Why is Polifilla still sold?

[ScotHill]

I know why it’s bought, because that’s what everyone calls it, but it is absolute dogst - it doesn’t stay in one place when you try to fill anything of any depth, just gloops down with gravity, and when hard it seems to be impossible to sand level.

Someone suggested using Toupret and after years of struggling with Polyfilla it’s like a revelation, generally holds its form while working with it and it’s sandable so it’s unnoticeable, even in wallpaper seams or existing painted wood. I almost want to cause more holes just so I can fill them in again.

[sherman]

Man blames tools.

[ScotHill]

Do any professionals use Polyfilla?

[Stick Legs]

I chased an outside tap into my wall & filled it with Polyfilla & it’s still crack free & perfect 5 years on.
Well beyond what Polycell would recommend for their product. I did build it up in layers over a few weeks, built it up proud & sanded it back.

Never had a problem with it.

Before:


After:

[Dingu]

ScotHill said:

I know why it’s bought.

Seems you solved the title question in the first line. Because it’s bought.

[Drumroll]

Because despite the OP'S problems, it does work. would I use it to fill a big hole in one go? no I wouldn't. but for small infils it works for me.

[Simpo Two]

The formulation of Polyfilla has changed over the years. Once it was not unlike plaster - a powder you mixed with water. The last time I tried it, it was in a plastic tube, seemed to have some sort of microplastics in it and stuck to the knife.

Tetrion is my choice now.

[Actual]

I use Screwfix No Nonsense Lightweight Filler.

It is like a mousse and can be layered thickly.

The tub weights a fraction of the same sized tub of Polyfilla.

It doesn't set string enough to take a plug and screw.

[PhilboSE]

Simpo Two said:

The formulation of Polyfilla has changed over the years. Once it was not unlike plaster - a powder you mixed with water. The last time I tried it, it was in a plastic tube, seemed to have some sort of microplastics in it and stuck to the knife.

Tetrion is my choice now.

I think Polyfilla as a powder is probably similar to what it’s always been. The stuff with the same name that comes in a tube is an utter abomination and aimed at bodger DIY’ers who don’t want to mix their own stuff.

I believe Polyfilla is cement based, which means it can be difficult to sand to a good finish.

For internal repairs most pro’s seem to favour Easifill, which is gypsum based and can be sanded very easily to an invisible finish. Polyfilla has its place but for most jobs Easifill is so much easier to use and gives a better finish. It comes in various flavours based on how much working time you get - I mostly use the 20 minute stuff because you can be sanding it back and painting after an hour or so.

I’ve heard good things about Toupret but not used it myself.

[Turtle Shed]

I discovered Toupret on here, and bought the premixed stuff. Like spreading butter, works beautifully.

For powder though I bought easifill, and that is very very good too.

Both streets ahead of fillers I've used in the past.

[richhead]

easyfill was recommended to me by a sparkie, and can say its a great filler, my goto now, its like the old polifilla

[SteBrown91]

I’ve always had good results with the screw fix flexi filler in a tube.

Apply like sealant, smooth it with a putty knife and sand once dry

[119]

The only problem with some of these lightweight fillers is that most of them can’t really be sanded well due to them still being quite flexible when set.

[Boom78]

Easifill or toupret are my go to products for filling. Excellent products.

[PhilboSE]

119 said:

The only problem with some of these lightweight fillers is that most of them can’t really be sanded well due to them still being quite flexible when set.

Have you tried Easifill? It sets hard but can be sanded back very easily to a good finish. Contrast that with cement based fillers that can be harder than the filled material - so you end up sanding back the surrounding original area leaving a “hump” of the filler.

Edited by PhilboSE on Sunday 26th May 10:19

[ScotHill]

PhilboSE said:

Have you tried Easifill? It sets hard but can be sanded back very easily to a good finish. Contrast that with cement based fillers that can be harder than the filler material - so you end up sanding back the surrounding original area leaving a “hump” of the filler.

Yeah that’s the problem I’ve been having - aren’t smooth or consistent enough to level when wet, like skim coat plaster, but basically untameable once set.

[996Type]

Actual said:

I use Screwfix No Nonsense Lightweight Filler.

It is like a mousse and can be layered thickly.

The tub weights a fraction of the same sized tub of Polyfilla.

It doesn't set string enough to take a plug and screw.

Screwfix recommended this to me also for light decoration / snagging, it’s brilliant stuff, as above more like mousse but goes on really well. Seems to last in the tub also and if applied in built up layers, great at filling bigger gaps…

[Saleen836]

I use Easifill on an almost daily basis at work (tape/jointer) the painters are always on the scrounge for 'a spare half bag' as it is their go to choice for filler, the only problem with it is it only comes in 5 or 10kg bags which leaes a lot of waste product for DIY purchasers