Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete novice, the art of plastering can seem daunting. While traditional methods require a certain skill level, Gyproc EasiFill offers a more straightforward approach to tackling those pesky holes and cracks in your walls or ceilings. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to know to use Gyproc EasiFill effectively to achieve a professional-looking finish without too much fuss.
What is Gyproc EasiFill?
Gyproc EasiFill is a joint filler and finishing compound specifically designed for interior plasterboard walls and ceilings. Manufactured by Gyproc, a brand that’s well-regarded in the construction and DIY industries, EasiFill is particularly popular for its ease of use and versatility.
Composition and features:
The compound is typically made of gypsum and other additives that give it unique properties such as quick drying times and strong adhesion. It comes in a powdered form that needs to be mixed with water before application.
- Quick-Drying: One of the standout features of EasiFill is its quick-drying formula, which allows for short waiting times between application and subsequent steps like sanding or painting.
- Strong Adhesion: EasiFill is known for its excellent bonding properties, ensuring a durable repair or joint filling.
- Ease of Use: It is relatively easy to mix and apply, requiring no specialist skills, making it accessible to DIY enthusiasts as well as professionals.
- Versatile: Suitable for a range of repair tasks, including filling holes, covering screw and nail indents, and finishing joints in plasterboard.
- Smooth Finish: Once dry, it can be easily sanded to a smooth surface, making it ideal for both painting and wallpapering.
- Low Shrinkage: The compound is formulated to minimise shrinkage, reducing the likelihood of cracks developing over time.
Typical applications:
- Repairing holes or cracks in walls and ceilings
- Filling gaps between plasterboards during installation
- Finishing joints between plasterboards
- Smoothing out surface imperfections before painting or wallpapering
Tools & materials needed
- Gyproc EasiFill compound
- Filling knife or spatula
- Mixing bucket
- Clean water
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Measuring jug
- Dust mask
- Protective gloves
Instructions on how to apply Gyproc
Step 1: Preparation
Clear the Area
- Remove furniture, or at least move it away from the work area. Cover the floor with dust sheets or newspapers to catch any spillage or debris.
Clean the Surface
- Wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove any dust, grime, or cobwebs. This ensures that the EasiFill adheres properly to the surface.
Sanding
- Using fine-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the area around the hole or crack. This enhances adhesion and results in a smoother finish.
Step 2: Mixing the EasiFill
Measure the Powder and Water
- Read the package for specific water-to-powder ratios, but generally, it’s approximately a 2:1 ratio of powder to water.
Mixing
- Slowly add water to the powder while continuously stirring. Aim for a creamy, lump-free consistency. A mixing paddle attached to a drill can speed up this process but isn’t necessary.
Step 3: Application
Test the Mixture
- Before you begin, apply a small amount of the mixed EasiFill to an inconspicuous area to ensure you’re happy with the consistency.
Applying the First Layer
- Using a filling knife or a wide-blade spatula, apply the EasiFill to the hole or crack, pressing firmly to ensure good contact. Make sure the applied material is slightly higher than the surrounding surface.
Deep Holes and Multiple Layers
- For deeper repairs, it’s better to apply the EasiFill in layers. Allow each layer to semi-dry before applying the next layer. This minimises the risk of cracking or slumping.
Step 4: Drying Time
- Let the compound dry thoroughly. Depending on the thickness of your application and the humidity of the room, this could take between 60 to 180 minutes.
Step 5: Sanding and Finishing
Preliminary Sanding
- Using a fine-grit sandpaper, gently sand down the filled area so that it’s flush with the surrounding surface.
Check for Imperfections
- Inspect the area carefully. If you notice any imperfections or pinholes, consider applying a very thin layer of EasiFill and repeat the drying and sanding process.
Final Touches
- Once you’re satisfied, wipe down the area with a slightly damp cloth to remove any residual dust.
Painting or Wallpapering
- You’re now ready to paint or wallpaper over the filled area. For best results, you might want to apply a coat of primer first, especially if you’re painting.
Additional Tips
- Cleanup is easier when the compound is still wet, so keep a damp cloth handy to wipe off any excess EasiFill immediately after application.
- Don’t mix more EasiFill than you can use within a 20- to 30-minute window, as it starts to harden after that.
Other Gyproc repair products
Gyproc EasiFiller
A ready-mixed lightweight patching compound, making it a convenient choice for small to medium-sized repair jobs. Unlike EasiFill, which comes in powdered form, EasiFiller saves you the time and effort of mixing. It’s ideal for quick fixes like filling small holes, dents, or minor cracks in plasterboard. Being pre-mixed, it offers a consistent texture and performance right out of the tub. It’s also formulated for easy sanding, ensuring a smooth finish that’s ready for painting or wallpapering. This product is particularly well-suited for DIY enthusiasts who are looking for a straightforward solution for minor repairs.
Gyproc FibaTape
A self-adhesive fibreglass mesh tape designed for reinforcing joints and corners in plasterboard installations. The tape’s open mesh design enables the jointing compound to penetrate through it, thereby creating a stronger bond between the adjoining plasterboard sheets. It’s commonly used in conjunction with a jointing compound like Gyproc EasiFill to reinforce areas that are prone to movement and subsequent cracking. Application is straightforward—simply cut the tape to the length you need, stick it over the joint or corner, and then apply the jointing compound over it. The tape lays flat, reduces the risk of blistering, and ensures that the jointing compound adheres securely.
Gyproc EasiPatch Plasterboard Patches
A remarkably convenient and effective solution specifically designed for interior wall and ceiling repairs. They excel at covering holes created by the removal of single sockets, downlights, or light switches, as well as addressing general damage to plasterboard and plastered surfaces. These patches come pre-cut in various sizes, offering a tailor-made repair solution that dramatically simplifies the patching process. Because they are backed with a strong adhesive, you simply have to peel and stick them over the damaged area, eliminating the need for screws, nails, or additional adhesive. This makes them incredibly user-friendly and speeds up the repair process significantly. Once in place, they provide a sturdy and smooth surface that is ready for a skim coat of filler or plaster.
