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Anna Lee

Guide to Putty in construction


The construction process is a complex one, with many activities needing to be completed with precision to ensure excellent results. Whilst the process may not take very long, adding finishing touches to the building may require more time and effort. Different contractors utilize various products to improve the overall impact of the finishing - one such being Wall Putty. This cement-like material is highly malleable, and many might assume it is similar to Plaster of Paris or clay - however, this is not the case. This blog post will provide you with all the necessary information on the use of putty for improved construction outcomes for your house.

What is putty in construction?


As a filler and sealant, Putty is commonly used in construction. It is traditionally made by combining finely powdered chalk (sometimes referred to as whiting) with linseed oil and kneading properly to make the consistency of dough. Once completely dried off, Putty can be painted in many colors.


Traditionally, wall putty was used to seal glass panes into wooden frames before painting. The putty gives walls a smooth, damp-resistant surface before painting.


How does wall putty work?


In addition to offering a safe, smooth base for painting, wall putty can also be used as a filler, as we can use it to fill any patches or cracks in the wall. Wall putty is a cementitious material with a high plasticity that resembles clay. There is one benefit of wall putty: it can be used to cover both interior and exterior surfaces, old or new, easily.


The first coat of wall putty fills in surface cracks and gaps, while the second coat ensures a smooth surface. Wall putty is used for all types of walls, including dry, concrete, plaster, and wood.


How does wall putty differ from other types?


There are several types of wall putties available on the market based on the needs of different purposes. However, the two most commonly used wall putties are:


White cement-based wall putty is an ideal choice for interior and exterior surfaces due to its glossy, excellent finish. Made from white cement, polymer, and minerals, this type of putty offers superb binding properties, withstanding any dampness on the walls. It is also renowned for its high strength which makes it suitable for various decorative applications.


White pigments, acrylic emulsion, and additives are used to make this water-based acrylic wall putty. The acrylic wall putty is only used for the inside surface of the wall, and after applying the putty to the walls, it gives the walls a matte finish and a smooth, even look. It has a higher bonding strength than acrylic putty.


How does wall putty benefit you?


Wall putty has the following advantages:

  1. It increases the wall's tensile strength

  2. Wall putty extends the life of wall paint

  3. Wall putty reduces the cost of paint consumption

  4. Wall putty resists moisture

  5. it gives the walls a smoother finish

  6. It is not easy to damage or flake off the wall putty

  7. It gives the walls a glossy, smooth, and attractive finish that enhances the paint color

Wall putty has some disadvantages, what are they?


Wall putty has a few disadvantages:

  1. The wall putty paste cannot be used once it has hardened

  2. To achieve the desired finish, skilled workers must apply the wall putty

  3. Mixing wall putty by hand takes more time and the material dries quickly, so mechanical mixing equipment is required.

What is the best way to apply putty to walls?


Here are the steps for applying putty to the walls:


  1. In the first place, we need to determine whether the surface is made of cement or plaster and then make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and free of dust or minute particles.

  2. If the wall surface has grease, oil, or leaks, moisten it with water after cleaning and let it air dry until it feels damp.

  3. Mix the putty with water in a 2:1 ratio according to the manufacturer's instructions and stir it with the mixing tool for 10 to 15 minutes.

  4. The mixture should have the consistency of a smooth, creamy paste once you have mixed it. The mixture should be prepared in such a way that it can be used for 2-3 hours.

  5. Putty manufacturers recommend adding primer, while others do not, depending on the ingredients of the putty.

  6. The first coat of putty should be applied from bottom to top, and it should be allowed to dry completely for 6 to 8 hours

  7. Then, use sandpaper to remove any remaining particles before applying the second coat of putty in the same manner and letting it dry completely for 6 to 8 hours.

  8. Any thicker than that may create cracks, peel off, and take more time to dry. The drying time of wall putty also depends on dampness and climatic conditions.

How is wall putty applied?


It is convenient to mix putty and water in a bucket.


Putty dries more quickly, so a mechanical mixing tool speeds up the process and reduces lump formation. Putty blades are used for applying and spreading putty evenly on walls. This results in a smooth surface.


The surface of the wall is rubbed with sandpaper after the putty has dried completely to ensure there are no minute particles or uneven patches.


What is the best way to mix wall putty?


It's relatively easy to mix wall putty. You need a bucket and some water to make wall putty paste. You should mix two parts wall putty to one part water. After that, stir it well. Once the wall putty paste is made, we can use a flat tool to apply it.


Is primer necessary after wall putty?


Most people believe the surface where we will work should be cleaned first. Next, primer should be applied to the surface, followed by wall putty.


As the wall putty already creates an ideal surface for painting, there is no need to prime the surface after applying wall putty. Primer assures that the paint has a stable base for proper adhesion.


What is the difference between wall putty and plaster?


With a spray or brush, wall putty can be easily applied for minor work to fill pores in walls and ceilings. Plaster, on the other hand, is a whitish powder that hardens when mixed with water to create casts and sculptures, and is also added to lime plaster to create casts for broken limbs.


Conclusion:


When building your dream home, choosing the right wall putty can be crucial to enhancing your quality of life.


In order to highlight the elegance and flawlessness of your wall painting, you have to use wall putty. Avinash Infra Developers, India's leading tech-enabled construction company, can help you achieve that seamless look.


Whether it's residential or commercial painting, we have the tools and expertise to handle the job.

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