The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.
Hello!
I am patching up some things in my unit and need some help.
It is a 1960s double brick unit
Image 1-That has a hole that needs patching after removing a light bulb to install an AC. Best way to patch it?
Secondly, I have metal doorframes with paint removed (oil based paint) that looks like it’s had 20 layers 😕
Image 2-is the best way to fix this remove the random patches to even up then paint until it’s the same thickness?
Image 3-is the best way to sand and repaint?
to get the right paint do I get samples from the wall and take to Bunnings?
Clearly not an experienced DIYer and would appreciate advice
Hello @DIYFirstimer
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about patching your wall.
For the first image, I suggest getting some pliers and removing the plastic plugs in the wall. Remove all the loose brick and debris that's in the hole. Once the hole is totally clean, I suggest using Polyfilla 500g Exterior Brick and Render Masonry in combination with a Pro Renovator 50mm Plastic Scraper. Your goal is to fill the hole up to the level of the wall without going over too much. In this manner you won't have to do a great deal of sanding to bring it down to your walls original level.
Once the hole has been filled and sanded down to level, you can then paint over the repair spot. In regards to paint matching, your idea is correct bring a sample chip to your local stores paint department and ask for a paint match. My best advice is to give the filler enough time to cure properly.
In the second image, I suggest using a Rocket Sanding Sponge Kit. Your goal for this repair is to level the area and remove all the loose paint chips just in this spot. When you've levelled the area wipe it clean with a clean rag dipped in Isopropyl alcohol. I suggest using White Knight Rust Guard Medium Grey Metal Primer Paint and for the topcoat I recommend White Knight Rust Guard Gloss White Epoxy Enamel Paint tinted to the colour of your door frame.
For the third and final picture, I suggest using the same technique used on the second picture, but to limit the area your sanding area and not make it bigger.
Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to paint like a professional by @Peggers.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Something most people don't realize is that these types of filler for plastered walls are water based. This means that once filled the surface can be leveled with a damp cloth without the need for sanding. fill in two stages as the first fill will shrink back then slightly overfill on the second pass (after the first has dried) and then clean up with a damp cloth till it is as you want it. You should fill with something wider than the hole in order to get a level finish.
Hi @R4addZ,
Thank you for sharing your advice, I'm sure our members would be grateful for the tip.
Jacob
Just a note that one big advantage to the damp cloth method in situations like this one is that there is no chance of scratching the new airconditioner with sandpaper.
Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects
We would love to help with your project.
Join the Bunnings Workshop community today to ask questions and get advice.