How to apply finishing putty with your own hands: is it possible immediately after the starting putty, how to level it correctly and when the finishing mixture is not needed

In order to achieve smooth, even walls that are prepared for painting or wallpapering, finishing putty application is essential. This last coat conceals any flaws left from the initial putty and gives your walls a perfect finish.

Should you be undertaking this task independently, you may be wondering if it’s possible to apply finishing putty immediately after starting putty. Here, timing is crucial because the final layer applied too soon or too late can have an impact on the outcome. Future headaches can be avoided by having a thorough understanding of the proper procedure.

We’ll walk you through the process of properly leveling the finishing putty in this guide. We’ll also discuss situations in which a finishing mixture might not be necessary at all, assisting you in selecting the best course of action for your undertaking.

Why do you need to putty the walls with finishing putty

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Even after the walls are carefully processed, there will still be imperfections if this work is not done.

Such features won’t be apparent if you intend to apply rough-textured wallpaper to the walls.

If, however, you wish to glue silk-screen printing, fabric wallpaper, or wallpaper with a tiny print, the lack of finishing putty will draw attention to the imperfections and unevenness.

Is it necessary to apply the finish on previously processed surfaces

Applying finishing putty is a better idea, even if the wall appears smooth and even after processing. Stains won’t show up on the wallpaper at all if you use a white solution on the wall.

DIY finishing puttying of walls

The last step in getting the walls ready is applying finishing putty. The walls are then wallpapered or painted.

Preparing the walls

Strong irregularities must be removed before filling the surface. Plasterboard structures are installed or the wall is plastered for this reason.

Priming the surface is the next stage. It enhances adherence. Once it has dried, you can begin filling.

For the first surface treatment, starter mixtures are utilized.

Using two different-sized spatulas is convenient. Only 10 centimeters should separate the first one from up to 50 centimeters in length. Using a small spatula will make it simple for you to work in nooks and crannies. You won’t grow weary on the exposed portions of the wall if you use a big tool.

Characteristics of filling work:

1. Do not mix too much filler. Over time, it tends to dry out. The optimal volume is the amount for one hour of work.
2. Putty should be applied in several layers. Professionals apply at least three layers, which makes it possible to achieve the perfect result. The coating is durable and reliable.
3. Putty from the corner and gradually level the wall towards the center.

How to apply correctly

Finishing putty should be applied over the initial layer if you intend to paint or wallpaper the wall since it will straighten the walls as much as possible.

Application of finishing putty step-by-step:

1. The substance is applied in a thin layer to ensure the evenness of the walls and save on costs.
2. To reduce the consumption of the mixture, it is necessary to make the walls as even as possible when using the starting putty.

You have to adhere to the directions exactly if there is a dry mixture. Add a tiny bit of water to the container, then add the building mixture and fully mix. Next, combine with a specialized mixer while progressively adding water to the container.

The finishing putty must be applied in small portions using a small spatula and a wide spatula. Next, evenly apply a thin layer—roughly 1.5 to 2 mm—to the wall.

Next, give it time for the layer to completely dry.

Each previous layer of finishing putty should ideally be primed before applying the next layer.

Three layers are possible to apply.

Using sanding mesh or fine-grained sandpaper, the surface must be leveled once the finishing layer has dried.

You must carefully inspect the wall before sanding it. Take note of the biggest flaws. Construction lights that shine a bright stream of light directly onto the wall are required to get the best possible result. This will enable you to identify and remove any new flaws as they arise. The shadows cast by the walls’ protrusions and depressions are made visible by the bright light on the wall. You need to use a pencil to outline these shadows.

Sanding the wall should begin at the corner. Next, work your way down, starting with a 1-meter-wide strip to clean. Sand the entire strip before moving on to the next one. Using sandpaper, sand the wall in spiral motions. Proceed with caution and minimal force. If you apply too much pressure, the putty will develop holes.

How long does it dry

Finishing putty comes in three varieties: polymer-based, gypsum-based, and cement-based.

The polymer mixture takes longer to dry than compositions based on cement or gypsum, which dry in nearly the same amount of time.

1. The composition based on cement is used where there is increased humidity, for example, in kitchens and bathrooms. For the facade of the building, it is better to use putty on a cement-lime base. As a rule, such putty dries in 1-2 hours, but if the work is carried out outdoors, then it depends on the season.
2. A gypsum-based composition is used in rooms where the humidity is low, its drying time is 2 hours.
3. But the period of drying of polymer putty up to a day.

The putty itself dries out quickly, but moisture must also be removed. As a result, a very thick layer may take two days to two weeks to dry. However, applying it uniformly in a thin layer of 1.5–2 mm is preferable.

What to do after drying

The walls are then painted. Additionally, you can glue them with wallpaper.

Is it possible to immediately align the walls with finish putty

Finish putty is only capable of eliminating the tiniest flaws. Consequently, pre-starting putty is used to smooth out large cracks in uneven walls.

If it was not always done during repair work in the past, it is now a required procedure. With today’s advanced finishing materials, you can complete the task on your own. You will obtain a high-quality outcome while saving money on professional services.

You’ll be able to complete the task quickly and flawlessly if you follow the advice in this article. The most important thing is to apply each recommendation slowly and without hurry.

Doing your own finishing putty application can result in a smooth, polished surface. It’s a manageable task. To get the best results, it’s important to understand the process, whether you add it right away after the starting putty or take your time between layers. Just make sure that before applying the finishing layer, the underlying surface dries completely.

It’s important to level the putty correctly. Spread the mixture evenly using a wide putty knife; take your time. A perfect finish can be achieved by applying thin layers slowly and sanding in between coats. Recall that perseverance is beneficial in this situation.

Finishing putty may not always be required, particularly if you intend to cover the surface with tiles or thick wallpaper. Consider the requirements of your project and base your choice on the desired outcome.

If you follow the proper procedures, applying finishing putty by yourself is a simple process. This post will explain how to achieve a smooth, even surface, when you might not need the finishing mixture at all, and whether or not you can apply finishing putty immediately after the starting layer. Knowing these essentials will help you guarantee your walls have a polished, expert appearance without requiring extra effort.

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