You can use filler to repair holes, cracks, and small dings on a wall, but it is not recommended for plastering an entire wall. For patching, filler is a great alternative to hiring a professional, but for large areas, you should use traditional gypsum-based plaster.
If you only have a few small holes to fill to get the perfect finish, there is no need to go through the hassle of plastering. Some ready-to-use wall fillers can fill 75mm deep and 50 mm wide holes in one application.
The best filler for plaster walls depends on the size of the repair. For deep holes, powdered Plaster of Paris or setting-type compounds like USG Durabond are ideal. For medium holes and cracks, premium joint compounds or premixed fillers like Toupret Quick Dry Filler or Zinsser Ready Patch are excellent.
Using roll on filler to skim a wall is quick, easy, and gives a great result. It's a lot cheaper to buy a couple of tubs of Dalapro Roll Nova than it is to hire a plasterer, and you'll have a full room skimmed in no time.
If you have a very unstable surface, then you will need to prime before you can fill. This is to ensure your filler adheres to the surface. Diluted PVA is the perfect primer to use.
To fix cracks in plaster walls, widen the crack slightly using a utility knife to remove loose debris, and lightly mist the edges with water. Apply a flexible plaster filler or setting-type joint compound with a putty knife, embed fiberglass mesh tape to prevent re-cracking, and sand smooth before painting.
Your filler options
Powder fillers: these are mixed with water and harden by crystallisation and so set quickly right to the back of the hole. This makes them more suitable for filling deep holes. Unlike plaster, the powder left in the box will still be usable when you find another hole to fill months later.
If you want to skip traditional plastering, you can use drywall panels, apply a roll-on skim coat, or cover imperfections with lining paper or wall paneling. These options save time, reduce mess, and are more beginner-friendly than mastering a trowel.
A skim coat, also known as a level-five finish, is a thin coat of diluted joint compound that can be applied by hand, paint roller or spray rig. Then it's smoothed out by using a drywall knife or trowel. It's an easy way to create flat and uniform surfaces on walls and ceilings so they can be painted or re-textured.
To smooth walls without traditional plastering, your best options are applying a skim coat of joint compound, hanging smooth wall lining paper, or installing thin drywall overboards. These methods avoid the mess and skill required for wet plastering while delivering a flawless, paint-ready surface.
What wall filler should you use?
Scrape off anything loose thencut a "V" along the length of the crack. Fill the groove with easifil jointing compound, cover with paper joint tape and another thin layer of compound. Once it's dry, lightly sand to blend the joint into the surrounding plaster and paint.
The best spackling for plaster walls depends on the size of the repair. For small nail holes and surface dings, use a premium flexible acrylic spackle like Zinsser Ready Patch or DAP DryDex. For deeper cracks, use a plaster-specific setting compound like USG Durabond for maximum durability.
Lath and plaster was a skilled craft and a time-consuming technique and the advent of cheaper, mass produced, pre-manufactured plasterboard meant lath and plaster largely fell out of favour by the 1930s and 1940s. Plasterboard was simply faster and less expensive to install.
Common surfaces for acrylic spackle include drywall, plaster, wood, and stone. It's easy to apply and dries quickly, often within a few hours. This spackle type also doesn't shrink or crack, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use.
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Eco-conscious designers now use materials like bamboo, natural clay, and wool insulation. These options offer smooth walls and low embodied energy. Clay plaster is also great for interior walls, providing a clean look without chemicals or VOCs.
Common mistakes in this step are not cleaning the surface properly, not removing dust or old paint, and ignoring cracks and holes. Before you start on a plastering job, you have to make sure that the surfaces you're working on are thoroughly clean. This is to make sure that the plaster adheres properly to the surface.
The spray gun's even distribution of plaster results in a smooth, consistent surface that requires minimal sanding or additional finishing work. This high-quality finish is a testament to the professional look that spray plaster can achieve, surpassing the traditional plaster application.
Cost: Skimming is usually cheaper because it needs fewer materials and less labour.
Yes! While it does take a bit of practice to perfect the technique, anyone can learn to skim a wall. It's all about preparation, using the right products, and taking your time. Skimming a full room might be a big job for your first go, so we recommend starting with a single wall or small space to get the hang of it.
Siroflex Ready-Mixed Instant Plaster Filler is a non shrinking, ultra light, ready mixed filler which is great for filling and repairing crack and holes in walls and ceilings. It is quick drying and can be painted over with emulsion based paint in 10-20 minutes after application, subject to ambient conditions.
Powder Filler
Powder fillers provide an alternative to ready mixed plaster fillers, but it's important to bear in mind that they can shrink when applied to deep cracks.
To make a basic, spreadable wall plaster at home, mix equal parts hydrated lime and fine sand, adding water until it reaches a thick paste. For a more durable, clay-like finish over drywall, you can use joint compound mixed with a small amount of water-based paint.
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