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Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer

Spray-applied drywall primer that delivers a durable, high-end smooth finish.

Overview

Overview

This special primer applies quickly and evenly with professional airless spray equipment and delivers a bright, smooth Level-5 finish. Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer minimizes joint banding and photographing and generally does not require sanding. Its vinyl-acrylic, latex-based coating provides a durable, high-end look that can be painted after drying overnight or left unpainted in ceiling applications for a flat, white finish.

Main Features

Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacerprovides the same high-quality drywall finish as two-step skim coating and priming in one spray application.

  • Achieves a Level 5 finish faster
  • High build spray for a smoother, more beautiful finish
  • Durable coating hides minor surface defects
  • Excellent for critical light areas
  • Ideal finish for ceilings
  • Dries white, can be tinted to match final top coat
  • For professional use only

Applications

  • Administrative Offices
  • Auditoriums and Gymnasiums
  • Bars Restaurants and Dining Areas
  • Cafeterias
  • Classrooms
  • Convention and Meeting Rooms
  • Corridors and Hallways
  • Department Stores and Boutiques
  • Dormitories
  • Executive Areas, Conference Areas and Board Rooms
  • Exterior Soffits and Indoor Parking Garage
  • Galleries and Exhibit Spaces
  • Garages
  • Grocery Stores
  • Guest Rooms and Suites
  • Health and Fitness
  • Kitchens and Food Prep Areas
  • Laboratories, Operating Rooms and Imaging Rooms
  • Lobbies and Reception Areas
  • Locker Rooms, Shower Areas and Pools
  • Mall Interior Spaces
  • Mechanical Rooms
  • Media Centers, Music Rooms and Libraries
  • Multi-Family Residential and Condos
  • Nurseries and Birthing Rooms
  • Open Plan Offices
  • Patient Rooms
  • Restrooms, Utility Rooms and Loading Docks
  • Single-Family Residential
  • Stairways and Elevator Shafts
  • Theatres
  • Traditional Offices
  • Warehouses

Documents & Files

Data Sheets & Specifications

Data/Submittal Sheet (English) PDF 742.4 KB

Catalogs & Brochures

System Catalog (English) PDF 18.5 MB
Brochure (English)

Installation & Technical Manuals

Installation Guide (English) PDF 89.0 KB

SDS, Certifications & Reports

SDS (English) PDF 187.6 KB
SDS (Spanish) PDF 195.2 KB

Ask a question

Our customer support team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Question Guidlines

  • Questions should relate to this product specifically.
  • For help with pricing, availability, or delivery, please call 800.874.4968 (Monday–Friday, 7am–6pm Central)
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q & a

  • How many coats do I have to apply of Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer for a smooth finish?

    Only one single-spray application is necessary to achieve a smooth surface.

  • What is Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer?

    Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer is a high solids vinyl acrylic latex based coating designed for the professional contractor for interior spray application over new drywall. In a single spray application it provides the same results achieved using a typical two-step process of skim coating surfaces with joint compound followed by a coat of primer.

  • How does Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer create a smooth surface?

    Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer is a high solids material which is spray-applied much thicker (15-20 mils wet is recommended) than a typical primer or paint to provide a smooth surface.

  • Can I apply Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer Surfacer over plaster?

    No. It is recommended that a plaster bonder be applied first, then Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™.

  • Can I use Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer on an exterior?

    No. Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer is formulated for interior application over new drywall.

  • Can I mix Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer with other products?

    No.

  • Can you touch-up Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer?

    Due to its high abrasion resistance Tuff-Hide is not very sandable. Areas in need of touch-up, such as nicks, voids, protrusions, paper tears, etc. must first be filled and leveled with joint compound, then sanded smooth. Using a feathering spray technique Tuff-Hide should be blended into the surrounding coated surface.

    For larger repaired areas, it may be necessary to re-spray the entire wall or ceiling surface. When re-spraying is not feasible, Sheetrock® Brand First Coat can be used over repaired areas using a high quality roller with a 1/8" to 1/4" nap and blended into the surrounding surface using a feathering technique.

  • Why do I need a primer?

    Finish painting problems over new drywall are often caused by differences between the porosities and surface textures of gypsum panel face paper, and the finished joint compound. Decorating problems are magnified by the use of gloss paints. Then, when viewed in natural lighting, the joints and fasteners in decorated walls and ceilings may be visible.

  • When applying primer surfacer, will any spray equipment work?

    Only professional spray equipment with a minimum output of 1 gallon per minute, pump pressure rated at 2700-3000 psi, that accommodates a 0.031 spray tip at 2000 psi is recommended. The Graco Mark V is one example of approved airless pumping equipment.

    Spray equipment that does not meet these minimum requirements may apply the product in a non-uniform manner and provide an unacceptable appearance. Professional spray equipment that meets these minimum specifications typically cost $4000 and higher, but will experience less wear, have a longer working life and provide excellent results.

  • Will Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer provide a Level 5 finish?

    Yes. A single application of Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ at 15-20 mils wet film thickness can be used in lieu of the skim coat and prime coat steps in a Level 5 finish. It is critical however that a Level 4 finish is completed prior to the application of the Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™. While the Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ product will fill and hide many minor surface imperfections, it is not intended to achieve a Level 5 finish from a surface prepared to a Level 3 or below. It is also critical that the product be applied to a minimum 15 mils WFT in order to achieve the desired results. A Wet Film Thickness gauge should be used throughout the application process to ensure proper thickness.

  • Can Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer be tinted?

    Tuff-Hide can be tinted to provide better hide of the finish paint. A tint plug is included on the lid of the 5-gallon pail.

  • How is Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer applied?

    Due to the high solids and heavy viscosity of the product, airless spray application is the only method recommended. Back-rolling with a nap roller is not recommended.

  • Can Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer be diluted like Sheetrock® Brand First Coat?

    No. Diluting Tuff-Hide is not recommended and will reduce performance of the product.

  • What are the benefits of using Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer?

    Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer provides installed cost savings versus traditional separate applications of a skim coat and prime coat. The product is ideal in critical light areas, or where a Level 5 or similar high quality finish is specified or desired. It is a high build durable coating that hides minor surface defects, minimizes callbacks caused by joint banding and photographing and provides a soother more beautiful paint finish than by simply using a drywall primer. In a ceiling application where a flat white finish is desired, Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer can be left unpainted providing an ideal final finish.

  • Is Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer available in different size packages?

    Yes. In addition to the 5-gallon pail, Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer is available in 50-gallon drums.

  • Have a question?

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  • Need help right away?

    Call our Technical Support team at 800-874-4968 (Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 4 pm Central).

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