Polycell Smooth Over

JDPower

Right I know from searching the forums there are some real anti Smooth Over members out there BUT, has anyone got any tips on how to get the best result from using this on stippled artex walls? Also whats the best tool for the job, the Polycell smoother tool thingy seems ok but surely something better is available?

I have already tested it on a less visible section of wall and I am fairly confident I can get a reasonable result (not perfect but a damn sight better than the god awful heavily stippled walls we've got at the mo), but just want to get any tips that might have been picked up by anyone thats used it.

(PS Please don't fill this thread with "Don't use it its crap" comments, I'm after genuine help/advice)

woodbutcher_2

You could apply it with a plastering trowel.Cheap ones start at about a fiver.

beccatt

I think I may be one of those anti-members but I'll keep quiet

We used it with one of the aforementioned plastering tools, trouble was it was too big to fit into the tub so it was hard to get the stuff out. We reflected that it might have been better with polycell's own gadget - there must be a reason why they have gone to the trouble of making them as there is nothing else like it in B&Q.

HTH!

PS DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

beccatt

I've just re-read original post and see that you're using it on walls, not ceilings as we did. In that case you might be better off using the plastering tool as it has a better angle for walls. Just try to get one that will fit in the tub!

robby-01

Use it it is brill ,it is not an overpriced gimmick it is ace.
hope that helps.

Start your next post .Does anyone know a good plasterer.

nelly_2

As I plasterer I'll give you my honest opinion.

this stuff is £16 for 2.5 litres
a bag of plaster is £4 for about 55 litres

A bag of plaster covers about 8 square metres, on perfectly flat boards, thats at roughly 5 mm thick.

I regularly skim over artex walls and ceilings and it is allways has to go on 3 times as thick, and often more then that. You could be looking at £16 per metre just on materials alone. Add to that having to go to B&Q to get it all then actually doing it. Then as it says on polycells webby you have to sand it down.

and

You will not get as good a finish a profesional plasterer would.

It takes years to become good at plastering, because its highly skill intensive.

I think by time you have finished you will find you are worse off than getting a plasterer in.

but its your choice.

The reson why the smooth tool is a flexible thing is because a newby cant use a trowel in an even manner so the 'give' in the tool is supposed to counter act this. You will have a lot of trouble in the edges/angles the only thing to do is spend time getting it right, you can try running a small paint brush up them to help flatten them.

Ill give any advice you need in return for something.
Could you please keep a record of the hours you spend on it including going for the stuff, sheeting up, doing it, and cleaning up after, it will be interesting to see on a purely financial basis if it is worth it.

cheers Nelly

JDPower

nelly wrote:

As I plasterer I'll give you my honest opinion.

this stuff is £16 for 2.5 litres
a bag of plaster is £4 for about 55 litres

Plus a plasterer equals approximately three hundred and four quid which we simply cannot afford.

robby-01 wrote:

Use it it is brill ,it is not an overpriced gimmick it is ace.
hope that helps.

Start your next post .Does anyone know a good plasterer.

Theres always one (or two) ain't there. By the way I know full well its overpriced but so are plasterers!

Thanks woodbutcher and beccatt for replying to the question I asked. If anyone else has helpful advice it would be appreciated

sammyy

DON'T DO IT!!! This stuff is rubbish.You might find another thread about this further down.We bought it for our ceiling.At the moment we have done an area of about 6x4 and its cost £50 and still looks absolute cr*p so will have to pay for a plasterer anyway!!!!:mad:Here the other thred.Wish I'd seen it first:rolleyes:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=93757&highlight=smoothover

nelly_2

Jd I am aware what a plasterer charges I am seeking to find out if you will REALLY save money or it will work out roughly the same, or more.

I generally charge £250 for a room. £350 including the ceiling.

And by the way a brand new trowel is a nightmare to use, you cant get a finish with them untill the edges and corners have worn down

robby-01

JDPower wrote:

By the way I know full well its overpriced but so are plasterers!

QUOTE]
That is your opinion and your entitled to it,it still doesn't alter the fact that this product is not very good ,and a rather expensive way to make a mess of your house.
What nelly is trying to point out is that plastering your walls is a far better alternative to using this stuff,and it may not work out that much more expensive.
Its your house your the one who will have to sit staring at the mess so go for it.
polycell must be !!!!!! there sides at people like you. They bring out a product which is little better than filler, stick an advert on primetime tv make sure B n Q have plenty of stocks and then they sit back and watch the cash roll in.
As the saying goes a fool and his money are easily parted

point3

nelly wrote:

As I plasterer I'll give you my honest opinion.

this stuff is £16 for 2.5 litres
a bag of plaster is £4 for about 55 litres

A bag of plaster covers about 8 square metres, on perfectly flat boards, thats at roughly 5 mm thick.

I regularly skim over artex walls and ceilings and it is allways has to go on 3 times as thick, and often more then that. You could be looking at £16 per metre just on materials alone. Add to that having to go to B&Q to get it all then actually doing it. Then as it says on polycells webby you have to sand it down.

and

You will not get as good a finish a profesional plasterer would.

It takes years to become good at plastering, because its highly skill intensive.

I think by time you have finished you will find you are worse off than getting a plasterer in.

but its your choice.

The reson why the smooth tool is a flexible thing is because a newby cant use a trowel in an even manner so the 'give' in the tool is supposed to counter act this. You will have a lot of trouble in the edges/angles the only thing to do is spend time getting it right, you can try running a small paint brush up them to help flatten them.

Ill give any advice you need in return for something.
Could you please keep a record of the hours you spend on it including going for the stuff, sheeting up, doing it, and cleaning up after, it will be interesting to see on a purely financial basis if it is worth it.

cheers Nelly

Nelly,

What materials do you use to skim an Artex ceiling?
Do you need a bonding coat as well as the skim layer?

Thanks!