Best filler to prep walls for painting

[eachpeachbarebum]

I am in the middle of stripping wallpaper and there are a lot of holes to fill from shelving. I also want to caulk around the door frame, skirting and ceiling. could I please ask for recommendations? I have previously got on well with one fill (?) I can't get on well with a gun dispenser. I prefer putting it on by hand then wiping off excess.
I would love something that's easy to apply and also something to go round upvc window that's not silicone.
haven't decorated in ages a d feel clueless.

[TheOneWithTheNicestSmile]

For filling screw holes there are varieties of filler in tubes (not guns) which are dead easy to use - branded or own-brand.

For around windows or any other angles there is flexible filler - it goes on kind of like silicone, in a bead which you smooth out with a wet finger, but it does actually dry and can be painted.

[TheOneWithTheNicestSmile]

Buying flexible filler in tubes is prob more expensive than in the gun refills but so much easier to use!

[MyCatHasStaff]

I use Red Devil filler for everything - walls, wood, upvc frames, inside and outside, quite literally any filling at all. It's lightweight and very easy to use. Here. It's brilliant stuff

[eachpeachbarebum]

Thank you theone and my cat. I am going to give red devil a go. sounds like just what I need and makes me feel a bit more positive about the project! I have a Dulux centre close by too I will report back.

[PigletJohn]

I strongly recommend fine finish plaster. It is cheap, sets fast, and is easy to smooth. Press it hard into the holes with a wide bladed flexible steel filling knife, which is wide enough to press on the flat wall either side of the hole and press it level.

As soon as it is hard (minutes) use a broad metal scraper to scrape off any excess or unevenness and leave a smooth surface. Far quicker and cleaner than sanding.

Use much less than you think you need. All the excess has to be taken off, which is wasted effort.

Look for plasterboard joint filler which is intended for small jobs. Mix up no more than a cupful at a time, in a perfectly clean plastic container.

[PigletJohn]

(that was for walls, it is not flexible)

decorators caulk is somewhat flexible, and is easy to apply and can be painted, but in time it will sink and crack. Around skirting and windowframes, white silicone is better.

[eachpeachbarebum]

Thank you piglet. I wondered if you would spy this! I dislike silicone as it ends up like old chewing gum.my ds pulls it off so I really need to redo all window frames is it really the best thing?
I do bow down to your opinion (you've helped previously before my recent nc) but I do have a mental block about silicone. will definitely try the other though.anything which avoids sanding has to be good!

[PigletJohn]

I suppose you could try tacking or gluing on beading or architrave to hide the gap round the window. As it is not wood there will not be seasonal movement. You might even find there is already a plastic trim that could be fitted better or replaced. The trim should not be hiding a gaping hole but often is