I’m a Painter and Decorator and I’m often tasked with prepping walls that are in a bad state. Sometimes I fill and sand, sometimes I line, sometimes I call a plasterer in, but recently I’ve been using roll on filler to skim walls.
The product I use is Dalapro Roll Nova, which is new to the UK. It’s quick, easy, and a lot cheaper than hiring a plasterer.
The Tools you Need to Skim a Wall with Roll on Filler
Dalapro Roll Nova – Click here to see online prices.
Small spray bottle of water – Click here to see online prices.
Filling blade – Click here to see online prices.
Roller – Click here to see online prices.
Cheap paintbrush – Click here to see online prices
Masking tape – Click here to see online prices.
Sandpaper – Click here to see online prices.
Prepare Your Walls Before using Roll on Filler
There’s no need for a specialist primer before using Dalapro Roll Nova. All you do is give the wall a scrape to remove any loose material, and then run some sandpaper over existing paint to create a key. This is just to help the roll on filler to stick to the wall.
Next, fill any deep holes with a normal filler like Easi-Fill. The roll on filler creates a very thin skim over everything, covering all minor imperfections. However, it’s easier to use if you get the deep repairs done beforehand.
The only other prep you need to carry out is taking steps to protect everything. I run a length of masking tape along the top of skirting boards and around architraves. You’ll find it easier to skim with any roll on filler if you take sockets off, but if you’d prefer not to, simply loosen and tape up with masking tape to keep them clean. You should also cover the floor with dust sheets.
Apply Dalapro Roll Nova Roll on Filler
It’s quite easy to skim a wall with Dalapro Roll Nova. First, give the filler a little mix (some people add a splash of water). Then dip your roller into the material, get plenty on, then apply it evenly to the wall.
Use a cheap paintbrush to apply the filler around the edges of your wall. It’s quite physical work, but a roller pole will make it less strenuous.
Once you’ve applied an even coat of filler to the wall, use your filling blade to smooth it out. Just apply an even pressure and work long strokes. A smaller filling knife will help around the edges of the wall and sockets.
Spraying a little water on top of the skimmed wall will help when smoothing it out. Keep your filling blade wet too.
Get your Wall Ready to Paint
Once you’ve applied and smoothed the roll on filler, allow it to fully dry. This normally takes 8 hours but can take a little longer in a cold room. Don’t worry if it isn’t completely smooth; once dry, you can run some sandpaper over it to get rid of any trowel marks.
You will be left with a completely smooth, newly skimmed wall. To paint, dust the wall off and prime it like you would bare plaster. If you want to be extra cautious, you can prime with Zinsser Gardz. Once primed, you’re ready to paint.
Final Thoughts
Using roll on filler to skim a wall is quick, easy, and gives a great result. It’s a lot cheaper to buy a couple of tubs of Dalapro Roll Nova than it is to hire a plasterer, and you’ll have a full room skimmed in no time. I’d recommend having a go.
This is a picture of a wall I skimmed using Dalapro Roll Nova and I have included a video below.
Mike Cupit on Dalapro Roll Nova
A quick demo on how to buy Delapro and where you can buy it from.
Hi Mike,
Would sealing/priming bare plaster be beneficial before using this, as you would if applying a normal filler?
I’d have assumed applying directly over bare plaster would suck all the moisture out / prevent good adhesion?
Hi Ryan,
Yes, you’re exactly right. If the surface is very porous or powdery, then I’d seal first. It’s only going to make things easier.
Will this do ceilings as well