On Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:21:37 -0800 (PST), harry wrote:
>> Is there any point in polyfilla? Isn't plaster better?
>
> Thick layers of plaster will shrink and crack. Ployfilla doesn't.
Polyfilla will crack if applied too thick and too wet. Cracking of
plaster is partly down to being too thick (though browning or bonding
is fairly tolerant) finish coat much less so. Drying too fast is the
other factor, either by suction into the substrate or by being in a
heated room.
> Plaster goes off very quick.
Particulary when "old", ie a few months after manufacture and still
sealed. Mind you that can be an advantage to the amateur, whack it
on, smooth it, polish, it sets. You can't then keep on fettling it,
you are forced to work quickly.
> Plaster is harder to work with and get a good finish
I don't find that. The wetting down and polishing when the plaster is
in it's "plastic" phase needs to be carefully timed. But nothing that
can't be learnt.
> Plaster is about a tenth of the price.
But only easily available in 25kg sacks and "goes off".
--
Cheers
Dave.