How to fix or replace plasterboard wall with many dents?

Hi Folks,

I'm looking to repaint our garage to freshen it up, but before I do, I noticed the plaster is in poor condition. It looks like 1000 dings from car doors in the wall. I tried filling and sanding a bunch of them, but thats going to be a TON of work.

So here's my question - persist filling and sanding and then painting OR cut it along the studs and replace the plaster ?

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SirExie

To expand - budget is a constraint as I'm current unemployed, and skill is a constraint as I'm not a tradie.

On the budget front, by the time I buy the filler and get one of those wall sanders off marketplace, I'm estimating $200 and a bit of mess.

The alternative is 2 x (3m x 1.2m) sheets look like ~$40 ea + tape this could be simpler and produce a better finish.

Nailbag

Hi @SirExie

100% FIX and definitely do not cut the section of wall out and replace. Forgetting about the cost, but the skill level required to finish the patch is very high and you don't need to go to that effort. For labout $20 for a decent filler, sandpaper and cork block you will achieve a far better finish with little effort.

This is all you need and exactly how I would repair the wall and it will be seamless:

For a filler, this Selly's product is very good and one I use very regularly each week, Its ideal for this type of repair up to a few mm deep. For anything more I used the one from Parafix.

Once fully dried, lightly use 180G paper then finish with 240G. If your repainting the entire wall, then your could but not required a single chart of primer in the area then the colour coat/s.

Nailbag

EricL

Hello @SirExie

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your damaged plasterboard wall.

I totally support @Nailbag's recommendation. It may seem daunting at the beginning but stay strong and persevere! Every patch you repair is one less patch to be fixed and when you reach the end of the wall, you'll be surprised that it can be repaired with a bit of patience and effort.

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

Eric

Nanne

Skim coat it - I did this with with mine (requires fair bit of patient ;))

EricL

Hello @Nanne

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @SirExie

@Nanne suggestion of a skim coat is an excellent one considering the rise of the area. It will be quicker with the same result. Just use a wide plastic jointing knife to apply.

Nailbag

SirExie

Thanks folks, good advise.

Thinking it through, if I make a mess with the filler and sanding, it does not stop me (or someone qualified) replacing he drywall in the future. So from that perspective, I've got nothing to loose by trying to fix it.

When I tried filling initially, I was using an old tub of "Uni-Pro" Smooth coat, it had a little plastic applicator, but as mentioned, it was very slow going and the sanding was messy and took a long time.

I'll pop up to Bunnings tomorrow and try some Selly's stuff and get a wide spreader which should help. Do you think its worth getting one of those wall sanding machines, or just a sander with a vacuum attachment ?

EricL

Hi @SirExie

A standard orbital sander should suffice to finish off your wall once all the damage has been plastered over.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when sanding your wall.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nanne

You’ll definitely want to use a hand or electric sander connected to a vacuum cleaner—it gets really dusty unless you’re a level 5 plasterer!

EricL

Hello @SirExie

@Nanne's suggestion is actually very good. I recommend investing in an Ozito 1250W 20L Wet And Dry Vacuum, it's perfect for gathering all the plaster dust that will be generated by the hand sander.

Eric

SirExie

Thanks folks,

So, I filled, sanded, then filled and sanded and finally filled some more and sanded some more.
You were correct about that sanding dust making a huge mess everywhere, even when hand sanding!

After all the filling and sanding, I painted, I used a 4mm nap roller, I did 2 coats, but it came out a bit patchy and I'm not sure it was a very even coating, so I went back and brought a 230mm roller with a 5mm nap, this used the rest of the paint tin, but the good news is, its come out reasonably good, for a garage.

It still has lumps and bumps in, but they are hard to spot unless you are really looking for them. So I'm happy, and don't worry I am going to paint the bottom skirting board an accent color. Naturally, I've mounted the access point properly on the wall again and put the vacuum back too.

EricL

Hi @SirExie

Thank you very much for the update, the wall looks great and as you mentioned its difficult to see any imperfections.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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