Let”s consider what comes first: putty or primer

What goes on top when priming or puttying walls before painting or wallpapering is a frequently asked question. This is a crucial factor to take into account because the final finish and longevity of your walls can be greatly affected by the order in which these materials are applied.

It is essential to comprehend the functions of putty and primer. As a primer, you can seal the wall’s surface against moisture and other problems and improve the paint’s adhesion to the wall. Putty, on the other hand, is used to fill in any holes or cracks and produce a perfect surface that is ready for the last coat.

Following the proper order will guarantee that your wall finishing project turns out as best it can. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced do-it-yourselfer, knowing whether to use putty or primer first can help you save time and steer clear of common mistakes.

Sequence of layers

You have to put in a lot of effort if you want the interior to look good in the end. Whitewash or wallpaper will not always adhere well to perfectly smooth walls and ceilings.

It is best to entrust the finishing work to a skilled craftsman if you are unsure that you can complete it on your own.

If the surfaces were leveled using plaster or plasterboard, what should be done first, and how should the appropriate materials be chosen for them in general? We hope that our guidelines will provide you with thorough responses to these inquiries.

One of the most important decisions to make when finishing a wall is whether to use primer or putty first. Comprehending the appropriate sequence is essential as it affects the caliber and longevity of your wall coating. Prior to applying putty, you should make sure the surface is properly sealed and prepared. This will help putty adhere more readily and provide a smooth, even foundation for your final coats of paint or wallpaper.

If the surface is plastered

Even though drywall is becoming more and more common, the plaster method of alignment was and still is the only one available. The explanation is straightforward: it doesn’t reduce the premises’ usable space, which is frequently insufficient in the first place. Next, although it is referred to as a "dry" method, covering the walls with plasterboard sheets (see Cladding walls with plasterboard: how to do it) also involves wet processes.

• We will talk about them a little later, but for now we will consider the option when you need to make repairs without cleaning the surface of the walls or ceiling to the base. This is possible only if the plaster layer still retains its strength, and its finishing coat requires updating.

• No matter how hard you try to remove it so as to preserve the smoothness of the cover layer of the old plaster, you will not succeed. And it does not matter what decorative coating was on the walls: wallpaper or whitewash.
• When removing it, you will have to use a spatula, which means that in some places there will definitely be potholes, cracks will be exposed. To hide them and make the base smooth again, a new cover layer is applied, or, as this operation is also called, puttying is performed (see. It is easy to putty walls: selection and correct execution of work).

Kindly take note! There are some considerations to make when purchasing putty mixtures. For instance, gypsum putty can be applied to cement plaster, but the reverse is not possible. Because gypsum screed is not as strong as cement, it cannot be used as a base for putty application. Consequently, you must putty the base with a gypsum mixture if it is made of gypsum.

• Now let"s figure out how to select a primer for putty. We will say right away that the type of putty composition does not play a role here. The type of base that needs to be primed matters. Usually, primers indicate what surfaces they can be applied to: wood, heavy concrete and brick, gypsum screeds, or cellular blocks (see. Types of construction primers and their scope of application).
• If the label says “universal”, which we see in the photo, it means that the composition can be used for all types of surfaces. On a leveled base, the primer should be applied in one layer, and it is imperative to let it dry before starting to putty.
• Since it is not always possible to eliminate all the potholes on the surface with one layer of putty, it is often necessary to apply several layers. In this regard, many people have the following question: “Is it necessary to prime between layers of putty?”. We will answer right away: there is no such need – and we will explain why.

Crucial! The same solution leaves layers with superior adhesion, negating the need for priming. Plastering with two different compositions—first with a starting (base) and then a finishing one—raises different issues. These mixtures result in screeds with varying mechanical properties because the filler has a different fraction. In this instance, priming in between layers is required!

The final step in the preparatory process is the technological operation of priming putty, or the plaster covering layer, before finishing the surfaces.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that both primer and putty are necessary to produce a smooth, durable finish, so consider your options carefully. Prior to applying putty, which helps to effectively fill in any imperfections, priming the wall makes sure that the surface is properly sealed and prepared for its application.

Primers also help putty stick better when applied first, giving subsequent paint or wallpaper layers a strong base. Applying the primer after the putty or omitting it altogether can cause problems like uneven surfaces, poor adhesion, and eventually even cracks.

To put it briefly, always apply primer first before putty. This methodology not only streamlines the procedure but also ensures a polished and long-lasting outcome. By following this sequence, you can make sure that your walls are ready and continue to look great for many years to come.

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