Are all 'fillers' pretty much the same

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I am in the process of decorating my house and will of course need some filler for the inevitable cracks, holes , dents in the plasterwork.

I have always trusted the powdered Polyfilla, but was wondering whether the other, some much cheaper options are any better, or are they worse.

Tetrion is obviously another branded powder filler, but there are own brand versions from numerous shops, including Wilkinson's and Morrison's.

Are these worth trying ?

I avoid the ready made up mixtures, pretty much because they seem far more expensive ... and of course, it isn't rocket science to mix up a batch of powder.

Just as a final question, there are cracks between the wall and ceiling .. normally I just mix up a batch of filler, then using my finger only, squeeze the mixture into the corner, then follow up with a wet sponge to clean the excess. is this the best way, or should I be using decorators caulk from a tube.

thanks for any advice provided
 
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Powdered fillers set quicker than ready mixed and are easier to sand. The ready mixed fillers do tend to be a lot harder when fully set though. I find the lightweight fillers are too soft for most applications and tend to avoid them unless they are in inconspicuous areas.

I like the Polycell Trade fillers best (powdered and ready mixed) but Tetrion is also another I use. I never use own brand fillers so can't rate them but some of the cheaper 'named' brands perform pretty well.

If you can get a good finish in the corners with a standard filler then you can use it but they are more likely to crack again than caulk. On the other hand, some caulks can be a nuisance to paint and may occasionally need to have an oil based undercoat before they accept some emulsions.
 
i'm a big fan of gyproc easifill. i buy in 10Kg bags though and not sure whether it comes in smaller quantities. it's nice to use and sands down easily. i will use lightweight fillers but only for deep areas as it tends to shrink less. i will fill just below flush with them, let them dry and smooth over with easifill and sand smooth. i would recommend caulk for the cracks between walls and ceiling as it is flexible and like Mr H says will not crack as easy as normal filler.
 
easifill is better as a bulk filler, Red Devil would be my preference.

Dec
 
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easifill is better as a bulk filler, Red Devil would be my preference.

Dec

is red devil more of a fine surface filler? never used it as i discovered easifill a few years ago and never looked back. before that i just used mangers powder filler.
 
Dont tell me that you dont or indeed know, what Red Devil is or how it performs. If you have the capability to apply this product in the correct manner it would not need sanding.

Dec
 
can't say that i have ever used it. stuck to two brands of filler for a long time, never had reason to change.
 
Red devil is my go to filler for nail holes, chips etc, only use easifill when i have a lot of filling to do. Problem is the time spent knocking easifill up you can get the filling done with a ready mixed.
Toupret make very good fillers as well.
 
Dont tell me that you dont or indeed know, what Red Devil is or how it performs.

Used Red Devil many times. Have to agree this product preforms well.


If you have the capability to apply this product in the correct manner

This is elrobbo your talking about. This man won't even undertake fitting coving let alone master the art of applying fillers / plaster.
 
RMS please stick to the op. i haven't used this filler before, it's not a crime you know!;)

tend to find once your happy with a certain product its hard to bring yourself to change. this is just as apparent now with changing over to water based paint systems. still undecided between johnstones and crown gloss but once i've favored one i will probably stick to it unless its quality decreases just like the fillers i use. i will have to try this "red devil" as it seems to be highly thought of. normally i wouldn't but through the reviews here maybe i'll bring myself to giving it a try. RMS since we are from the same area where do you acquire yours from? do you get a good deal?
 
Decorators if they are worth their salt are always on the lookout for new products and both eager to seek and try them out, you see this is how good Decorators become better.

Dec
 
i have to disagree, if i get a finish that i am happy with using the products i know why change. if one of these products becomes inferior over time and the quality changes then i will look at changing. with the water based satins and glosses (as these systems are still in the process of improvements) i will try other ones. out of the ones i have tried as of late i am plumping for the ones i have mentioned. new products are coming to the market all the time but before 2010 i would not of strayed from the dulux trade gloss as the finish was excellent. i used this product for years and didn't think of changing due to this finish. i will however agree with new products developed for specific circumstances need trying. with regards to emulsion i also have not changed from dulux trade as the finish i get is also very good.
 

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