What kind of finishing putty is there? Types of putties: their features, pros, cons and application

Preparation and leveling of walls before finishing work implies the mandatory use of putty. The composition of the putty may be different, and they may also differ in grain size and form of implementation. This variety of putties is explained by different areas of application and was created so that each user can choose the optimal type of putty for the surface being treated.

Many novice repairmen wonder what putty is needed for and whether it is needed at all. This material is used to level out large irregularities, and is also used before applying the following finishing materials:

paints;
wallpaper;
decorative plaster.

Putty compounds can be sold dry or already finished form. Ready-made formulations can be used immediately, but dry ones must be diluted according to the instructions.

Basically, putties are prepared in small portions, which will be enough to carry out a certain amount of work.

Depending on the location of application and the surface being treated technical specifications mixtures will differ. Let's look at the main specifications putties that the buyer should take into account:

release form;
strength;
elasticity;
permissible time for using the finished putty;
consumption;
layer thickness;
drying time;
maximum temperature for use;
shelf life of putty.

A certificate of conformity is issued for both dry and ready-made putty. The first type of putty is sold in bags; this composition is inexpensive. The shelf life of dry putty is much longer, which makes it possible to mix the solution to the desired viscosity level. Ready-made mixtures are sold in plastic buckets that have different volumes. The time for using such compositions is limited, so when choosing, you need to pay attention not only to the certificate of conformity, but also to the recommendations for use.

A certificate of conformity for putty is issued on a voluntary basis, at the request of the seller or manufacturer, since this product is not included in the unified list of goods certified by law.

Note! Although the putty does not undergo mandatory certification, a registration certificate is issued for it by Rospotrebnadzor. Such a document indicates compliance of the putty product with GOST standards. Also, according to GOST 10277 90, the instructions indicate technical specifications storage and use of putty.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other building material, putty has its advantages, and we will consider the disadvantages in more detail.

Advantages:

excellent adhesion;
ease of operation;
long drying period, which allows you to eliminate unevenness that formed during the work process;
ability to level surfaces with large differences;
resistance to temperatures and external irritants;
the presence of clear recommendations for use in the instructions;
affordable price.

Flaws:

granular structure;
setting duration.

Note! These disadvantages are insignificant and for some users who are novice repairmen, they are rather considered as advantages.

What is putty? Putty is a fairly easy-to-use mixture that perfectly smooths out roughness and unevenness of any nature. Each type of putty has its own advantages and disadvantages and differs in scope of application. Therefore, it is necessary to consider each composition separately in order to decide which putty is best for puttying.

The choice of putty depends on the type of surface to be treated. Such mixtures are starting and finishing; they are intended for final and preparatory stage work. Also, a significant difference in putty lies in the binding component, which determines the location of the work, that is, putty is used for interior or facade work.

Starting and finishing lineups

Depending on the stage at which the repair work is carried out, there are starting and finishing putties. Let's look at the differences between them:

The starting mixture is used for rough work, so it is applied first and with a rather thick ball. Before using the composition, the base must be thoroughly plastered. Starting solutions are used to level wooden and cement surfaces with a deformation of no more than seven millimeters. The composition is applied to the base in several stages, in a layer about 1.5 centimeters thick. The surface treated with starting putty turns out to be quite smooth, but has some roughness.
The finishing mixture is designed to create a smooth base. It is applied on top of the starting putty. The thickness of the layer should not exceed 2 millimeters.

Distinguish the following types putty for the binder component:

oil;
plaster;
cement;
polymer;
acrylic;
latex.

Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the types of these putties in more detail:

Oily. This substance is different affordable price, environmental friendliness and ease of use. Among the disadvantages are low adhesive properties and mandatory subsequent priming of the surface.
Plaster. This mixture makes it possible to create a perfectly smooth base without scuffs and roughness. It does not contain toxic substances, but is not resistant to moisture. Also, this coating does not tolerate very well negative impact external irritants and increases the risk of corrosion when treating metal surfaces with it.
Cement. A budget option coating is easy to install, so even a beginner can handle it. However, cement compositions are susceptible to microcracks, take a long time to dry and are difficult to apply to smooth substrates.
Polymer. This putty is resistant to moisture and has a wide range of relief options. Polymer putties also do not require additional finishing. Among the disadvantages are the high cost and complexity of installation.
Acrylic. This coating is resistant to moisture and high temperatures, It has high coefficient elasticity. It is used for facade work, there is wide choose shades. However, the bright colors of the mixture are not resistant to sun rays and after some time they begin to fade and fade. Also acrylic materials They are rough, so dust often accumulates in them.
Latex. Suitable for facade work. It is characterized by a high level of resistance to moisture and vapor permeability. Among the disadvantages are the high cost of the material and the complexity of installation. Also, latex finishes require priming first.

Universal putty

Universal putty materials are used to create base and finishing layers. This composition is quite convenient to use, but such material is quite expensive. A universal putty is used at all stages of repair and construction work. Over ceilings and walls.

Types of wall putties according to the degree of readiness for use

All types of wall putties on the construction market are presented in two forms: dry and ready-mixed.

Dry compositions are a material in powder form, which must be diluted with water before application and carefully mixed until smooth. Such solutions are quite simple to prepare, they are easy to install and provide the ability to vary the density of the finished substance. They are quite easy to transport since they come in bags and are resistant to temperature changes. The price for such mixtures is lower than for ready-made solutions.

However, in order to prepare the solution it takes a lot of time and effort and it must be applied immediately after preparation, otherwise the putty may harden. Also, dry formulations are not resistant to moisture; they need to be mixed in small portions.

Ready-made mixtures are sold in plastic buckets or jars. Latex or silicone is mainly used as a binding component. The shelf life of the finished material is significantly higher than that of dry substances. Also, such solutions are characterized by plasticity, the absence of the use of additional means for dilution and a long shelf life of the composition when closed. The only drawback of this putty option is the high cost, which not every consumer can afford when making repairs.

The classification of mixtures by composition is similar to the distribution by binding element. Let's take a closer look at the most popular materials for wall putty.

Cement mortar

This material contains cement, solvent and sand. Among the advantages of the mixture are the following characteristics:

Strength;
Moisture resistance;

Flaws:

the substance is highly susceptible to drying out;
the mass is used only as a basis for finishing materials;
low elasticity;
the material has one color - gray;
during operation, such putty may crack;
not used for wood processing.

Gypsum based mixture

has breathability;
dries quickly;
used for various materials;
does not contain harmful substances;
creates smooth surfaces;
has no smell;
has fire resistance;
has an affordable price;
does not cause an allergic reaction.

not resistant to temperature changes;
not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity;
used only for interior work.

Calculation of the required amount of putty

To calculate the required amount of mixture to perform a specific amount of work, it is better to use a special online calculator. To do this, you need to enter in the fields provided the area of the surface to be treated, the thickness of the intended putty ball, the features of the base and the skill level of the performer. Then the system will do everything on its own. necessary calculations and will give the result in kilograms.

Shelf life of putty

The shelf life of the mixture depends on the form of release. Dry masses can be stored at favorable conditions on average about a year, and ready-made solutions do not lose their quality for up to two years of storage.

How to choose putty? To do this, you must follow the following recommendations for choosing material for a certain type of work:

walls - any materials are suitable, but in residential areas it is better to use gypsum.
ceiling – acrylic and plaster;
drywall - acrylic;
wood – acrylic;
facade works– cement;
for paint - polymer or gypsum.

Review of popular manufacturers

Among the many different manufacturers of these solutions, three of the most popular brands can be distinguished, which are distinguished by high quality and good technical parameters:

Knauf. Country of origin: Germany. The company's product range includes gypsum, cement and polymer mixtures in ready-made and dry form. You can also choose a product to treat any base. The main advantages of the company are the high quality of products and affordable prices.
Tikkurila. This manufacturer produces gypsum and acrylic masses. This product is multifunctional and easy to install. There are 15 colors of solutions available, which allow each customer to choose the ideal shade of the product specifically for their home.
Ceresite. The most popular and trusted brand. This company produces high-quality putties of polymer and cement composition, which can be used on various stages repair.

Putty is a high-quality material that is used to level foundations at any stage of repair. Such solutions have high adhesion and are resistant to moisture, temperature changes and external irritants.

Today, the choice of putties for walls and ceilings in construction stores is quite diverse, so to an ordinary person It’s not difficult to get confused in the various types of putty. The main role of putty is on the ceilings in the room and the correct choice of it depends on whether the walls and ceilings of your home will be smooth and beautiful.

How to choose putty?

It seems quite simple to purchase putty for, but this is only at first glance. When purchasing putty, you must first take into account the conditions in which the surface with the putty applied will be located. Here it is necessary to take into account temperature and humidity, the type of room for indoor or outdoor work. Composition of what the surface intended for putty is coated with.

When purchasing, you should carefully study the instructions for use and purpose of this type of putty on the packaging. As a rule, the consumption rate per unit area is indicated. Based on this, it is possible to approximately calculate required amount packaging for the planned scope of work.

The most popular putties for interior work among finishers are: Weber Vetonit LR+, high-strength gypsum KNAUF-Uniflot, KNAUF-HP Finish, Sheetrock APJC.

Purpose of putties.

According to their purpose, putties are divided into leveling or starting, decorative or finishing, and universal.

Starting putties.

Starter putties are used to pre-coat the surface of walls and ceilings. When choosing a starting putty, you need to take into account the type of base (gypsum or concrete surface etc.) and operating conditions (dry or wet room, facade work). Usually starting putty it is applied in a fairly thick layer, so it must have good adhesion to the surface and be durable, that is, not peel off from walls and ceilings and not shrink.

Finishing or decorative putties.

Finish or decorative putty serve for final preparation of the surface for or wallpapering. To choose the right finishing putty, you must first pay attention to the particle size of the material (the smaller, the smoother and more even the surface will be). When choosing a putty with a particle size of less than 100 microns, you can get perfect smooth surface for painting, no sanding required. By the way, walls and ceilings under wallpaper do not require particularly careful alignment. It is enough to get by with one layer of putty.

Universal putties.

Universal putties have the properties of both a starting putty and a finishing putty, and are used when the surface is more or less even. The cost of universal putties is somewhat more expensive, although they are slightly inferior to special starting and finishing putties.

In practice, you can often see builders using the chosen putty incorrectly. As a result, the quality of repairs and the service life of decorated surfaces are sharply reduced.

Types of putty.

Putties are divided in their composition depending on the components used for their base.

Acrylic putties.

Acrylic putties are applied thin layer approximately 1 mm. and are usually used for “artistic finishing” of the surface. It can be used in rooms with high humidity (kitchens, bathrooms and toilet rooms, facade works). Acrylic putty is sold in closed plastic containers, ready for use and does not require mixing with water. It can be stored for a long time without losing the properties declared by the manufacturer, and has excellent adhesion to the surface. Finishing specialists often choose it because it is easy and pleasant to work with. The only negative is the rather high price.

Water-dispersion putties.

Water-dispersed putties occupy a worthy place among compositions for leveling surfaces. On the domestic market building materials they appeared relatively recently, but due to their performance qualities and environmental friendliness, quickly became in demand. The putty is a ready-to-use water-dispersion composition of medium dispersion, made on an acrylic base, which gives the material elasticity, improved adhesion and increased service life. It is usually used as a finishing lightweight putty when finishing facades and interiors. To avoid rapid deterioration of the product, the container in which the material is stored must be well closed.

Oil-adhesive putties.

The main use of oil-adhesive putty is for painting with enamels and oil paints, and is produced on the basis of drying oil. After drying, this putty has increased strength and high adhesion to wood and concrete. Therefore, it is widely used in floor finishing, finishing wooden windows and doors, window sills. Oil-adhesive putties are short-lived, not environmentally friendly, compatible only with materials containing drying oil, but are low in cost.

Cement-based putties.

Cement-based putties are used for finishing facades and in rooms with high humidity. The cement-based mixture is not afraid of moisture and frost; it perfectly seals chips and cracks in brick and concrete walls. Facade putties are produced only on a cement basis. It is not easy to work with because it is difficult to sand. A common mistake when repairing walls is applying cement putty to plastered walls. gypsum plaster. There is a basic rule that must be followed. The strength of the base must be higher than the strength of the applied putty layer.

Gypsum-based putty.

Gypsum-based putties are afraid of moisture, and this must be taken into account when choosing this particular dry mixture. It can only be used in dry rooms for finishing drywall, cement-sand and concrete bases. It is environmentally friendly (contains natural gypsum) and has excellent air permeability (breathes). The surface of walls and ceilings after finishing with this mixture serves as an excellent base for subsequent wallpapering, paint and other decorative coatings.

Perhaps no repair can be completed without such a material as putty. These are truly irreplaceable building mixtures. But, as always happens, there is a difficulty in choosing, given all types of wall putties, and their differences in composition and purpose. I’ll talk about this in today’s article, about how to choose the putty needed specifically for your purposes.

All mortars, including putty, have three main components, a binder, a filler and a solvent. If you divide putty by composition, then only the type of binder is taken into account, since sand is used as a filler in almost all cases, and ordinary water is used as a solvent.

So, according to the composition of putty there are:

Cement;
Plaster;
Polymer.

Cement based putty

Essentially, it is cement mortar with fine fraction and granularity. For the binder, use cement of two grades 500 and 400. The filler is river sand, they use just such a quartz filler because it is characterized by smaller crystals and the absence of impurities.

This composition has several significant advantages. The first is very high strength; there is simply no stronger composition. Cement-sand plaster can only be damaged by purposefully hitting it with something heavy. The second advantage is good water resistance, so cement-based putty is used in bathrooms, swimming pools and other rooms with high level humidity.

Due to the fact that cement putty combines strength and moisture resistance, it is often used for cladding building facades. Since such advantages allow you to withstand aggressive environmental conditions.

Of course, this composition also has its drawbacks. For example, cement putty tends to shrink after drying, so you should take this into account when applying it to the surface. Also due to high density components, cement putty is not elastic, cracks may occur after drying.

Advantages of cement putty:

High strength;
Moisture resistance;
Relatively low price.

Low elasticity;
Shrinks;
Cracks may appear;
It takes a long time to dry.

Gypsum putties

The binder in this composition is gypsum. Most often, gypsum putty is used when preparing a wall for painting. Its use allows you to achieve a perfectly flat surface at the final stage of wall leveling. Unlike its cement “brother”, it does not shrink and dries very quickly.

The drying speed is so fast that if this is not taken into account, the use of this composition may cause some difficulties. I recommend using gypsum composition in dry and well-heated rooms, since gypsum does not tolerate moisture, absorbs it and swells. Because of this, the use of gypsum-based putty for external cladding is prohibited.

Gypsum putty does not contain harmful impurities and is completely safe for human health. The surface treated with this solution is not susceptible to mold, as it allows air to pass through perfectly.

Pros of gypsum mixture:

Dries quickly;
Safe for health;
Has antiseptic properties;
Does not burn.

Low strength;
“Afraid” of moisture;
“Does not like” temperature changes;
Cannot be used for outdoor use.

Polymer putties

If I had to name the ideal putty based on its characteristics and scope of application, then I would definitely name polymer composition. Polymer components act as a connecting element.

It combines all the main advantages of the two previous mixtures and has practically no disadvantages; to be more precise, there is only one - the price. Yes, such solutions are very expensive, but otherwise polymer plaster is universal.

It is highly durable, dries quickly, and is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes. The main advantage is high elasticity and not high consumption during application. Using putty of this type with a small fraction, you can achieve an almost mirror-like surface.

Advantages of polymer putty:

High strength;
Dries quickly;
Elasticity;
Moisture resistance;
Can be used for outdoor work.

High price.

Types of putties according to their intended purpose and their use

All of the listed types of putty compositions are also made according to their intended purpose. Depending on the scope of application, they may contain components of different fractions and contain plasticizers and other additional components. There are three main types of putties according to their purpose:

Starting (leveling);
Finishing (decorative);
Universal.

Starting putty

Or as it is also called first layer putty. Used for leveling walls after plastering. This type of putty is characterized by a large fraction of its constituent components, which means high strength.

They have high adhesion, depending on the base on which the composition is applied. Typically, cement compositions are used as a starting material. Leveling putty is used not only on walls, but also on slopes, doorways, and ceilings.

When choosing putty for the primary layer, pay attention to the maximum allowable layer thickness. This value should fall between 0 and 25 mm.

Finishing or decorative putty

Used at the final stages of wall putty. Apply a second layer on top of the starting solution. This type of mixture has a fine grain and is applied to the wall in a layer of up to 4 mm, due to which a perfectly flat surface is achieved, which can then be decorated without any problems. It has low strength, but this is more a plus than a minute, since the finishing putty is relatively easy to process with the same sandpaper.

Usually the wall is treated with finishing putty if it is planned to decorate it with fancy materials. For example, with paint, flock covering or textile wallpaper, for these materials it is important that the wall is perfectly flat, otherwise, when decorating it, all surface imperfections will be visible.

Universal putties

Usually these are multicomponent - complex compositions. This type of putty is characterized by combining the properties of leveling and finishing compositions. An excellent option for non-professionals in the field repair work. It is very convenient to apply the first leveling layer and finishing treatment with one material. In addition, a similar solution can be used to fasten gypsum blocks, cover up cracks in walls, and eliminate chips. A universal composition is also used for decorative works.

As you might have guessed, such mixtures are quite expensive, and besides, there are not many manufacturers on the construction market who can offer similar products of good quality.

You need to choose a putty based on the surface it will be applied to. Usually binder for putty, the same material from which the wall is made must be used. Taking this into account, we can summarize the article.

If you plan to process brick, concrete or tiled cement plaster wall, then the putty should be cement-based. Choose a cement composition if you need to carry out facade work.

The same applies to gypsum mixtures, of course, they can be used on both concrete and brick, but they show the best adhesion indicator when puttying drywall. I do not recommend using a gypsum-based mixture in damp rooms, or in conditions of temperature changes.

Anyone who has at least once encountered issues with repair work is familiar with the puttying process. This is how the walls are finished, wooden parts, and many other surfaces. No fine finishing is possible without first puttingtying the surface. It is the putty that will help make the wall perfect - without roughness, cracks, irregularities and other flaws. There are many varieties of this material - in addition to different purposes, there are also different types putties, according to their appearance and the result obtained. Which one to choose and how to use it – let’s figure it out together.

Why do you need to putty the walls?

Sometimes it happens that after removing the old wallpaper, it turns out that the walls are not so uneven. Often you come across a gift from builders, such as a slab on which there are no dents or cracks and it seems that there is simply no need to putty on it. This is actually a misconception! There are two types of putty work, directly as preparatory work:

In this case, preparation of the walls is exactly what is needed to level them if they are crooked, especially for corners, arches and similar joints. For such processing, not the most expensive putties are usually used, since there is no need to obtain an ideal appearance - the finished wall will still be covered with wallpaper on top. After applying the putty and allowing it to dry completely, such surfaces are usually sanded with sandpaper to obtain a smooth white surface. Its roughness will even serve as an additional bond between the wallpaper and the wall.

This is a more painstaking and clean type of putty work. Firstly, such a surface must be truly ideal, without scratches, cracks and similar defects. Secondly, there should be no even microscopic cracks, since it is because of them that the paint layer may be destroyed in the future. This will completely ruin the quality of the coating and its appearance.

To perform high-quality putty for painting, multi-layer coating technology will be correct. In this case, various types of putties are used, which are applied sequentially one after another, as well as additional reinforcing agents - reinforcement with fiberglass, non-woven fabric and the like, specially designed for this purpose.

It is advisable to use the same type of putty for surfaces that are in plain sight - window slopes, ceilings and so on.

What types of putty are there?

Even with the huge abundance of various putties on store shelves, in fact, there are not many types of this material. According to their purpose, they are divided into two groups:

Starting

As is already clear from the name, it is necessary for the initial alignment of the walls, provided they are uneven. They are made from chalk, a gypsum component and a fairly coarse filler - usually crushed perlite or pumice.

Starter putties are used to roughly level the surfaces of walls, ceilings or slopes and can be applied in a thick layer. Due to its composition, this material hardens quickly, which allows you to process the surface layer by layer without waiting for the previous layer to dry for a long time.

These putties are sold dry, packaged in bags - to use they must be diluted in the required quantity clean water. Typically, breeding recommendations are indicated on the packaging and may differ from one manufacturer to another, so you need to approach this process responsibly.

Ready-to-use putties are sold in buckets of different sizes, but still, even the largest of them are not sufficient for finishing large areas. It is beneficial to take such putty “for testing” - to understand whether this type of material from this particular manufacturer is suitable for you, you can buy putty in a bucket, and then, for full repair the entire area, purchase the same, dry.

Starter putties can also, if necessary, be reinforced with mesh or fiber. Such strengthening is especially important in the presence of strong defects in the walls, a weak foundation, or in new buildings when the shrinkage of the building has not yet been completed.

Finishing

Designed for surface finishing. This type of putty is used over already dried starting putty. It is always applied in a thin layer - the maximum can be up to three millimeters. dried out finishing putty forms a dense hard layer no cracks or chips.

Finishing putties are commercially available in two forms: dry and ready-to-use. Dry mixture - diluted in water, similar to the starting mixture, in accordance with the instructions on the package. It is important to thoroughly stir the powder to the desired consistency, so that there are no lumps left. For high-quality mixing, it is most convenient to use a special construction mixer, which is driven using a conventional hammer drill. Finished dry powder putty cannot be stored long time, as it hardens quickly upon contact with open air.

Finishing putties, ready for use, are sold in buckets of various sizes. This is very convenient in terms of the fact that, if necessary, you can purchase a small amount of the product. Also, ready-made putty is convenient in that it can be used immediately after opening the package, however, it is still advisable to mix it - this may be necessary, since during storage it can separate and become heterogeneous.

Types of putties

In addition to dividing the material according to purpose - starting and finishing, putties also amaze with their variety of varieties. Here, the type of putty is determined by the raw materials from which it is made. In fact, modern manufacturers have a wide range of starting components for putties in their arsenal. Which ones exactly and what is their difference? The main three types of putties used in the construction market can be described as follows:

As the name implies, it is made on the basis of gypsum. This product is distinguished, firstly, by its dazzling whiteness, and secondly, by its plasticity. Also important is the ability of gypsum to absorb and release moisture when interacting with the surrounding air. Walls treated with gypsum putty can create a favorable indoor microclimate due to proper moisture circulation.

Naturally, this type of putty is only suitable for interior work, since gypsum does not perform well for exterior work. It is ideal for work on - since these materials have a common structure.

It is easier to putty a plasterboard wall than usual, since it does not need to be leveled - you just need to seal the seams and places where the sheets are attached. Gypsum putty is produced as a starting and finishing putty.

It is also clear that its main ingredient is cement. Accordingly, the properties of cement coexist perfectly in it: moisture resistance, immunity to temperature changes from frost to summer heat. This putty is convenient to use both indoors and outdoors - since it is resistant to atmospheric conditions.

For interior decoration can be used in conditions of high humidity and steam formation, for example, kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools and the like. The disadvantage of cement-based putty is its rough structure - this is also caused by its main component - cement. It is quite difficult to process and sand after drying. Typically, this putty is used for finishing with tiles and similar materials that can hide a layer of plaster.

The most modern material is made from chemical raw materials using modern equipment. It has a dense structure and plastic consistency - suitable for leveling walls and for finishing. Acrylic putty is easy to apply, easy to sand, and not susceptible to cracking. It is somewhat universal, since, firstly, it is suitable for processing surfaces made of various materials, secondly, because it can be used as a starting putty and as a finishing putty - depending on needs.

But, due to its considerable cost, it is hardly advisable to apply it in a thick layer. Typically, finishing specialists prefer to apply acrylic putty in a thin layer, no more than one millimeter, thus finishing the surface.

With careful and careful application, acrylic can look perfectly smooth, beautiful, even glossy. An important advantage of acrylic putty is its environmental safety.

In addition to these widely popular types, polymer putties are also on sale - they are made on the basis of acrylates or vinyl compounds. Such products are more expensive and are universal.

Polymer mixtures are gaining popularity - nowadays they are used, perhaps, even more often than gypsum and cement-containing ones. They are easy to use and durable in use. By type, polymer putties are divided into three main groups: acrylic, polymer-cement and latex - according to the main ingredient in each of them.

Acrylic polymer putty– characterized by the presence of acrylic in the composition. It can be starting, finishing or universal - depending on the need and purpose of use.
Polymer cement putty– mainly used for leveling cement-concrete, lime and brick bases. The main component here is cement, to which there are special polymer additives. This putty has a plastic consistency and can be used both as a starting putty for leveling and as a finishing putty for finishing.
Latex putty- made on the basis of styrene - this is a certain type of latex on an acrylic basis. This type of polymer putty is ideal as a finish and is well suited for finishing various surfaces: drywall, brick, wood, concrete and others.

Polymer putties are very convenient due to their special appearance - they are plastic and elastic, which makes them ideal for work. Even amateurs can create a perfectly even layer using polymer materials.

They are also convenient because they can be applied in the thinnest layer, which is impossible for gypsum or cement putty. However, minimum thickness does not make a layer of putty less durable than those applied thicker. It is also important to note the strength characteristics: polymer putty is not subject to shrinkage and cracking. In addition, they are vapor permeable, that is, they allow the walls to breathe, and are resistant to moisture and have thermal insulation properties.

Polymer putties are sold, just like other analogues, in dry or ready-to-use form. Dry mixtures, as a rule, make sense to choose if we are talking about finishing large volumes, and ready-made plastic mixtures will come in handy if you need to finish a small area.

This type of putty is presented on store shelves in three types: starting, finishing and universal. Choose necessary putty won't be difficult. The material consumption is indicated on the labels - just calculate the required area for finishing.

The only drawback of polymer putties is their high cost. Unfortunately, due to the content of polymers, which due to their cost simply cannot be cheap. Of course, the many positive characteristics of these materials fully justify their price, so when choosing a material for wall decoration, you should pay attention to polymer putties.

Types of putty application

Having decided on the type of material, it is necessary to choose the method of its application. Putty is usually applied using three traditional methods:

For mechanical application, special installations are used, with the help of which the finished mass is sprayed onto the surface of the walls. This application is convenient, fast and high quality. But, of course, purchasing special equipment for household needs is impractical. And, as a rule, putty is applied in a similar way by specialists in the field of finishing work, when working on an industrial scale, large volumes, and so on.

The semi-mechanical method also requires a compressor or pressure tank - in this way the putty is “sprayed” onto the walls, which is also much faster than applying it manually, although slower than in the first case.

Manual method of applying putty

Well, and the most the usual way– application by hand. Since this is what is used most often by both professional builders and those who decided to make repairs on their own for the first time, we will consider it in more detail. For application, a ready-made putty mass is used - prepared independently from dry powder or already purchased in ready-to-use form.

using a flat paint spatula and a small float

A small amount of putty is applied to work surface flat spatula and smoother small size applied and distributed over the wall. This method is simple and convenient even for those who have never done such work.

putty "bloopers"

This name speaks for itself: with a small spatula, putty is applied to the wall in the form of “bloopers” - large spots, and then, using a long trowel, the mass is evenly distributed over the entire surface. This method allows you to complete the finishing quickly, but it is physically more difficult than the previous one, since in order to level the material with a smoothing iron, a length of fifty centimeters, you will need muscles.

using two spatulas: main and auxiliary

The main spatula should be approximately two to two and a half times longer than the auxiliary one. For example, spatulas with a length of 45X20 cm or 35X10 cm go well together. The longer the main spatula, the more force is required to work with it.

During the application process, the putty is distributed over the main putty using an auxiliary spatula and is then transferred to the wall. It is important that when distributing the mass, the pressure on the spatula is the same over the entire surface to be treated - then the material will be distributed evenly. The basic principle of applying putty: from dry to wet. That is, it is necessary to work in such a way that each subsequent finished section is connected to the previous one and they can be immediately compared with each other - then the work will be done accurately, without unevenness and sag.

Applying putty is not a complicated process, however, it requires care and a certain skill. Starting for the first time, you can practice on not too noticeable places, get your hands on. When muscle memory remembers hand movements, the work will go faster and better. Manual putty– is accessible to anyone, there are no particularly critical nuances in it.

DIY wall putty

Many owners strive to carry out repair work themselves: this is not always caused by the desire to save on paying specialists. Many people like to make repairs themselves, taking into account their every wish, or simply because they like this activity. As for the puttying process, there is nothing complicated about it, you just need to purchase a high-quality putty mixture and follow the correct work technology - these two facts will allow you to get a smooth, beautiful wall, ready for further finishing.

Preparation

Before you begin the puttying itself, the walls must be properly prepared.

1) Remove as much remnants of old building materials as possible. Traces of varnish, paint, wallpaper can significantly affect the quality of the finished coating; in the worst case, the remainder of the old varnish may simply fall off after finishing the putty, violating the integrity of the finished layer.

2) Carefully examine the surface for cracks, chips, and irregularities. If there are any, then they must first be sealed, flush with the wall, making sure during work that no bulges appear. After sealing the cracks, you need to wait the time necessary for the material to dry completely and only then proceed to the next stage.

3) Thorough cleaning of the walls and the room as a whole. There should be no dust, dirt, greasy stains– all of them must be removed, cleaned, and degreased. It is advisable to vacuum the walls to remove small particles of dirt and dust as much as possible.

4) Primer of surfaces. The primer must be selected based on the material from which the walls are made, and, depending on their condition, it must be applied in one or several layers. A primer with antifungal additives is preferred to prevent mold or similar problems. The primer should be applied with a paint brush or a special roller that can transfer the liquid well to the wall.

This stage is important, since well-primed walls have stronger adhesion to the putty mixture and are protected from damage by fungus. Therefore, you need to try to apply the primer as carefully as possible, without missing a single millimeter. After application, leave the primer alone until it dries completely, which is at least six to eight hours, at room temperature. But it is best to leave the walls to dry for a day.

Preparation of putty mixture

If you are planning to putty a room, or even more than one, then ready-made putty in buckets will probably not suit you - although this is convenient, it is clearly not cheap. A dry putty mixture, packaged in bags, is perfect for treating large areas, from which you can independently prepare ready-to-use material. This is not difficult to do, but it is important to follow the correct cooking technique:

1) Pour one third of clean water into a clean, preferably plastic, container. It is necessary to take cool or even cold water, since hot water accelerates the hardening of the finished putty.

2) Dry putty mixture is poured into the water. It is difficult to say exactly quantitatively; it all depends on the manufacturer and needs. Manufacturers' recommendations and experience will help resolve this issue.

Firstly, the packages always indicate the proportion of water and dry components, which will allow you to obtain a ready-to-use mass. Secondly, after trying the ready-made putty prepared according to the instructions, you may need a thicker or, conversely, more liquid consistency. Of course, during the process of stirring the mass, the dry product can be added, therefore, initially try not to exceed the amount indicated on the package.

3) For the next step you will need a construction mixer. Having installed it on the hammer drill, it is necessary to carry out the initial mixing of the mixture. Its purpose is to completely wet the dry powder with water. You need to stir at low speeds of the tool, using slow circular movements, trying not to scatter the putty around the container.

After the initial mixing, you need to leave the mixture for five to ten minutes, this is necessary so that the water completely soaks the dry putty, and especially the lumps that are in it.

4) Mix again using the same construction mixer. This time more intensive mixing is possible. After which, leave the mixture alone again for swelling. Thus, it is necessary to make three to four approaches, alternating the processes of mixing and settling ready mixture. You need to stir for about three minutes, let it sit for about five. Thus, gradually, the consistency will reach the desired level - medium thickness and high plasticity.

It is important to prepare not too large a volume of putty, since it is not stored in finished form. In this case, it is more convenient to get a smaller quantity and, if necessary, finish more. The thickening mixture is also not suitable for dilution with water and further use - since the formation of lumps in this case is simply inevitable. Therefore, thickened or completely hardened putty must be thrown away, washed the container in which it was and prepared again.

Wall putty

Correct adherence to the technology of this process requires the application of putty in at least two layers - the starting one, and then the finishing one. But in fact, there may be more layers, depending on the condition of the walls and their visible defects.

1) To apply putty you will need two spatulas - a wide one and a narrow one. A wide spatula should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the container in which the putty is located - this is necessary so that it can fit there. The second, narrow, spatula is needed to distribute the putty along the entire length of the wide one, as well as to correct flaws. It can also be used to select a product for a wide instrument - here everyone develops a technique that is convenient for them.

2) The first layer is the starting putty, it is looser and can be applied in a thicker layer than the finishing one. With its help, you can hide minor wall defects - sinks, small cracks. It is convenient to apply the putty from bottom to top, using a wide spatula. The spatula is held by the handle with three fingers, and two - the middle and index fingers - act as stops and are convenient for adjusting the pressing force on the spatula, holding it from above, by the plastic base.

The finished putty is plastic and easy to apply; it should be uniform and not contain lumps or other inclusions. It is necessary to apply the solution as evenly as possible, avoiding unevenness or visually noticeable strokes - a wide spatula helps with this. It is advisable to work quickly, since the putty mixture hardens quite quickly and after just fifteen to twenty minutes it will be problematic to correct application errors.

3) You can continue working only after the first layer has completely dried. If you plan to make a lot of layers, then at this stage it would be best to use a reinforcing mesh.

After the layer of starting putty has dried, the net must be secured to the wall with temporary fasteners, and then a layer of finishing putty must be applied. It must be applied in such a way as to hide the mesh as much as possible, but at the same time, not in a too thick layer - the maximum it should be no more than five millimeters. After this layer is applied, you should also wait for it to dry completely. If the reinforcing network is not completely covered by the first layer of putty, then it is necessary to apply another one, which will hide it completely. This layer should also dry well.

4) The next stage is applying the base layer. This is a high quality finishing putty - it is applied very thinly - a couple of millimeters, no more. It must be applied simultaneously to the entire wall - otherwise, the transitions will be visually noticeable. It’s not for nothing that this layer is the main one; it should be as even and carefully laid out as possible. If there are still minor defects, then after finishing the work and drying the putty, they can be cleaned up with a fine sanding mesh.

The mesh grain size should be no more than 3 mm mesh, otherwise, the thin layer of the finishing coating can be damaged and visually noticeable sanding marks can be left. Under no circumstances should you use sandpaper on tissue based– after such treatment, noticeable marks almost always remain!

The finished surface, finished with putty, dries, depending on the room temperature - from 8 to 24 hours. After complete drying, further finishing work is possible.

Rating of the best putties

The modern construction market does not stand still and every year pleases consumers with new products, including putty mixtures. Today, according to customer surveys, certain products are leading.

Starting putties

Volma Standard. This starting putty has proven itself excellent both in Russia and abroad. Well suited for leveling surfaces and under finishing. Suitable for plaster or cement walls. It performed best when used indoors.

Although this composition is intended for initial application, many experts note that with its help it is possible to obtain a finished surface without applying a “finish”, since this putty is easily sanded and does not leave behind defects. This is a high quality material, easy to use and affordable. One of the disadvantages is the rather long drying time.

Founded Ekonsilk. A domestically produced product that has firmly established itself in the finishing materials market. The putty of this brand is convenient due to its plasticity, attractive appearance and of course a very affordable price.

It can be applied in a not too thick layer, preferably up to 5 millimeters. Unfortunately, if this condition is not met, cracks may appear on the finished surface after drying.

Bolars Facade. It is recognized as the best putty for facades due to its excellent performance qualities: frost resistance, insusceptibility to precipitation. It can also be used in rooms with increased vapor generation. Has high strength to mechanical damage, good vapor permeability, which allows the walls to “breathe” and creates proper circulation of moisture in the room.

The maximum permissible layer is up to 10 millimeters, and this is without the formation of cracks. Accordingly, this plus entails a minus - high consumption. Also, some unpleasant point is its high cost.

Finishing putties

Sheetrock SuperFinish rightfully takes first place among finishing products. She has the most minimum size grains among putties, it is equal to 0.03 millimeters.

This fact allows you to get a smooth, perfect surface, on almost any wall - concrete, and others. When dry, this putty does not tend to crack, again due to its finely dispersed structure - it adheres tightly to the surfaces and does not peel off. All these advantages are complemented by the quite reasonable price of the product, which makes it great solution for every buyer.

By the way, until 2016, a bucket of putty had a different appearance. Then the KG Stroy Systems Company transfers the line of ready-made SHEETROCK® putties under the umbrella brand of building materials DANOGIPS.

Knauf Rotband Pasta is a putty based on vinyl compounds. It is universal in terms of surfaces to be treated, suitable for concrete, gypsum boards and others, and has good adhesive ability.

Another one distinctive feature: fast drying - about 5 hours. Some disadvantage is that this ready-to-use putty mixture requires a lot of consumption, even when applied at a thickness of about one millimeter. Also not pleasing is its high cost of 700 rubles.

Ceresit CT 225 is a cement-based putty. Suitable for both indoor work and facade finishing. Can be applied to cement bases. The putty has excellent qualities: adhesion, moisture resistance and frost resistance.

It is popular due to the presence of special reinforcing fibers in the composition - they prevent cracking and shrinkage of the finished coating. You should also pay attention to the environmentally friendly composition. Of course, such putty is not cheap.

Universal putties

Knauf is a fugen. Has proven itself to be excellent when used indoors, in room temperatures. The gypsum-based putty also contains polymer compounds, which make the finished composition elastic. Good adhesive properties.

Suitable for walls made of cement or covered with plaster. The list of advantages is complemented by low cost and minimal consumption. Despite its versatility, use in rooms with high humidity is not recommended, since the composition is hygroscopic.

VGT acrylic, universal. Completely ready for use immediately after opening the package. Suitable for warm interior spaces, without increased vaporization and moisture. It is possible to apply a thick layer - up to seven millimeters. Suitable for wood, concrete, gypsum and cement surfaces. Disadvantages: quite high consumption, the possibility of shrinkage when the composition dries and quite a lot of dust during subsequent processing.

UNIS BLIK. Gypsum-based putty. It is convenient because it can be applied in different layers - both thin and thick. According to the manufacturer's recommendations, the application layer can range from half a millimeter to eight millimeters. The quick drying of the mixture is also convenient - even with a thick layer it will take no more than seven hours.

The putty is easy to use, elastic and does not form cracks. However, there are also disadvantages: high consumption, the presence of foreign inclusions - there may be pebbles that interfere with the uniform distribution of the mass over the surface of the wall.

Puttying walls is an invariable attribute of any repair work. Even if the walls are smooth or covered with plasterboard, it will still be necessary. Modern manufacturers of building materials develop and launch new putties every day, trying to satisfy the most demanding customers. On the shelves of construction hypermarkets there is a putty suitable for any surface, budget and application possibilities. It is only important to decide what exactly you need and make the right choice.

Thanks to step-by-step surface processing and the application of several coatings, high-quality surface finishing is achieved. For work, depending on the purpose and financial capabilities, materials of different composition and properties are used. Finishing putties are used to create a smooth, uniform surface during final processing.

Purpose of finishing putty

The finishing putty consists of fine particles, which distinguishes it from the main putty mixture. Has high adhesion rates.

The purpose of the material used is determined by the functions performed. Finishing putty is used for:

leveling the surface, filling minor defects in the form of scratches and cracks;
protection of the base coating from damage for a long time after repair work;
endowing the surface with aesthetic qualities;
use as a complete finishing coat without painting or other treatment.

Types of putty mixtures

Depending on the purpose, mixtures of different compositions are used. At the final stage of puttying, polymer and acrylic mixtures are used, as well as cement or gypsum putties. Each composition has its own disadvantages and advantages. To find out which finishing putty is better, let's look at the main mixtures in more detail.

Cement composition

The cement option is popular due to its ease of use and low cost. It is used for finishing surfaces in rooms with high humidity - kitchen, bathroom or toilet. In addition, it is used before painting in entrances and for finishing building facades.

The cement composition is moisture resistant, gives the surface durability and strength when exposed to external factors.

Among the disadvantages, note the possibility of cracks, as well as shrinkage of the mixture after drying if the technology is not followed.

Attention! Grinding of cement putty is carried out until it dries completely. Dried coating difficult to mechanically influence.

Gypsum putty

Using gypsum putty, a uniform white surface is created that can mask surface imperfections. It is recommended to use before gluing thin textured wallpaper with a fine structure, or to create a perfectly flat surface.

Attention! The gypsum composition dries in about two hours, depending on the manufacturer, and must be applied within approximately 30 minutes after mixing. Otherwise, the mixture loses its original qualities and becomes unsuitable for work. This applies to quick-drying compounds.

Due to low waterproofing, the scope of application of the material is limited. However, such mixtures are characterized by affordable cost and ease of use.

Polymer option

The composition is prepared in the form of a ready-to-use mixture, which is the best option for people with minimal experience in carrying out repair work. Polymer putty only needs to be thoroughly mixed before use. Apply a thin layer to the prepared surface. Thanks to the composition, a smooth, uniform plane is created. Among the disadvantages is the high cost. Treating a large room will cost a lot of money. Thanks to the composition, the mixture adheres perfectly to the surface.

The super finish is different presence of the finest particles in the composition, due to which it is used for decoration when delicate decoration is required.

The polymer material is characterized by high plasticity and moisture resistance. The appearance of cracks is excluded, which is the cause long term operation of the finish.

Base for painting

To obtain color durability and brightness, it is advisable to choose the finishing putty wisely. The quality of the material affects the final result of finishing the walls with finishing putty.

When using such putties, the paint will look perfect on the surface, maintaining uniformity and color saturation.

Ceiling finishing

It is recommended to dilute the solution as much as you can apply in a a short time so that the mixture does not have time to harden. There are also ready-made compositions , which are squeezed out of the tube for surface treatment.

Rooms with high humidity

Thanks to the development of innovative technologies, a huge number of putty mixtures appear on the building materials market. Among them, compositions such as Knauf, Sitek, Ceresit, etc. have proven themselves well.

Features of working with finishing putty

Let's consider the question of how to apply finishing putty. The whole process fits into three stages, namely:

It is impossible to say for sure which putty is better to use. It is important to understand under what conditions it will be used. In addition, you need to take into account the fact how much a consumer who has started repairs can spend. For external work you should definitely give preference cement composition, which is not afraid of moisture. However, it is important to follow the technology so that after shrinkage there are no cracks or chips in the surface. In dry rooms it is better to use gypsum compounds. A universal material is polymer finishing putty, but due to its high cost it is difficult to treat a large room with it.