Openai/693bcc82-9fc4-8004-8c0c-9c2e561d5301

This conversation was exported from ChatGPT

gpt-5-2

User: What would be the optimal way to fill these drill holes in the bricks, without them being visual eye-sores?

What would be the optimal way to fill these drill holes in the bricks, without them being visual eye-sores?

Assistant: The cleanest, least “eye-sore” result comes down to colour-matching + texture, not just filling the hole.

The cleanest, least “eye-sore” result comes down to colour-matching + texture, not just filling the hole. For face brick like this, here’s the optimal approach (best → acceptable).

✅ Best result (near-invisible): Colour-matched brick repair mortar / filler

!https://abbotbuilding\.com/wp\-content/uploads/2017/12/mortar\-color\-matching\.jpg?utm\_source=chatgpt\.com !https://www\.thebrickdr\.com/wp\-content/uploads/2018/02/before\-after1\-1\.jpg?utm\_source=chatgpt\.com !https://i\.ytimg\.com/vi/ylWnno6T2M0/hq720\.jpg?rs=AOn4CLAVGOA7xyxVL\_lX6BhztALBlaydJQ&sqp=\-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&utm\_source=chatgpt\.com

What to use

• Brick repair mortar or masonry repair compound (e.g. BondCrete Brick Repair, Dunlop Masonry Repair, SikaBrick Repair)
• Optional: 2–3 fine sands in slightly different tones (grey / charcoal / brown)

How

1. Clean the holes – blow out dust, brush clean.
2. Lightly dampen the brick (prevents flashing/light patches).
3. Mix small batches and tint: - Start grey - Add tiny amounts of brown/charcoal until it matches dry brick, not wet
4. Pack the hole firmly with a small spatula or gloved finger.
5. Texture while green: - Dab with a stiff brush or sponge to mimic brick face.
6. Let cure, then lightly dry-brush dust from the brick surface over the patch if needed.

Result: From 1–2 metres away, the holes effectively disappear.

👍 Very good & simpler: Exterior filler + colour blending

!https://i5\.walmartimages\.com/seo/Toupret\-Exterior\-Masonry\-Repair\-Filler\-1\-5kg\_69327b8a\-c42d\-4835\-9575\-5e152825d7fe\.7d89b5b9235a12926cd8d7731853f081\.jpeg?utm\_source=chatgpt\.com !https://i\.ytimg\.com/vi/i\_yz5n8MmwU/sddefault\.jpg?utm\_source=chatgpt\.com !https://texturelabs\.org/wp\-content/uploads/Texturelabs\_Brick\_141S\.jpg?utm\_source=chatgpt\.com

Use if you don’t want to mix mortar

• Exterior-grade filler (Selleys Spakfilla Exterior, Polyfilla Masonry)

Key trick

• Fill slightly proud
• As it skins over, dab with a damp sponge
• After curing, dab matching masonry paint (not brush strokes)

This works surprisingly well if you take your time with colour.

⚠️ Acceptable but visible (not recommended if looks matter)

!https://content\.instructables\.com/F2H/OLCB/K5F4H286/F2HOLCBK5F4H286\.jpg?auto=webp&utm\_source=chatgpt\.com !https://i\.ytimg\.com/vi/PsThb\-dZC0c/sddefault\.jpg?utm\_source=chatgpt\.com

• Silicone, caulk, expanding foam ❌ Always obvious ❌ Attracts dirt ❌ Wrong texture and sheen

🎯 Pro tip (makes the difference)

• Match the brick, not the mortar line
• Slight colour variation is good — bricks aren’t uniform
• Matte finish only (no gloss or semi-gloss)

If you want it perfect

Tell me:

• Are these face bricks or painted later?
• Roughly hole diameter (looks ~5–6 mm?)
• Do you want zero tools, quick DIY, or best possible finish

I’ll tailor the exact product + colour mix for your wall 👌