What skim/fill for plasterboard repair patch

El_robbo1980

Hi,

just finished putting a repair patch on a ceiling where a pipe leaked. It’s approx 10” x10” patch onto wood battens. Just wondering what the best compound to use is now to finish the job (I’ll be using scrim tape also). Thanks

Rows Grower

Skimcoat.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122676561#Comment_122676561

Yup!

El_robbo1980

thanks a mill for the quick reply. Any recommendations? Preferably 5/10kg as it’s only the patch but don’t mind whether it’s RM or requires mixing. Thanks again

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122676850#Comment_122676850

Gyproc skimcoat in powder form, but it's a method to master. If it's just one-off patching then have a look at the pre-mixed skimcoats such as this:

https://brooksonline.ie/gyproc-promix-finisher-15-ltr-ug6490

Dr_Colossus

Wow, surely that price can't be right, €66.78 for a 15l tub?

The problem with skimcoat is trying to buy small quantities economically. You'll get a 25kg bag for about €17 but often pay the same or more for smaller bags if/when available and often they're not.

If getting skimcoat that you mix yourself make sure the bag is in date as otherwise it can set nearly instantly and make it impossible to work with. Even at the best of times it's tough to work with for patch work as your edges will often wick water from the mix so pre-dampen your work area.

Plastering I find is one of the most skillful trades to get a satisfactory finish on I find. With most others you can take your time but time works against you with plaster so have want you need to hand and ready to go.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122676914#Comment_122676914

Coat the lot in diluted SBR and let it go tacky, then throw on the mud. Learnt that one last month. 😁

DublinDilbert

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122676561#Comment_122676561

Do not use skim coat if you haven't done a lot of plastering before. You will struggle to get a good finish and definitely won't be able to sand down any spots, very difficult to work with for a DIYer.

Use pre-mixed jointing compound and the paper jointing tape, it is much easier to work with, you will have to do a few layers, but you can always sand and re-fill any areas you are not happy with. The average DIYer can get quite good with joint compound.

You can get small tub here:-

ProForm All Purpose Filler 5 Ltr - Goodwins

These pre-mixed jointing compounds are designed to go on in very thin layers. I even use this stuff before I paint a room with bad walls, to any low spots I apply some of this stuff the day before and the next day hit it with the sander, leaving nice flat / smooth walls.

Rows Grower

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122680457#Comment_122680457

That stuff is for filling small cracks or gaps between slabs, it's not meant to be used on a 10" x 10" repair patch for good reasons.

Skimcoat is.

DublinDilbert

When taping and jointing boards often bigger areas need to be filled in, the seam down the middle of two boards is probably about 100mm wide. We are talking about a patch double that.

I don't know anyone that would buy a bag of skim coat for a small patch this size. Skim coating and blending in plaster requires experience. It will be hard to get right without doing a much lager area. Taping and joining was developed so people with limited experience can do it.

Feathering in skimcoat is about the most skilled thing you can attempt. I agree that paper and jointing compound is far easier and far easier to sand back the imperfections.

Also your going to need to go at least 300mm from your patch to get a decent invisible finish. Use a 150mm spatcheller to apply and finish.