How to skim coat uneven walls?

[gregaldous]

Hi there, I have some slightly uneven surfaces on my walls (see pic - small chips in plaster, old paint, etc) and I want to prepare them for painting. Gyprock have several different products such as topping compound, easy flow all purpose compound, ultra-top topping compound, easy finish topping compound… which one should I use? Cheers, Greg

 

[EricL]

Hello @gregaldous 

That is a very good questions, because you described your walls as having small chips, old paint, and minor unevenness, I’d go with CSR Gyprock 15kg Ultra-Top Topping Compound. It’s ideal for creating a smooth finish over existing surfaces before painting. If you prefer a simpler, all-in-one product and don’t mind a bit more work sanding, Gyprock CSR 15kg Easy Flow All Purpose Compound is an acceptable alternative especially if you expect to use the compound again later for patching or other small repairs.

Just a friendly reminder that plastering is a difficult skill to master and if this is your first attempt and you are only doing a small section then it would be a great opportunity for you to experience and learn about plastering. But if you are doing the entire house or a large number of walls, I would suggest engaging the services of professional as they would be able to do it in short amount of time with minimal waste of materials and you would end up with a professional smooth finish. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[gregaldous]

Hi Eric, thanks for your reply, just a quick question, when you say  Gyprock CSR 15kg Easy Flow All Purpose Compound is an acceptable alternative especially if you expect to use the compound again later, does that mean that once you open the Ultra Top, you have to use it all at once?

cheers

[EricL]

Hello @gregaldous 

The Ultra Top does not need to be used all at once when the bucket is opened. But its best to keep the bucket closed so that it does not dry off. I only mentioned that that the Easy Flow can be opened again for patching and repairs. But technically its best to keep both buckets closed so that they will not dry off.

Eric

[gregaldous]

Oh, I see. Thanks very much, really helpful. 

[Nailbag]

Hi @gregaldous 

I've always been a fan of the CSR Gyprock 15kg Ultra-Top Topping Compound @EricL mentioned after it was recommended to me by my plasterer many years ago. The 15kg tub is good value for money, though as a DIY'r unless you have a lot to do, it will go off before you use it all. A good tip I was given was to add a little water when first opened and mix that through the top layer. It makes it even easier to apply. You can do that as you work down the contents.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good morning @gregaldous 

I have used UNi-PRO 500g Smooth Coat Skim Filler - 500g on my laundry ceiling as it had a multitude of small cracks and paint edges. It worked very well in smoothing out the imperfects and have stood up to a humid area over the years. 

Here is the project Laundry retrofit The first step shows the repair to the cracked ceiling

Dave

[gregaldous]

Hi @Nailbag,

how long does it keep in the bucket after it’s been opened? 

[MitchellMc]

If you place some Glad Wrap over the compound in the bucket and push it down, sealing the top of it before putting the lid on, you could get 6-12 months @gregaldous. However, it's best to use it as soon as possible, as over time it will dry out.

@Nailbag might be able to give us a better idea from his own experience.

Mitchell

[Nailbag]

About the same as what @MitchellMc mentioned. It’s important to take what you need then keep the lid on tight

Nailbag.