What is the name of the putty for the walls. Types of fillers and features of their use. Prices for starting putty

A well-known material for leveling walls, eliminating cracks or filling joints is putty. It is a mixture that is applied before painting, wallpapering and other construction and repair work.

Blue putty in the decoration of the living room

Nowadays, putty is produced in the form of dry and ready-made mixtures.

Dry mixtures contain astringents, which must be diluted with water in the indicated proportions before use. They can be used on all types of surfaces to apply layers of any thickness, but the period of use of dry mixes is limited. Therefore, when preparing the putty, this factor must be taken into account.

Unusual wall putty

The ready-made mixtures are based on various latexes or dispersions. These mixtures are convenient because they do not need to be diluted and the shelf life is unlimited. However, they can only be applied with a layer thickness of up to 5 mm.

Putty is also divided into types according to various characteristics.

Types of putties for interior work

They are classified according to several criteria:

by composition;
by particle size;
by appointment.

Depending on the composition of the putty, they are divided: gypsum, cement and polymer.

Gypsum putty is the most common, easy to apply and sand. Its main property is whiteness and plasticity. Gypsum absorbs and releases moisture from the air, so the putty made from this material is suitable for any premises.

Cement putty is mainly used in the repair of premises with high humidity.

Polymer putty is used for finishing work in rooms that are going to completion, it is also convenient to use it for filling seams and joints.

Beautiful finishing of the wall with putty

Depending on the particle size, coarse-dispersed putties (particle size - 200 microns or more), medium-dispersed (particles less than 80 microns) and fine-dispersed (particle size 20 microns or less) are distinguished.

The purpose of the putty may be different depending on the work performed. Therefore, putties are divided into starting, finishing, universal and specialized.

A starter putty is applied before starting work in order to correct rough surface irregularities. It is chosen depending on the material on which it will be applied.

The finishing putty is designed to eliminate minor defects or scratches. As a rule, it is applied in a very thin layer and cannot be sanded.

The universal filler is suitable for almost all types of surfaces. It can be a substitute for finishing and starting putty, combining their functions. But this putty is expensive.

The purpose of a specialized putty depends on what additives it has. They use it to solve certain problems.

Black putty in the finishing of the dining room

Silver putty in the decoration of the bedroom

Orange putty in the decoration of the living room

Plasterboard putties

Drywall is a very convenient and practical building material. It is used for ceilings, walls, frames, partitions when renovating an apartment. After sheathing walls or ceilings with plasterboard, it is necessary to putty all the irregularities that are visible on the drywall sheets.

When leveling drywall, various types of putties are used. First of all, you need to evaluate the sheets. If the drywall sheet is even, then it will be enough to cover up the places where the screws are screwed in and the places where the sheets are joined.

Creamy putty in wall decoration

It is also important to assess whether the wallpaper will be glued or the walls or ceilings will be painted, because it will also be necessary to choose a certain putty.

For plasterboard plasterboard, gypsum plaster is often chosen. Since it has the property of plasticity, it is convenient to use. But, if the room in which the walls or ceiling is being finished has high humidity, it is better to use a cement putty.

Brown putty in the wall decoration

Before painting or gluing wallpaper, various polymer putties are often applied to drywall. The most popular is acrylic filler. It can be used in various premises, but its cost is high.

Also, when choosing a plaster for drywall, you must take into account its purpose. When leveling rough defects, choose starting putties, for filling small cracks and scratches - finishing.

Dark purple putty in the decoration of the bedroom

Creamy putty in bathroom finishing

Putty for painting and wallpapering

Before painting the walls and ceiling or gluing them with wallpaper, as mentioned earlier, it is necessary to putty all the irregularities. Sometimes they are also putty so that the paint or wallpaper fits well.

Peach putty in kitchen decoration

In such cases, polymer putty is best suited. It is of the following types:

Glue putty, which contains glue, drying oil and chalk. Most often it is used before wallpapering the walls.
Oil-glue putty consists of such components as water, drying oil, plasticizers. Suitable both for painting the ceiling and for pasting wallpaper on the wall.
Latex putty, which is very similar in composition to oil-adhesive plaster. Only its composition is supplemented with a calcite filler.
Acrylic putty is prepared from chemical raw materials. It can be said to be universal, because it combines all the properties of other leveling compounds.
Oil putty consists of drier, chalk and drying oil. Convenient to use before painting ceilings or walls in rooms with high humidity.

As you can see, in the modern world there is a variety of putties for painting and wallpapering. By choosing the right filler, you can get smooth and beautiful ceilings and walls.

Golden putty in the decoration of the bedroom

Gray putty in the decoration of the living room

Gray putty in the interior

Wood putty

Putties for wood can be placed in a separate group. They contain synthetic resins and pigments. Pigments allow you to get different shades of wood.

Today there are only two types of wood fillers: solvent-based and water-based. These types are divided into the following types:

Solvent-based putties are used only in production. They are toxic and unsafe for humans. But the advantages include: a variety of shades of wood, resistance to various temperature conditions and fast drying.
Acrylic fillers are mainly used for decorative coating of wooden floors. The advantages of this putty are that it is moisture-resistant and fire-resistant, but large defects cannot be corrected with it.
Epoxy resin putty is practical. It is odorless and does not settle when dry. It is better not to use it when puttingty wood flooring.
Latex putties are versatile and ideal for working on wood surfaces. They are considered environmentally friendly, odorless and dry very quickly.
Oil putties for wood are considered strong and durable, but they dry for a long time.
Plaster wood putties are the cheapest and even out any wood surfaces.

These are all types of wood putties that exist at the moment.

White putty in the bedroom interior

Concrete putty in the bathroom interior

Golden brown putty

Decorative putty

Increasingly, putty began to be used to decorate the walls and ceilings of apartments. The stores offer a wide selection of decorative putties. Consider the main types of decorative putties in terms of composition and texture.

According to the composition, the following decorative putties are distinguished:

mineral fillers consisting of sand, gypsum and limestone. They are not expensive. But after applying this decorative putty, it is also necessary to apply a protective layer so that nothing falls.
polymer putties have high ductility and resistance. They include acrylic, epoxy.
silicone putties are considered the most expensive, but they do not deteriorate and are durable.

Sand-colored putty on the walls

By texture, decorative putties are divided into:

Structural, based on latex or silicates. The particles of this decorative putty are of different sizes.
Textured ones that create a semblance of fabric, stone and wood. The cost is quite expensive.
Flock, which include cellulose, silk fibers, etc. They are the most expensive of all decorative fillers. But they can create an imitation of different types of fabric.

In the modern world, putty is not only a material that evens out various surfaces, but also decorates the walls and ceilings of the house.

Putty gray on the walls of the living room

Silver plaster on the walls

Brown putty in the exterior of the house

Putty for leveling and creating a smooth surface of walls before decorative finishing, types of material, composition of mixtures and their properties.

The content of the article:

Wall putty is a building material intended for leveling the wall surface and its finishing before finishing, for example, gluing wallpaper or painting. The treatment of the base with putty is an integral part of the technological process for the renovation of premises. The final result largely depends on its quality characteristics.

Varieties of putty for walls by grain size

The putty is divided into two types, taking into account the grain size, which determines the purpose and order of application of the solution. So, putty can be starting, finishing, universal. The names speak for themselves, however, what are the main differences between these species. Let's describe in more detail their characteristics.

Starting wall putty

The starting wall putty serves as the basis for further wall finishing, because it has the following characteristics:

Differs in larger grain compared to finishing solutions. Because of this, it is rather difficult to sand. The surface of the frozen starting mixture is rough. It is mainly used for starting wall decoration, leveling and filling small cracks.
It is used in works with brick and concrete surfaces.
Has a high drying rate.
Does not crack over time, creating a solid base for any kind of finishing materials.
It can be applied with a layer of 0.3 to 2 cm.

Coating with starter putty can be the penultimate step in wall renovation. However, given that such a surface will be quite rough, the final coating can be wall panels, dense heavy wallpaper, but not thin wallpaper or paint.

Let's take a look at a few specific examples of popular starter mixes:

Scanmix TT (Finland)... Universal starter putty. Has a cement base, is applicable indoors and outdoors. This putty is waterproof, frost-resistant. With the maximum possible layer of 2 cm, complete hardening occurs in a day. The cost is low (from 280 rubles for 25 kg of dry mix). Shrinkage of the mass during drying is possible.
Knauf HP starting (Germany)... On a plaster basis. It is used for finishing interior walls where there is no high humidity. Possible layer thickness - from 4 to 15 mm. Complete hardening occurs in a day. The mass does not shrink. The coating has a high degree of strength. The cost is about 360 rubles for a package weighing 30 kg.
Ceresit CT 29 (Germany)... Universal putty (interior, exterior). Not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity levels. During filling and drying, the ambient temperature should be in the range of + 5 ... + 32 degrees. However, further operation is possible even at sub-zero temperatures (up to -50 degrees). The speed of complete hardening is high - from 10 to 15 hours. The composition contains a polymer (microfiber), which provides high strength. 25 kg of dry mix costs from 430 rubles.

Finishing putty for leveling walls

Finishing putty for walls is intended for the final stage of preparation of the base for finishing. It can be described using the following characteristics:

Creates a smooth surface thanks to its creamy consistency.
Applies only to a pre-leveled surface.
It is applied in a thin layer (from 0.1 to 0.4 cm). In other cases, the solution shrinks, cracks appear. In addition, a thick layer is difficult to smooth over the surface, because the mass can float.
It is easy to sand, and after the complete drying of the finishing mixture, a large amount of dust is formed.
It is less durable than starter mixes.

Here are some examples of finishing mixes:

Knauf HP finishing (Germany)... On a plaster basis. Recommended only for rooms with normal humidity levels. Complete hardening takes 15-24 hours. One of the most durable putties among analogues. However, large, hard particles are often found in the mixture, which create a certain complexity in the work. The cost of a 25 kg bag is about 390 rubles.
Ceresit CT 225 (Germany)... Has a cement base. The finish coat becomes durable, smooth, and has a white color. The main disadvantage is the high cost (790 rubles per 25 kg).
Scanmix LH Standart (Finland)... It is based on polymers. The mass does not shrink. Universal, i.e. suitable for all types of premises. The coating is characterized by perfect whiteness, so the finish surface can be left unpainted. It is quite expensive (the average price is 900-1000 rubles per 25 kg).

Universal wall putty

The universal formulations combine the main characteristics of the starting and finishing masses. Those. it can be used with slight irregularities in the surface of the wall, while after drying, a sufficiently smooth surface is formed. The cost of such material is slightly higher. But, despite this, the quality of the universal layer is significantly inferior to the classical technology using start and finish.

Among the many universal putties, Kreizel 662 (Germany) stands out. It is based on cement and lime. The composition is improved with additives that increase the resistance to operational loads. Suitable for rooms with any level of humidity. To prevent cracks from appearing due to shrinkage of the mass, the layer must be more than 3 mm. The cost is average (about 350 rubles per 25 kg).

Considering the above characteristics, many people can answer the question of which putty is better for walls - “universal”.

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

In stores, putty is presented in two types - dry mixes and ready-made solutions. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider them in more detail.

Dry mixes for wall putty

Powder mixtures for wall putty are powdery compositions that must be diluted with water before direct application to the wall, mixing thoroughly by hand or using a construction mixer until a homogeneous consistency.

The advantageous aspects of dry formulations are as follows:

The ability to vary the density of the solution by adding different amounts of water.
Simplicity in the preparation of the solution.
Convenient transportation.
Long-term storage, unpretentious in terms of temperature.
Lower price than ready-made solutions.

Disadvantages of dry mixes:

Small time-consuming preparation of the solution.
After kneading, such mixtures should be used quickly enough, for each specific product the time frames are different - from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
It is recommended to knead in small portions.
During storage, the mixture is afraid of moisture. There is a great potential for deterioration if water gets in. packing - cardboard.

Ready mortars for walls

The finished wall putty is packed in plastic buckets. Latex or new generation dispersions are most often used as a base. It is stored in the form of a solution for a long time due to the fact that it contains special substances that do not allow it to solidify. You can apply the finished mass immediately after opening the package.

Advantages of ready-made mixtures:

Higher ductility.
No need to use additional means for solution preparation.
The closed prepared solution can be stored for a long time even after the first opening.

As the main disadvantage, the cost is higher in comparison with dry mixtures.

Classification of wall putties by composition

Each manufacturer independently chooses an assortment of their goods, focusing on a particular consumer market. Due to the rapid progress in all spheres of life, there are many technologies for the production of mixtures for filling, which use different components. Ultimately, the composition directly affects the properties of the putty. Let's take a closer look at what base can be used to make putty, what properties, advantages and disadvantages are provided by different ingredients in order to highlight the types of putties for walls in composition.

Cement putty for walls

In the case of cement putty for walls, the composition includes cement, sand as a filler and a solvent. For high-quality putty, only cleaned sand is used (a prerequisite is the presence of no more than 5% of impurities such as clay). The different ratio of cement, sand and solvent determines the grade of the mortar, on which the strength depends.

The positive properties of cement putty are as follows:

Not afraid of moisture.
Suitable for rooms with high humidity, as well as for walls outdoors.
Has high strength after drying (the more cement and less sand, the stronger the layer is).

Negative sides:

It is used as a base for finishing putty or decorative plaster.
The mass is subject to shrinkage upon drying.
Low elasticity.
Not suitable for wood surfaces.
There are certain difficulties in working with concrete walls.
Cracking is possible during operation.
They are gray.

Gypsum wall putties

Plaster putty for walls is an excellent finishing solution.

Advantages of gypsum plaster:

Breathable material.
Does not shrink and crack.
Creates perfectly smooth surfaces, therefore significantly reduces paint and glue consumption.
Suitable for the finest finishing materials, including paint.
High drying speed.
There are no smells.
Increased fire resistance.
Low price.
The components are non-allergenic.
Has a white color after drying.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

Does not withstand changes in temperature and humidity.
The surface is not resistant to mechanical damage, chips may appear.
Narrow purpose - only for interior decoration in dry rooms.

Polymer mixtures for filling walls

Advantages of polymer mixtures:

High elasticity.
Durability of a durable coating.
Increased water resistance.
The mass does not shrink.
Wide range of applications.
The prepared solution can be stored for 12 hours.

The disadvantages of polymer-based putties are as follows:

Great value.
Often there are low-quality fakes at a high price.

There are two types of putties with a polymer base:

Acrylic wall putty... Universal option (interior and exterior). Possesses increased adhesion, weather resistance. Most often it is a finishing solution, because with its help, you can easily create a perfectly smooth surface. Its peculiarity is that the layer should be minimal - up to 1 mm. Even suitable for wood surfaces. It is not toxic. The mixtures have a long shelf life. A type of acrylic putty is water-dispersion.
Latex putty... Suitable for indoor use only. Poorly tolerates low temperatures. Possesses good plasticity, strength, durability. Easy to apply. Does not emit odors. Can be applied to concrete, metal, plaster, drywall, wood surfaces.

Oil and glue putty for wall preparation

The basis for the manufacture of oil-adhesive solutions is drying oil.

The main advantage of this type of materials for wall treatment is its low cost.

The limited demand for varnish-based putties is caused by the following disadvantages:

Narrow application (only with materials based on drying oil).
It is not recommended to use them in residential premises due to the harmfulness of the components.
The fragility of the coating.

In each case, it is better to use the useful advice of specialists. This also applies to the choice of putty for the walls. So, how to choose a putty for walls - professional recommendations:

The best result will be obtained when using materials from the same manufacturer, which are best compatible with each other, therefore the properties are combined and complemented.
Always pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations, which, taking into account the properties of all components included in the composition, describes the following: purpose (leveling the walls or smoothing the top layer of a flat surface); operating conditions (external or internal decoration, operating temperature, humidity level); conditions of use (microclimate during work); putty consumption; combination with other preparatory and finishing materials.
To prepare walls for painting, it is better to use ready-made mixtures, because the quality of the finish layer will be higher.
Dry mixes are more suitable as a base for wallpaper.
When buying a ready-made putty, ask the seller to open the lid to evaluate the quality externally. In poor quality products, hard blotches can often be seen on the surface.
For interior work, choose sand-free fillers.
For thin light wallpaper or paint, the finishing putty should be as white as possible, so as not to affect the final color scheme of the wallpaper or cause the need to apply additional layers of paint.
In cases where it is rather difficult to decide on the product, give preference to a universal mixture in order to reduce the risks of the wrong choice. Many experts choose acrylic filler, considering it the best filler for walls.
The highest quality products are made by European manufacturers.
Any putty may contain additional substances to improve the properties, so carefully read the composition and recommendations for the wall material that can be treated with each specific solution.

Watch a video about choosing a wall putty:

Buying wall putty is not a problem. It is important to make the right choice, taking into account the characteristics of the room, the characteristics of the decorative coating and your own preferences in the cost of materials.

The mixture for wall putty makes the surface perfectly uniform, smooth, which improves further painting or wallpapering. The composition includes components that promote setting and hardening, making it elastic. The article will tell you what modern materials for wall putty can be used and how to apply them to the surface.

The putty is an elastic, fine-grained mixture. Designed for cosmetic finishing of surface roughness and irregularities.

Putty goes on sale:

Dry. It is a special mixture, consisting of the required components in certain proportions, and prepared immediately before the surface is coated. It is the most popular type of putty. Available in bags or bags. Before use, the dry mixture is diluted and thoroughly mixed with clean water, according to the instructions for use (see How to dilute the putty during self-repair). Advantages of dry putty:

low price;
long-term storage in dry form, at any air temperature;
ease of transportation and storage.

The disadvantages of the material include the short shelf life of the already prepared mixture.

Ready to use... Such a solution is made on the basis of latex (see Latex putty: use cases) or acrylic. Sold in cans, buckets or tubs. The material is easy to use, it does not require dilution time, it is always ready to use. The ready-made solution can be stored indefinitely. During a break from working with the finished putty, the container is tightly closed, which does not reduce its quality. Lack of material - higher cost than dry.

The composition of the putty for walls can be:

Gypsum (see Gypsum putty: its advantages and problems of use). Made on the basis of plaster, adheres well to any surface. Gypsum is hygroscopic, which leads to the accumulation of moisture. This material is only suitable for interior work. The mixture dries quickly, has an affordable price.
Cement. This group of compositions is widely used in outdoor finishing work. Having high performance properties, cement-based putty is used for finishing facades of buildings and rooms with increased humidity. Material advantages:

resistant to changes in temperature and humidity;
high strength after drying;
prevents the appearance of cracks on the surface;
made of gray or yellowish cement, which is easily painted over.

The only drawback is the presence of graininess.

Polymeric. In the modern world, a leveling mixture based on a polymer component is gaining popularity. For this, acrylic or latex is used. The acrylic compound is easy to use and versatile. It can be applied outside and inside the building. After drying, the polymer:

does not deform;
does not shrink;
does not crack.

Latex putty is used for interior walls. The main features of the mixture:

very flexible and easy to apply in a thin layer, filling the smallest cavities on the surface:
the resulting good film, after drying, is durable and does not crack;
wide range of colors;
sold ready-made for use.

Advice: When purchasing a polymer putty, you should pay attention to the date of manufacture and the conditions of its storage - it is afraid of freezing.

The most unpleasant drawback is the very high cost.

Appointment of putty depending on the type

According to the method of application, the putty is divided into four groups:

Starting... The coarse-grained structure of the initial layer is intended for preliminary leveling of walls, ceiling surfaces, door openings, slopes. A mixture is selected depending on the base material, operating conditions. It is distinguished by good adhesion to the working surface, high strength and durability, as well as the ability to apply a layer from 0 to 25 mm without cracks and delamination.
Finish. The finishing layer putty has a finer fraction and is applied to the surface before final finishing, which can be:

dye;
flock coating;
textile wallpaper.

It is applied to the starting putty or to the base itself. It smoothes out the smallest flaws and scratches, forming a layer up to 1 mm thick. The finish is putty in several steps, with a thickness of 0.1 - 0.2 mm at a time. After drying, it forms a polished, dense and white surface.

Specialized. This is the best putty with a special additive, it serves to solve a specific problem. This composition is used for:

sealing joints of gypsum panels (see. How to putty joints of drywall according to technology) and concrete slabs, without using a reinforcing mesh;
for "breathing" cracks;
for emergency repairs.

The material has higher elasticity and strength. The choice is very simple. Recommendations and methods of using the specialized putty are indicated on the packaging.

Universal. It combines all of the above functions and is used in the range of combinations of any surface bases. It is convenient not only for professionals, but is inferior in quality to specialized putty. At the same time, it has no small cost.

How to calculate the consumption of putty

How to calculate the wall putty? The calculator helps to calculate the area of the walls, and then the required amount of material, which depends not only on the size of the room, but also on the condition of the walls, the thickness of the applied layer and the type of putty.

When calculating the consumption of material, it must be borne in mind that:

When using plaster or decorative putty, the consumption is 9 kg / m2 with a coating layer of 10 millimeters.
The cement mixture will need up to 17 kilograms per square meter.
Polymeric, in finished form, consumption with a layer thickness of one millimeter is up to 0.5 kg / m 2.

Instructions for calculating the amount of putty:

The surface is cleaned.
In the right places, key points are determined, special beacons are set up and deviations from the plane are measured.
The deviations are summed up and further divided by the number of measured points. For example, deviations at three points are: 1, 2, 6 centimeters. In this case:

summed up among themselves: 1 + 2 + 6 = 9 (centimeters);
the sum is divided by the number of points: 9: 3 = 3 (centimeters).

The average uniform coating layer is three centimeters.

Attention is drawn to the manufacturer's recommendation. Using the example of dry gypsum mass, approximately 8.5 kilograms will be required for finishing one square meter with a layer of 10 millimeters.
The consumption of the mixture is calculated per one square meter with a layer three centimeters thick: 8.5 x 3 = 25.5 (kilogram).

With a surface area of 10 square meters, you will need: 10 x 25.5 = 255 kilograms of putty.

The number of bags of 30 kilograms will be: 255: 30 = 8.5 (bags). Rounding off the resulting value - you will need 9 bags of dry mix. After that, you can calculate how much the putty for the walls costs.

What set of tools will be needed for puttying

The necessary tool for filling the walls is purchased.

For work you will need:

Mixer, or drill with a special nozzle.
Capacity for mixing the putty.
A set of spatulas. A minimum of three sizes, from the smallest to 50 centimeters wide. It is putty in hard-to-reach places with a narrow tool.
Primer brush and roller. The roller is used for quick and accurate priming. The problem areas are primed with a brush.
Rule. It will only be needed to level a thick layer of the starting putty.
Spirit level or plumb bob. Useful for installing beacons when performing starting putty.
Wall preparation sander.
Hand grout with a set of nets or skins.

Tip: Rub the putty by hand. This will give the surface a better quality.

How to prepare a wall for putty

The preparation of the wall for puttying is carried out in the following sequence:

The surface is thoroughly cleaned from old paint, putty, wallpaper and other dirt. This process will be accelerated by a grinder with a metal brush attached.
A primer is applied to the wall (see Primer before wall putty - is it needed), which penetrates deeply into the surface to be treated. Wherein:

the base is strengthened by polymer components such as PVA glue or acrylic. The primer on water is quickly absorbed into the surface, filling all microcracks;
all pores are clogged, and a strong film is created. It is necessary for gypsum putties, which quickly lose moisture;
adhesion increases;
the appearance of fungal mold is prevented due to antiseptic properties.

The walls remain until the coating is completely dry.

Advice: For proper drying of the putty, it is necessary to create a certain temperature regime from (+ 10 ° C) to (+ 20 ° C) and humidity within 30 - 40%. If necessary, these conditions must be created using heating devices.

How to putty walls

Before proceeding with the work, it is necessary to determine why the walls are plastered. Usually, this is necessary for painting or for gluing wallpaper, and how to do it correctly, the video in this article will tell you. Subject to certain rules, do-it-yourself puttying of the walls is not difficult.

The order of work:

Initial leveling of the walls with a starting putty. In this case:

large bends, sinkholes and potholes are filled;
the walls are putty in one step, that is, work begins and ends on one section of the wall in one day. If the work is postponed to another time, then the dried joints are abundantly moistened with water;
"beacons" are placed on strongly curved walls;
the putty is distributed with a rule or with a wide spatula, the mixture can also be applied along the guide with a thick layer;
the putty of the walls starts from the far corner, the direction of movement of the spatula with the solution from top to bottom or from the corner to the side;
in the corners, the putty is smoothed with a special spatula or perforated metal corners are applied to the putty, which are closed with a solution.

Finishing with a special mixture that makes the surface perfectly smooth. For this:

finishing work is carried out with a large and small spatula. Put putty on a wide spatula with a smaller spatula in small portions;
then the finishing putty is quickly and evenly applied to the surface, as shown in the photo.

The layer thickness should be no more than 1.5 millimeters. The topcoat is applied in two layers after the previous one has dried and processed with a sanding mesh.

Tip: Before applying each subsequent layer of putty, the previous one must be primed.

Accurately executed process of plastering the walls facilitates the subsequent renovation of the premises.

Anton Tsugunov

Reading time: 5 minutes

It is hardly possible now to find a person who would not know what putty is. Anyone who has ever visited a hardware store or thought about repairing at least once in his life knows what it is about.

Putty or putty is a widespread building material in the form of a paste or powder, designed to level the surface with the further use of finishing materials (wallpaper, paint).

With the help of a putty, both the smallest and rather large irregularities on almost any type of surface lend themselves to leveling. Let's take a closer look at the most popular types of putties for finishing apartments, compare their capabilities and application features.

Classification of putties: purpose, pros and cons

For interior work, three basic types of putty are used:

Cement putty.
Plaster.
Ready-to-use mixtures.

Cement-based putty mixture

Cement putty, sold in the form of a dry mixture, is universal, it can be used both for internal work and for external ones. The mortar prepared for puttying is a mixture of sand filler, binder (cement) and solvent (water).

Its main advantages:

Good strength indicators.
Excellent moisture resistance.
The ability to eliminate irregularities more than 1 cm.
Low price.

Main disadvantages:

More grainy texture than other putties.
The applied mixture, after drying, often shrinks, which is why a second layer has to be applied.
Cement putty is inelastic, microcracks may appear on it over time.
Cannot be used on wooden surfaces.
It is difficult to process.
Has a yellowish tint.

Plaster based putty

Due to the physical characteristics of gypsum, this type of putty is used only for interior decoration - processing walls and ceilings.

Gypsum putty is an excellent material for decorating an apartment. It is a mixture of gypsum, polymer additives and mineral fillers (quartz sand or marble dust).

Gypsum provides a natural regulation of humidity: its excess is absorbed, and in dry air, it is given back.

The main advantages of gypsum plaster:

Allows to obtain a completely smooth, rough surface.
Ideal for preparing walls for painting.
Good thermal insulation and fire resistance.
Fast drying.
Has no foreign smell, does not cause allergies.
Environmental safety, no synthetic additives.
Profitability - consumption is 2–3 times less in comparison with cement putty.

Main disadvantages:

Not suitable for rooms with high temperature fluctuations and high humidity (bathroom, kitchen)
Easily damaged.

Ready mixes

Another popular type is ready-mix, or the so-called liquid putty. It can be recognized by its bulky, tightly sealed buckets. The liquid putty has a creamy consistency and is very convenient to use, because due to special additives it does not dry out until it hits the surface to be treated. These properties make it the perfect choice for beginners.

Depending on its composition, liquid putty can be:

acrylic;
latex;
polymeric.

All these types of liquid-based fillers have their own characteristics.

Acrylic filler is used for finishing walls or ceilings for painting. This is essentially the final finishing coat for the indoor surfaces. Its thickness is no more than 1 mm, the end result is an almost glossy surface.
The latex mixture is very flexible. It is used for processing drywall, seams, niches, arches. Suitable for filling surfaces before painting with oil or water-based paints.
Polymer putty is a leader in terms of elasticity, it is very convenient to work with and gives a guaranteed high-quality and durable result, but compared to other formulations it costs significantly more.

The main advantages of ready-made mixtures:

Wide application. Can be used to decorate walls and ceilings from a wide variety of materials, suitable for processing, wood structures, steel and aluminum parts, drywall sheets.
High moisture resistance, resistance to aggressive environments.
Elasticity, profitability.
Self-leveling effect.
Short drying time, saving time during work.
No need to measure and knead components yourself.
Durability, strength (material does not crumble, does not crack).

Varieties of putties for the intended purpose (by fraction size)

There is another conditional classification of putties, taking into account the particle size of the mixture. This indicator affects the purpose and order of use of the ready-made solution. According to him, putties are divided into starting, finishing and universal.

Starting

They serve for rough leveling of the surface and are the basis for the subsequent finishing puttying.

If dense wallpaper will be glued to the wall, you can only do with the starting putty.

They have the following features:

They have a larger particle size in comparison with finishing mixtures. Harder to give in, as they create a rough surface after hardening.
They have good adhesion characteristics.
They are a solid basis for further work with any decorative materials.
They are applied in a layer from 0.3 to 2 mm.

Finishing

Their purpose is to create the final (paint, textile wallpaper). Such mixtures have a number of features:

Provides a smooth surface for decorative materials.
They are used on a surface pre-leveled with a starting compound.
They are applied in a layer from 0.1 to 0.4 mm.
Easy to sand.
Less durable than starter compounds.

USEFUL INFORMATION: How to lay the tiles yourself

Putty is one of the most popular materials used for leveling surfaces or sealing joints and cracks. Putties are presented in the form of dry mixes and ready-made. The first option is diluted with water, and the ready-made compositions are used immediately after opening.

How to understand why which one is needed?

By appointment, the following types of putties are distinguished:

The leveling compound is designed to eliminate surface irregularities. This type of mixture adheres to different materials. He is able to fill the flaws evenly. Possesses high strength.
Finishing options are used to prepare walls / ceilings for decoration.
For sealing joints and minor repairs, specialized compounds are used.
Universal - designed for all surfaces.

Particle size classification

A dry or ready-made mixture (putty), which is used for interior work, is:

rough-relief (used to apply the first layer, the thickness of which is from 0.5-2.5 mm);
finishing (used at the completion of leveling work, the layer thickness does not exceed 1 mm).

The layer of rough putty used for interior work must be plastic so that the applied mixture does not crack when it dries.

Positive and negative aspects of dry and ready-made mixtures

For leveling walls, the choice often falls on dry types of putties that are diluted with water. On the shelves in hardware stores, such a composition is found in paper bags prepackaged from 5 to 25 kg.

Dry mix is stored for 1 year

It is allowed to store such a composition in any room, regardless of the temperature. The dry composition is diluted to the required consistency. However, you will have to do it yourself, which takes time and accuracy. It is important to use the mixture quickly after preparation. It is impossible to store in a diluted form, since the composition immediately hardens.

As for the ready-made options, they are used right after opening the package. It's easy to work with them. The shelf life of the formulations is not limited.

Compositional classification: cement mixture

To level the walls inside the room, most often the choice falls on a cement composition. It includes three ingredients: a binding component - cement, water and sand.

When mixing ingredients, pay special attention to the sand, it must be clean and coarse (1.5-2.5 mm). If you choose fine-grained for work, then soon cracks will form on the surface.

The optimum temperature of the water used for binding the components is twenty degrees Celsius.

This putty is suitable for indoor work regardless of the humidity level. However, keep in mind that over time, the mixture will shrink, so in the future you will need to repeat the procedure.

A cement-based finishing mixture is not afraid of moisture, but not suitable for wood

If the choice fell on this composition, pay attention to one feature - it is not elastic, so minor cracks may appear on the surface.

A couple of days after application, the putty is sanded. The cement mortar is diluted only before work, since the shelf life of the ready-made mixture is limited (the specific time is indicated on the package). The estimated service life of the finished composition is 5-24 hours.

For leveling wooden surfaces (for interior work), this composition is not suitable.

Gypsum mix

Designed for indoor use only (for walls and ceilings). Why? The fact is that under the influence of moisture, gypsum deteriorates, loses its properties. This type of mixture is also divided into start and finish. The first option has a rough structure, it is used when the deviation of the surface from the plane is more than five millimeters. For fine alignment, use the second option - the finishing one.

When leveling walls, use both options. First, they put the first layer - the starting layer (with the help of it seams and cracks are sealed), and then the finishing one.

It is not difficult to apply a plaster putty and then sand it. The safety of this material is also on the positive side. It is usually used for walls that are going to be painted later.

Note that this putty does not smell, dries quickly and is inexpensive.

Gypsum composition

Polymer mixtures

This is a relatively new type of material. It is subdivided into acrylic and latex compounds.

The acrylic blend is suitable for a variety of surfaces. With the help of it, ideally flat surfaces of the walls and ceiling are obtained. The material is characterized by environmental friendliness, safety and availability. It does not smell and is convenient to work with. This mixture is suitable for both a starter coat and a finishing coat.

As for latex, it is elastic and practically does not shrink. However, such material is not cheap.

The polymer mixture is "friendly" with almost all surfaces

How to choose a putty

Putties are sold in closed containers / bags, and you won't be able to find out what quality they are. Which one to choose? If a bad mixture is purchased, it is allowed on the first layer, the base one, and a high-quality one is used for the finishing one.

For interior walls, Eurogypsum and compositions from Kraft and Henkel are suitable. Quality mixtures from Russian manufacturers include Prospectors, Ural Stroymesi and Volma.

A video lesson from a construction specialist will help to deal with the types of mixtures:

Before you buy this or that composition, read the instructions, find out what it is intended for and what properties it has. Be sure to find out for which surfaces this putty is used.

To buy a quality dry mix, you can test it by purchasing only a few kilograms to begin with.