of the sanding block to clean up scuff marks on the VJ Panels and Door Jambs? Or will this damage the integrity of the materials. The sander I would use is: https://www.ozito.com.au/p/4419139-hss-5000/

2) Regarding the windows, I want to add blinds in - I have been charged a lot of money by blind companies that I am not in a position to afford right now. My window sizes are: 

1) 1810 x 600 mm 
2) 1200 x 1200 mm
3) 1810 x 1200 mm 

Does bunnings stock the materials for blinds and how would I go about installing them? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @SPP,

I'm glad to hear you're happy with the newly installed VJ panels and door jamb, I'm excited to see some updated images when possible.

The steps you've been given by your carpenter are spot on and will have your room ready for paint in no time.

There's no reason you can't use the orbital sander for any of the sanding, you just need to be careful not to overdo it. I'd suggest using 120-grit sandpaper as it is a good medium-grit sandpaper for a variety of applications and starting with the sander on a low setting so you can gauge the effect before getting stuck in.

Bunnings stock a variety of Indoor & Window Blinds to suit all different sizes of windows. There are also Custom Blinds that can be made to measure and come in a variety of styles and finishes. which can be installed easily with a drill and some basic knowledge. 

You might like to check out How To Install Roller Blinds, How To Install Vertical Blinds and How To Install Venetian Blinds for some guidance.

If you are not confident in your abilities, you could also look at our Curtain, Blind & Shutter Installation service as an option that can be arranged through your local stores Special Orders desk.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[SPP]

Thanks @JacobZ 

I tried my best to get rid of the paint on the Aluminum Window using a wire brush and a drill, however the process is still rather slow and not so good as in some areas  I pushed too hard and really scratched the aluminum deeply whereas in other places I didn't go hard enough and it quite patchy. 

I also think I damaged some of the wood. 

Honestly, I think the best pathway for me is to get the blind, then in the future pay someone to come and do the proper cleaning/stripping of the Aluminum and Timber. What tradie would be the best for this (Carpenter/Handyman/Metalworker)?  

[EricL]

Hello @SPP 

I'm looking forward to seeing the photos of your freshly painted room. I'm sorry to hear that you did not get much success with your window and door frame stripping. I suggest getting a handy person that has experience with paint stripping.

I suggest posting the job on Hipages or Airtasker, I recommend putting in as much detail as possible about the job. The more information you put in regarding a job, the more likely you'll get an immediate response. 

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

[SPP]

Thanks @EricL , @JacobZ , @MitchellMc and @Dave-1 

I am ready to put in Blinds. 

My dimensions are: 

1) 1800 [Width] x 1118 [Length]

2) 1200 [Width] x 1180 [Length]

3) 1800 [Width] x 580 [Length]

I was told that regardless of the length, I just need to get blinds that fit the width of the frame. Is is true that the installer can cut the blind length down? The products I was shown have 2 m length and I am not sure how that would work. 

[Dave-1]

Evening @SPP 

With blinds there are a bunch of different types, Well worth having a look around as they can really change the feel of a room.

I have struggled myself to find blinds that will fit my windows and will prob end up getting some cut to length like what you are after.

Id actually wander into your local Bunnings store (Or spotlight if you dont have a Bunnings close) and have a chat to the special orders desk for either place. These guys know there buisness and will get it cut to the right length. You have the widths already, you will need how far the fall is as well.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @SPP,

Similar to @Dave-1's suggestion, I would simply advise you to speak to the Special Orders desk at your local store. 

While it is possible for them to be altered by an installer, it is likely that they will charge you an additional fee that can be avoided by simply ordering them to size.
 

Once you've ordered your blinds, I'd suggest checking out our Curtain, Blind & Shutter Installation Service as a potential option for you.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jacob