The difference between plaster and putty. The difference between putty and putty. Distinctive properties of plaster and putty

What is the difference between plaster and putty? These materials are intended primarily for leveling surfaces. Usually, in the process of performing capital work, craftsmen need both. However, before proceeding with specific actions, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with distinctive features of these materials and determine the areas of their possible application.

Plaster

What is the difference between plaster and putty and primer? This building mixture is used not only to level the surface of the walls, but also to protect them from the penetration and accumulation of moisture. Plaster is also used to improve the thermal insulation qualities of coatings.

The structure of the plaster is coarse-grained. Therefore, it is convenient to apply it on surfaces that contain significant irregularities and depressions. Often, in order to figure out how putty differs from plaster of a certain type, it is enough to familiarize yourself with the information that manufacturers place on the package. When may differ in the presence of properties suitable for basic and decorative finishing work.

putty

It is a plastic mass that is effective tool to eliminate small and deep scratches, crevices on the surface of the walls. The difference between putty and plaster is the level of graininess. For plaster, this indicator is much less, which gives the mixture additional viscosity.

When filling recesses and voids, the putty does not change in volume, bubbles and cracks do not form on its surface. The following can act as binders here: gypsum, ordinary cement or Surface treatment with putty allows you to create the most even, smooth layer on which it is convenient to apply paint.

Distinctive properties of plaster and putty

What is the difference between plaster and putty? If we talk about putty, then the task is assigned to it not only to close up flaws on a flat surface, but also to smooth out the structure of the plane as much as possible, to make it homogeneous.

Allocate starting and The first type is used for quick sealing of cracks and other small defects. Starter mixes are coarser than finish mixes. The latter option is used when smoothing the surface for painting or wallpapering.

What is the difference gypsum plaster from putty? In terms of structure and properties, it is a radically different composition. A substance is used to cover bare brick or concrete walls, as well as foam blocks. Therefore, plastering is a rough finish.

If we talk about how plaster differs from putty, then the nature of the application of these substances should also be noted. According to experts, plaster should be applied with a layer of no more than 5 cm. Otherwise, the coating will inevitably slide down. To prevent this from happening, special meshes are often used when applying plaster, which you will not see in the process of coating surfaces with putty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to more specifically draw attention to how plaster differs from putty:

  1. Putty has a fine-grained structure, and plaster is a coarse-grained building mixture.
  2. The main purpose of plaster is to level surfaces and apply a monolithic layer up to 5 cm. Putty, in turn, is used in cosmetic, surface finishing of walls and the elimination of defects no more than two centimeters deep.
  3. The plaster is applied as an intermediate layer leveling the bare walls. Putty is the final layer before the final coating of surfaces.
  4. In order to avoid the appearance of irregularities and slipping of the coating, it is absolutely not recommended to rub the plastered walls with abrasives. At the same time putty is not afraid of contact with abrasive skins.
  5. On average, it takes about two days for the plaster to dry completely. Less than a day is enough to dry the putty under normal conditions.

After reading this article, you will learn how to properly apply different types of putties: you will find out how the finish differs from the starting one, acrylic from latex, and gypsum from cement. We will also talk about the features of working with each type of this material.

Starting and finishing putty

All putties are divided into starting and finishing. This division is conditional, because the finishing putty can be applied, for example, before wallpapering the walls. While the starting putty can serve as an excellent basis for applying texture to the surface.

From a technical point of view, the finish and start in putties differ in the size of the aggregate fraction. Speaking in human terms, grains of quartz sand, which is usually the filler of putties, are much larger at the starting putty than at the finish. This difference allows you to apply the starting putty with a much thicker layer than the finishing one, without fear that when it dries, it will shrink and crack. But the starting putty cannot be rubbed to a perfectly smooth surface, even using grinding tools for grouting. The surface treated with the starting putty will still remain rough to the touch, while the finish can be sanded to a mirror smoothness.

As a rule, these two putties are used in tandem. First, one or more layers of starting putty are applied to the surface of the walls or ceiling, and after it dries, the surface is treated with a finish. However, this technology is not mandatory. It all depends on the surface and the expected end result.

As mentioned above, starting putty allows you to create a certain texture on the surface. This is used by master finishers - with the help of a special tool and application technique, they create interesting effects. Such textured surfaces can be obtained by working with starting putty from any material and almost any manufacturer. It all depends on the skills of the master and the quality of the putty itself. Some trademarks there are separate lines of decorative putties, supplemented with modifiers and plasticizers, and even with additional fractional fillers.

Subdivision of putty by type of base

Start and finish is the separation of absolutely all putties that exist in nature. But their main classification is carried out according to the type of base from which they are made. There are gypsum and cement dry putties, ready-made polymer putties, which, in turn, are divided into acrylic and latex.

Each of these types has its own scope and method of application, has special technical and physical characteristics, and even requires different skills from builders-finishers. Some of them can only be used inside buildings, while some are not intended for mineral substrates, but for wood or wood-based panels. In order to understand what is what, it is necessary to consider each type of putty separately.

Gypsum putties

These putties for most people, both professional builders and ordinary consumers, are synonymous with the very concept of "putty". For a very long time in the post-Soviet period, Turkish ASB gypsum putty was widespread, which created this image. I must say that it was a fairly versatile and high-quality putty, with which professional masters managed to work real miracles. For example, rub it to an almost mirror surface. Therefore, the requirements for other brands that appeared on our market later were made on the basis of the prevailing opinion about this particular putty. However, very often the expectations turned out to be unjustified.

Gypsum putty is available now big amount domestic and foreign manufacturers in the form of a dry mix, which is based on gypsum. It is best when it is a snow-white gypsum, similar to the one used in the notorious ABS. However, domestic producers use gypsum from local deposits, and it usually has a yellowish tint. The exception is the putties of the Knauf concern, which are produced on fairly white gypsum. Filler of gypsum putty are white quartz sand or marble flour, and it is on the size of the particle fraction of these materials that the application features depend - the smaller the size, the thinner the putty layer can be when applied to the surface. It is the fractional nature of the filler that divides putties into start and finish, as mentioned above. Putties, the filler of which is marble flour, have a much thinner application layer than sand filler. It can even be tenths of a millimeter.

But in gypsum putties, the concept of “universal” is very common. This is due to the binder base, that is, gypsum. It is its properties that allow, with a thin fraction of the filler, to apply putty with a sufficiently thick layer. Other ingredients of any gypsum putty are various modifiers and plasticizers. They are the main know-how of each manufacturer and form the basis of the putty recipe. Their purpose is to impart certain properties and qualities to the composition. For example, additional plasticity, preventing too fast or too slow hardening, protection against cracking on the wall or shedding.

Gypsum putties have a huge amount positive qualities. They are ideal for residential premises due to the fact that gypsum is an environmentally friendly material that does not emit any harmful substances into the atmosphere and has the ability to maintain an optimal indoor climate. This ability is due to the fact that gypsum is a very hygroscopic material. It absorbs excess moisture from the atmosphere, which it gives back when the humidity in the room decreases. But precisely because of this property of gypsum, putties that have it at their core cannot be used for outdoor work.

Cement putties

These putties are well known to builders since Soviet times. Of course, then they had a slightly different recipe and were most often made in a handicraft way with the addition of lime mortar. Now such putties are produced in the form of a dry mix by almost all manufacturers of building materials of this kind.

The basis of cement putty is, of course, cement. It can be either ordinary gray cement or white. The brand of cement can also vary depending on the manufacturer and the purpose of the putty mixture. As with other cement mortars, the grade affects the strength of the final surface. Obviously, for facade putties, cement of a higher grade is required. The filler of cement putty is sand different types or marble flour. As in gypsum putties, it is the aggregate fraction that affects the thickness of the layer that can be applied with putty. The formulation of cement putties also includes modifying and plasticizing additives, which give the putty additional properties. Many manufacturers also add antifreeze to their mixtures, which allows you to work with cement mortar at sub-zero temperatures.

Cement putties are frost-resistant and can be used both inside and outside buildings. They are not as environmentally friendly and useful for the microclimate of the room as gypsum, but they are more durable and resistant to mechanical damage coating. True, such putties also have a significant drawback, which manufacturers seek to avoid with the help of modifiers - shrinkage. As it dries on the surface, the putty shrinks and cracks. Sometimes this happens after a considerable time after its application. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to carefully observe all the technological requirements of the manufacturer, both when preparing the solution and when applying it to the surface. At the same time, it is very important that the basis of the surface on which the putty is applied is a material that has a higher or equal brand strength to the putty. For this reason, cement putties should not be applied to wooden or plastic surfaces, as well as over gypsum substrates. In this case, the putty is guaranteed to shrink and crack.

Polymer acrylic putties

Polymer putties are offered by manufacturers already in finished form. This, of course, is a big plus, because in this way mistakes are excluded that can be made when diluting and preparing the solution. However, there are some disadvantages in this form. For example, if storage conditions are not observed, such putty may partially or completely lose specifications and properties declared by the manufacturer.

The binder base in such putties is a polymeric substance, in particular acrylic. Being not a natural, but a synthetic material, it has a number of significant advantages over gypsum or cement. The main one is the ability of acrylic to interact with other components of the solution, which makes it possible to obtain a more uniform and dense structure and avoid shrinkage or cracking due to non-compliance with the application technology.

Working with such putty is much easier than with dry counterparts. Indeed, regardless of the addition of plasticizers, the acrylic mixture is very plastic in itself. In addition, acrylic putties have a fairly versatile scope. They can putty almost any surface, be it wood, drywall or concrete. Acrylic is a frost-resistant material, so it is possible to use fillers based on it both indoors and on the facades of buildings.

The diluent of acrylic-based putties is water, therefore, if the material dries excessively, it is permissible to slightly dilute it. cold water. The filler of polymeric finishing materials is usually marble flour or fine marble sand. Putties, as well as gypsum putties, are divided into starting and finishing, but usually in ready-made solutions, such a division does not depend on the aggregate fraction, but on modifiers and their quantity. A significant disadvantage of acrylic putties can be attributed to their sufficient high cost, especially in comparison with cement and gypsum analogues. However, this disadvantage is slightly offset by the economy of consumption and ease of application of this type of material.

Polymer latex putties

Latex is another type of polymer that acts as an astringent base in ready-made polymer putties. It differs from acrylic in greater resistance to various types loads that can expect putty during operation. After all, latex, in fact, is rubber, so it gives the putty a special elasticity. Putty can be either completely based on latex, or on its combination with acrylic - acrylate. This practically does not affect the properties of the putty. You can use latex putty absolutely on any, even metal surfaces, which is absolutely not acceptable for other types of putties.

Its disadvantages include the high cost and the fact that the surface treated with such a composition practically does not “breathe”. Also, latex materials have low vapor permeability, so it is not recommended to finish walls or ceilings in residential premises with this type of putty. Otherwise, it is an excellent universal finishing material, which is very easy to work with. It absolutely does not shrink and is suitable for use in a wide temperature range. In addition, manufacturers add various antiseptic substances to polymer putties that prevent the formation of mold, fungus, corrosion or efflorescence on finished surfaces.

This review of putties gives a fairly general idea of ​​​​this diverse finishing material. For a broader idea of ​​​​putties, you need to familiarize yourself with the manufacturers and the range that they offer to consumers.

Alexander Birzhin, rmnt.ru

High-quality wall decoration involves the use of mortars and dry mixes, but few people know what are the differences between putty and plaster. In the process of finishing the walls, both materials are used, but they have different purposes.

In this article we will talk about what plaster and putty are, as well as what each of these mixtures is needed for.

putty

Putty - This is a paste-like mass designed to level small imperfections in the surface of the walls.

putty used for cosmetic purposes. It is usually applied in a thin layer, within 1.5 cm. It eliminates various irregularities and defects in the walls of the room, and also levels the base of the surface for the last layer.

To reduce putty costs specific primers are used which have antiseptic properties.

Kinds

Varieties of putty depend on the ratio of the components used. Each type has its own area of ​​application.

There are the following types:

Advantages and disadvantages

The material has its advantages and disadvantages, which we consider in more detail.

Advantages:

  1. Among the advantages of putty it is worth highlighting its viscous mass. It is she who provides the convenience of applying to the surface of the walls.
  2. putty dries quickly has the ability to retain volume after drying. The material does not crack, does not exfoliate, and also does not lag behind the surfaces.
  3. putty not afraid of abrasive.
  4. Dry putty type has a low cost.

The disadvantages include:

  1. Diluted mixture has a short shelf life. As a rule, after 1-2 hours it will become unusable.
  2. Apply thin layers several times, but only after the previous one dries.
  3. Ready mixes have a high price and are intended exclusively for finishing.

Plaster

Plaster - is a universal building mixture that levels the surface of the walls, protects them from moisture and improves thermal insulation.

Due to its coarse-grained consistency, it can be applied to the surface with irregularities of 1-5 cm.

The mixture is cement mixed with sand. Among other options there are mixtures based on gypsum or lime. The composition of decorative plaster includes polymers, this is due to their specific properties.

Varieties

This material has many types and classifications, let's talk about the most basic ones.

Plaster is divided into:

Advantages and disadvantages

Let us consider in more detail the main pros and cons of plaster mixes.

The main advantages of plaster are:

  • ease of finishing, easy application to the surface of the walls;
  • the material stands out for its aesthetic properties;
  • the plastered surface is cleaned with soap, water and washing powder.

Main The disadvantage is the difficulty of repair. If the plaster is damaged due to a settled foundation, then its repair in this case will not be easy. Cracked plaster should be cut and scraped off without damaging the surface.

Often when they start Finishing work, a difficult question arises: how does plaster differ from putty and is there a difference? The answer excites many who are not so often faced with finishing work. I must say that these two materials are not so different from each other. Often, they are even used, replacing each other. But in reality, this situation is not always acceptable. Each of the compositions has its own characteristics, which simply must be taken into account.

Whoever says anything, putty and plaster are two completely different materials. To determine the significant difference between these solutions, you need to understand in detail what they consist of and what they are intended for.

  • Plaster is a special finishing mixture, which is intended for work on leveling surfaces inside and outside the premises.
  • Putty - also a finishing mixture, but it is used to level areas that do not have significant defects.
  • Thus, these two materials differ in that plaster is used to level significant flaws, distortions, holes, and minor cracks, defects, seams between other finishing materials are sealed with putty.
  • Putty, moreover, gives a fairly small shrinkage after use (modern compositions do not give this at all).

Also plaster has other advantages. It costs much less than its opponent, it includes a large mineral filler, it gives increased rigidity and strength. Such a solution can be applied in a very thick layer on the walls.

What is plaster made of?

Naturally, these two materials will differ in their composition. Consideration should begin with plaster.

  1. One of the most common compositions is as follows: cement different brands, sand, various polymer additives. It is the latter that provide excellent adhesion of the material to various surfaces. Very often, PVA glue is additionally added to it. It betrays a certain elasticity and hardness.
  2. Gypsum-based compositions are also common. That is, they include, respectively, gypsum and many different additives. They provide increased plasticity to the applied layer.
  3. Very rarely, but still there are mixtures that consist of lime and cement, clay and cement, or gypsum. Such mixtures are often prepared by hand.

Putties and their composition

There are several types of putty, which differ significantly in their composition. Each of them should be considered.

1. Cement-based putty

  • It consists of two main components: sand and cement.
  • For greater effect, so-called plasticizers are added to them. Moreover, such substances are much smaller than those that are used.
  • It is used for work not only inside, but also outside the premises.
  • Characterized by excellent water resistance.

2. Polymer based formulations

  • There are putties based on two main substances: acrylic and latex.
  • Chalk is added to the acrylic composition.
  • There are many more chemical elements to the latex composition.
  • Due to this composition, the polymer material creates an almost perfect surface (if applied correctly).
  • Can be used inside and outside buildings.

3. Based on gypsum

  • The main component is gypsum of very fine grinding.
  • Cannot be used outdoors. This is due to the fact that gypsum does not withstand moisture.
  • Often this includes PVA

4. Other types of putty

  • They consist of a solution of drying oil with the addition of glue.
  • Glue + mineral filler.

What type of finish do you prefer?

Plaster or putty? Almost everyone asks this question when finishing work on walls and ceilings begins.

In general, you need to remember one most important rule that will allow you to avoid mistakes forever. If it is required to apply a layer that will be more than 8-10 mm, then only plaster is used.

It is applied to the main material of the wall or ceiling surface (brick, concrete). This is the only way to level significant areas that have large irregularities, defects. Putty, on the other hand, corrects minor flaws that remain after using the plaster.

Thus, the problem - putty or plaster, is resolved. First, plastering, and then puttying!

Differences in application technique

The difference between plaster and putty also lies in their application to the walls. Only compliance correct technique, allows you to create the desired result.

What will be chosen - putty or plaster, everyone decides based on the specific situation. Each material is good for a specific work process. Any of the compositions can be used by a person who is not even a specialist.


You need to remember the following tips:

  1. Each layer of plaster cannot be thicker than one centimeter. The total thickness of the entire applied composition cannot exceed three centimeters. At higher rates, the reinforcement method is used.
  2. Before applying putty, the surface is primed.
  3. Subsequently, when a decorative layer is applied, the puttied surface must also be subjected to the application of a primer.
  4. Very often, you can replace decorative plaster with putty. This finish is easy to do with your own hands. You will not need to use special tools. The only thing is that you can not use this composition for work in wet rooms or outside.

The difference between plaster and putty is not so big. But there are differences between them, which are determined solely by where they find their application. From this already follows their difference in composition. If plaster is used to work on large irregularities, creating a protective layer, which may also have additional qualities(for example, to insulate the room, protect it from moisture). Putty acts as a finishing material. It copes with this task perfectly due to the fact that it contains only a very small fraction. It is possible to replace one material with another only if the application rules are observed, as is done in the decorative treatment of walls.

Putty and plaster are not much different, but this is extremely important when finishing. After all, putty has a smaller fraction and it is much more suitable for painting.
Today we will understand in detail putty and plaster what is the difference. You will be able to see the photo and instructions will be given on the material selection rule.

Putty, plaster, that's two different material. In order to feel the difference between putty and plaster, you need to understand what these mixtures are and what they are intended for.

If you don’t want to dive into the question, you can trust an experienced craftsman who is well acquainted with all the options for finishing.


What is the difference between putty and plaster:

  • Plaster is a building mixture that levels the exterior and internal walls as well as ceilings.
  • Putty is also a building mixture for leveling wall surfaces.
  • The differences between these two building materials consists in the fact that curved walls or blockages in it are leveled with plaster, and non-essential defects are covered with putty, for example, cracks, seams between sheets of drywall (see Puttying drywall seams - how to do it), potholes and more.
  • Putty differs from plaster in that it almost does not shrink.

Attention: Plaster will cost you much less due to large mineral filler. It is also much stronger than putty. After all, everyone knows that crushed stone is added to the solution for strength during concreting. So it is with plaster, the strength of which depends on the large filler. That is why this mixture is applied in a thick layer.

The composition of the plaster

Plaster putty the difference is also visible in composition. These are slightly different materials.

So:

  • The plaster consists of a mixture of cement, sand and polymer additives, which contribute to the plasticity of the solution, good adhesion to the base (adhesion). It should not be forgotten that when preparing a cement-sand mortar, it is possible or rather necessary to add glue (PVA).
  • When adding gypsum with stabilizer additives, the batch will slowly adhere and thus the composition will turn out to be very plastic.
  • Much less often in repair work use mixtures of compositions of cement and lime, clay and lime, clay and gypsum, as well as clay and cement. You can cook them both with your own hands, and purchase these dry mixes in hardware stores. But keep in mind that not everywhere you can buy ready-made mixtures, so it's better to make them yourself.

The composition of the putty

cement putty
  • The putty mortar also consists of the main components: cement and sand.
  • Plasticizers are also added to this mixture. The small sizes of putty fillers are significantly different from larger plaster fillers.
  • Cement putty trim the walls both inside and outside the premises.
  • It is characterized by water resistance.
Gypsum puttyWhich finishes the walls and ceiling, is used exclusively when working indoors, where moisture does not enter. Gypsum breaks down very quickly from moisture. Such a mixture differs from plaster by a finer grinding of gypsum. Gypsum does the work of both filler and binder.
Acrylic puttyUse in construction work and mixtures based on acrylic (acrylic resins). In addition to acrylic resins, chalk (as a filler) and water are added to the solution. If you apply the resulting mixture correctly, then the surface of the walls will resemble gloss. Such putty can be used for internal and external construction work.

In addition to the above types of putty, you can choose other, so to speak, "exotic" compositions:

  • There is an oil putty, made of natural drying oil and adding other fillers.
  • Glue consists not only of drying oil, but also glue (approximately 10% of the total composition). Based epoxy resin making epoxy plaster. The latex in latex plaster has binding properties. It is also possible on the basis of glue (polyvinyl acetate) with mineral filler.

Plaster or putty?

Everyone can easily deal with this issue. The use of these materials in the work comes from what they are.
It has already been stated above that walls, ceilings, blockages are leveled with plaster. If you need to fix some defects, such as cracks, scratches, potholes, seams, then you need to putty.

Attention: Putty or plaster, where it is necessary to apply a layer of more than one cm, then plaster is applied. If less, then putty is used.

Now it is very clear that from the beginning the wall requires plastering, and after that - puttying, which prepares for painting and wallpapering.

How to apply building mixtures

Application methods for different building mixtures will be different. Therefore, this fact cannot be ignored.
Consider the most relevant types of mixtures:

cement plasterThis plaster does not have adhesive properties, it is astringent, so it must be applied with a trowel or a construction spoon.
  • Usually applied by spraying. Thus, the solution adheres to the surface of the wall.
  • The wall is gradually moistened. The solution will not stick to the wall if little water is added to it and, on the contrary, with a large amount of water, the mixture will simply flow along the wall, thereby consuming excess material.
  • This is of course a simplified technology in one layer.
  • If you plaster the outer walls, then phased implementation will be required.
  • Apply spray, primer and top coat in sequence. But last layer no need to sketch like the previous ones, but to spread.
GypsumGypsum putty or plaster, unlike cement, is not thrown, but smeared.
  • With a narrow spatula (10-12 cm), transfer the mixture to a medium spatula.
  • After that, you need to apply the solution to the wall and distribute (evenly) over it.
  • The thickness will depend on the material being used and your intentions.

Plastering and plastering walls is not a difficult job. But it must be done according to certain rules. Although the price is not high, it should be remembered that if you mix a lot, then you can simply not have time to apply it.
So don't do too much. Especially if you have no practice. You can see everything in the video in this article.
But remember the following:

  • One layer of plaster should not be more than 1 centimeter. The thickness of the entire plaster coating is 5 cm. If the thickness of the plaster does not exceed 3 cm, then it can be applied without reinforcement. If more than indicated, then such a process is necessary (steel and fiberglass mesh).
  • Before puttying, priming is necessary for wall surfaces. Putty is also characterized by not such a strong adhesion to the base, as for plaster.
  • Do not forget that a primer is also required before wallpapering or painting walls. With its help, the surface is strengthened, porosity is reduced and the adhesion of materials is improved.

Attention: From all of the above, we can conclude that plaster and putty have their own differences. These mixtures are prepared from different components and are designed for different purposes in construction work.


Decorative putty plaster is also made, it just has more dyes and therefore it is a less durable coating. You can find how to make decorative plaster with your own hands with putty on the pages of our website, you just need to know that this material should not be used in places with high humidity and temperature changes, otherwise it starts to peel off and fall off.
Such putty on plaster is also superimposed. In this way, you can even select individual parts of a common plane.

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