Starter putty is essential for priming walls for painting or wallpapering. By covering minor flaws and seams, it contributes to the creation of a surface that is even and smooth. Knowing the various kinds of starter putty and how to use them properly can have a big impact on how your walls turn out in the end.
This post will examine the different kinds of starting putty that are on the market, each made to fulfill a particular purpose. Additionally, we’ll discuss their intended uses and offer application advice. Understand the ins and outs of starter putty, whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast; it will help you achieve a perfect finish.
Type | Purpose | Application |
All-purpose | Used for filling small cracks and imperfections | Apply with a putty knife, sand smooth once dry |
Quick-drying | For fast repairs, dries in a short time | Apply thinly in multiple coats if needed, sand when dry |
High-build | Used for filling larger gaps and uneven surfaces | Apply in thicker layers, allow to dry fully before sanding |
In order to achieve a smooth and perfect wall finish, starter putty is a must, and knowing its various types and uses can really improve your project. This article examines the different kinds of starter putty that are available, their unique uses, and efficient application techniques for priming walls for painting or additional finishing. Whether you’re fixing small flaws or getting ready for a big makeover, using starter putty correctly can help you get results that look polished.
Purpose and scope of application
Starting putty is in between plaster and mixtures for final surface leveling, both in terms of appearance and composition and application location. It is applied between the two and has a structure that is larger than finishing putty but finer than plaster.
Its primary function is to level uneven surfaces, such as concrete, brick, and plaster, that may have small uneven patches or overt flaws like cracks, holes, or cavities.
Up to 1.5 centimeters of layer can be applied with it. If this thickness is insufficient, you can use fiberglass mesh for reinforcement or create multiple layers while drying the previous ones.
Kindly take note. The total thickness of the leveling layer determines how much starting putty is needed per square meter. When making the material purchase, keep this in mind.
This substance is also employed in the following works:
- Sealing window and door openings around the frame;
- Filling grooves;
- Sealing joints between wall and ceiling reinforced concrete panels;
- Alignment of slopes.
Furthermore, for work inside and outside the premises, various mixtures with properties corresponding to operating conditions are used. Putty intended specifically for outdoor use is utilized, for instance, if you need to complete the facade or seal any cracks left by installing new window units from the street.
Types of putties
Similar to plaster, you have the option to make your own starting putty. This is only warranted, though, in the event of an extreme lack of funding for repairs, as this combination is obviously less expensive than buying.
However, industrially produced materials have properties that are impossible to achieve with your hands because of the addition of special additives. However, do-it-yourself solutions are frequently utilized to finish non-essential rooms such as utility rooms, boiler rooms in residential buildings, storage rooms, etc.
Ready-made compositions
The size of the fraction of binders is the only difference between finishing and starter putty; the former has a larger fraction.
Additionally, they are similar in composition and fall into three categories:
Type of putty | Properties and characteristics | Application |
Cement | Moisture-resistant, but shrink when drying. Have a gray or other dark color. | Finishing of facades, door and window openings, rooms with high humidity. |
Gypsum | Not resistant to moisture, elastic, do not shrink, dry quickly. Color white. | Finishing of walls and ceilings inside dry heated rooms. |
Polymer | Durable, elastic, easy to work with, do not shrink. Color mainly white. The main disadvantage is the high price. | Universal, can be used for any type of work. |
Oil, glue, epoxy, and other specialized putties are also available for fixing metal, wood, and other structures.
While putty start and finish share similar qualities and uses, putty finish is more often used for smoothing and leveling small imperfections that remain on the surface after initial finishing.
Suggestions. It is best to use the same kind and brand of starting and finishing mixtures because they work best together and will keep repaired walls and ceilings smooth for a long time without crumbling.
One commonly asked question is: can wallpaper be adhered to starting putty without requiring finishing leveling? It is feasible in theory, but only if the surface is perfectly sanded once it becomes stronger.
Additionally, keep in mind that:
- Cement-based putty is quite dark, so it can shine through very thin or light wallpaper, changing their color.
- Gypsum and polymer mixtures when applied and dried, form a uniformly colored light surface, so they will not visually change the color of the decor.
- If the putty is coarse-grained, the surface will be rough, which will complicate the process of pasting the walls with thin wallpaper.
However, it’s best to putty with a finishing compound in addition when painting walls (see How to putty walls for painting – a detailed description of the process) and ceilings.
Homemade putty
If you choose to make your own putty to save money, we recommend getting acquainted with a few of their recipes.
Name | Application | Preparation |
Gypsum-chalk | Alignment of concrete and plasterboard walls in dry rooms | Mix 1 part gypsum and 3 parts chalk in a dry bowl. Gradually, while stirring, pour the mixture into a container with a 5% solution of wood or animal glue and mix until smooth. Use immediately – the solution hardens quickly. |
Oil | Wooden surfaces exposed to low and high temperatures. For example, wooden facade cladding, window frames. | Mix 2 kg of chalk with 1 kg of drying oil, add 100 g of siccative and put the mixture on the fire. Bring to a boil and cool carefully. Use warm. |
As a point of reference. Oils can dry out more quickly when they contain drying agents. These are usually salts of organic acids (resinates), which are sold in stores.
Application technology
The surface must be dry, stable, and primed before applying start putty. Ready-made polymer mixtures just need to be well combined before use, and dry cement or gypsum needs to be dissolved in water according to the manufacturer’s recommended ratios on the container.
This is a crucial matter. Remember that when dry mixtures are combined with water, they solidify pretty quickly. Consequently, either buy putty labeled max, which has a longer curing period, or prepare a small amount of solution at a time.
The outcome of this operation will dictate the subsequent putty application instructions.
- If the wall is relatively even (the rule is evenly adjacent to the surface), then the putty is collected in large portions with a narrow spatula on a wide one, after which it is transferred to the wall with wide sweeping strokes. The movements should be confident, do not be afraid to drop the solution, try to press the spatula tightly, at the same angle to the surface. Bumps can be removed or smeared with an empty spatula.
- If large depressions, humps or deviations from the level are revealed, mark these areas with a pencil so as not to lose. Then apply the putty with slaps to the places that require thickening, and using the same rule, stretch the entire surface, roughly leveling it. Когда «заплатки» подсохнут, можно приступать к окончательному выравниванию описанным выше способом.
Once the putty has completely dried, use sandpaper or a net to grind the surface (see. The better (and how to properly) polish the walls after putty. This will eliminate small flaws like solution ingress, spatula residue, and spray.
In order to achieve a smooth and even finish on walls, starter putty is essential. It provides a level surface and fills in small imperfections, preparing the wall for the last coat of paint or wallpaper. Knowing the various kinds of starting putty that are available will help you choose the best product for your particular application, whether you’re working on renovation or new construction projects.
The overall quality of your wall finish can be greatly affected by the proper application of starter putty. To get the best results, it’s critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding application and drying times. You can guarantee your walls will look perfect and professional with the appropriate technique.
In conclusion, starter putty is a crucial part of wall finishing that aids in producing a smooth, long-lasting surface. Selecting the right kind and using it correctly will help your wall finishing project go well, improving the look and durability of your walls.