For professional decorators and keen DIYers alike, wall preparation is often the most time-consuming and labour-intensive stage of a project. Enter Dalapro Roll Nova, a ready-mixed, roller-applied filler that has sparked significant interest within the decorating community. As the conversations from numerous professionals highlight, this product is making waves for its ease of use, time-saving qualities, and exceptional finish. Here’s a detailed look at how Dalapro Roll Nova is reshaping the decorating process.
A Game-Changer for Surface Preparation
Decorators who have used Dalapro Roll Nova consistently praise its ability to deliver smooth, professional results on various surfaces. Whether it’s a battered ceiling, walls left rough after stripping wallpaper, or even challenging textured surfaces like Artex, the product has proven its versatility.
John D, a decorator with extensive experience, described his first encounter with the filler:
“I had to strip very old polystyrene off a lounge ceiling, leaving a rough surface. I sanded it fully and decided to skim the whole ceiling with Dalapro Roll Nova. It went on so easily, and I didn’t have to sand much afterward—it was so smooth, with no lines or shrinkage.”
Others echo this sentiment. Dougie R shared his experience using it on a small, poorly textured ceiling, describing the process as “totally blown away with how easy it was to apply and tool.”
Time-Saving Application
One of Dalapro Roll Nova’s standout features is its efficiency. Many decorators noted how quickly it could be applied and the minimal sanding required afterward. Kevin G, after testing it on a bathroom wall, remarked:
“I rolled it on with a medium pile roller, smoothed it with a 12-inch filling knife, and left it overnight. Only a couple of small areas shrank, which I filled and sanded the same day. It was ready for paint in no time.”
The product’s ready-mixed nature further enhances its appeal. Decorators appreciate the convenience of avoiding mixing or prepping fillers. John D summed it up:
“A tub of this will always be in my van. It’s saved me loads of time.”
Ease of Use for All Skill Levels
One of the most impressive aspects of Dalapro Roll Nova is how accessible it is, even for those with limited plastering experience. John E, a professional decorator, lauded its user-friendly application:
“I’ve never mastered plastering, but with Dalapro Roll Nova, I absolutely can! For someone with zero plastering experience, I achieved professional results on my first try.”
This sentiment resonates with other decorators. Claudia D, who is just starting out, found the product straightforward to use, saying, “It’s good to learn about products like this from experienced decorators.”
A Solution for Various Substrates
Dalapro Roll Nova’s flexibility makes it a go-to product for diverse challenges. Decorators have successfully used it over painted brick, heavily textured surfaces, and ceilings with deep imperfections. Rick A noted:
“I pushed it to its limit going over painted brick. It sands down better than Smartmix, Knauf, and other ready-mixed products. Plus, it gives more playtime before setting.”
In cases of extreme damage or uneven surfaces, decorators paired Dalapro Roll Nova with tools like wide blades or skimming blades to achieve a flawless finish. Sam W, who used it on a severely damaged wall, said:
“It rolls on nicely, has a long working time, and doesn’t sag in deeper spots. A quick flick with the Mirka when dry, and it’s good to go.”
Drying Time and Sanding
Drying time for Dalapro Roll Nova averages between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the application thickness and environmental conditions. This relatively short timeframe allows decorators to complete projects more quickly.
Billy D, who repaired an Artex ceiling, reported:
“Some thicker areas dried overnight and were bone dry by the next day. Sanding was a breeze.”
Minimal sanding is a recurring theme in decorators’ reviews. With Dalapro Roll Nova, achieving a smooth finish requires less effort compared to traditional fillers or plastering.
Cost and Value
Although some decorators initially questioned the product’s price—averaging around £30 per tub—they quickly recognised its cost-effectiveness. Daniel J, who used three-quarters of a tub for a heavily damaged wall, argued:
“It’s cheaper and quicker than hiring a plasterer. Plus, the results speak for themselves.”
Challenges and Criticism
While overwhelmingly positive, feedback did highlight some challenges. Several decorators noted the cost and limited availability of the recommended roller. Gennine J, for instance, found the price of Dalapro’s specific rollers to be excessive, stating:
“Their rollers are £25 each or £17 for replacement sleeves, which don’t fit my existing rollers.”
However, many decorators found that standard rollers, such as medium or long-pile options, worked effectively with some adjustments.
A Shift in the Industry?
The rise of Dalapro Roll Nova has sparked debate among decorators and plasterers. Some decorators believe it could lead to fewer small-scale jobs for plasterers. Ashley W commented:
“A lot of plasterers will lose out on easy money jobs because of this product. It sands down lovely and leaves a fantastic finish.”
Others view it as an additional tool rather than a replacement for traditional plastering. Ben C argued:
“Plastering remains more durable for long-lasting finishes. Dalapro Roll Nova is excellent but not a complete substitute.”
Conclusion: Is Dalapro Roll Nova Worth It?
Dalapro Roll Nova has earned its place as a reliable, time-saving solution for decorators tackling challenging surfaces. Its ease of use, smooth finish, and versatility make it a valuable addition to any professional’s toolkit. Whether smoothing walls post-wallpaper removal or tackling ceilings with rough textures, this product consistently delivers high-quality results.
For decorators seeking to streamline their workflow and achieve professional finishes with minimal effort, Dalapro Roll Nova is undoubtedly worth a try. As one decorator aptly put it:
“This stuff is an absolute pleasure to work with. It’s a game-changer.”
