PBM puts the questions to Toupret about its new Joint, Skim & Fill range.
Q: What are the reasons behind the introduction of the new Joint, Skim & Fill range?
A: Professionals had been increasingly asking us for plasterboard jointing and skimming products. There are already several products in the Toupret range that do these tasks, but we realised there was a need for a really great quality system of products that does the job from beginning to end.
Pros were telling us that they were interested in a solution that gets the job done quickly, but obviously they didn’t want to compromise on quality. We were able to develop a range with the same great quality that professional tradespeople have come to expect from Toupret products, and to introduce a few new features too.
Q: What does it do that conventional fillers or plastering can’t?
A: The range is specially formulated to joint, skim and fill with one coat. Plus, there’s no need to prime the surface and no shrinkage. Saving on steps like this means the job gets done quicker, and means that trade professionals can save on materials.
At the back end of the job, it’s also easy to sand, and tradespeople won’t have to spot prime before painting. We also have a Quick Dry product that’s ready to paint in three hours, so it really is possible to get the walls completely finished to an excellent standard in just one day.
Q: Is it compatible with other surfaces and coatings?
A: Yes, the range is really versatile on that front. All Toupret fillers are compatible with each other. As well as plasterboard, this range can be applied to previously painted surfaces, plaster as well as cement, concrete, masonry and stone.
It can also be overcoated with any conventional paint or wall coverings without a mist coat.
What are the key products in the range? Joint, Skim & Fill: Powder in 5kg and 10kg bags Joint, Skim & Fill Quick Dry (ready to paint in 3 hours): Powder in 5kg, 10kg Joint & Skim (for manual or machine applications): Ready Mixed in 20kg bucket Patch and Repair Filler Quick Dry (ready to paint in 3 hours): Powder in 1kg, 2kg, 5kg Patch and Repair Filler: Ready mixed in 1.5kg tub
Using Toupret’s new Joint, Skim & Fill products is said to be easy. The following steps will help present its benefits to trade customers:
Step 1 – Preparation
Joint, Skim & Fill can be applied directly to the plasterboard. There’s no need to prime or seal the surface with PVA as one would when plastering. The adhesion of the filler is more than enough without this (whether on painted or unpainted substrates).
In fact, the filler is moisture-vapour permeable, so avoiding a primer allows the substrate to breathe and lets out any moisture in the wall.
Step 2 – Tape or scrim the joints
Because Joint, Skim & Fill is a one-coat filler, we like to use a self-adhesive scrim or tape directly on the joint. That way, users can apply the joint filler over the top rather than bedding the tape into a first coat and applying a second coat later.
Step 3 – Mix up the filler
Add the powder to the water. Depending on the filler formula, Joint, Skim & Fill mixing rates are 380 – 450ml of water per 1kg powder. As a rule of thumb, if the filler stays on the filling knife when it is turned over, the consistency is about right. If it’s too loose, more filler should be added. If the user is struggling to get the filling knife in, more water can be added.
Care must be taken though — a ‘spreading’ mix for jointing and skimming works better if it’s a bit looser than a ‘filling’ mix for gaps and holes. Detailed mixing rates are on the back of the pack.
Step 4 – Joint
The filler is applied over the joint with a caulker or similar tool. It needs to be allowed to set for 45 minutes, then sanded if desired followed by dusting the surface down. As only one coat has been applied, the sanding should be minimal.
Step 5 – Skim
For the best surface finish before painting, the whole surface can be skimmed using a caulking knife or trowel. Toupret says not to worry if there are slight ‘tramlines’ as these will sand out easily after the filler has set.
Step 6 – Paint
If your customer is using the Quick Dry version of the product, it will be ready to paint in three hours and there is no need to mist coat the surface before painting as one might with plaster. The paint won’t be sucked in or flash or grin, so the filling, jointing, skimming and painting can be completed all in one day.
For further information on the Toupret Joint, Skim & Fill range go to https://www.toupret.co.uk/joint-skim-fill.html
