Fills large and awkward holes...if that's your problem! (Polyfilla)

Member Name: janharper

Product:	Polyfilla
Date:	17/09/04 (2322 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: useful, inexpensive, saves money

Disadvantages: doesn't keep long, smells awful

Polycell expanding foam Polyfilla quickly fills large and awkward holes inside, or out. Well, that's what it says on the blue and yellow aerosol can with the two long plastic pointy things attached.

Let me explain. This product comes with two long reach applicators of different thicknesses so that you can use it in very small spaces too. The nozzles on these applicators are 30mm and 20mm wide.


First of all we need to be aware of the safety requirements before using this product. It is recommended that gloves are warn to protect the skin and safety goggles are also suggested. The can must not be dropped and the foam must not be used near heating appliances because it is not suitable where temperatures are continuously above sixty degrees centigrade.


The product can be used to fill and seal awkward gaps, holows and cavities. It shoots liquid foam deep into cavities and creates a lasting seal which insulates against heat, sound and moisture. It can be used inside or out and can easily be trimmed, sanded and painted, filled or plastered.


Although this is an aerosol can it does contain CFC free propellant which is great for the ozone layer.

This product is easy to use but it takes a bit of practise to use the can smoothly if you are not used to doing jobs like this. There are some useful preparations before you start the job. They take time but in the long run make the job easier.

All surfaces should be clean and free from grease. Furniture and carpets should be protected from the over spray. Brick work can be masked off with newspaper and tape to protect it.


The surface around the area being filled should be sprayed with water (just lightly), so that the foam cures and expands fully. Shake the can well to mix the contents before each use. If you want to put the remainder of the contents of the can away for future use you will need to moisten a matchstick and push it into the opening in the nozzle to stop the foam mixture drying out. It does dry out quite rapidly. It should be used up within four weeks.


If you do spill this stuff you can remove fresh spills with nail varnish remover . If it has hardened then you need to use a sander to get it off. If it cures on your skin you will have to wait until it wears off so wear the gloves and watch where you spray.


I found this product very useful and quite easy to use and I am not very good at DIY. I used it to seal the gap between pipes and a brick wall outside and to seal the hole where the plumber had fitted my washing machine. It also proved useful around the edge of a drain where a tiny gap had started to form. The gaps where a concrete path meets the side of my house are now sealed.


This is a very useful product. The can I bought from Wilkinsons is the 300mil one. It cost 2.49 and did all the jobs listed above. If I had asked a builder to come and rectify all those small problems it would have taken weeks and cost a fortune.


Polycell do have an advice line where you can have your queries answered. Telephone: 01753 550555. The people who answer the phones on this line are trained and do know what they are talking about (which is a nice change!)

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