Filling chases when time is very tight

OldKettle · 22 Oct 2017

Hi,
I am currently having some electrical work done, which will leave lots of chases that I need to fill. There are a couple of problems.

Firstly, I need to fill them in such a manner, that they can be painted within 48 hours. Secondly, the chases are on walls with different surfaces (bare plaster in some cases, lining paper in others, and patterned paper in the rest).

The walls were all recently painted with a matt emulsion, and I need to use the same paint.

The finish doesn't need to be perfect, but I'd like to do as good a job as I can.

I assume that I will need to fill and sand, but what should I use as the filler, and can I mechanically sand without wrecking the surrounding paper?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

rob_j20 · 23 Oct 2017

Easi-fill is what you want. They do a 60min, 45min and 20 min version. Can go on really thick as well. But best to do a few coats, very easy to sand but dusty.

roughcaster · 23 Oct 2017

It doesn't really matter how quick plaster goes off, it's how long it takes to "dry out"ready for painting. The deeper the plaster/chase, the longer it'll take to DRY.

B17NNS · 23 Oct 2017

As above. Easi-fill is your friend. A chase won't be dry in 48 hours.

If you absolutely must paint it make sure you use a contract matt emulsion (not vinyl matt or vinyl silk).

OldKettle · 25 Oct 2017

B17NNS said:
As above. Easi-fill is your friend. A chase won't be dry in 48 hours.

If you absolutely must paint it make sure you use a contract matt emulsion (not vinyl matt or vinyl silk).

Thanks. Unfortunately I have to paint it with a specific vinyl matt (long story). How long will the chases take to dry before they can be painted with a vinyl matt?

I was planning to do a 20% water/80% paint mist coat first, and then a full coat (or two).

B17NNS · 25 Oct 2017

Hard to say with easy-fill. If you were using bonding/hardwall and multi-finish you would be able to see. I know for screed they say 1mm per day. All depends on the depth of the chases, the temperature, humidity etc. With a contract it wouldn't matter as it can breathe. Vinyl and you're sealing any moisture in.

OldKettle · 27 Oct 2017

Thanks for all of the input. Much appreciated.

I'm trying to move some stuff around, and it might be that I can now get the chases filled 7 days before they are to be painted.

The only problem is that I will only have a day, maybe two.

Would it be practical to do a layer of bonding and a layer of multi-finish, or just one application of one coat? (again, it doesn't have to be a brilliant job, just quick, ok looking and paintable with vinyl matt within 7 days).

Or would easi-fill still be the way to go?

B17NNS · 27 Oct 2017

Assuming 7 days in a habitable/heated house I’d say you’d be pretty safe with easifill. When you fill go slightly proud so you can sand back/feather it in. Ideally
Mist the chase with watered down contract followed by a couple of coats of vinyl matt.

OldKettle · 28 Oct 2017

Thanks. So, would easi-fill be the fastest drying option?

Happyplumber · 29 Oct 2017

I would use joint filler from Knauf or Gyproc joint cement first to get into the chases as its designed to be stronger and normally used for drylining.

Let this dry off and then go over with easy fil for a nice smooth finish
Using drywall products will greatly reduce your drying times as its designed for that purpose

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Filling chases when time is very tight

Similar threads