Skimming walls doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you use the right materials. If you’ve never skimmed or plastered before then the Dalapro Roll Nova is the one for you! It’s a multi-purpose filler and one of the most beginner-friendly products you’ll find in the UK.
Here’s a full walkthrough of how to use it, what to expect, and why it’s great for first-timers.
Dalapro Roll Nova Product Overview
Product: Dalapro Roll Nova Grey Ready to Use Multi-Purpose Filler (12 L / 17 kg)
Price: £37 (£3.08 per L)
Review Rating: ⭐ 4.67 / 5 (from 124 reviews)
(As listed on the B&Q site — great for confidence if you’re new to skimming.)
Dalapro Roll Product Link (UK)
Why the Dalapro Filler Works for Beginners
This ready-to-use formula means no mixing required, which is a real advantage if you don’t want the hassle of powdered plaster or complicated measurements.
Most traditional plaster skim jobs require mixing powder with water at exactly the right ratio, which can be easy to mess up if you’re new to it.
The Dalapro Nova Grey filler is:
- Pre-mixed and ready to apply
- Thick enough for shallow repairs and leveling
- Easy to spread evenly with minimal skill
- Perfect for prepping walls before painting or wallpapering
At this price point and with a strong review score, it’s one of the more budget-friendly, user-approved options you can choose in the UK.
Step-by-Step: How to use Dalapro Filler
Here’s how I used the Dalapro Nova Grey filler on my own renovation:
1. Prepare the Wall Surface
Before you touch the filler:
- Remove loose paint or flaking plaster
- Brush off dust and debris
- Damp cloth to wipe down the surface
- A clean wall helps the filler adhere better and levels more smoothly.
- Optional: apply a bonding agent to the walls.
2. Apply the First Layer
- Use a flexible filling knife or broad trowel:
- Scoop a small amount of filler
- Spread across cracks, holes, and uneven patches
- Work in one direction, left to right works best for me
- This product is forgiving and smooth, so you don’t have to be perfect the first time.
3. Smooth & Level
Once you’ve covered the area:
- Hold your trowel at about a 20–30° angle
- Lightly drag it over the surface
- This helps flatten high spots and push filler into low spots
- If you’re skimming a whole wall, do it in sections rather than trying a huge area at once.
- You can trying using a speed skim, however if your walls are uneven then it can be quite difficult to get the hang of it. I stopped using it.
- Spraying with water can help spread, but I found when it was slightly drier it was easier to smooth out.
4. Let It Dry (Patience Pays Off)
Unlike plaster powder, ready-mixed fillers can take a little longer to dry on thick areas.
- Wait until fully dry, the filler becomes firm and no longer tacky
- Warm, dry conditions help speed this up
- If you sand or paint too soon, you’ll only undo your work. It may sound obvious but if you’ve applied a thick coat, it may look dry on the outside but when start sanding, it may not be dry all the way through.
5. Sand and Finish
Once dry:
- Sand with 120–240 grit sandpaper
- Feather edges so the filler blends into the rest of the wall
- Dust off before painting or wallpapering
- Sand lightly, aggressive sanding can make low spots that need refilling.
Supporting Products I Used
For wallpaper & paint stripping
Titan TTB926STM 2200W Electric Wallpaper Stripper 240V: https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb926stm-2200w-electric-wallpaper-stripper-240v/920vv
Wagner Furno 300 1600W Electric Heat Gun 240V: https://www.screwfix.com/p/wagner-furno-300-1600w-electric-heat-gun-240v/9151x
Long-Handled Scraper 100mm: https://www.screwfix.com/p/long-handled-scraper-100mm/130fm
For Applying the Dalapro Nova Filler
Magnusson Plastering Trowel 11″ x 4 3/4″:https://www.screwfix.com/p/magnusson-plastering-trowel-11-x-4-3-4-/771pr
OX Speedskim Plastering Finishing Rule 48″ (1200mm): https://www.screwfix.com/p/ox-speedskim-plastering-finishing-rule-48-1200mm-/1660x
For Sanding
DEWALT DCW210N-XJ 125mm 18V Li-Ion XR Brushless Cordless Random Orbital Sander – Bare: https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dcw210n-xj-125mm-18v-li-ion-xr-brushless-cordless-random-orbital-sander-bare/145jf
Evolution Power Tools R225DWS Telescopic Dry Wall Sander with LED Torch and 6 Sanding sheets, 225 mm: Amazon Link
When to Use The Dalapro vs Traditional Plaster
Use Dalapro Nova Grey filler when:
- Walls need small to medium repairs
- You’re preparing for paint or thin skim
- You want zero mixing and easy application
If you’re aiming for a full plasterboard skim where you need a completely new surface layer, you might want a traditional plaster skim product alongside this filler. Or do what I did and apply 2 or 3 coats so the layer is thick enough. For most DIY wall fixes, this does the job beautifully.
Learn From Others: UK Reddit Tips
Leave a Reply