The last step in priming walls for painting or wallpapering is applying finishing putty. It produces a perfect surface that is ready for the last layer of decoration by filling small cracks and smoothing out imperfections. Whether you’re painting new walls or renovating existing ones, this step is essential to getting a high-quality finish.
In order to cover all voids and uneven spots on the wall, a thin, even layer of putty must be applied. Though it takes time and careful attention to detail, the outcome is well worth the effort. Applying finishing putty correctly will not only make your walls look better, but it will also help the paint or wallpaper stick better, giving the result a longer-lasting finish.
Rules for performing work
The following order is followed when finishing the puttying of walls and ceilings:
- Initially, all the walls that will be puttyed are prepared. Preparatory work includes, first of all, the removal of the previous cracked layer.
- At the next stage, a rough finish of the walls is done, they are reinforced, leveled (see. Alignment of walls with plaster according to all the rules), putty.
- Finally, the wall surfaces are painted, papered or another final finishing method is used.
Attention: Rough finishing is a crucial step that is frequently omitted during finishing work, and it always has an impact on the outcome. Unfortunately, after the work is finished, all of the flaws become apparent, and nothing can be fixed.
- Puttying the surfaces makes the walls smooth, removes unwanted drips, cracks or depressions.
- Priming is also mandatory, this enhances the adhesion of surfaces.
Superior putty walls fit better for finishing materials. Wall alignment is primarily done for aesthetic reasons, whereas puttying is done for technical ones.
Everyone makes their own decisions about whether or not to level the walls. The response typically depends on the desired outcome as well as the individual’s ability to invest more money in addition to their desire.
Types of putties used
There is an extensive selection of finishing materials available, including dry mixes for indoor puttying walls (see Types of putties: let’s figure it out). You must be aware of their features, benefits, and drawbacks in order to make the best decision (your own financial capabilities are also taken into account).
- Eco-friendly,
- Quick-drying,
- Plastic,
- Not subject to shrinkage,
- Safe in terms of fire,
- Good sound and heat insulation
- It has a small fraction and the surface is perfectly smooth and even
- Simultaneous application of a layer up to 6 cm is possible,
- Fairly high price
- Not for use in damp areas,
- The solution must be prepared in small portions, t. To. dries very quickly.
- Low price,
- Can be used for damp and unheated rooms,
- Withstands temperature changes,
- Has good adhesion to various surfaces (stone, brick, concrete),
- Shrinks
- Large fraction and additional puttying will be required for interior decoration.
- Increased strength,
- Very elastic,
- Does not shrink,
- High degree of adhesion,
- Withstands significant temperature changes
- High cost of material
The last step in getting walls ready for painting or wallpapering is applying finishing putty, which guarantees an even and smooth surface. Applying a thin layer of putty, carefully smoothing it out, and perfecting the dried surface with sanding is a simple and easy process. Your walls will look much better overall with this easy but necessary task, which will give them a polished and professional appearance.
Various methods of puttying
Wall surfaces in high-quality repairs must always be puttyed before the final finishing. There are various puttying techniques.
We use different kinds of putty for each of them. There are several uses for various kinds of finishing materials. Plastering and leveling the walls are the first steps in the work.
Starting putty of walls
Primarily, cement putties (plasters) with different additives are used for this kind of work.
Attention: Although it’s important to seal any holes or cracks that shouldn’t be there, the starting putty’s primary function is to level the walls.
- First of all, the application layer is determined. You just need to stretch the forest diagonally and it will immediately become clear how much putty needs to be put according to the level.
- A layer of such putty should not exceed 3 cm. If it is necessary to create a thicker layer, the solution is applied several times, multi-layer application of the solution is used.
- It is important to take into account that you cannot apply the next layer of finishing material until the previous one has dried properly. In order for the initial layer of putty to be done efficiently, you need to buy a special painting mesh for the work. Its use improves adhesion to the treated surface. The walls become much smoother, and most importantly, the appearance of unwanted cracks is unlikely in the future.
- For high-quality adhesion of surfaces, a construction mesh is attached to the plane.
Using beacons during puttying work
The materials used for starting finishing are also used for puttying work with beacons. When leveling coatings on which needless holes must be sealed, this technique is frequently employed.
- Beacons are installed beforehand before starting work. Usually they are made of various slats (wood, plaster, metal). Beacons are installed both horizontally and vertically, the use of a level is mandatory.
- The resulting space (limited by the slats) is filled with putty. When using this technique, the wall turns out perfectly flat.
Recall that the beacons need to be in the same plane at all times. The extreme establishes the alignment line.
Finishing putty
Treatment completion represents the last phase. This technique is also known as bespeschanka.
- It is placed on a pre-prepared surface (starting or beacon putty), its purpose is ideal smoothness, evenness of the wall. As a result of such treatment, the surfaces are obtained not only without cracks, but even without pores. This solution is always applied thinly enough, it repeats the plane created during beacon (or starting) treatment.
- It is very important to note: finishing putty is used only to impart smoothness, and in no case for leveling. The putty layer in this case is only 1 cm.
Treatment of surfaces with cracks
Finishing putty is used to "patch up" individual areas of the surface when needed. Although you can buy other gypsum mixtures, satengips would be the best option when buying supplies for this kind of work.
- Before starting puttying, you need to widen and deepen the cracks themselves. To do this, you need to run something sharp along the crack several times (a knife, a screwdriver, the corner of a spatula). This is necessary for better adhesion of the material to the surface.
- Next, fill the cracks with the solution and let it dry. You need to remember that gypsum is not elastic enough, but dries quickly, in just ten to fifteen minutes. Satengips has a more elastic texture, but has a longer drying time.
Step | Description |
1. Surface Preparation | Clean the wall of dust and debris. Apply a primer to improve adhesion. |
2. First Layer Application | Spread the first layer of putty evenly with a wide spatula. Cover all surface imperfections. |
3. Drying | Allow the first layer to dry completely, usually for 24 hours. |
4. Sanding | Lightly sand the dried putty to remove any rough spots and create a smooth surface. |
5. Second Layer Application | Apply a second, thinner layer of putty for a perfect finish. Smooth it out with a spatula. |
6. Final Drying | Let the second layer dry fully before proceeding to the final sanding. |
7. Final Sanding | Sand the surface one last time for a perfectly smooth finish, ready for painting or wallpaper. |
In order to ensure a smooth, even surface that is ready for painting or wallpapering, finishing putty is an essential step in wall preparation. The end look of your walls will thank you for taking the time to apply it correctly.
The correct method and equipment are essential, regardless of the severity of the flaws or problems you’re facing. You can get results that are on par with professionals if you are patient and careful.
Recall that adequate sanding and drying times are equally as crucial as the actual application. These last details contribute to the immaculate finish that completely changes your room.