Fillers, caulks, etc

[Craig]

On another thread, somebody asserted that filler was mainly lime and chalk. Is that really true? I can't find anything on the web.

I have tried getting my decorator to use a conservation filler which is exactly that, but it wasn’t suitable for large gaps and he's gone back to use his generic trade filler.

What about decorator's caulk? What is it? I spend a lot of time stopping builders use silicone sealants but what is this caulk stuff?


All comments gratefully received.

 

[andrew gayton]

it is basically a non-rigid acrylic filler which can be painted over.

 

[thiambal]

Great stuff Caulk - cheap and does exacelty what is says on the tube. Best results from overpainting - unpainted is tends to attract dirt a bit. Also care should be taken when tooling to ensure a nice finish just like silicon - although it is much much more forgiving than silicon.

For filling big gaps cleanly, eaisly and for good reuslts this stuff is fab....

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/FXRMF1.html

Not sure of its green or conservation credentials though. As is comes from USA probably not all that green given the transportation - although I guess it comes by sea. Specifically meant for large hole but I find it the best all purpose filler I have ever used.

 

[Penners]

Thiambal - is that Red Devil Onetime filler a lightweight filler like No Sanding Polyfilla? The latter is great for filling large holes with no slumping, but once dried it isn't very hard - quite easy to damage.

Is your RD stuff the same?

 

[Craig]

So its all what it seems - horrid s****.

Sad - I am trying to make use of appropraite materials - I live and learn (I hope).

Hopefully the last room I do will be the best.

 

[Penners]

So its all what it seems - horrid s****.

Where did you read that?!

I'm all in favour of traditional materials for period buildings, but let's keep a sense of proportion. A few dobs of modern filler aren't going to make your house crumble to dust.

 

[thiambal]

Penners - I should imagine the Red Devil stuff is similar to the Polyfiller. It is odd stuff, very lightweight and almost dry but extremely workable.

It can be overpainted almost immediately, but it does take a quite a long time (days) to harden off especially when deep, and so is quite vulnerable to damage. This is not a problem filling small or shallow holes and you can work it to an even but extremely thin layer - I have found it quite effective in filling chips in the thick old paint to create a level surface before painting.

For me, the best, cleanest, easiest to use all purpose filler I have some across.

As for this and Caulk being S**** - I don't see how using them in small quantities really does any harm to properties (unlike cement render etc) caulk can be removed once dry without damaging the surrounding materials. Not sure what the environmental credentials are however!

 

[Penners]

Penners - I should imagine the Red Devil stuff is similar to the Polyfiller

Yes, Thiambal, judging from your description' it's the same stuff. Almost like soft expanded polystyrene.

I find it very good for filling cracks, holes, etc., but it has very little mechanical strength, so no good for anywhere that will have wall plugs, screws, etc. put in.

 

[thiambal]

A note worthy and scholarly point

 

[Penners]

A note worthy and scholarly point

Scholarly - me?? :lol:

 

[Craig]

Mainly just the amount that it gets used, to make up for almost any bit of dodgy workmanship. Maybe I am being too sensitive though.

 

[NT]

So its all what it seems - horrid s****.

Sad - I am trying to make use of appropraite materials - I live and learn (I hope).

Hopefully the last room I do will be the best.

you've already got lime on site, use it. Lime and sand for coarse filler where it doesnt need sanding, and lime and chalk for finer stuff.

3:1 is 100kg filler for £12.


NT

 

[Penners]

100 kg of filler???

Even I haven't used that amount in my entire life.

 

[NT]

I bet youve been tempted though

NT

 

[Penners]

I bet youve been tempted though

By many, many things. Filler isn't one of them. :wink: