When using epoxy repair mortars, the hardener is tipped into the resin aggregate and (for ease) a mixer paddle is used to get a good, uniform mix. It takes about 4 – 6 minutes to mix a 20Kg tub of epoxy mortar.

Pretty much all compounds will include instructions on how cleaning should be carried out in their instruction so follow them closely.Exterior concrete areas including driveways, courtyards, parking areas, walkways and domestic garages: There are many types of wood filler and most depend on the colour of the wood. They are available in all timber colours or simply just light and dark. The multi purpose wood filler below (In the top tools box) is applied easily with an applicator gun and can be sanded down and stained. The product is a water-based, low-VOC, and low-odor filler, so you can work in the kitchen comfortably. It dries within an hour or so, after which you can apply another coat if needed, or go ahead to sand the cabinets lightly, apply primer, and then paint as desired. The Aqua Coat product itself is white, which makes it easier to see how effectively you're covering the wood grain, but it can be painted any color you choose once dry. It cleans up with soap and water once you're done. For holes of less than 50mm it is best to use an ordinary epoxy repair mortar. This repair mortar has a much finer resin aggregate and fills any voids in a much more complete way. It is also completely waterproof as it has a resin base and will withstand any temperatures without crumbling. It will (usually) accept foot traffic after about 4 hours and is fully cured after 24 hours. Please do however read the instructions on the individual containers as some epoxies vary a little.

Structural issues can come in quite a range and include things like the fact the ground supporting the foundation, path, slab etc. is sinking, the foundation supporting the given structure, path etc. has failed or the fact that the concrete mix that has been used to create the object isn’t strong enough and is now failing. Choice one is not plausible given that even the finest mortar or concrete mixture will clog in small crevices, so choice two it is. Masonry repair fillers – These are designed for outdoor use and have high mechanical strength, as well as coping well with the elements. Powder filler is the most practical choice if you have a lot of surfaces to prepare. It’s cheaper than ready-mixed paste and you’ll get a lot of filler out of one bag. The main downside is that you need to prepare it before use by mixing the powder with water. Another issue is that once you’ve finished with the prepared filler, you can’t reuse anything that’s left over as it will just dry out.However, in many cases, the user isn't entirely sure where they will need to use the wood filler, so it may be more beneficial to opt for a light-colored, general-purpose wood filler that is resistant to water, dirt, and dust. This makes it possible to apply the wood filler almost anywhere and have it be suitable for the task. In addition, the light color means that it's easily paintable to match the wall, ceiling, or baseboard, or any other surface. Other reasons for failure can come from chemical damage to the concrete and also where any steel reinforcement in the concrete fails due to corrosion. This solvent-free product comes in various colors to match real wood species. You can also stain or paint over it in virtually any color, as it's formulated to accept different types of paint just like solid wood, and it dries with smooth and even results. It comes in sizes up to 1 gallon, making it a good choice if you are facing a large project, as well. PLEASE NOTE: The pot life of this product is 20 minutes. This means that once parts have been mixed, the paint will start to chemically cure after this time. Ensure you remove the paint from the tin in this window. The paint will then be workable on your floor for up to 30-40 minutes. Once squeezed into the gap the foam expands to about 3 times it’s volume. Once it has fully expanded, you can cut off the surplus, sand down and decorate or even render or plaster over. It’s incredibly versatile stuff, albeit a little messy.

If you’re filling smaller spaces or just don’t want the potential mess of powder, ready-mixed paste is the best solution. It’s practical and can be reused – just make sure you seal it tightly after use. However, paste is more expensive than powder and will already be pre-mixed in precise ratios to a particular consistency. Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.Wood fillers – These are generally formulated with wood fibres to help make them suitable for wood repairs. Although many mortar patching compounds are good at what they do, they’re not quite as effective as their latex or epoxy counterparts, so if you can always opt for one of these.