USG Middle East has introduced a sprayable primer-surfacer that boasts the advantage of providing the same high-quality drywall finish as a two-step skim coating and priming in one single coat application.

Sheetrock Tuff-Hide, as it is known, is a high-solids vinyl acrylic latex-based coating designed for the professional contractor for interior spray application over new drywall.  It is produced and marketed in the Gulf by USG Middle East, the regional plant of the US-based manufacturer.
“This primer-surfacer produces an affordable level-five wallboard finish with an enhanced formulation, delivering a whiter and smoother finish than the drywall primer, in addition to minimising joint banding and photographing,” says a spokesman for USG Middle East.
The primer’s vinyl-acrylic, latex-based coating provides increased resistance to surface abrasion. The result is an ultra high-end look that can be painted after drying overnight – it can also be left unpainted in ceiling applications where a flat, white finish is desired, the spokesman points out.
The product offers a range of other benefits.  The spokesman elaborates: “Tuff-Hide delivers value to contractors in both commercial and residential construction. In commercial projects where a level-five finish is specified, a single application can be used in lieu of a typical two-step process of skim coating the wallboard surface with joint compound followed by a paint primer coat. This saves installation costs significantly.
“In residential construction, where critical lighting or the use of gloss paints can cause decorating problems or where the highest quality of finish is demanded such as high-end homes, Tuff-Hide provides contractors installed cost savings.
This minimises callbacks and offers the builder and homeowner a durable, high-build coating that provides faster job completion and the best looking wall and ceiling possible compared to skimming and priming or the application of multiple coats of paint.
“Additionally, professional drywall contractors will have the opportunity to expand the scope of their work beyond traditional drywall finishing due to the ability of Tuff-Hide to be effectively used for both skimming and priming steps.”
Sheetrock Tuff-Hide can be tinted to provide a better finish (a tint plug is included on the lid of the pail). In a GA-214/ASTM C-840 level-five gypsum board finish, Tuff-Hide can be used in the place of a skim coat of joint compound and paint primer coat to provide the highest quality drywall finish, he says.
The right application of Sheetrock Tuff-Hide is vital to get the best results.
It is applied quickly and evenly with professional airless spray equipment.
An undiluted single application at 15 to 20 mils wet film thickness (WFT) can be used in the place of skim coat and prime coat steps in a level-five finish, to achieve a smooth finish. “However, it is important that a level-four finish is completed prior to the application of the Tuff-Hide,” the spokesman explains. “While Tuff-Hide will fill and hide many minor surface imperfections, it is not intended to achieve a level-five finish from a surface prepared to a level three 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 WFT gauge should be used throughout the application process to ensure proper thickness.”
Due to the high solids and heavy viscosity of the product, airless spray application is the only method recommended as against back-rolling with a nap roller. For spraying the product, only professional spray equipment with a minimum output of 1 gallon per minute, pump pressure rated at 2,700 to 3,000 psi, which accommodates a 0.031 spray tip at 2,000 psi is advocated.
The Graco Mark V is one example of approved airless pumping equipment. Any spray equipment that does not meet these minimum requirements may result in a non-uniform application.
Due to its high abrasion resistance, Tuff-Hide is not sandable. Hence, areas that need a touch-up must first be filled and leveled with joint compound, then sanded smooth. Tuff-Hide should be blended into the surrounding coated surface using a feathering spray technique.
Tuff-Hide offers a faster and cost-effective solution as testified by contractors.

Link for the Typical level five finish: