Finishing putty: subtleties of choice and use

Material characteristics

Polymer putties are designed for high-quality finishing of surfaces, filling small cracks, leveling grooves or for leveling irregularities with an ultra-thin layer, as the finishers say, “on sdir”. Put putty on a layer of gypsum, cement plaster or directly on smooth surfaces (concrete, gypsum plasterboard, gypsum plasterboard) after priming the surface with an appropriate composition. For monolithic concrete, a soil is used that creates roughness and increases the contact area of ​​the base with the putty, and for plaster, gypsum board, gypsum plasterboard, it reduces absorbency.

The basis of the mass of polymer putties is filler. It can be finely ground marble, limestone, dolomite and similar materials of light shades. In addition to them, the composition includes polymer glue, a stabilizer, a plasticizer, and modifying additives. Putties are produced in the form of dry mixes and plastic, ready-to-use masses.

Scion

Fresh stains with putty can be removed with water, and dried ones - only mechanically.

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When working with putties, tools made of stainless materials are used.

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After the end of the process, containers and tools are washed with water.

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To prepare a solution from a dry mixture, the contents of the package are poured into a container with water in the proportions indicated by the manufacturer and stirred with a construction mixer until a homogeneous mass is obtained. In this case, obtaining a high-quality putty largely depends on the qualifications and conscientiousness of the master.

Ready-made polymer putties (pasty) are prepared in production. To obtain a homogeneous mass from the filler of the smallest fractions and other components, a certain mixing speed and a special temperature regime are required, which cannot be achieved on site. Therefore, ready-made putties are somewhat more expensive than dry mixes.

However, they also save effort during the mixing phase. It is not difficult to restore their uniform consistency and working properties of the composition after storage. It is simply mixed with a construction mixer at low speeds. The elastic pasty mass is easily spread over the substrate in a thin and even layer. It simultaneously levels irregularities and eliminates the smallest surface defects, which is necessary for subsequent painting and wallpapering.

Sheetrock superfinish

On the Russian market, ready-made polymer putties are represented by many companies, including Knauf, Sedrus (Osnovit trademark), Saint-Gobain (Weber trademark), Miners, Bergauf, Danogips, Henkel.

Types and characteristics

Currently, the company "Prospectors" produces the following types of finishing compositions:

1. "Finishing putty";
2. "Front-finishing putty";
3. "Finishing Putty Plus Moisture Resistant";
4. "Ready putty Superfinishing";
5. Finishing putty KR.

"Finishing putty" is a dry gypsum white mixture used for plastering indoor surfaces.

The composition includes modifying additives.

The recommended thickness of the applied layer is 0.3-5 cm.Material consumption, subject to this condition, will be 900 g per square meter of surface.

It can be applied on plastered, concrete and brick substrates for subsequent painting or wallpapering.

It is not permitted to use this material in places where there will be contact with food or drinking water.

This type of putty is applied to a dry, clean and solid surface. If the base has crumbling or unreliable areas, these should be removed. Gypsum and other hygroscopic bases must be pre-treated with a primer.

The putty solution is prepared at the rate of 400-580 ml of water per kilogram of dry matter.

This type of material is sold in containers of 5, 12 and 20 kg.

«Facade finishing putty»Is a mixture for plastering mainly outside the building. The material is also suitable for interior work.

The functional determines the following properties of this product: frost resistance, weather resistance, crack resistance.

The composition of the facade-finishing mixture includes white cement, modifying additives and natural filler of fine fraction.

The topcoat can be applied to a cement, concrete and reinforced concrete base for subsequent application of decorative plaster, painting and wallpapering.

Suitable for application in wet areas. Not recommended for use in places where food contact is expected.

The recommended thickness of the applied layer is from 0.3 to 3 mm. Consumption is a kilogram per square meter with a layer of 1 mm thick putty.

The solution is prepared at the rate of 320-400 ml per kilogram of dry powder.

The prepared solution retains its viability within three hours from the moment of mixing.

Packaging - only in bags of 20 kg.

"Finishing Putty Plus Moisture Resistant" is a white polymer-cement plastic material with increased resistance to moisture.

Can be applied on gypsum plaster, concrete and drywall surfaces.

The thickness of the putty layer recommended by the instructions is 0.3-3 mm. Material consumption - 800 grams per square meter (layer thickness 1 mm).

The base for applying the solution is prepared similarly to the finishing putty.

The solution is prepared at the rate of 350-400 ml per kilogram of dry powder.

The prepared solution retains its viability within six hours from the moment of mixing.

"Ready putty Superfinishing". This material is a ready-made putty mixture in the form of a paste.

It includes: reinforcing fibers, polymer binder, fine-grained fillers, antiseptic fraction and modifying additives.

Ready-made paste is used only for interior work in rooms with normal humidity levels. It is applied on gypsum plasterboards, gypsum plaster, tongue-and-groove plates, fiberglass. Subsequent coating can be wallpaper or paint.

The recommended maximum thickness of the putty applied is 2 mm. Consumption of paste with a layer of filler 0.3 mm is 500 g per square meter.

The adhesive ability of the material is up to 0.5 mPa.

Drying time of a 1 mm layer of putty is 4 hours.

The base for applying the solution is prepared similarly to the finishing putty.

Packaging - in plastic buckets of 7 and 15 kg.

"Finishing putty KR" is a finishing polymer highly plastic material for the repair of interiors. Recommended for use in dry rooms only.

It can be applied to concrete, gypsum-based plaster, but is most suitable for plasterboard processing. The boiling white color of this material and its good covering ability significantly save costs for the subsequent painting of the treated surface.

It is recommended to apply this type of filler with a layer of 0.3-3 mm. Material consumption for 1 mm of a layer with an area of ​​1 sq. M. will be 1.1 kilograms.

The finished mixture of KR putty has an increased vitality index - the solution can retain its properties for 24 hours from the moment of preparation.

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Gypsum

Plaster-based finishing white putty allows you to well hide dark spots on the walls. Such compositions are good for preparing walls and ceilings, which will be decorated with thin, light or textured wallpaper.

When using a gypsum filler, it is important not to overcoat with a layer of more than 2 mm. It is better to use the material in warm heated rooms.

Due to the low waterproofing and water-repellent characteristics, the area of ​​use of the putty is significantly reduced. At the same time, the indisputable advantage of the gypsum-based white finishing putty is its affordable price, which ensures high consumer demand.

Cement mix

Cement mix is ​​an affordable and simple coating option. It is used in various types of premises, including rooms with high humidity. The product is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. A layer of cementitious filler forms a durable coating that is resistant to external influences. The disadvantages of the material include an increased risk of cracks in the wall after drying.

Polymer

Polymer putty is the most convenient variant of the mixture. The product is easy to use and is more suitable than others for a person who does not have professional experience in working with finishing putty. The composition, when applied to the work plane, perfectly corrects surface imperfections, but its high cost makes the solution inaccessible to most buyers.

The undoubted advantages of the finished finishing polymer putty are its ease of application and a high degree of adhesion. Superfinish mix has the finest structure and is acquired in the case of decoration of walls and ceilings, which requires delicate decoration work.

As for the texture of the putty, it is determined by the particle size. The smaller the fraction, the smoother the treated surface. Elements of superfinishing putty reach about 0.15 mm in diameter.

Water-dispersive

This product can withstand various temperature extremes and exposure to moisture with dignity. The solution can be used for both exterior and interior decoration. The special properties of the putty form a waterproof barrier that allows a breathable acrylic surface to be used in wet rooms such as baths and kitchens.

An equally important feature is good adhesion performance.

Peculiarities

Aligning the walls is an essential part of a major overhaul. To make high-quality work on leveling the surface, you will need a starting and finishing putty.

Finishing is used for the final stage of leveling the walls and creates a perfectly flat and white surface. Although a wide range of putties from different manufacturers is presented on the modern construction market, many buyers prefer the products of the German company Knauf.

This brand offers ready-made blends that are convenient and easy to use. Ease of work is an indisputable advantage. Anyone can make perfectly smooth walls using Knauf putties, without having any special knowledge or skills. It is sold in paper bags. The large package contains about 25 to 30 kilograms of the mixture for ease of use.

The Knauf finishing mix includes cement, gypsum and lime. After its application, it is not necessary to use additional mixtures for grouting the surface. This mixture is used as a ready-made fine finish. It is enough to read the instructions, stock up on the necessary tools and you can go to work.

Knauf on the packaging of each product indicates its characteristics, as well as the expiration date. On the putties, the maximum permissible layer thickness is always marked. The warranty period for it is only one year.The mixture should be stored in dry and dark rooms in a closed container. If the package has already been opened, then it must be used within 24 hours, otherwise the material will become unusable.

Instructions for filling walls

1. The ready-to-use finishing filler is applied with a steel trowel (for partial leveling, use a small steel trowel 30 cm wide).
2. The dried surface is treated with fine-grained abrasive paper and dedusted before applying the next layer of putty or primer.
3. With multi-layer leveling, each subsequent layer is applied to the completely dried previous one. The leveled clean and dry surface is covered with primer, after which it is painted or pasted over with wallpaper.

Saint-Gobain

Aligning the walls

Saint-Gobain

Dry surface treatment

Saint-Gobain

Wall priming

Saint-Gobain

Dyeing

For large volumes of finishing work, it is easier and faster to apply the finished putty not with a spatula, but with an airless or cartridge spray. The speed of surface treatment by a mechanized method is 8-10 times faster than by hand. In this way, walls up to 3.5 m high can be leveled without scaffolding. First, the corners are covered with putty, after which the entire surface. Spray the solution with smooth horizontal movements of the pistol, moving from top to bottom. As a result, it lays down in a thin and even layer. If necessary, it can be leveled by hand with a spatula.

Harlequin

To reduce the consumption of expensive paint and get a pleasant-to-touch surface, you need a perfectly smooth base. Ready putties help to create it.

Knauf

The unused mass of the finished putty can be stored for quite a long time without loss of properties if the bucket is hermetically closed with a lid.

"Osnovit"

A smooth monochromatic base is necessary for glossy paint and thin light-colored wallpaper.

Subtleties of application

Tools for applying Sheetrock putty:

• spatulas (width - 12.20-25 cm);
• Sheetrock Joint Tape
• sponge;
• sandpaper.

It is necessary to apply the topcoat on the prepared surface, which has been pretreated with a filler for leveling, plastered or sanded. The surface must be free from unevenness and cracks. It is necessary to apply the first layer of putty on completely dried plaster, otherwise, mold will form over time. A small amount of putty is collected on a wide spatula, then stretched in a uniform layer over the entire area of ​​the wall or ceiling.

Next, you need to let the first layer dry. The next layer is applied only to the completely dried previous layer. To obtain an ideal surface condition, experts recommend sanding each layer of putty using an abrasive mesh with a grain size of 180-240 units. The maximum number of layers is 3-4. After all work, the treated area is cleaned of dirt and dust.

If necessary, you can dilute the composition with water, but you need to add it in portions of 50 ml, followed by stirring. A large amount of water will only worsen the adhesion of the solution to the surface, but the result obtained will not give the desired effect. It is forbidden to mix the putty mixture with other materials. Stir the frozen putty mixture to a homogeneous consistency without lumps and air bubbles.

To prevent the applied finishing material on the walls from freezing, it is recommended to cover it with a heat-insulating coating (foam). At the end of the finishing, the putty remaining in the container must be tightly closed with a lid. Store at room temperature.

Sealing with Sheetrock:

1. close up the seams (trowel width - 12 cm);
2. install the tape in the center, which must be pressed into the wall;
3. the excess putty mixture must be removed, applied in a thin layer on the tape;
4. screw head putty;
5. after one hundred percent solidification of the first layer, you can proceed to the second. For this, a spatula 20 centimeters wide is used;
6. give time to dry the second layer of putty;
7. Apply a thin layer of finishing filler (trowel 25 cm wide). The same layer is applied to the screws;
8. if necessary, smooth the seams with a sponge soaked in water.

Interior corner finishes:

1. cover all sides of the tape material with putty;
2. the tape is folded along the middle, pressed against the corner;
3. get rid of excess mixture and apply a thin layer to the tape;
4. give time to harden;
5. applying a second layer to one side;
6. drying;
7. applying 3 layers to the second side;
8. give time to dry.

Outside corner finishes:

1. fixing a metal corner profile;
2. application of three layers of putty with preliminary drying. The width of the second layer should be 10-15 cm larger than the previous one (the width of the spatula is 25 cm), the third layer should slightly go beyond the previous one.

Texturing:

1. apply Sheetrck filler to the required area with a paint brush;
2. texturing technology using special tools (paint roller, sponge and paper);
3. drying time is about 24 hours at air humidity 50% and temperature + 18 degrees.

Grinding putty:

• To carry out sanding work, you will need a sponge and sandpaper.
• A sponge moistened with water is wrapped in paper. This is necessary in order to generate less dust.
• Grinding is carried out with light movements along the resulting irregularities.

Application recommendations

Before applying the putty to the walls, it is necessary to acquire all the tools necessary for this process, indicated in the official instructions for the mixtures:

• container for the preparation of putty;
• metal spatula for mixing;
• mixer for plaster;
• standard metal spatula (15 cm);
• wide metal spatula (more than 20 cm);
• metal spatula for processing corners;
• abrasive mesh for sanding the dried surface after putty.

The container for mixing the mixture and all instruments must be thoroughly washed and freed from residual traces of previous mixtures or use new ones. In a dirty container, fresh putty dries twice as fast, its service life is reduced to 15 minutes.

1. Pour dry putty (1 kg) into water (0.8 l) slowly, spreading it throughout the volume. Handwork is especially important here.
2. As soon as the level of dry putty slightly exceeds the level of water in the container, let the mixture brew. You can take no more than 2-3 minutes for this.
3. Proceed with active kneading. In rare cases, you can use a construction mixer, but professionals insist on manual mixing of the mixture.

At first it may seem that the consistency is too liquid to be applied to the walls. However, after a couple of minutes, the density will noticeably increase, and the solution will become as it should.

It should be noted that for the initial application, a more liquid consistency of the putty is suitable, so that it is easier to apply a thin even layer of up to 3 mm. For further use and for patching up irregularities, cracks and other flaws, a mixture that is thicker in structure is suitable. Then the thickness of the layer will not matter so much.

Knauf

The products of this concern, like a cheap panacea for all construction problems, flooded the markets of domestic building stores. After sand and clay, dry plaster mixes of this company seemed to many to be the pinnacle of quality.

In fact, there is not so little truth in these words. "Knauf" offers quality products and technologies for their application developed by them. And it is not the manufacturer's fault that his recommendations are read through a line, and they are translated rather unreliably.

As for the putties, the brand exhibits several of its types at once.

Knauf-Fugen

Enrolled in putties. On what grounds, however, it is not entirely clear. Classic adhesive repair mix. It was originally developed for sealing joints between gypsum plasterboards. Later they began to use it for gluing gypsum boards on walls (since the curing time of "Fugen" is longer than that of the same "Perlfix"). To putty the walls with this mixture is a pleasure, to put it mildly, something else. And there is no need to do this. For the putty, the manufacturer has better and more suitable recipes.

• Price: 388 rub.
• Packing: 25 kg

KNAUF-Fugen GV

Also, an adhesive repair mixture that has a fibrous structure, it is only intended for sealing gypsum fiber board joints. Again, it is of little use for putty.

• Price: 399 rub.
• Packing: 25 kg

KNAUF-Fugen-hydro

All the same "Fugen", only for moisture-resistant drywall, with all the ensuing consequences. True, the thickness of the applied layer was increased by the manufacturer from 3 to 5 mm.

The plasticity is slightly higher than that of the classic "Fugenfüller", but still there are few people who want to putty with such a mixture.

• Price: 1066 rub.
• Packing: 25 kg

Knauf-Uniflot

And again the glue. High-quality, high-strength, practically non-shrinking. Replaces any kind of "Fugen", and also surpasses it in terms of technical indicators. But again, this is more a repair mixture than a putty in its pure form.

• Price RUB 1197
• Packing: 25 kg

KNAUF-Rotband-Finish

Solid putty. The manufacturer claims a reduced consumption of up to 20%, as well as the life time of the boiled-up mixture up to one and a half hour. In fact, these numbers are somewhat exaggerated, but there is still a grain of salt. In reality, you need to count on an hour of time, but this is more than enough so that the solution does not go to waste.

• Price: 360 rub.
• Packing: 25 kg

KNAUF-Multi-Finish (plaster)

Also a good putty for the money. What is the fundamental difference between this mixture and "Rotband-Finish" I was never told in the support service "Knauf". In practice, the "Multifinish" is easier to grind.

• Price: 366 rub.
• Packing: 25 kg

KNAUF-Multi-Finish M

Quite a good mix for machine putty. However, no one will forbid her to putty with an ordinary spatula. Moreover, the price for it is only slightly more than for the usual "Multifinish".

• Price: 391 rub.
• Packing: 25 kg

KNAUF-HP Finish

The usual solid finishing putty. One of the first, which was seen by the then not spoiled Russian developer. Today most of the more modern materials outperform this mix, but habit is a great thing. The builders are conservative people, they do not look for good from good, and therefore continue to use this mixture by inertia.

• Price RUB 241
• Packing: 25 kg

KNAUF Multi-finish paste

The answer is "Knauf", various "sheetrocks". Plastic, soft and ready-to-use mixture. At first glance, it differs from the same “Shitrok” in a more acceptable price, but this is not entirely true.

• Price: 650 rub.
• Packing: 20 kg

KNAUF Rotband-Pasta

For an inexperienced buyer, it is not much different from a similar paste "Multi-finish". Well, except that the price turned out to be 60 rubles. above.

• Price: 710 rub.
• Packing: 20 kg

KNAUF Multi-finish (cement)

We did not forget about cement mixtures. Cement-based plaster mix bears the same name as gypsum. So you need to be careful when buying. Unlike gypsum formulations, the cement recipe, to put it mildly, did not take root. Although in vain, quite a decent putty for the money. Plasticity, of course, is not the same as that of gypsum, but there's nothing you can do about it - cement is cement.

• Price: 438 rub.
• Packing: 25 kg

Popular Products

Knauf Fugen

This is one of the brightest and most popular products in the entire line of putty mixtures. This universal dry composition is made on a gypsum base and mixes well with water.The product is intended for interior wall decoration, sealing joints between drywall sheets. It is recommended to use only in normal indoor humidity.

The composition is mainly gypsum with specialized additives, retains moisture, thereby slowing down the setting process of the mixture. In the process of working on plasterboard surfaces, the manufacturer recommends applying the composition in two layers. The layer thickness should not be more than 3 mm.

Among the advantages of Knauf Fugen putty are:

• high strength, which is important for the restoration of plasterboard surfaces;
• environmental safety (there are no harmful components in the composition);
• no shrinkage (there will be no cracks on the surface after complete solidification);
• low consumption when working on flat surfaces;
• quality coating for painting, wallpapering and other finishing.

The disadvantages include too high a solidification rate. When grinding, the master may face difficulties - you have to make some effort. Only a thin layer can be applied with good quality. When pasting walls with light wallpaper, dark gaps may form.

Knauf Rotband

This product is also gypsum-based for interior use. Basically, this is Knauf finishing putty, but there are also universal compositions in the line. The product is sold dry. It is based on natural materials based on gypsum stone. The composition can be used for manual finishing of concrete and brick substrates in rooms with high humidity levels.

Knauf Uniflot

This product is specially designed for sealing drywall joints and is also a finishing product. The main difference between the material is the need to use a reinforced tape. Like any other mixtures, this product is based on gypsum. Among the advantages are good adhesion to any surfaces, strength and elasticity.

Polymer materials

Dry putty Knauf "Polymer-Finish" can be distinguished in the line of polymeric materials. It is an excellent interior finishing product. The product is characterized by high adhesion and strength. The composition should be applied as thin as possible up to 4 mm.

Plastering walls with Knauf products is a pleasure, not a job! And if you take into account the cost of mixtures of this brand and the quality of the resulting surface, then this is a good choice. The result will please for a very long time. You should not buy cheap products of unknown brands, as there is a risk that everything will have to be redone, and this is double the cost. It is better to immediately give preference to high-quality putties.

Application Tips

To begin with, you should purchase all the necessary tools for applying the putty to the surface:

• a drill with a special attachment or a mixer designed for construction purposes is ideal for stirring;
• 30 cm spatula;
• a small spatula measuring 5 to 10 cm;
• angular spatula;
• brushes and rollers;
• sandpaper;
• for work on the upper parts of the wall or with the ceiling, a stepladder is useful.

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Two methods can be used to apply the finishing putty:

1. The finished solution is applied to a large spatula with a small one, then the mixture is applied to the wall from bottom to top. The tool should be pressed as tightly as possible to the surface, the action should be carried out several times. The surface becomes as flat as possible. The rest of the mixture is returned back to the bucket. Further, with the help of grinding, the roughness on the wall is smoothed.
2. This method is more time consuming as it consists of double covering the wall. The finishing putty is applied to the surface with small strokes, then proceed to reapplying the material. This method guarantees the creation of a flat surface, so much less time will be spent on grouting.

The finishing putty is quickly applied to gypsum structures, since such sheets are quite even.

In order for the process of applying the putty to the surface to proceed quickly and efficiently, it is worth adhering to the advice of specialists:

• Carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. The putty layer should not be more than indicated in the recommendation. If you make a layer thicker, then there is a possibility of the mixture crumbling after complete drying.
• To apply a layer twice, it is imperative to use a reinforced mesh. To create the next layer, the previous one must dry thoroughly.
• After working with the putty, all tools must be immediately thoroughly washed from the remains of the mixture before it dries.
• Use cold water to prepare the mixture. If you dilute the mixture with water at a temperature above 30 degrees, then after drying, the putty may crumble.

For some techniques for finishing walls, see below.

Composition and specifications

Putty mixtures are usually divided according to their composition:

1. Gypsum-based. This putty contains gypsum, polymeric substances and fillers. It is used remarkably indoors with a low level of humidity. The material is non-toxic, flexible and odorless;
2. Cement based. The main components of the product are cement, sand and water. It is distinguished by a short service life in a diluted form. It is necessary to use the solution within 5-24 hours. The putty is not elastic and has a yellow tint.
3. Polymer putty. It can be either acrylic or latex. Suitable for working with drywall sheets, cement, concrete, gypsum or polyurethane surfaces. The product is non-toxic and highly elastic.
4. Water-dispersive putty. Used on all kinds of surfaces. Suitable for processing concrete, brick, aerated concrete, wood, stone, etc.

Choose a composition that meets European quality standards or domestic GOST requirements.

Layer thickness and material consumption

Depending on the type of putty mixture and directly on its composition, the consumption of the finishing putty per 1m2 and the thickness of the application of the product layer can vary greatly. In addition, environmental factors can significantly affect the final result. Peculiarities

Today, there is nothing unusual in applying final putty. When carrying out repair work, the beautification of the walls is carried out in several stages. Each subsequent processing layer is different from the previous one in the product used and in the technical characteristics of the plane. For the final stage, good adhesion to the finish is required.

The application of a topcoat has the following features and pursues specific goals:

• Provides the surface with smoothness by filling microcracks with the composition;
• Extends the service life of the facility, protects walls and ceilings from damage;
• Protects the starting layer of the putty from possible negative environmental factors;
• Prepares the surface for decorative finishing.

Recommendations for use

Before applying the solution, it is necessary to carefully prepare the surface, it must be strong, not crumble, it is recommended to walk with sandpaper to remove debris and dust. The wall is pre-treated with a primer, allowed to dry completely (from 3 hours).

When working with a putty composition, it is recommended to use a special tool designed for this: a wide spatula, a metal float or a Swiss falcon.
If there are “unstable” spots on the surface, it is recommended to use a reinforcing mesh to avoid cracking and spilling of the material.

Subsequent wall finishing is possible after the putty has completely dried. Irregularities and dust are smoothed out by grinding.

Knauf MultiFinish cement facade putty proved to be excellent not only under normal conditions, but also in places of high humidity: summer kitchens, summer cottages, garages, showers and bathrooms. This product interacts with standard stone, brick and concrete surfaces. In addition, Knauf finishing putty has excellent thermal insulation, water-resistant and frost-resistant characteristics.