Wall putty can be described as a white cement based fine powder created from a smooth mixture and applied to the walls before painting. Wall putty is applied before the final paint so that the life of the paint increases. Wall putty is just a base coat for paint apart from that it has no other worthwhile function. It can be used on both dry and wet walls, and also be applied on the interior as well as exterior wall finishing. Wall putty is generally used for wall care and adding finer finish to the walls. It is advisable for you first to waterproof the wall using waterproof cement. Multiple brands provide the best waterproof wall putty in the market.
Wall putty is essentially a cementitious substance, whose primary function is to even out the surface and creates a leveled one for further coats of paint. It also helps in filling minor cracks and pores, removing any kind of undulation on the wall. It provides a protective smooth base for paint application. It also acts as a filler as you can fill cracks or any patches on the wall. It allows all types of colours to be applied over the walls. Putty comes in different colours and consistency. The good thing about wall putty is that it can be easily used on both exteriors as well as interior surfaces whether it is old or new.
Advantages of wall putty
Wall Putty forms an excellent bonding to the base concrete or plastered surfaces. Therefore, when applied over exterior or interior walls of a home, application of wall putty can create a smooth undulation free surface for a beautiful paint finish. Some of its advantages are-
Different types of wall putty
There are two types of wall putty available namely, White cement wall putty and Acrylic wall putty.
White cement wall putty
White cement wall putty is made up of white cement, added polymers and minerals. It is used for both interior and exterior applications and has superior binding traits because it is white cement-based. It comes in a smooth and glossy finish.
It is white cement, mineral and polymer-based putty formulated to give white coating, bright, smooth and superior finishes on the wall surface essential for wall painting.
Its features-
Acrylic wall putty
Acrylic wall putty is an acrylic and water-based solution. It is suitable only for interiors and has a binding quality that is inferior to white cement alternatives.
Its features-
Application of wall putty
The application of wall putty can be done on exterior or interior walls. Accordingly, decide which kind of wall putty do your walls need.
Method for application;
Apply after Primer
Before you apply either primer or putty, you need to ensure that all traces of grease, stains, dust, old wallpaper, oil paints, etc. are scraped off the wall. If the wall is uneven or has major cracks and dents, it needs to be filled in with putty and evened out. It is essential to keep in mind that the wall putty must be applied to the walls only after the first primer coat has dried. It offers a defensive sub-layer for the paint. One or two coats of putty can be applied accordingly, but you need to allow the prior coat to dry before you apply the next coat. The desired result will only be achieved if the process is followed properly.
Check the surface before you apply
A surface groundwork exercise needs to be conducted and it is necessary to wear safety goggles and a mask to avoid inhaling unnecessary dust and dirt. The essential tools for the putty application are a putty knife, paint scraper, sanding block, sandpaper, a piece of cloth, a firm brush and some water.
Remove the loose materials from walls
It is necessary to dig out all the cracks and remove the loose materials. We can use a screwdriver to do this. All the loose flakes and particles on the walls can be removed with the help of sandpaper. It makes the whole surface free from dirt, dirt, and grease. In the case of limewash coated walls, use a paint scraper or sandpaper for better results. For walls using oil paints, we can use sanding to remove the unwanted particles.
The final application
The right kind of wall putty is chosen, depending on whether it needs to be used for interior or exterior application. To make a smooth paste, water is gradually added to the wall putty mix (never the other way around) and blended with a mechanical stirrer. Since the paste dries up quickly, use it within 2-3 hours. Always prepare small batches based on application. The prepared putty paste can be covered with a moist cloth to prevent it from drying. Ensure the surface is dust, dirt and grease-free, scraping any flakes using the right tools for a flat finish. You can scrape limescale coated, or oil painted walls using a paint scraper or sandpaper.
Conclusion
Wall putty proves to be beneficial in case there are undulations on the plastered surface. A thick coat of wall putty can make the surface smooth and cracks free. It also enhances the effect of the shade of the paint. Hence, the application of wall putty is necessary to get a leveled surface for desired results. Choose your products wisely.