Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
ROUGH PATCH
Don’t crumble over an old wall that needs a bit of love. With a free afternoon and a few basic supplies, you can repair any holes and render like a pro!
Save on labour expenses for your next reno project and patch up old holes in the wall yourself. Splash your saved cash on décor and detail, and finish your room with panache!
Gather your supplies • Dunlop acrylic render 20kg
You’ll also need Masonry chisel; hammer; old paintbrush; bucket; mixing rotary bit; drill; sponge; float (metal); hawk; scrap timber; wooden or plastic float
Safety notes
When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing.
Project notes
Mixed render can be used for indoor and outdoor projects, on bricks and concrete. It is workable for around 1 hour (less time in hot and dry conditions). Apply render for cracks up
to 10mm deep, and apply 2 coats, if required.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Assess the area for repair, then chisel loose render or brick with chisel and hammer. Remove debris and dust with a dry paintbrush.
STEP 2 Add 3.5 litres of water to a bucket and gradually mix bag of render with drill and mixing rotary bit until the consistency is creamy and lump-free.
STEP 3 Wipe down area to patch with damp sponge for a dust-free key for render. With float, immediately load hawk with render mix.
STEP 4 Apply render to patch with float. Spread evenly over patch until filled. With the straight edge of scrap timber, scrape away excess render until surface is flush with surrounding wall. Allow to partly cure for 10-30 minutes so the consistency is firm but flexible. Cure time depends on temperature, humidity and wall conditions.
STEP 5 Smooth and polish render with wooden or plastic float, and blend with surrounding wall. Use a sponge to smooth render flat, and dab for a sandy or coarse effect. Allow render to dry thoroughly before applying your choice of decorative finish.
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