Finishing putty: subtleties of choice and use

Thanks to the stepwise surface treatment and the application of several coatings, a high quality finish of the planes is achieved. To 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 finishing.

Purpose of finishing putty

Finishing putty consists of fine particles, which distinguishes it from the main putty mixture. High adhesion.

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

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

Types of putty mixes

Different compositions are used depending on the purpose. 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, consider the main mixture in more detail.

Cement composition

The cement version is popular because of its ease of use and low cost. It is used for surface finishing in rooms with high humidity - a kitchen, a bathroom or a bathroom. In addition, it is used before painting in porches and for decorating building facades.

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

Among the disadvantages, the possibility of cracking, as well as shrinkage of the mixture after drying, if the technology is not followed, are noted.

Attention! Grinding of cement putty is carried out until completely dry. Dried coating difficult to mechanical impact.

Gypsum putty

Using gypsum putty, a uniform white surface is created, which is able to mask surface imperfections. It is recommended to apply before gluing thin textured wallpapers with a fine structure, or to create a perfectly flat surface.

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

It is recommended to use gypsum putty in dry heated rooms - bedrooms, corridors and rooms where it is planned to apply a decorative coating.

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

Polymer option

The composition is made in the form of a ready-to-use mixture, which is the best option for people with minimal experience in repair work. Polymer putty should only be mixed thoroughly before use. It is applied to the prepared surface with a thin layer. Due to the composition, a smooth homogeneous plane is created. Among the minuses there is a high cost. To process a large room will cost a round sum. Due to its composition, the mixture adheres perfectly to the surface.

Super finish option is different the presence of the finest particles in the compositiondue to which it is used for decoration, when delicate decoration is required.

The polymer material is characterized by high ductility and moisture resistance. The appearance of cracks is excluded, which is the reason for the long life of the finish.

Base for painting

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

It is recommended to give preference to materials of such brands as:

Knauf HP finish. Due to the composition, such a putty of the walls is well applied to a concrete base, drywall or cement plaster in a uniform layer. The process is not time consuming. Drying time is within 15-24 hours.
Vetonit LR +. It is used for working with concrete surfaces, as well as with plasterboard or gypsum fiber sheet. Used in dry living quarters. Dries out within a day.
Eunice Premium. Universal material that can be used in all types of rooms, both dry and with high humidity. A smooth, uniform surface is created, ideal for painting. Dries 3-5 hours after finishing.

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

Ceiling decoration

When decorating the ceiling, it is recommended to use a gypsum composition. Thanks to gypsum plaster, a matte uniform thin quick-drying coating is created, ready for painting or decoration.

It is recommended to dilute the solution as much as it turns out to be applied in a short time so that the mixture does not have time to harden. There are ready-made compoundsthat are extruded from a tube for surface treatment.

High humidity rooms

In rooms with high humidity it is not recommended to use gypsum putties because of their hydrophobicity. It is better to give preference to cement compositions that are not subject to the destructive ability of moisture.

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

Features of the finishing putty

Consider the question of how to apply finishing putty. The whole process fits into three stages, namely:

Padding. The base layer must be treated with a primer to increase adhesion - adhesion, as well as to prevent moisture from entering the base. An acrylic primer is recommended. The surface is treated with a roller before finishing putty.
Application of the solution. For work, you must have a construction mixer, spatulas - narrow and wide, plumb and level. To prepare the solution, you must clearly follow the instructions. For mixing, a construction mixer or drill with a nozzle is used. The finished solution should turn out without lumps, a homogeneous consistency. With a narrow spatula, the solution is applied to the surface, with a wide one - it is stretched around the perimeter. Putty-finish is used depending on the quality of the base coat. The result is controlled by level and plumb.
Grinding. A holder with emery paper with a grain of P220 - P280 is used. The plane can be polished in a circular motion until the strip disappears and the surface becomes perfectly smooth and uniform.

We can’t say for sure which putty is better to use. It is important to understand under what conditions it will be operated. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the fact how much a consumer who has started a repair can spend. For external work, a cement composition that is not afraid of moisture should definitely be preferred. However, it is important to follow the technology so that after shrinkage there are no cracks or chips on the surface. In dry rooms it is better to use gypsum compositions. The universal material is a polymer finishing putty, but because of the high cost it is difficult to process a large room with it.

Features and quality standards of the finishing mixture

Finishing putty is the final stage at the time of plastering walls or ceilings. She can do the following:

· Align selected surface.

· Eliminate minor flaws.

· Enhances the protective properties of the treated surface.

· Gives the necessary qualities to the first layer.

· Improves the quality of the surface that has been plastered.

· Gives the selected surface a more aesthetic appearance.

To find out what the consequences will be from the selected mixture, you should first find out its characteristics and take into account the requirements for the selected surface. A high-quality decorative finishing mix should be equipped with the following features:

· No lumps should occur at the time of mixing the mixture.

· High adhesion.

· Must level the surface to perfect condition.

· The solution should not creep on the selected surface.

· After the solution solidifies, there should be no cracks.

· Ease of grinding.

· Must be exclusively white.

How is the finishing putty different from the starting mixture?

At the time of plastering any surface, you can use a variety of mixtures from worthy manufacturers. Each manufacturer uses a different manufacturing technique and adds different components to the mixture, so you should carefully read the composition of the plaster. Today there are starting, finishing and universal mixtures. Finishing putty is equipped with the following properties:

· Its composition is equipped with fine fractional powders.

· This mixture is suitable to level the selected surface.

· The dried-up layer is exceptionally smooth, and the starting layer is rough.

· Ease of grinding.

· Aesthetic appearance.

Types of plaster mixes

The main criteria for plaster mixes is the state of readiness and composition. In addition, the criteria can be divided into the field of application, since there are mixtures for internal and external works. There are the following types of decorative mixtures:

· Dry putty mixtures require a sufficient number of skills in applying and kneading the solution. If the solution is mixed incorrectly, then there will be lumps that may appear on the dried layer.

· The diluted solution is sold in liquid form. It is simple enough and also convenient to use, so you do not need to have certain skills to apply it. It is able to provide not only a smooth surface.

Gypsum mixture

This type of plaster mixture is the most popular, since it is widely used in the treatment of surfaces made of cement, as well as plasterboard sheets. It is quite simple to use, and even a beginner can figure out how to use it. The gypsum-based mixture has the following features:

· Dries in a short time.

· It has no unpleasant and harmful odors.

· There will be no cracks or the like on the dried layer.

· You can get a smooth and even surface.

· Ease in grinding.

· The composition has natural ingredients.

· Improves thermal insulation properties.

· Has a nice value.

Cement-based mixture

The composition of this putty mixture has cement, and when mixing, it is necessary to have sand and water. It has a fairly pleasant cost and is considered the main option if there are a lot of flaws in the selected surface. Cement putty mixture is equipped with the following features:

· There are small requirements for sand and water.

· Speed in mixing the solution.

· Cracks may appear when applying the mixture to a selected surface.

· High level of moisture resistance and frost resistance.

· Strong, but rather difficult to grind.

· Not suitable for wooden surfaces.

· After drying, it becomes gray.

Polymer plaster mix

A mixture based on polymeric substances is of two types such as latex and acrylic. The polymer stucco mixture is equipped with the following features:

· You can get the desired surface.

· Can make the base surface for decorative work.

· Improves noise insulation qualities of the selected surface.

· High level of moisture resistance.

· Has no unpleasant and harmful smell.

Water dispersion mixture

Similar putty mixtures are based on acrylic. They are equipped with such features:

· Excellent adhesion to different types of surfaces.

Strong adhesion.

· Excellent moisture resistance and are not afraid of temperature extremes.

· Ease of grinding.

· Have a nice value.

· Do not have different unpleasant odors.

Which is the best plaster mix?

Choosing the best option for finishing the surface is quite simple, because you can follow the criteria that will help in this choice. Before buying a stucco mixture, you should choose it according to the following criteria:

· The place where the plastering work will be carried out.

· What material the surface is made of.

· The qualities that are needed to make the surface perfect.

· For which finishing work do you need decoration.

· How much money is currently available.

Variants of using different types of putty mixtures in the presence of the following conditions, which can be quite different:

· Internal or external work.

· How much money is allocated for the purchase of a stucco mixture.

The following can be distinguished from inappropriate use:

· To apply cement mixes on a surface which will be painted is strictly forbidden.

· Do not use gypsum putty in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

· Use of polymer blends to cover large or small imperfections in the base coat.

Quality standards

To understand what to expect from putty mixes, you first need to find out what requirements are put forward from a professional point of view.

For a quality finishing putty, the following features are characteristic:

when mixing dry mixtures in the solution there should be no lumps,
high adhesion - a strong bond with the surface material at the molecular level,
finally levels the surface to a flat plane,
easy to apply

the solution does not slide down the wall,
cracks do not form after hardening of the solution,
easy to sand
painted in a uniform white color over the entire application area.

How is it different from usual?

When decorating walls and ceilings, various types of putty mixtures and mortars are used: starting, finishing and universal, as a replacement for the previous two.

Finishing putty has a number of properties that cardinally distinguish it from the starting one, including:

consists of fine powder with a maximum of 0.7 mm in diameter, and the starting one is made up of a large fraction,
it is intended for the final leveling of the prepared surface, the starting mixture - for a significant correction of the plane and closing large holes,
the hardened layer is relatively smooth, the starting layer is rough,

must be plastic, cracks in the finish layer are unacceptable,
easier to grind than starting compound on the same basis,
has an aesthetic uniform color throughout the plane.

It can be noted that the difference between these mixtures is quite significant.

Finishing putties are divided according to two main criteria: according to the state of readiness and composition. They can also be divided by scope into those that are used for external and those that are used for internal work.

Fillings “Finish” according to their state of readiness are divided into two types:

Dry mixes. For the use of such filler materials, proven putty skills are required, in particular, the skill of kneading the solution. If mixed incorrectly, the mixture will contain lumps that will necessarily appear on the frozen layer.In skilled hands, the material gives a good surface, often used as a base for wallpapering.

Unmixed can be stored for a long time without loss of quality. All dry mixes are cheaper than mixed analogues.

Diluted solution. It is implemented in a ready-to-use form. Simple and easy to use, does not require additional skills for use. Gives a flat and smooth surface without lumps. It is used to create a base surface for painting, decorative finishing work and other purposes.

Divorced species are popular among lovers of do-it-yourself repairs. In terms of price, such mixtures are more expensive, including due to additional additives, some brands have a long shelf life.

Putty "Multifinish" is made from substances of various properties. Each type has unique characteristics, its strengths and weaknesses both in terms of performance, and financially, as well as in the application features, types of suitable surfaces and other aspects.

Depending on the components included, the finishing putty is of the following types:

gypsum
cement based
polymer: acrylic and latex,
water dispersion.

Cement based

The main part of this mixture is cement, sand and water are used for mixing. It is distinguished by a low price and is the main working option when it is necessary to perform large volumes of puttying.

Distinctive features of cement putties are:

exactingness to the applied sand and water, the sand should be coarse (from 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters), the added water should have a temperature of about +20 degrees Celsius, otherwise cracks on the dried layer are guaranteed,
the curing rate of the mixed solution ranges from 5 to 24 hours, depending on the particular manufacturer,
cement mix shrinks, reapplication is a common practice,

cracks may occur even if the process is followed,
high moisture resistance
good frost resistance

high strength
relatively hard to grind,
not used on wooden surfaces,
standard cement putty during solidification becomes an unremarkable gray color, if thin wallpaper is planned to be glued, varieties with coloring additives of white and "superwhite" color are used. Dyes increase the price of the mixture from 240 to 660 rubles per 20 kg.

Which is better?

In order to choose the optimal type of finishing putty, you first need to determine for what purpose it is chosen.

Possible criteria for selection are:

Place of work. Putty for outdoor work is very different from internal, especially in terms of resistance to atmospheric phenomena.
The surface to be putty. Some types of putty fit well on various types of surfaces, for example, water-dispersion, others have limitations, for example, cement putty is not used on wood.
Necessary qualities, for example, ductility, adhesiveness or ductility of grinding. In many ways, their list is determined by the plan for further finishing work.
Protective properties, such as moisture resistance, resistance to temperature extremes, resistance to mechanical stress, acid resistance and others. Finishing putties with the addition of synthetic additives with pronounced protective qualities belong to the group of “special” fillings. They are used for decoration in rooms with a specific aggressive environment.

Under what further finishing work is the finishing putty selected. If it becomes the front surface of the wall, the so-called super-finish putty will help to give an excellent appearance.
Shelf life, especially for ready-made solutions without special additives, such mixtures are strictly limited in time of use. Dry mixes generally have long shelf life.
Budget. Not always the best qualities are proportional to the price. So, a slightly inferior polymer water-dispersion putty is much cheaper, but it is not biologically inert, which can become a key point when choosing.

Possible applications of various types of putties under different conditions:

For facades, large and unheated rooms, rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms, showers, twin rooms, cement-based puttying will be a good solution, especially considering its low price.

For residential buildings with low humidity, it is advisable to use gypsum putty, it will be a good base for painting, gluing thin wallpaper. It can be used for decorative finishing work, it will well hide flaws from the previous processing.

If it is necessary to obtain an ideal surface for decorative finishing, polymer putty will become suitable. If the base surface is of high quality, then its consumption will be negligible.

Depending on the budget, there are 2 good options for a bathroom. The best is polymer putty, although cement is not inferior to it in moisture resistance, but mold does not grow on the polymer composition and fungus does not form, which can be said about cement that absorbs water well. An alternative with a more modest price is a water-dispersion mixture, which also resists moisture well.

Inappropriate use is:

The use of cement compounds as a base for painting or thin wallpaper, the texture of this putty is rough and difficult to polish, when opened with paint, the flaws will become obvious, over time, the cement will crack and lose its normal appearance, from under the wallpaper (not thick) it will shine through with dark spots.
The use of gypsum putty in the bathroom or kitchen, despite the pleasant aesthetic appearance, such a surface will quickly become worthless.
The use of polymer mixtures to cover large areas or to correct unsuccessful base coatings, such putty will result in a significant amount.

An important subtlety is the choice of finishing building materials from one manufacturer. The interaction between their components is guaranteed by testing and laboratory research. If a certain brand, for example, Knauf, is used for plaster and the base layer, then it is better to take their production as a finishing putty.

Consumption

Putty consumption per 1 m2 depends on many different factors: on the thickness of the applied layer, on the specific brand, on the type of work performed, etc.

First of all, the consumption of the mixture is determined by the type of work for which the finishing putty is used and it is approximately like this:

0.5 kg of mixture per 1 square. m. consumed with strong bonding on the layer of finish plaster of wooden elements.
0.9 kg per 1 square. m. to eliminate the gaps between the two drywall sheets.
1.1 kg per 1 square. m. when leveling the walls for painting or wallpapering.
1.2 kg per 1 square. m. used to align the internal walls.
1.7 kg per 1 square. m. when decorating facade walls.

For an example of the consumption of finishing putties, consider products from several specific manufacturers:

Ceresit 225 ST consumption of 1.8 kg per 1 square. m. A mixture based on cement, is applied over the base layer as the final part of the putty. The resulting surface is characterized by evenness, smoothness and aesthetic snow-white color. Also contains additives that enhance frost resistance, the composition includes reinforcing fibers, waterproof.
Vetonit VH mixture consumption 1.2 kg per 1 square. m. Consists of limestone and cement with a coloring additive of white color. It is applied by spraying, moisture resistant, it is used both for work indoors and outdoors.

Usage Tips

Perhaps the first thing to remember is the conditions in which it is better to finish puttying. Humidity in the room should be no more than 60%, with air temperature in the range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Without observing these conditions, it will become difficult to work with the solution, even if all other requirements are followed.

For a high-quality finishing putty, you need to adhere to a proven application procedure, consisting of three main stages:

priming of the hardened base layer,
Putty on the wall
grinding of the hardened layer.

Before starting work, it is necessary to clean the surface of dust, dirt and other foreign elements. This can be done with a damp cloth, solvent, degreaser and other means.

Primer is used to enhance adhesion and remove moisture from the coating. Thus, the finishing putty will be better applied and hold on a plane more tightly after drying. For this purpose, for example, an acrylic primer can be applied, which is applied to the wall with a roller immediately before finishing putty.

To apply the mixture to the surface, you need the following tools: spatulas, narrow for a set of mortar and its distribution, wide for stretching the mixture along the plane and angular for processing joints of walls and ceiling, level, plumb, mixer. In order for the resulting solution to comply with the normative, the proportions indicated on the label should be strictly observed.

Before mixing the entire volume, a test dilution of a small amount of the dry mixture can be carried out, determining the proportion to obtain the desired consistency. To thoroughly knead the solution, you need a mixer or drill with a nozzle for stirring. Manually bringing the mixture to full uniformity will be difficult. The mixture from the bucket is superimposed on a wide spatula using a narrow (about 10 cm) rubber.

It is spread on the wall with a metal spatula, on the surface of which the mixture is distributed. With gentle movements, applying the tool to the surface, the spatula is first drawn along the vertical axis, and then along the horizontal, carefully stretching the mixture over the entire plane. The edge of the putty finishing tool must be in perfect condition, any defect (dirt, burr, rust) will ruin the surface uniformity with furrows.

The last step is grinding. It can be carried out both dry and wet by means of a moistened sponge or sandpaper or abrasive paper. To check the resulting surface, a directional beam of light is used, preferably from a flashlight. It is sent to the plane at various angles to reveal the shadow, any of which indicates the presence of unevenness. The problem area is re-sanded.

The putty process consists of many small nuances, here are some of them:

There is no single standard for the applied volume of finishing putty, it is determined after evaluating the base coat.
Most finishing putties are applied with a layer no thicker than 2 millimeters, otherwise cracks and delamination of the mixture after drying is likely.
When rubbing the mixture along the wall, it is better to keep the spatula at an angle of 20 degrees.
It is necessary to regularly clean the spatula with a damp sponge from adhering pieces of the mixture, otherwise, accumulating, they will leave furrows.

To control the evenness of the surface, level and plumb are applied.
The speed of solidification of the finishing putty ranges from 10 to 15 minutes.
Before sanding, the layer is allowed to dry for about 12 hours (the period varies with the composition of the putty).
Grind mixtures based on polymers and gypsum; it is useless to grind cement.

If you plan to paint, grinding should be especially thorough and scrupulous, the paint will reveal all the defects. If wallpapering is planned, moderate surface treatment is sufficient.
It is better to sand the finishing putty with your hands, measured in circular motions until the traces of the spatula completely disappear.
Optimum emery grit in the range from 220 to 280P.
Lapping the spatula over the surface eliminates the transitions and bumps from the excess mixture.

Depending on further finishing work, finishing puttying is carried out with the application of a different number of layers of the mixture:

for gluing thick wallpaper on non-woven or vinyl, a base of one layer of putty is suitable, if thin are glued, then two or more,
for the base surface for painting with paints on an acrylic and polymer basis, a base of two or three layers is created,
when staining: the lighter the dye, the more snow-white finishing putty should be applied by applying a thin layer, when using light tones, a "super-finishing" polymer putty is used.

In the process of filling the surface for painting, it is worth adhering to such rules:

the thickness of the applied layer should not exceed 2-3 mm, otherwise peeling is possible,
a new layer is not applied immediately, but only on the completely dried up previous one,
the total thickness of the layer applied for painting depends on the color of the future coating: the lighter the dye, the thicker the layer,

sanding should be started after the final layer is completely dried, this moment occurs in the period from 6 to 48 hours after application,
at the end of grinding before dusting, dust must be removed from the surface or this will affect the adhesion of materials,
Before painting, the puttyed surface must be primed.

Depending on the type of finishing putty in composition, the solidification time of the mixture varies:

cement mortar begins to harden, 5 hours after application to the wall,
gypsum putty sets in 1.5 hours, it is not necessary to breed it in large volumes,
polymer compositions without additives that accelerate this process harden after 24 hours.

It is better to choose a mixture that dries for a short time. This way you speed up your repairs a bit.

Manufacturers

Finishing putty is represented today by a large number of brands from various manufacturers. We present to your attention a rating of the most famous and popular manufacturers.

The following products are among high-quality mixtures:

Knauf HP Finish

Gypsum putty from a German manufacturer, sold as a dry mixture. The composition includes additives that improve smoothness and facilitate leveling of the layer. The solution lays well on various types of surfaces: concrete, cement, drywall.

The maximum thickness of the application is not more than 3 millimeters. It is used for filling in dry rooms, moisture resistance is low. Packing Knauf HP Finish Super 20 kg.

Other features:

final hardening of the layer after 15-24 hours,
the diluted mixture begins to set in 2 hours,
the approximate consumption for a layer with a thickness of 1 millimeter is 0.9 kg per 1 sq. m

Eunice Premium

Dry polymer blend for interior use. It is used for work on such types of surfaces as concrete, cement, gypsum, gypsum board and gypsum fiber. Creates a smooth surface of white color with a "mirror" effect.

An excellent base for coloring and decorative finishes. The maximum thickness of the applied layer should not exceed 3 millimeters.

Also characteristic of this mixture is:

fast complete drying: from 3 to 6 hours,
in diluted form, the solution is suitable for about 16 hours,
with a layer thickness of 1 millimeter, the flow rate is from 1.1 to 1.5 kg per 1 square. m

"Vetonit LR +"

Dry polymer mix, used for concrete, drywall and gypsum fiber works. It forms a high-quality white coating, well suited for painting. The working layer thickness is from 1 to 5 millimeters.

Also putty "Vetonit LR +" is characterized by such qualities:

complete hardening occurs in the period from 24 to 48 hours,
after dilution retains its working properties for about 24 hours,
with a layer thickness of 1 millimeter, 1.2 kg per 1 sq. m is consumed. m

Sheetrock Super Finish

Diluted solution based on polymer vinyl.It is applied to most surfaces, when hardening it gives an excellent smooth surface, it is easy to apply. The coating is durable and very moisture resistant.

Also this mixture has the following parameters:

the solution sets in 5 hours,
consumed at a thickness of 1 mm by 0.7 kg per 1 square. m

Among the popular manufacturers can also distinguish the company "Hercules", "Bolars", "Founded."

Reviews

As for the reviews on the finishing putty, it all depends on the selected brand of a particular manufacturer:

Weber Vetonit LR +. The advantages of this product, buyers include ease of use and evenness of the finish layer. Putty quickly kneads, easily lays on the surface, dries quickly. However, some buyers talk about the high fragility of the material: it crumbles during grinding. If you do not follow the instructions for use and dilute the product too much, then it may shrink and the coating will crack.

Knauf HP Finish. The material is easy to use, easy to mix, quickly sets, there is no unpleasant odor, it is well polished. This putty is perfect for processing not only walls but also floors. The disadvantages of this product are practically not observed.

Sheetrock Super Finish. The advantages of this product include excellent frost resistance, high strength, ductility, ease of application. The only drawback, according to buyers, is the rather high cost of the material.

See how to choose a finishing putty in the next video.

Cement Finish Putties

This is the most inexpensive, but at the same time reliable option. A mixture of cement, sand and water can be prepared independently. Cement for such work is usually chosen durable (not lower than grade M400). Or you can buy a ready-made dry mixture and dilute it with water. The prepared solution should not turn out to be very liquid or, conversely, thick. The main thing is that it can be applied to the wall without sliding on it.

Useful! For self-preparation of the mixture, it is enough to mix 1 part of cement and 3-4 parts of fine sand. After that, the required amount of water is added to the mixture.

If we talk about the advantages of cement putties, then it is worth highlighting:

The highest strength. Although the composition is inexpensive, not a single modern analogue can be compared by this characteristic. For example, to destroy such a layer of putty, you have to hit the wall with a hammer.
Moisture resistant. Cement putties are even used for pools and rooms in which constantly high humidity. They are successfully used for facade decoration, therefore, inside such a layer will reliably protect against moisture.
Resistance to temperature changes.

But there is a cement putty and many disadvantages. For example,:

It is very difficult to apply. The solution is not particularly flexible. Even an experienced builder will need a whole day to process about 7 m 2.
Due to the low elasticity, a grinding problem also appears. It often has to be done immediately after processing the walls, while the mixture is still wet.
Shrinkage. Often you have to rework the walls.
Sooner or later, cracks will appear on the treated surface.
Cement compounds are quite poorly set with reinforced concrete and other smooth surfaces.

Due to such a number of disadvantages, specialists usually prefer other options.

Gypsum putties

This option is especially suitable if the walls are planned to be painted. Using a white elastic composition is quite easy to process surfaces. In addition, gypsum has one unique characteristic - it draws excess moisture from the air, and if it becomes too dry in the room, on the contrary, it gives it away. Thanks to this, an optimal microclimate is created in the room.

Among other advantages:

Creating a perfectly flat surface. There are no roughness or other minor defects on the wall.
The gypsum does not sit down, there will be no cracks on it.
Quick drying of the composition.
Improving thermal insulation performance.
Easy alignment and handling.
Relatively low cost. Of course, gypsum will cost more than cement, but the difference is not so striking.

There are fewer cons of gypsum, but they are still there:

Weak resistance to damp environment. As a rule, such mixtures are used only for dry and well-heated rooms.
Low strength characteristics.
If reinforced concrete is processed using gypsum putty, then you need to be prepared that such a finish will accelerate the process of corrosion formation.

Polymer putties

It is easy to guess that such mixtures are made on the basis of polymers. They cost the most, but are easy to apply.

Mixtures themselves are divided into several categories:

Acrylic These are universal compounds that are suitable for both concrete and brick, as well as for drywall, wood and other materials. Thanks to this mixture, it is very easy to create a perfectly smooth surface. Putty is applied for walls and ceilings. In the latter case, it is most relevant, since the layer of material can be 1 mm. But if necessary, it can be increased without problems in order to smooth out more serious defects. Acrylic putty is suitable for wet rooms, it has excellent adhesion, does not smell and forms a very durable surface. Tools are easy to clean with plain water. Putty can be polished, does not shrink.
Latex. In this case, acrylic latex is taken as the basis, which is considered the best option when creating the finish coating. Compounds of this type also allow you to create very smooth surfaces. But, if you need a layer of more than 3 mm, then it is better to refuse such a material, since it can crack. Also, latex compositions can be used for concrete and masonry, but more often they are used for drywall.
Polymer cement. In fact, these are the same cement compounds in which the polymer components - fiber are added. This gives the mixture greater elasticity and strength after solidification. Such mixtures can be used for severe wall drops, as they are applied in a layer of up to 2 cm.

Useful! If you have never applied putty before, then polymer compositions are the best choice.

In addition, oil-based fillings, PVA, and also putty are found on sale. But for the treatment of walls and ceilings, they are used extremely rarely. Also, when choosing a composition, it is worth considering the features of its application, since one manufacturer can offer starting, finishing and universal fillings.

What is the difference between starting putty and finish

In this case, the compositions are easy to distinguish based on their grain size:

Starting formulations are applied in a fairly thick layer from 3 mm to several centimeters. They have larger granules, due to which it is possible to fix rather serious defects. Typically, starting formulations are applied in several layers at once.
Finishing putty has a lower grit, so that after processing the walls do not look "loose". Such formulations are used after application of starting mixtures. As a rule, they are applied with a layer of up to 5 mm.

In addition, there are universal compounds that can be used with minimal defects. In this case, there is no need to use the start and then the putty first.

Dry or ready mix

Of course, dry formulations will cost less. In addition, they can be stored longer. Until the solution is diluted, the mixture will remain unchanged (subject to proper storage). Dry mixes are sold in packages of 5-25 kg.

To prepare the solution, you just need to add a little clean water to the mixture and mix it to a pasty state. Putty quickly becomes homogeneous and does not require much effort for cooking (you can do without special nozzle-mixers).

But it must be borne in mind that compositions of this type quickly set. That means working and fixing serious flaws will have to be done promptly. For the same reason, it is not recommended to knead a large batch immediately. It is better to cook in small portions.

Useful! It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to prepare the mixture.

One of the main disadvantages of such compositions is that it is not possible to immediately achieve the desired consistency. But you can get used to it quickly. And if you do not just pour water at once, but measure it (for example, with glasses), then it is quite easy to calculate the necessary proportions.

Finished compounds do not require a waste of time for cooking, that is, it is enough to open the bucket and apply the material. No need to think about proportions and more. But you have to worry about the fact that the shelf life of such mixtures is shorter. Therefore, after opening the container, it is better to use the composition faster. Of course, such mixtures are much more expensive than dry ones.

The best finishing putty

For application to the starting composition, the most suitable are:

Prospectors This is a gypsum-based finishing putty with additional additives. Suitable for wet rooms. Differs in fast drying. It costs about 240 kg per 12 kg bag. Sold in dry form. Dries in 12 hours.
WEBER LR +. This is a polymer composition from the company Vetonit. Putty can be applied with a layer of up to 5 mm. In this case, the prepared solution may not solidify up to 48 hours. This means that you don’t have to rush much. Suitable for mechanical and manual application. It costs about 840 rubles per bag per 25 kg.
Danogips Sheetrock SuperFinish. This is another plastic compound with vinyl additives. The putty is flexible and freezes quite quickly. After applying a layer of 2 mm, it is enough to wait only 5 hours. But, since this is not dry, but finished material, then it costs more - about 1,300 rubles per bucket of 17 liters.

If we are talking about painting walls, then it is worth considering the compositions of Eunice Premium, as well as the finishing mixes from the Knauf company. Some of them dry in 2-5 hours, while others require up to 15 hours.

Features of the choice of finishing putty

In the end, it is worth paying attention to a few more useful recommendations that will help determine the choice:

Almost any composition is suitable for walls. However, if you plan to finish the bedroom, nursery, hallway or living room, then it is worth giving preference to gypsum compositions. But for the bathroom and other wet rooms, the best option would be acrylic or cement putty.
If we are talking about the decoration of the ceiling, then more often acrylic compounds are used, but gypsum can also work. Acrylic is also used when working with wood and drywall.

For wall decoration on the outside, it is better to give preference to a cement or acrylic mixture.
Untreated concrete is more often covered with several layers of cement putty.

Thus, today you can choose from a wide variety of very different compositions. An experienced craftsman will cope with cement putty, and if the work is carried out for the first time, it is better to give preference to more elastic compounds.

Selection tips

Very often, people who started repairs, ask themselves the question of whether finishing putty is needed before decorative surface finishing.

Experts insist on the mandatory conduct of this type of work for the following reasons:

roughnesses and cracks on the surface of the plaster lead to delamination of the wallpaper, the appearance of unwanted voids and bubbles on the canvas,
if the walls are made of drywall, self-tapping screws subject to corrosion over time can give rust, which will appear through the wallpaper and ruin the external aesthetic appearance,
uneven in color and texture, the base layer can spoil the appearance of the final wall decoration,
the roughest wallpaper will not hide cosmetic wall defects,
the joints between the sheets of drywall must be covered up, otherwise the appearance of the interior will be damaged.

First of all, decide for what type of surface you have to choose a finishing putty - for floor, walls or ceiling.

If there is a need to process the ceiling, pay attention to the gypsum mixture.. It is white in color, forms a thin coating, has a matte finish, is evenly applied, quickly solidifies. The average time for full setting varies from 14 to 24 hours, after which the surface is ready for staining or some other kind of final finish.

According to the form of release, the putty can be ready for use or in the form of a dry mixture. In the first case, the mixture is already ready for work, in the second it is necessary to dilute it with water in accordance with the instructions and start work while it is wet, since the mixture quickly hardens.

The bath and toilet have high humidity, temperature differences occur in the kitchen, so for this type of room it is better not to use gypsum and polymer-based putties, their adhesion properties drop when they collide with an aggressive environment. therefore for this type of room it is better to give preference to cement-based putty, as it does not allow moisture to pass through.

Application Technique

As a rule, surfaces are prepared for painting in three stages: primer, applying the mortar and, in fact, the final putty.

Before filling the base surface, it must be primed. to improve adhesion between layers and moisture resistance. In most cases, an acrylic based composition is used as a primer. Sometimes this step is skipped, but experts do not recommend neglecting it.so that the final result of the final finish lasts as long as possible and pleases the eye.

Before priming, it is necessary to prepare the surface with a basic putty, as well as to remove all possible contaminants and grease stains, otherwise after the mixture dries, spots may appear on the final coating, which can no longer be eliminated.

Finishing putty is available in finished form or in the form of a dry mixture, and the cost of the latter is lower by about 20%. Self-preparation does not conceal pitfalls: for breeding a dry mixture, you must first prepare an appropriate-sized container. For these purposes, as a rule, plastic containers are used. It is not recommended to take metal - in the process of mixing with a construction mixer, metal particles can get into the prepared mixture and give rust.

The mixture is diluted with cold tap water and mixed using a construction mixer or a construction drill to obtain a homogeneous mass without lumps.

It is further recommended to leave the mixture for several minutes and re-mix. The finished mixture has the consistency of sour cream and is completely ready to start work. Also focus on the thickness of the desired coating - the thicker the layer, the thicker the mixture should be.

Before the final putty, you can moisten the wall with water using a roller or rag. This will improve adhesion and help make the layer thinner.

Three spatulas will be required to carry out the work.. A narrow spatula will be required to take the mixture from the container and apply it to the wall - it must be applied crosswise, wide - for its distribution over the treated surface. note that putty should not drain off the spatula, on the contrary, it should stay on it. The wide spatula blade must be cleaned with a damp sponge before each new portion of the solution is distributed over the surface. This is necessary for uniform coverage without stripes, grooves and scratches.

For work in hard-to-reach areas - such as joints of the ceiling and walls, as well as for processing corners, an angular spatula is used.

Useful Tips

It does not matter at all whether there will be putty material from a well-known manufacturer or not, the most important thing is that it meets the requirements of the premises. Cement mixes are better for exterior decoration. they are less suitable for working inside buildings, as they can crack over time and are also inferior in smoothness.

With low humidity in the room, it is better to use polymer-based materials. If the base surface coating has roughness and roughness, it makes sense to give preference to gypsum putty - it allows the application of a thicker layer, which will help to hide the flaws of the main surface. If the walls have an even texture, you can use polymer putty. It is applied in a thin layer, which compensates for its high cost relative to the gypsum material.

It is highly desirable to consider the compatibility of different types of material and use mixtures from the same manufacturer for the base and finish. Before finally deciding on a choice, it makes sense to calculate the consumption of material based on knowledge of the area of work and the thickness of the putty layer.

Do not forget that preparing the surface for painting requires certain conditions to be met:

apply a new layer of putty only after drying the previous one,
sanding paper is used to smooth the surface - coarser for base putty and finer for finish,
for maximum quality, you can use a skin with an index of 240, a hand skinner will also significantly facilitate this stage of work,
after sanding the final coating, remove dust from the surface,
priming the last layer of putty is necessary for more even application of paint to the surface,
The easiest way to check the quality of the work done is with a powerful lamp or flashlight - moving the lamp on the surface at different angles, you can notice flaws and irregularities.

If there are cracks in the walls, it is best to pre-coat them with gypsum putty, which has the following characteristics:

very plastic
freezes quickly
for better surface alignment, you can scratch the cracks before working.

After finishing puttying, the walls must be primed again. This procedure will help to make the glue layer more durable, and also protect the surface from the possible appearance of mold and fungus. Wallpaper better fit on a primed surface.