It’s crucial to know the difference between plaster and putty when finishing walls. Although they have different uses and qualities, both materials are essential for producing even, smooth surfaces.
Usually, putty is used to repair minor wall flaws like holes and cracks. It’s an adaptable substance that facilitates the creation of a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering. Conversely, plaster is used to cover larger surfaces and is frequently used to give walls and ceilings a smooth, solid surface.
Making the right decisions about putty and plaster application can greatly impact the final quality of your wall finish. Whether you’re building a new project from scratch or remodeling an old one, knowing these materials will help you produce results that are professional.
- What is the difference between putty and plaster
- Start and finish
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What is the difference between putty and plaster
Prior to discussing plastering technology, it is important to note how it differs from puttying. It should be obvious to anyone who wishes to perform finishing or repairs with their hands but lacks the necessary training. Thus:
- Plaster mix is a solution based on cement or gypsum. It is intended for leveling surfaces that have significant defects. These include bumps and depressions, deviations from the horizontal or vertical, cavities, chips, deep cracks and joints.
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The mixture’s components need to be dispersed coarsely for the screed to be strong. As a result, the plastered surface is never smooth, as seen in the image above. This is typical for the facade; in fact, certain structural compositions have pebble fillers added specifically to them to add to the plastered wall’s additional relief. Thus:
- In rooms that are being prepared for painting or wallpapering, the walls and ceilings must be smooth. This is where putty comes to the rescue. It is applied over the leveling layer, which is the starting (base) layer – and not vice versa!
Kindly take note! The question "Is it possible to plaster over putty?" piques the interest of many readers. We’ll respond straight away: it’s not feasible. There is an axiom in construction that states that the base must always be stronger than the coating. This particular rule is most applicable to plastering work.
- In essence, putty is the same plaster, only its composition differs in a finer dispersion of components. Many manufacturers of dry and ready-to-use mixtures call putty finishing plaster. It is more elastic, corrects minor imperfections of the leveling layer, filling the pores on its surface.
- To make finishing compositions more flexible, polymer resins are added to them: acrylic or latex. From all that has been said, it becomes clear that when plastering internal walls, you have to use two types of mixtures. And it is desirable that they are from the same manufacturer, as, incidentally, is the primer for processing screeds.
- Many have a reasonable question: "Is it possible to putty without plastering"?. The answer to it depends on the quality of the base surface.
If this is, for example, a crooked brick wall, then no. But in panel buildings, the walls are even, and even smooth, since concrete panels are made in molds. - On the surface of the concrete there are only small cavities and pores that are perfectly sealed with putty. There is no need to plaster such walls at all. It is more difficult with ceilings: even if they do not have any special flaws, primary plastering still needs to be done.
- The reason for this is the joints, which cannot be hidden under a thin layer of putty. You can do without puttying the starting screed only in one case – if tiles are to be mounted on the surface of the ceiling or walls.
It should be mentioned that finishing compounds are used to prepare drywall for painting in addition to being applied to base and plastered surfaces. When installing plaster or polystyrene foam cornices and ceiling tiles, many artisans use them as an adhesive base.
Despite their apparent similarities, putty and plaster have different uses when it comes to wall finishing. Plaster is a thicker, more durable material used to level walls and create a solid base; putty is a finer material used to smooth and prepare surfaces for painting. Selecting the ideal product for a faultless finish in any space is made easier by being aware of their variations.
| Feature | Putty | Plaster |
| Purpose | Used to smooth and finish surfaces before painting or wallpapering. | Used to create a base layer on walls or ceilings, often for leveling or providing texture. |
| Application Thickness | Applied in thin layers, usually 1-2 mm thick. | Applied in thicker layers, from 5 mm to several centimeters. |
| Material Composition | Typically made from finer particles, often gypsum-based. | Contains coarser materials, like sand or cement, for strength. |
| Drying Time | Dries quickly, usually within a few hours. | May take longer to dry, depending on the thickness applied. |
| Finishing | Creates a smooth, paint-ready surface. | Provides a rougher finish, often needing putty for a smooth final coat. |
The secret to getting the right finish on any wall project is knowing the difference between plaster and putty. Plaster adds structure and durability as a base layer, while putty is primarily used to smooth fine surfaces.
The material you choose will depend on the particular requirements of your project. Putty is the way to go if you want to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. Plaster is a better choice for structural upgrades or for building a sturdy foundation for additional decoration.
Knowing when and how to use each material will help you achieve professional results in your home renovations. Both materials are essential for wall finishing.
