Applying Polyfilla over caulk

[Steve111111]

I had an electrician move a light switch for me. That meant cutting out holes in the plasterboard to fish the cable around to the new location. I had expected him to fill the holes with something like Polyfilla. Whatever he used had a whiter finish than Polyfilla (which is more light grey). So I'm thinking maybe he used caulk.

The caulk (which I assume it is) is not hardening like Polyfilla does. I was able to sand it to get a smooth finish but it's still a bit squishy if I press on it. Not sure if it's a good idea to leave it there and paint over it.

Also in one area he didn't use enough filler so I topped it off with Polyfilla. However the Pilyfilla isn't hardening even though it's been applied now for about 1 week. I wonder if there is some kind of chemical reaction between the caulk and the Polyfilla where the caulk is preventing the Polyfilla from hardening.

I'm wondering if I should just scrape all of the caulk out and apply Polyfilla to the whole lot.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

I'm wondering if I should just scrape all of the caulk out and apply Polyfilla to the whole lot.

Definitely. Caulk is only intended to be used in a fine bead, e.g. in the corner where woodwork meets plaster. It's not a filler for large holes. It will have formed a skin, sealing its own water in so will probably never dry.