Filling deep holes in brick/breeze block

TheCyclingProgrammer

I'm planning to give our detached garage a bit of a makeover soon. I intend to paint the walls white, fit some new windows, new lights and put down a rubber tile floor.

Before I paint the walls, there are a few deep holes I need to fill first. The side walls are brick, the back wall is blockwork, a mix of this sort:

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sparkythecat/media/P1030290_zps33aa64b8.jpg.html

And the *really* rough stuff:

http://www.milfordbuildingsupplies.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/260x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/r/breeze_block_5.jpg?1488972967

What is the easiest method to fill deep holes in this blockwork prior to painting? Ready-mix cement? Expanding foam and exterior grade surface filler? It obviously doesn't have to be a perfectly smooth finish.

Also, any tips on painting this brick/block work? I was planning to use masonry paint - should I just give all of the walls a watered down coat first (and if so what ratio?) and then a couple of normal coats? I'm worried the really rough blocks will take loads of coats.

FreeBear

Breeze blocks will soak up paint like there is no tomorrow. A couple of coats watered down (50/50 mix paint & water) will help no end.

The concrete blocks will be a pig so get a nice even coat of paint. But the won't suck up moisture like the breeze blocks. I'd be tempted to get an airless spray to apply the paint to both surfaces - Much easier and quicker than messing around with a brush.

Lorian

Is this on the inside or outside walls?

TheCyclingProgrammer

Lorian wrote: »

Is this on the inside or outside walls?

Inside walls.

TheCyclingProgrammer

FreeBear wrote: »

Breeze blocks will soak up paint like there is no tomorrow. A couple of coats watered down (50/50 mix paint & water) will help no end.

The concrete blocks will be a pig so get a nice even coat of paint. But the won't suck up moisture like the breeze blocks. I'd be tempted to get an airless spray to apply the paint to both surfaces - Much easier and quicker than messing around with a brush.

Thanks. I've considered spraying but I'm worried about controlling the mess.

WobblyDog

The inside of my garage is built from blocks a bit like that. I brushed-on a couple of coats of Dulux Vinyl Silk, and it filled most of the holes. It still looks quite nice.

TheCyclingProgrammer

WobblyDog wrote: »

The inside of my garage is built from blocks a bit like that. I brushed-on a couple of coats of Dulux Vinyl Silk, and it filled most of the holes. It still looks quite nice.

Yeah I might just give it a go with a thinned down coat first. The back wall is going to have metal racking in front of most of it so it doesn't need to be perfect.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Anyone got any advice on what best to fill the holes? Quick drying repair concrete?

jcb208

I would coat the walls and try to work the paint in the smaller holes then caulk the larger holes before second coating.The blocks in your second pic are very absorbent and will soak up a lot of paint, so well thinned for first coat is best maybe up to 60/40 water