Polymer putty for interior and exterior work (types, application)

In many construction and renovation projects, both inside and outside the home, polymer putty has emerged as the go-to material. It is a well-liked option for wall smoothing, crack filling, and producing a perfect finish because of its adaptability and simplicity of use. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or a professional contractor, knowing the various kinds of polymer putty and how to use them will improve your results significantly.

Polymer putty’s versatility is one of its main benefits. It works well on many surfaces, such as metal, wood, plaster, and concrete. Because of this, it’s a great option for both interior and outdoor projects. Polymer putty offers an enduring and dependable solution for a variety of applications, including painting walls and fixing damage to outdoor structures.

Polymer putty comes in various varieties, each intended for a particular use. Certain products are designed to dry quickly, enabling quicker project completion. Others are more adaptable, making them perfect for places where there is movement or temperature changes. You can guarantee a smooth, durable finish by selecting the appropriate kind of polymer putty for your project.

Although applying polymer putty is simple, there are a few tricks and methods that can help you get the best results. The putty must be applied in thin, even layers and with proper surface preparation and mixing ratios. You’ll discover that dealing with polymer putty is effective and gratifying with a little practice.

Type of Polymer Putty	Application
Acrylic Putty	Ideal for interior walls and ceilings. Provides a smooth finish and is easy to sand.
Epoxy Putty	Great for exterior use. Resistant to moisture and chemicals, perfect for repairing concrete surfaces.
Polyester Putty	Commonly used for automotive repairs. Dries quickly and sands easily.
Silicone Putty	Used for sealing and filling gaps. Flexible and waterproof, suitable for both interior and exterior use.

Purpose and application

The substance is employed in numerous works.

Before final finishing (such as painting or wallpapering), polymer putty is meant to level the base (walls, ceilings, etc.). Putty can be used to fix flaws (unevenness, chips, cracks), enhance the surface’s water resistance, raise the room’s degree of sound and heat insulation, etc.

The fact that a coating of this kind is designed for a variety of surfaces and operating environments should be taken into account when selecting a material.

• leveling (starting);
• special;
• universal;
• finishing.

Rough finishing tasks are completed with starting putty. To get rid of flaws, the material needs to be applied in a thick layer. The composition is compact, maintains its shape, and doesn’t spread or shrink. A robust putty coating forms after hardening. These combinations are consumed in large quantities. Large-fraction components are present in the composition. The application layer is between 3 and 50 mm in length, and the material is chosen based on the base’s properties.

Polymer putties that are finished aid in removing minor flaws, concealing tiny fissures, and creating a level, polished surface. When leveling the walls and ceiling, this material is applied last, following the rough coating.

The panel can be leveled, minor flaws removed, and final processing done using the universal composition.

Special putty products have extra ingredients in order to address the necessary issues. The manufacturer provides information about the purpose on the label.

Mixtures are made to finish swimming pools, fireplaces, high-heat resistance stoves, and high-humidity rooms.

Composition and technical characteristics, consumption per 1 m2

• polymers;
• plasticizers;
• chalk;
• hardeners;
• talc;
• acrylic;
• fine-grained fillers;
• coloring pigments, etc.d.

Different kinds of mixtures may have different ingredient and proportion compositions. The parameters are stated on the packaging by the manufacturers.

The formula for calculating the volume of material needed is as follows: multiply the thickness of the irregularities, the height of the panels, and the room’s perimeter by the putty mixture’s consumption rate per square meter. It is important to remember that manufacturers list these parameters on the packaging based on industry averages.

Types of polymer putties for walls

• polymer cement;
• latex;
• acrylic.

It is important to consider the intended use of the finishing mixture before making a purchase. Putties are separated into three categories: universal mixtures, facades, and materials for interior decoration. Producers make products such as dry putty and thick ready-made solutions in plastic containers.

Acrylic putties

High humidity rooms and facades are finished with acrylic putty mixtures. The product resists mold and fungus, has good vapor permeability, can tolerate temperature fluctuations, and is resistant to moisture.

The composition has an average degree of plasticity; therefore, before applying to the panels, the mass needs to be regularly mixed. It is possible to tint the material in various shades.

Latex putties

Rubber resin is the basis for the creation of latex putties, which are strong and have a high vapor permeability. They are not, however, appropriate for facade work or finishing rooms with high humidity levels. It is advised to use the putty mixture for apartment and office repairs. The material is plastic, simple to apply, doesn’t require a lot of setup work, can be used by specialists worldwide, and can be finished independently of the premises.

Polycement

Synthetic cement is a component of polymer cement putty. The substance is applied as a leveling agent to bases made of concrete, cement-lime, brick, and cement-sand. Applying the mass in a layer as thick as 20 mm is possible due to its high plasticity. The cement composition is appropriate for first-stage finishing, high-humidity room processing, and facades.

Large cracks and depressions in the bases can be eliminated by using mass because of the composition’s density. At the initial finish, the polymer cement putty layer may occasionally be as thick as 30 cm. Large irregularities can be eliminated with this method. Two or more layers of polymer cement can be applied to the surface, and it can be used in conjunction with a reinforcing mesh.

Where polymer putties are used

Polymer putty is used to solve the following issues in exterior finishing, facade decoration, interior spaces, offices, and utility rooms:

• leveling different types of surfaces (concrete, gypsum, wood);
• elimination of cracks, irregularities;
• reinforcing the base;
• the product is applied to glass, foam plastic, plasterboard floors, galvanized iron;
• reduction in the cost of finishing materials after leveling the layer.

Advantages and disadvantages of polymer putties for interior work

• the combination of plastic and elastic characteristics of the product allows you to apply the mass in a thin layer;
• the quality characteristics of the material make it possible to use the mixture in processing rough surfaces;
• easy application of the product;
• plasticizers and modifiers in the putty composition ensure reliable adhesion to the surface being processed;
• a high-quality applied product does not peel off;
• the absence of shrinkage allows you to accurately calculate the volume of work, prevents cracking of the coating;
• the materials are distinguished by water-repellent properties, ensuring their versatility;
• a protective film is formed on the surface of the putty coating;
• the mixture withstands temperature changes;
• the composition has fire-resistant characteristics, does not melt;
• the material is environmentally friendly, does not contain toxic substances, therefore, it is safe for premises;
• vapor permeability reduces the risk of mold;
• the finished composition retains its technical characteristics for 12 hours in a sealed container;
• increased sound and heat insulation allows you to maintain a stable indoor microclimate.

One of the drawbacks mentioned is the high cost of goods.

A useful and long-lasting material for both interior and exterior construction projects is polymer putty. There are several varieties available, each intended for a particular use, such as caulking gaps, leveling surfaces, and priming walls for coating or painting. The strong, seamless finish that polymer putty offers is resistant to weathering and wear, making it an indispensable tool for achieving high-quality, long-lasting results in any building or renovation project. It is also easy to apply and quick to dry.

Review of the most popular brands – beware of fakes

When buying putty mixtures, experts advise buying certified items from reputable companies. These substances are easily diluted, and the finish will be long-lasting. In order to avoid buying counterfeit goods, products are bought from branded stores.

• Ceresit;
• Hercules;
• GLIMS;
• Knauf;
• Volma;
• Sheetrock;
• Vetonit;
• Tex;
• Starateli;
• Skanmix;
• White House;
• Profi;
• Bolars, etc.d.

Creates a broad variety of polymer putty compositions for different uses. Putty CT 127 POLYMER PLUS is one of the products in the line; it is meant to be finished, and the white mass is used for interior finishing. The material tone of the ready-made putty offered by IN 95 is neutral white. The mass of CT 225 is used to apply the finishing layer; its composition makes it suitable for both internal and external finishing.

Is designed for initial base finishing and is universal. The material is applicable to rooms with various operating environments. The coating resists frost, extremes in temperature, and high humidity.

The putty mixture’s technical properties enable it to be used for both internal and external finishing.

The mass works well for leveling bathroom and swimming pool bases. The material is elastic and hardens quickly, and the products are safe to use and environmentally friendly.

Is widely used for rooms and facades. There is acrylic in the mass. Among putty products, domestic products are highly regarded. The material can be applied in a thick layer and is resistant to high humidity. A smooth, white coating that is appropriate for further finishing work forms after drying.

Is designed for finishing projects, exhibits strong adhesion, and doesn’t shrink. The material dries in five hours, is flexible, easy to apply, and has increased strength. It is possible to paint, apply decorative plaster, or glue wallpaper to the prepared surface.

Is meant for the very last phase of leveling. Based on polymer components, the dry mixture of white tone exhibits improved adhesion, crack resistance, and flexibility. A layer of 0.5–4 mm of the material can be used to level the surface. The mass’s microfibers stop shrinking.

After dilution with water, the mixture retains its technical properties for about 72 hours. The composition is suitable for interior finishing of plasterboard, concrete, gypsum fiber, gypsum, cement bases before applying decorative plaster, wallpapering. After hardening, the coating is easily sanded. The material is applied only by hand. The optimal coating thickness is 4 mm.

With a 1 mm layer, the mixture is consumed at a rate of 1.2 kg per 1 m², 10 mm, and 12 kg. The mixture is meant for spaces where the temperature is kept between +10… +30 °C.

Tips and recommendations for the use of starting and finishing putties on a polymer base

It is advised to consider the following specifications when using starting and finishing materials, as stated in the instructions:

1. Before applying the putty mixture, the surface must be prepared by cleaning it from old finishing materials, grease stains, dust and dirt.
2. Work areas are treated with a mineral primer before the polymer mixture.
3. To mix the solution, you need to pour dry powder into a container with water and mix it using an electric drill with an attachment or manually. The solution should be left to stand for 10 minutes, before application the mass is stirred. The composition of the required consistency does not flow from the spatula.
4. When choosing a starting mixture for finishing wooden bases, it is recommended to choose an acrylic material with a wood structure.
5. For facade putty, the frost resistance indicator is important, which is indicated on the packaging and is selected in accordance with the climatic conditions of the region.

The procedure for applying polymer putty

1. The surface is pre-treated with a primer mixture.
2. The working solution or ready-made composition is applied in a thin layer of 3 mm using a spatula.
3. After drying, you can make a second layer, and also dry the base.
4. When applying the finishing coat after a few hours, the dried surface is sanded with sandpaper or a special grater to smooth the base.

For projects both inside and outside, polymer putty is a flexible and efficient solution. Different types of putties, like polyester, epoxy, and acrylic, are available to meet different requirements, including those related to durability, flexibility, and resistance to moisture.

Each type has specific steps to ensure a smooth and durable finish, and application is simple. The best outcomes can only be obtained by properly prepping the surface and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The quality and appearance of your surfaces can be greatly improved by selecting the appropriate polymer putty. Polymer putty is a dependable option for any building or remodeling project, whether you’re fixing walls, filling in flaws, or setting up a surface for paint.

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