Fillers for painting & decorating
Cellulose fillers: these are based on plaster with added cellulose resins to improve flexibility, adhesion and reduce drying time.
• remains workable for up to 1 hour
• it will shrink, so cracks should be overfilled and sanded back
• expensive to use in large quantities
• dries white.
Ready-mixed fillers: like ordinary cellulose fillers, but with added ingredients to improve performance and sold in plastic tubs.
• quick-drying in thin layers (thick layers may take up to 24 hours)
• less likely to shrink or slump
• waterproof, so can be used in wet areas or outdoors
• relatively expensive to use in large quantities
Plaster: this is made from gypsum (calcium sulphate) and numerous different types are available.
• for most repair jobs, finishing plaster is ideal
• available in bags from 5kg (111b) upwards
• relatively inexpensive for large repairs
• very quick setting (less than 30mins)
• may shrink in deep cracks or thick layers
• dries grey or pink.
Brush-on skim plaster, specially formulated and ready-mixed, is designed to be brushed on and smoothed with a spreader instead of a float.
• remains workable for up to 4 hours
• doesn’t shrink or crack
• more expensive than plain plaster
• dries white.
Wood stoppers are resin-based ready mixed fillers designed for wood that’s going to be varnished.
• sets quickly with little shrinkage
• dries wood-colour but can take stain
Flexible mastics are rubber or acrylic-basic sealants designed for gaps between walls and woodwork where slight movement would crack ordinary fillers.
• remains flexible without shrinking
• can be painted
• available in different colours.