Why do you need façade putty? Application of façade putty and its features

What façade putty for exterior use is currently on the market? Let's find out together what types of putty exist, what these or other compounds are used for, and what brands make a quality product. And for the DIYers, I’ll tell you how to putty the facade of a house for painting with your own hands in two ways.

Puttying the facade is one of the main stages of home improvement.

The question of how to putty the facade is far from idle, because facade putty for exterior work can have a different composition, be intended for different types of base and even differ in layers, that is, each layer has its own mixture.

Dividing mixtures according to purpose

Before you ask the price of putty and think about which one to choose so that your budget doesn’t “crack”, decide for what purpose it is needed:

• Starter or basic– these compounds are intended for initial surface leveling and have good adhesion. But you won’t be able to perfectly level a wall, for example, for painting; the mixture has too large a fraction and no matter how much you sand it, you still won’t achieve gloss. The layer thickness here can reach up to 20 mm;
• Finishing lineups– designed for perfect alignment. Such putties should be applied on top of the starting ones, but on a flat wall, for example, on plaster, the finish is applied immediately. The layer thickness does not exceed 4 mm, therefore, the putty consumption per 1 m2 for facade plaster is less, but the price of these mixtures is higher;
• Decorative putty– the main purpose of such compositions is original decor facade, but at the same time they do an excellent job of protecting walls from weather troubles. The fraction and method of application may differ, but the thickness of the decorative layer, as a rule, does not exceed 5–7 mm;
• Compositions for finishing wooden houses are now allocated to separate category, although this is a controversial issue. Here, exclusively vapor-permeable, water-resistant façade putty is used, because there is moisture both in the atmosphere outside and in the wood itself.

Decorative putty on the facade can be very diverse.

There are also so-called universal compositions; they combine the advantages of starting and finishing putties, but for facade works such mixtures are not used, their purpose is internal surfaces.

Dividing mixtures by composition

The components included in the mixture directly determine for which surfaces such a putty is designed.

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Cement putty. Used for concrete and brick surfaces; Withstands any temperature changes, has an affordable price and is easy to apply; But it is subject to shrinkage and cracks when dried quickly.
	Acrylic putty. It is mainly represented by finishing compositions, can only be applied to a prepared surface and has unique strength. The only negative is that it is expensive.
	Acrylate putty. Pure latex putty is used in interior work; there are acrylate compounds for facades. Acrylate mixtures are immediately ready for use and are considered perhaps the most waterproof.
	Silicate compounds. These compounds are mostly used in decorative niche. Focused on cellular concrete and shell rock, although there are models for all types of base.
	Oil-adhesive compositions. They have increased frost resistance and an affordable price. Often used for finishing wooden houses.
	Silicone plaster. This is another representative of the polymer line, has good water resistance and can withstand any frost, but the price is high.

Comparison of stability of different types of putty.

Leading manufacturers

Illustrations	Recommendations
	"Prospectors". Dry plastic mixture based on cement; Does not shrink when dry; Can be applied in layers up to 10 mm; Drying time up to 24 hours.
	"Knauf". The German brand produces all types of cement-based dry putty; Apply in layers up to 20 mm; Putty consumption per 1 m2 on facade plaster is 1.2 kg with a layer of 1 mm; Dries in 24 hours.
	"VGT" Presented in ready-to-use polymer mixtures; Apply a layer of up to 3 mm; Consumption 1.2 kg/m², with a layer thickness of 1 mm; Hardening time up to 8 hours.
	"Ceresit". It is represented by perhaps the widest range of compositions, there are both dry and paste mixtures. The dry mixture takes up to 1.8 kg/m², the paste-like finishing compositions take 1.2 kg/m².
	"Bolars." A domestic development that competes well with leading foreign manufacturers: Moisture resistant; Vapor permeable; Apply a layer of up to 10 mm; Consumption is about 1.8 kg/m²; The dry mixture hardens in 24 hours, the finished Bolars paste hardens in 8 hours.

How to finish the facade yourself in two ways

For facade work, facade putty on plaster and reinforced facade putty are mainly used. The fact is that white finishing putty, which is often used for painting, is expensive and is applied in a thin layer of up to 4 mm, so the wall must first be leveled and strengthened, and then puttyed.

Method No. 1. We work using beacons

This method is most often used for facades with really curved walls. In this case, there is no point in applying starting putty to curved walls, because the consumption per 1 m2 will be huge; here it is cheaper to plaster the base with a standard cement-sand mortar in a ratio of 1:4.

Illustrations	Recommendations
	We set up beacons. It is better to buy strips for beacons; in this case, we took metal profiles, they are cheaper than carbon fiber. We place the planks on plaster cakes; First, the 2 extreme strips are installed; Then 2–3 threads are stretched between them; Then the remaining beacons are placed along these threads in increments of about 1 m.
	We wet it. We work in the heat in the summer, so the wall needs to be moistened with water. You can do without this in the off-season.
	Priming. In this case, a special primer is not needed. We just mixed liquid cement-sand mortar and threw it on the wall.
	Examination. We apply a rule to the beacons and check that the soil layer does not “peek out” beyond the beacons.
	Alignment of walls. Now we make a thicker solution and throw it on the wall just above the beacons; Next, relying on the beacons, we usually remove the excess mortar, thereby leveling the wall. There is no need to pay attention to small sinks; we will cover them later.
	We remove the beacons. Since we are going to putty later for painting, we need to pull out the metal beacons: We pry up the planks with a pick and tear them out; We knock down the remaining plaster; We cover the remaining grooves with the solution and level them with a grater or trowel.
	Align. Now we need to align the small grooves after the rule: We throw a liquid solution on the wall; Take a wide grater and rub in the solution. There is no need to take long breaks between stages. The solution should set slightly, but under no circumstances dry out.
	Let's mash it. Now we bring the surface to the ideal: Spray the wall with water; Immediately rub the surface with a grater. We grout in a circular motion, lightly pressing the grater.
	We apply primer. The instructions require that the wall be treated with primer before filling, but in such cases I simply moisten the fresh wet plaster with water.
	Mix the putty. First, pour the required amount of water into the container (indicated on the package); Next, pour out the dry mixture; Mix everything with a mixer until it becomes paste-like; Let it sit for 5-7 minutes and stir again.
	We apply putty. In small portions, with a narrow spatula, apply the composition to a wide spatula or trowel and apply the putty in a circular motion. Since our walls are perfectly smooth, we can immediately putty them with the finishing compound.
	We polish. You can sand with sandpaper, but the sandpaper gets clogged quickly, so I recommend stretching a sanding mesh over the block and working. Once sanding is complete, all you have to do is brush off the dust from the wall, apply primer for painting, and when it dries, paint the house. In theory, the wall after sanding does not need to be primed, but paint consumption will increase by a third, and it is more expensive than primer. The video in this article shows the intricacies of the work clearly.

Method number 2. We reinforce the walls

This method is suitable for facades with smooth walls, as well as for puttying insulation boards, for example, extruded polystyrene foam.

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Base mixture. As a base mixture I use cement-based facade adhesive. This mixture is frost-resistant and “clings” tightly to the wall. For brick or concrete, you can take “Moment”; it is cheaper; for expanded polystyrene, it is better to buy “Ceresit-CT83”. After mixing, the glue is applied to the wall with a notched trowel, with a tooth of 10–12 mm. We move from bottom to top.
	We put a corner. Installed first plastic corner with reinforcing mesh. After you lightly press the corner into the solution, check it vertically.
	We attach the mesh. Now we cut an ordinary fiberglass mesh to the size of the wall and, overlapping the corner mesh, we sink it into the solution so that it holds.
	Primary alignment. Now we need to immerse our mesh completely in the adhesive mixture. To do this, take a spatula and press the mesh in with sweeping movements.
	Putty. Now, using the technology described above, we putty the wall. The only difference is that first we apply and lightly sand the starting coarse-grained compound, and then put a white finishing putty on it.

Conclusion

As you can see, facade putty is applied quite simply, the main thing is to choose the right composition for a specific base. If you have any questions, write in the comments, I will try to help.

“Bark beetle” is one of the most common types of putty.

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

Facade putties are building mixtures, specifically designed to create optimal smooth surfaces and subsequent application of the final decorative finishing layer. The terms putty and putty combine one concept and are of German origin, so both designations may appear in different sources. The task of high-quality putty is not only to level the surface, but also to maximize the protection of external walls from negative impact external factors.

DIY façade putty

Classification by purpose

Fine-dispersed facade finishing materials, depending on their purpose, can be represented by compositions of different size fractions and consistencies:

• starting putty, better known as a base or leveling mixture;
• the finishing version of a fine-grained putty with a relatively liquid consistency;
• a decorative version of putty that allows you to create textured decorative elements;
• wood putty used to level and protect wooden surfaces.

Depending on the intensity of exposure to external factors, not only the compositions, but also the technical characteristics of facade putty mixtures can vary. A high-quality putty must be vapor-permeable, moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and sufficiently elastic, which will allow the work to be completed by applying paint, decorative tiles, enamels, mosaics or other finishing materials.

Putties differ in composition and characteristics

The base and finishing mixture can be waterproof, frost-resistant and heat-resistant:

• mixtures with water-repellent qualities minimize the risk of condensation appearing on the surface, which can occur under the influence of rain and evaporation. This putty is distinguished by its simple and quick application, uniform distribution, and compatibility with other types of finishing materials;
• frost-resistant mixtures are used when sealing cracks or chips, and increase the resistance of the surface to low-temperature conditions;
• heat-resistant compounds combine excellent adhesive properties and have proven themselves when treating surfaces exposed to high temperatures.

Putties not only hide unevenness, but also perform protective functions for the facade

Using putty - photo

Classification by composition

Each putty mixture is characterized strictly established technology produced with a composition, the main component of which allows us to distinguish several varieties that have certain advantages and disadvantages.

Cement	Concrete surfaces with deep cracks. Starting, universal and finishing versions are available, differing in additives.	Resistance to temperature changes, affordable price, ease of work.	Shrinkage occurs and cracking of the layer may occur.
Acrylic	The liquid version levels and decorates the surface. Apply with a thickness of 0.1-0.3 cm onto a previously properly prepared and primed surface.	Good moisture-resistant material with a high level of strength and elasticity.	Not suitable for quickly repairing deep cracks; grinding requires the use of a respirator.
Latex	The paste-like composition has improved moisture resistance and good frost resistance.	Ease of use, high level plasticity and good protective qualities, durability.	Not very affordable price.
Silicate	A mineral version of a façade mixture based on liquid glass, produced in a ready-to-use form. Suitable for working on surfaces consisting of shell rock and cellular concrete.	High vapor permeability, serves as protection against moisture and dust, and has neutral electrostatic characteristics.	A minimal violation of the application technology can cause cracks to appear.
Oil-adhesive	A high level of composition density may affect the uniformity of the applied layer, so certain skills are required in finishing works.	A budget option with high protective properties.	Significant mass and high density, inconvenient application on vertical surfaces.
Plaster	The presence of polystyrene in the composition indicates frost resistance, and latex additives improve water-repellent properties. The mixture can be presented in powder and liquid versions.	Durable and plastic material with an affordable price and excellent technical characteristics.	There are practically no disadvantages when using quality material from official manufacturers.
Silicone	Elastic material with high vapor transmission and strength. Apply in a thin and uniform layer.	Plastic and vapor-permeable composition in a variety of colors.	The cost is too high.

Ceresit CT 225. Finishing putty for external and internal work

Making your own putty

If there is a need to save money on purchasing factory mixtures, it makes sense to prepare the putty yourself:

• To level concrete, relatively flat surfaces, it is recommended to prepare a gypsum-chalk mixture by mixing three parts chalk and part gypsum. With uniform mixing, the bulk ingredients should be gradually poured into a 5% solution based on wood glue. A homemade solution, mixed until smooth, hardens quickly and should be used immediately after preparation;

Gypsum-chalk putty, mixing

• for leveling wooden facade It is advisable to use an oil mixture, in the production of which a couple of kilograms of drying oil and four kilograms of chalk are mixed, with the addition of a quarter kilogram of drier. The mixture brought to a boil must be cooled to room temperature.

What are driers

Construction chalk, calcium carbonate

It should be remembered that the consumption of self-prepared putty will be higher than when applied already ready-made mixtures factory production.

Preparation of working tools

To carry out puttying work, you will need to purchase some tools to make application easier and get the most even, smooth surface:

• a fairly wide brush with soft bristles or a roller, with which the façade surface is primed;

Maklovitz brush

Rollers for priming walls

• a construction mixer or electric drill with an attachment for high-quality mixing of the putty mixture;

Construction mixer

• Several spatulas of different sizes allow you to process large areas of the facade, as well as corners or hard-to-reach areas.

If as finishing If the façade is supposed to be painted, the surface must be absolutely flat and smooth, so a well-dried layer of putty will need to be rubbed with a special fine-grained mesh.

Mesh for grouting putty

Surface preparation

Regardless of the type, the putty must be applied to an absolutely clean, dry and pre-primed surface. It is best to use primer options for putty, which will avoid plastering the surface. Universal primers can be used on any surface, but many experts consider such materials to be ineffective, so they prefer to use special compounds:

• antiseptic primers protect the surface from fungus;

  Antiseptic primer for interior and exterior use

• anti-corrosion primers prevent the appearance of rust on metal surfaces;

  Alkyd anti-corrosion primer GF-021 GOST 25129-82 for metal

• alkyd primers are good for treating wood;

  Alkyd primer for wood “BASE”

• acrylic primers are best suited for concrete and brick;

  Acrylic primer

• Phenolic primers are optimal for metal surfaces.

Primers FL-03K and FL-03Zh. Technical information. File for download

Primers FL-03K and FL-03Zh

Step-by-step instructions for preliminary preparation facade surface for applying the starting putty layer.

Step 1. We remove all external facade decorative elements and antennas that may interfere with the priming process.

Step 2. We fix all loosely fitting elements to the façade surface or remove them completely.

Facade surface preparation

Step 3. We clean the outer surface of dust accumulations with a wet or dry brush with medium-hard bristles.

Facade cleaning

Step 4. We remove heavy dirt and layers of fatty deposits on the surface with a damp cloth. Too much dirt and paint residues can be removed with solvents, after which the surface is washed with clean water.

Step 5. Using a construction roller, carefully apply the prepared primer solution in a thin but uniform layer.

Spraying primer

Brush priming

Roller priming

Depending on the composition and weather conditions, the drying process of the primer can take from four hours to a day or more.

Starting layer application technology

Starting mixtures are coarser and coarser. They are used for rough finishing of facades and have good adhesion to concrete, lime, brick and other substrates. Allows you to fill seams, deep cracks and other large defects.

Starting putty - what is it for and what is it good for

Depending on the initial state of the facade, the working solution can be applied in a layer of several millimeters or centimeters. It is recommended to apply the starting solution thinly, but in several tiers. In this case, it is possible to obtain a higher quality finish.

Step 1. We dilute cement and gypsum putty compositions with clean water in the proportion recommended by the manufacturer. Polymer compositions are ready for use and only need to be mixed before application.

Putty solution

Step 2. We take a small amount of working solution onto a construction spatula, and then apply it to the surface with a sweeping and fairly wide movement. During the application process, the spatula must be pressed fairly tightly to the surface at a stable angle of inclination.

Large and small spatula

The photo shows how to correctly put putty on a spatula

Applying putty

Wall putty process

Step 3. We immediately smear all sagging and unevenness using an empty spatula, and carefully remove excess mixture.

Wall putty

Step 4. After the solution has hardened, we perform thorough grinding, which allows us to get rid of minor defects and makes the surface even and as smooth as possible.

Grinding

Facades with strong unevenness need to be leveled in several steps.

Quickly hardening self-made compositions or solutions diluted from dry ready-made mixtures cannot be stored. They are used as quickly as possible.

Features of finishing putty

Main features of applying putty to the wall

The composition of the finishing putty mixtures is represented by fine-grained fractions, due to which the processed structure acquires a smooth and durable structure. Coarse-grained putties based on quartz sand or marble chips, designed to create a relief and highly decorative texture of the facade.

In recent years, the most popular way to decorate the façade of buildings is to use putty, which is subsequently pigmented with high-quality coloring compounds. Quite often this method is combined with facing work using natural or artificial materials.

Leveling the finishing putty

Finishing putty will improve the quality of subsequent decorative finishing

Facade putty can be applied not only manually, but also mechanically, using special equipment. The disadvantage of mechanical application is the lack of the most even application.

Main manufacturers

Putties on the domestic construction market can be presented both foreign and Russian manufacturers. Of particular interest to consumers are mid-price products with high product characteristics.

Dry mixture “Plitonit-KF”	Cement	5 mm	72 hours	At +5-30°С
Dry mix “Knauf Multi-Finish”	Cement	1-5 mm	24-72 hours	At +10-20°С
"Ceresit CT-225"	Cement	1-3 mm	24 hours	At +5-30°С
Dry mix “Glims Finish-R”	Cement-polymer	1-10 mm	24 hours	At +5°C and above
Dry mix “Bolars Finish-Super”	Polymer	0.2-2.0 mm	2 hours	At +5-30°С
Pasta "Bolars Empire-facade"	Polymer	1-5 mm	24 hours	At +5-35°C
Pasta “Profi”	Latex	1-5 mm	4 hours	At +5°C and higher
Paste “Holzer Festspachtel Elastisch”	Latex	0.2-3.0 mm	10 hours	At +10-30°C

German cement-based Knauf exterior putties are characterized by high levels of frost resistance and moisture resistance, so they will be the best option for finishing the exterior walls of newly constructed buildings and restoring old façade surfaces.

Knauf putties

Finnish putty compositions "Vetonit" on acrylic base ideal for working with any concrete or wooden bases subject to high humidity levels.

Photo of Vetonit LR putty

Domestic mixtures “Ceresit”, “Starateli” and “Bolars” compare favorably not only with their affordable price, but also good quality, and also allow you to obtain a durable coating.

Photo of finishing plaster Prospectors

Putty work can be done independently even if there is no construction experience, but in this case the following recommendations should not be neglected:

• the surface of the facade must be prepared in advance, cleaned with a brush with metal bristles and thoroughly primed;
• moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and relief putty mixtures can be applied to the facade surface only at positive temperatures;
• at low temperatures, winter putty such as “Rusean”, “Kreps” and “VGT” should be used;

  VGT putty

• putty technology may vary depending on the type of material, but the simplest and in an accessible way is application along beacons, which will allow you to obtain an optimal layer thickness;
• under each putty layer, a deep-impact primer solution must be applied, which helps to increase adhesion between the base and the applied composition;

  Choose primer and putty from the same manufacturer

• putty mixture for painting the facade should be white, since gray putties can negatively affect the decorative properties of the finish.

  The photo shows modified dry mixes from Ceresit

  Ready-to-use putty mixture

It should be noted that in the instructions, all responsible manufacturers always indicate not only the composition of the mixture, but also certain nuances of working with the material. Before purchasing, you must make sure that there is a quality certificate for the products being sold.

Video - The right putty for exterior use

Video - Facade putty PLITONIT Kf white

Putty ingredients

High-quality putty has high moisture and frost resistance. Almost any type of it contains the following components:

• Cement or plaster;
• Modifying additives in a fixed number;
• Mineral fillers;
• Plasticizers.

Often in construction and repair work putties with a large amount of glue are used (mainly PVA, but often animal, flour and carpentry types). It may also contain ordinary laundry soap, drying oil, varnish, plaster and chalk. Depending on what kind of work will be carried out, choose mineral putties, latex mixtures, acrylic, etc. An excellent universal option is a combined facade putty, which is suitable for leveling and preparing for further finishing of almost any surface, allowing you to apply a layer of any thickness and cover even large flaws on the walls. It does not flake or crumble over time under the influence of harmful external factors. such as temperature changes and high humidity .

How to make the right choice?

Video about facade putty

Properly selected material, based on the characteristics of the wall surface, weather conditions during the year and your budget, is the key to a good result and the strength of the surface of your walls.

Let us highlight the main types of putties, their strengths and weaknesses.

Acrylic putty

Acrylic facade putty is ideal for surfaces with low vapor permeability. Most often it is applied to polystyrene foam insulation or polyurethane foam insulation. These materials themselves have low vapor permeability. Acrylic putty has high plasticity. When you cover the surface with it, then practically no additional actions are required to clean it over time, because it also has an average or above average self-cleaning rate.

When applied correctly, this putty provides excellent vapor permeability, but requires further painting of the surface. Among the main advantages of this type of putty, we highlight the following:

• Lightweight and easy to apply;
• Quick drying;
• No cracks during the drying process;
• There is no need to dilute acrylic putty with water before use.

For most cases, acrylic putty becomes the best option when you need to quickly and effortlessly level the walls and prepare them for further processing.

Frost-resistant mixture

If you live in regions with low temperatures, then in this case the most reliable option– frost-resistant facade putty . You must understand that temperature (both high and low) has an extremely negative effect on the surface of the walls. And if you choose the wrong material, then after just six months you will have to repeat the same work again.

As in the case of acrylic putty, frost-resistant putty is also easy to apply and at the same time goes well with different types plaster. In fact, it can be used in any weather conditions. This is one of the most reliable, versatile and practical materials today. Often, frost-resistant putty is used to seal cracks in walls and for obvious problems with the facade, when other options are not suitable. It costs a little more than, for example, moisture-resistant, but the effect of its use is much better. Heat-resistant putty is also similar in its quality characteristics, which is an even more versatile option. But it should be used only if the temperature changes are really sharp and have a large interval.

Facade finishing

Facade finishing putty plays an important role in finishing work. As a rule, this is a dry mixture with high plasticity rates. It is intended for final finishing of the base with a thin layer of material. Most types of it are suitable for eliminating small defects, cracks, recesses up to 0.5 cm deep. It is used both outside and inside buildings, both residential and production premises. An excellent option for repair and construction work in conditions of high humidity. Finishing facade putty is also ideal for finishing interiors and facades to create the desired texture.

Other types and compositions of putties

Video of façade putty

One of the main components that affects the quality indicators of any putty is binders. Most often it is gypsum or cement. They are suitable for different purposes, and your task is to understand which putty is right for you.

Cement putties have high moisture resistance and are not only a good material for the outside of the facade, but also for rooms with high humidity. But they don't breathe well. Therefore, if you want to use them not only on the outside of the facade, but also inside the room, we do not recommend doing this. TO weaknesses cement putty First of all, the relatively long drying time must be taken into account. Depending on the surrounding temperature and humidity, it can take 1, 2, or even 3 days to dry. And you can sand it only when it is completely dry. But there’s no point in delaying this either. If you miss the moment and postpone the finishing to the future, then after a month the surface will harden so much that it will practically not be amenable to any treatment.

Polymer or gypsum putty- far from it the best option for finishing the outside of the facade. They are more suitable for finishing indoor surfaces. Polymer putty is more flexible than gypsum and, especially, cement. But in our climatic zone it is better to refuse to use it for exterior finishing wall surfaces.

There is also gypsum cement putty, which, although more expensive, combines best properties gypsum and cement, is excellent for finishing work for various purposes, which makes it one of the most versatile. This is a dry mixture that is simply mixed with water before use. But for use on the outside of the facade, it is not the best option, because it has poor resistance to negative weather conditions. This is an excellent option for interior finishing of facades and preparing walls for wallpapering.

Widespread now water-dispersion putties. They are well suited for both internal and external work, being the best option for beginners in renovation. They are sold ready for use in plastic buckets. True, they cost more than all the others, but you will have absolutely no problems using them. Such compositions have precise viscosity control, while ensuring excellent smoothness and strength of the wall surface coated with them, which greatly simplifies further painting and reduces waste of the paint itself. Even if you do not have the skills to work with a spatula, you will receive a fully prepared surface of the facade walls for further finishing in a maximum of three approaches.

The cheapest putty to date is oil-glue. But the feasibility of its use is increasingly being questioned. Many builders say that it has already outlived its usefulness. One of its components is drying oil, which some even consider dangerous to human health. Actually this is not true. But for the surface of the walls that you will paint after such putty - very much so. The fact is that drying oil seeps through concrete and paint. As a result, stains will soon appear on your facade, which can only be removed with an additional layer of paint. And even then there is no guarantee that the drying oil will not bleed through on the new layer.

But if you have a wooden facade, then this is quite good option. Oil-adhesive putty perfectly protects wood from rotting and nails from rust. Therefore, we would not recommend renouncing it once and for all.

Facade putty for painting

Any builder will tell you that interior and exterior wall decoration are radically different, both in the materials used and in the method of application. Modern manufacturers of materials for exterior finishing with putty reinforce the material with a number of synthetic resins. In most cases, it is a powder mixture that forms a free surface after application. Paintable façade putty with a high resin content is extremely resistant to weather conditions and promotes proper air circulation. Thanks to this, it dries quickly and has high degree hydration.

In most cases, the best option for putty before further painting of the facade is a cement-based composition. It is quite easy to apply and durable once dry. Experienced builders recommend applying fiberglass or fiberglass mesh to the surface immediately before painting. Although this method is more often used for interior finishing work, it will not be superfluous on the outside of the facade. But the most important thing is not to forget that before painting, the facade walls must be primed, which will significantly improve the quality of the final painting and simplify the process itself.

If you have started a serious façade renovation, you must understand that materials that differ in quality (and price, respectively) do not combine well with each other. If you have chosen an expensive material from one manufacturer, you should not switch to a cheaper alternative during the work process. When you choose a manufacturer, take all the materials it produces: putty, glue, dry mixtures, primer, and so on. This way you will completely protect yourself from problems with incompatibility of materials and, as a result, additional costs. If you see that you can’t afford to buy everything you need from one manufacturer, it’s better to lower the bar and find a less expensive alternative, but so that the components are completely compatible with each other.

Acrylic putty for facades is a ready-made mixture that is used to cover a previously prepared and very smooth wall of a building. Almost any putty for facades, dry or liquid, must be applied in a small layer, no more than 2-5 mm, therefore, before finishing buildings with putty, it is necessary to finish the walls with any plaster mixtures.

We previously wrote about what it is needed for facade plaster and recommended adding the article to your bookmarks.

Preliminary wall finishing and why it is needed

The average cost of a bag of dry putty is $14-15 (acrylic putty is slightly more expensive), and a small bag of cement costs less than $5, so it’s clear why it is necessary to pre-finish building facades. It is worth saying that cement-sand plaster has excellent adhesion to “wet” finishing building materials. This quality allows the plaster to be used with almost any type of building decoration.

Detailed video tutorial on the technology of installing a “wet” facade

Let's consider the entire set of “wet facade” complete with insulation. In this case, the walls are treated with a deeply penetrating primer so that the adhesive for the insulation has excellent adhesion to the coating. Then the foam insulation sticker is applied.

Wall putty scheme

On next stage it is necessary to putty with starting putty, then glue the foam with glue like Ceresit CM-11 ( in fact, this is facade plaster). Reinforcement is also performed plaster mesh made of fiberglass. Thus, the wall covering is leveled, and the consumption of putty for the facade is minimized. This will significantly save money on finishing the house.

We previously wrote about applying façade primer with your own hands and recommended bookmarking the article.

Before any wet finish is applied, a primer is applied to the surface to ensure excellent adhesion. After the primer has dried, you can begin applying façade putty and painting the surface of the walls.

Acrylic putty has a high consumption

Undoubtedly For plastering on insulation, acrylic putty for the facade is also ideal, but at the same time its consumption will increase at least 3 times. After all, first you will need to seal absolutely all the seams and glue, and then seal the mesh for the plaster. It’s easy to imagine how much material will be needed when facade putty is applied directly to a brick wall or when the wall is leveled along the beacons.

The “wet facade” finishing has some features and rules that allow you to minimize the consumption of expensive building materials. Using this cladding method, it is possible to perfectly decorate a building, create comfort inside it, and achieve good thermal insulation. Today, many people use this type of building decoration because it is very effective, economical and practical.

Finishing putties

Before applying the finishing putty to the walls, you need to know the features of this building material. What the rough surface is like should be used as a starting point when choosing the best type of putty, paste, dry powder, which can be either oil or adhesive, latex, acrylic or a combination.

Types of putties

Plasters differ in composition and texture

The Ceresit company is a leader in the production of facade putties

Today putties are mainly produced from silicone, silicate, acrylic, and they can also be combined. We can confidently say that the best putties and adhesives are from Ceresit. To perform puttying, use a metal or stainless steel spatula of the required width. It is also called a “facade spatula,” although it is also used for interior construction work. If necessary, the dried solution can be processed sandpaper or diamond mesh.

For putties used for exterior finishing, the main condition is high quality binding materials - acrylic, silicone and minerals, which are responsible for the hardness, impact resistance and moisture resistance of the putty.

We previously wrote about creating rustications for cladding the facade of a building with your own hands and recommended adding this article to your bookmarks.

It is worth saying that when working with these building materials there are absolutely no toxic odors, they are absolutely harmless to health.

Not any finishing putty, even the highest quality, can be used for exterior finishing. For example, the Vetonit powder mixture is excellent for finishing interiors, but it cannot be used for exterior decoration or even for finishing rooms with high humidity(for example, baths).

Application Features

Let's look at how to apply acrylic facade putty and dry mixture to already prepared walls.

It is preferable to use a mixer to prepare the mixture, but you can stir the putty by hand

When using dry putty for finishing, you need to take 1/3 of a bucket of water and pour the powder into it, then mix the mixture thoroughly using a mixer or low-speed drill until the structure of the mixture reaches a consistency resembling mashed potatoes. Then you need to wait until the mixture sits for 5 minutes and beat it again. Only after this the solution can be applied to the wall.

Finishing

When finishing the facade, the putty solution is applied to the wall with the usual wide spatula, but at the same time the mixture is pulled out of the bucket with a narrow spatula 7-15 cm, after which it is applied to the entire blade of a wide spatula. It all depends on the skills and skill of the worker. Someone treats the coating with one spatula so that after that there is no need to sand it. To speed up the application process, someone uses a construction rule in their work, and then finishes the plane with a spatula.

Finishing the façade with putty

The most important thing when finishing is not to stop the process of applying any plane, that is, any area on the wall should not have joints with the undried area that was applied earlier, so that after completion of the work there are no seams on the surface. Transitions to any protrusions on the wall, as well as the finishing of another wall, have nothing to do with this.

In conclusion, let's summarize

It is worth paying special attention to ensuring that the finishing putty for the facade is used for its intended purpose and economically, because this is the only way to achieve excellent results. All building material manufacturers' instructions must be followed. There is an opinion that “wet” finishing can be applied to a wet wall - this opinion is erroneous and subsequently leads to cracking of the finishing layer.

Facade putty can add elegance and style to your home

Covering your home with a wet finish will create comfort and a magnificent appearance for your home, which will delight the eye for many years. Modern finishing materials allow as soon as possible do almost any job. The most important thing is to use high-quality materials and professional construction tools in your work.

Putty for external use is a building mixture that has a cement or polymer base and includes mineral additives, modifiers and other ingredients. The more common of them is cement facade putty. It has an affordable cost and does not require special knowledge and skills to carry out the work. The main advantages of such compositions are water and moisture impermeability, a longer period of hardening of the material and increased strength. You can buy dry facade building mixtures for starting and finishing work surfaces in the required volume on the pages of the Bauff electronic catalog. By placing an order for a wholesale batch of goods weighing 1 ton or more at a convenient time, you automatically receive prompt delivery of the products using the company’s transport! Delivery is carried out within Moscow and the region within 24 hours. Order façade putty and receive a personal discount on your purchase!

Types of mixtures for facades

Putty for facade finishing is a popular building material, divided into different kinds according to the binder element and the stage of use of ready-made solutions. Based on the binding element, they are divided into cement and polymer. Each of the putties has its own strengths and special characteristics that make them an indispensable material for finishing work.

Cement putties for exterior finishing

Cement compositions are indispensable when carrying out work on the exterior finishing of buildings. The versatility of the material is associated with its basic properties:

1. Moisture resistance. Due to their resistance to high air humidity, putties with a cement base are used for work on the facades of buildings, as well as for high-quality and durable finishing of swimming pools.
2. Frost resistance is an indicator that allows the use of facade mixtures for roughing and finishing the exterior of houses located in the northern regions of the country.
3. Resistant to sudden temperature changes and prolonged frosts. Thanks to the presence of special fillers, the putty can withstand more than 35 freezing/thawing cycles without compromising its quality.
4. Resistance to negative influences environment and aggressive environments. Putties are not afraid of rain, snow, alkalis and aggressive chemical compounds.
5. Elasticity. Allows you to quickly and easily apply compositions prepared for finishing to walls, distributing them evenly over work surfaces.
6. Sufficiently fast setting helps to carry out work several times faster, and economical consumption of the solution reduces financial costs.

When using cement putties, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the solution shrinks during drying, so cracks may appear. It dries longer than gypsum and has a wide range of uses. With its help, they not only level the surface and seal deep cracks, holes and other defects, but also finish the walls and plinths of buildings.

Polymer façade putties

Putty for exterior finishing polymer based, like cement compositions, is a universal construction mixture used at various stages of processing working surfaces. It is applied to the walls to completely level their surface, as well as finishing building facades. Most often, among all existing varieties of such compositions, experts choose acrylic putty. They compare favorably with cement in quantity positive characteristics. A comparative table of solution characteristics is presented below:

Acrylic putties are made from acrylate-siloxane mixtures and are successfully used for exterior and interior decoration. Such solutions are easily and quickly applied to the wall, do not spread and cover evenly work surface. The thickness of the applied layer should not exceed 2 mm. Odorless mixtures are used for treating cement, concrete, gypsum surfaces, and also applied over the plaster solution.

According to the stages of use, putty for external wall surfaces is divided into:

• starting ones. Putties, characterized by the grinding of large fractions and used for high-quality, full leveling of wall surfaces in order to remove unevenness, pits, crevices, holes and other defects. Apply in a thick layer;
• finishing putties are construction and finishing compounds used for the final leveling of working surfaces before applying decorative finishing. The mixture is applied in a thin layer and allows you to hide minor defects on the walls.

Decorative mortars are also popular among builders and hobbyists, used to create textured elements and decorate rooms. No less popular is putty for processing wooden structures. Such compositions effectively prevent the negative effects of the environment on their surface.

Stages of applying putties for facades

1. Clean the surface from all kinds of contaminants: dust, dirt, oil stains and remnants of the initial finishing. Remove old plaster covering from cracked areas.
2. Apply a deep-penetrating soil mixture to the cleaned wall surface and leave the created base to dry.
3. After complete drying, using starting putty, it is necessary to repair all existing defects (cracks, holes, depressions and irregularities). Allow the applied coating to harden.
4. Apply a working putty solution to the area to be treated and level it. For tools, use several spatulas (large and small) and a construction screwdriver. Use putty for facade treatment only in its pure form. Do not dilute it with paint, glue or other mixtures.
5. After the finishing putty has dried, it is primed in order to improve the adhesion of subsequent layers to it.
6. Layer-by-layer application of the starting putty is carried out until the working surfaces are completely leveled. The thickness of each layer can reach 4 mm. At the same time, new layers are applied only after the previous ones have completely dried. In this case, the average consumption of putty for leveling surfaces is 11-15 l/m2.
7. The last stage of accomplishing the task is laying and leveling the mortar over fully hardened layers of material for high-quality rough finishing of the external part of the buildings. After complete drying, it is sanded. The approximate cost of putty solution for finishing is 4 liters per 1 m 2.

Important to remember! Never apply putty to hot surfaces. Protect your work from direct sunlight, rain and splashing water. To protect the created coating from moisture accumulation during drying, cover it with polyethylene film. If your home is located in an area with high humidity, give preference to an acrylic composition.

Both new and old houses require exterior decoration, and today the wet method of finishing the facade is increasingly used. In order to level the walls, seal the joints between slabs or bricks, and then apply the finishing decor with plaster or tiles, façade putty is used. The article will tell you about the types of this finishing material and the technology for working with it.

Leveling walls is one of the most labor-intensive and important processes in facade finishing. Without it, many other works on decorating the exterior of the house become simply impossible. For example, plastering a surface can only be done perfectly smooth walls, and overlaying and gluing insulation onto an unprepared base is impossible.

The words putty or putty come from German word“Spachtel” – spatula, the use of both options is quite acceptable, so in the further story you will be able to see both. In addition to leveling, putty performs another important function - sealing potholes and cracks in the wall. This is what it was originally used for.

Leveling a brick wall

Requirements for facade putty material

Based on the purpose of façade putty, it has a number of requirements that must be taken into account when purchasing.

• Plastic. This property is characteristic of a high-quality solution. If the material does not have it, then there is a serious danger of cracking of the coating and its destruction from atmospheric vibrations.
• Vapor permeability. The most important property All types of facade finishing materials should also have putty. If it is missing, then the fumes will accumulate under the leveling layer and destroy it from the inside.
• Moisture resistance. The ability to repel atmospheric moisture and not allow it to pass inside protects not only the putty coating itself, but also the facade of the house. Water can remain in the pores, and when frozen, expand and destroy it.
• Frost resistance. Cracking from frost or seasonal temperature differences can also affect the main covering of the wall, so frost resistance is a very important quality for a putty mortar.

Materials and tools for puttying

Classification of putties by purpose

All putties for facade work are divided into two types: starting and finishing. Usually both are required. Before purchasing, inquire about the purpose and type of material so as not to buy unnecessary things. In addition, you need to decide which putty you need more and in what quantity.

Starting

The structure of this composition should be coarse-grained and have increased strength and high adhesiveness. It smooths out the main unevenness of the wall, seals structural cracks and potholes on the facade that require repair. Often used to eliminate uneven masonry or defects in concrete walls. The composition can be applied in a fairly thick layer - up to 4 mm. For strength in starting mixture marble dust and lime particles are often introduced. They give it the necessary elasticity and adhesion to the surface of the building. Most often, cement compounds are used for the starting layer, and polymer binders give the putty elasticity.

Attention! When purchasing a starting putty mixture, make sure that it is intended for facades. It is unacceptable to use compositions for interior work on external walls.

Starting putty

Finish

The final putty coating must be plastic, smooth, waterproof, have good adhesion and strength. Most often, a mixture based on acrylic or silicate binders is used - they are more consistent with the goal of creating a smooth and uniform layer. Finishing putty is used to level the surface, and therefore the particles it consists of must be small.

The finely dispersed structure allows you to create a perfectly even base for future decorative coating. Experienced finishers recommend applying the finishing putty in several steps with a layer of about 3 mm. Do not use mixtures for leveling coating that are difficult to mix with colors. If in the future you are going to finish the walls decorative plaster or paint, it is better to tint the finishing putty in the appropriate shade, otherwise it may show through the main finish.

Types of facade putties based on the base

The building materials market offers a wide selection of putty compositions. Manufacturers, prices, types of mixtures can confuse any inexperienced finisher. Let's try to understand the main types.

Reinforcing mesh under cement

Cement

Such putties are considered the best for applying a starting layer and for filling cracks and potholes in the wall. Cement-based mixtures usually consist of cement, lime flour with fractions of 0.2 mm, quartz sand and marble dust. To improve the performance, chemical additives are added to it. The surface covered with starting cement putty looks perfectly smooth, but is quite rough due to the coarse-grained structure of the material. The finishing cement putty has a finely dispersed structure and comes in several colors: gray, beige and yellow. White cement putty is almost impossible to find these days. Since its bleaching requires expensive compounds, which increase the cost of the finished mixture. It is available in the form of powders and ready-made mixtures in buckets. U liquid material there are also disadvantages.

• The strong shrinkage of the dried mixture must be taken into account when sealing cracks.
• If the liquid cement composition is applied in a thick layer, then the likelihood of cracking is very high.

In order to prevent the destruction of the cement coating, a reinforcing mesh is applied during the work.

The advantages of cement compositions outweigh their minor disadvantages.

• Ease of use allows even an inexperienced finisher to work with it.
• Cement is a durable material and guarantees high levels of frost resistance, density and weather resistance.
• It has an affordable price and is therefore very suitable for surface treatment large area, which is typical for building facades.

Important! Never mix cement putty with varnishes, paints and glue so that it does not lose its properties.

Grain of cement finish

When purchasing cement compositions, pay attention to the brand of cement, compressive strength and level of adhesion.

Plaster

Plastering with a gypsum mixture is one of the easiest ways to putty the surface of a facade. It is very easy to work with gypsum because it has a flexible, light structure and can be leveled well. Plastic makes it possible not only to easily level, but also to accurately form corners and perform other shaped work on the facade of a building. Positive aspects include good vapor permeability, frost resistance, smoothness, and easy coloring. The lack of shrinkage allows you to make a layer as thick as you like and apply it in one go.

But there are also negative sides. If you live in rainy, humid areas, it is better to use gypsum to a minimum, as it absorbs moisture quite well and can be destroyed under its influence. On the other side, gypsum mixture It dries very quickly, so working with it under the scorching sun is not recommended.

When purchasing gypsum plaster, pay attention to the manufacturer. It is better to take proven brands. This way you will protect yourself from rapid damage to the facade and will be confident that the mineral additives contained in the composition are of high quality, which means the coating will last longer.

Gypsum plaster can be applied in one layer

Acrylic

These finishing materials come in starting and finishing materials. Having all the necessary properties, acrylic mixtures can and should be used for facade work. They are sold ready-made, which makes their use even easier. Facade putty made of acrylic has good adhesive properties, but it is applied to a previously primed surface, since the putty layer is quite thin. The only disadvantage of acrylic mixtures is that the higher price compared to previous products does not allow it to be used over large areas as a starting layer. Most often it is used for finishing.

Latex and acrylate

These types of putty materials are intended for extreme conditions and therefore they are used for outdoor work. They are even more moisture-resistant and frost-resistant than conventional acrylic composition. Its durability and ductility have earned recognition from builders and finishers around the world. Latex and acrylate do not crack when dry and do not shrink. High adhesive properties make it possible to further strengthen the protection of building walls and make the bond with the subsequent decorative coating more durable. Latex mixtures come in a variety of colors and therefore do not require additional coloring. The thinnest layer of this composition forms the ideal finishing coating. There are such starting and finishing plasters, but their too high price is their main drawback.

Colored latex putties

How to choose the right putty for the facade

The characteristics of the putty and knowledge of which material is best to apply in certain cases will help you make the right choice.

• When insulating a facade with polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam, it is better to use latex and acrylic texture. Use the same types of finishing mixtures when walls have poor permeability, for example, on concrete or metal.
• If you live in cold zones where frost is a frequent visitor, then use a special frost-resistant putty.
• Do not use oil-based products for facade work, but if you do purchase them, remember that you only have to paint them oil paint, since other paints will not adhere to drying oil plaster. But if your house is made of wood, then oil-based façade putty is a good choice.
• Try not to use materials different manufacturers, price categories and types. If you started working with one, try to finish the process of puttying the walls with the same composition. Remember that the materials may not be compatible with each other! It is for this reason that it is better to immediately calculate the quantity of the product and assess your financial capabilities.
• When calculating the amount of material, proceed from the thickness of the layer you need to apply. The thinner the coating, the less putty is consumed.

Dry polymer cement plaster mixture

Main manufacturers and prices

• One of the most recognized manufacturers in the building materials market is Ceresit. Polymer-cement plasters from this manufacturer differ not only high quality, but also low cost. They are made from a cement-sand mixture with the addition of polymer additives and synthetic fibers for plasticity. These mixtures are characterized by high vapor permeability, fire safety, long shelf life, and cost-effectiveness. In addition, Ceresit putties differ from many in color. These are white mixtures, which is rare among cement compositions.
• Synthetic plasters from this company are produced in finished form and meet the requirements facade materials. Acrylic based acrylic resins, polymer silicate and polymer silicone compounds are used for finishing walls. They are characterized by increased resistance to deformation, moisture resistant and elastic. You can study the properties of acrylic materials from the photo in the table.
• The global manufacturer of building materials, Knauf, has a strong position in the sale of plaster and putty compositions. It produces finishing cement mixtures in dry form, which significantly saves money on facade finishing. Packaging in 25 kg multi finishing cement mixture costs about 600 rubles.

Characteristics of acrylic putty materials Ceresit

The Prospectors company has proven itself to be excellent in the domestic market. It offers various facade mixtures at low prices with good quality. Weber Vetonit finishing putties have been in demand for many years. This dry polymer product for facade work has a low cost - about 600 rubles.

Multi finish Knauf

Finishing work

Technology for applying starting putty

The simplest and most popular method is beacon plaster.

• We begin to plaster the wall. To do this, let's take right hand trowel, and in the left mortar and with a sharp movement we throw the mortar onto the wall. After this, use a trowel or grater to rub the putty mixture over the surface.

Grouting the mixture

The whole process is well shown in the video. Pay attention to the technique of throwing the mortar onto the wall.

Plastering walls on beacons

Finishing putty process

The technology for finishing with finishing putty material is similar to working with a starting solution. After the starting layer has completely dried, apply the finishing layer in the same way: using a trowel, apply the mortar to the wall and rub it in. The only difference is that the coating thickness is minimal, and rubbing must be very thorough, since this process is followed by application decorative covering. You can use several methods of grouting putty: in a circle and in a running manner.

When finishing, it is important not to interrupt the process of processing the wall. Try to calculate the time for finishing entire sections of the facade.

Methods for grouting putty

As you can see, façade putty can be applied with your own hands; all you need is a little patience. By preparing walls for decorative finishing yourself, you significantly save money, which you can spend on higher quality material.

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More than half of all residential and public buildings finished on the façade using the so-called “wet” method using putty and plaster mixtures. They must have certain characteristics in order to serve for a long time without losing their appearance and operational properties.
In this article we will talk about what facade putty should be like for exterior work, how to choose and apply it.

In specialized departments of construction hypermarkets, one’s eyes run wide from the abundance of all kinds of packages with putty. Which of them can be used for finishing facades? What exactly is putty, and what is the purpose of its use?

Purpose of facade putty and requirements for properties

Any putty in its finished form is a paste for eliminating minor surface defects: roughness, cracks, potholes, as well as for leveling it before finishing.
Putty for facade work is divided into two main types:

• Starter – with a coarse-grained structure, used for preliminary surface preparation. It has increased strength, adhesiveness, and is well suited for correcting unevenness in brickwork, concrete slabs, foam blocks and others wall materials, as it can be applied in a layer of up to 20 mm.

• Finishing – with a finely dispersed structure, applied to a surface previously leveled with plaster or starting putty to create a perfectly even base for decorative finishing. The instructions for such mixtures usually do not recommend applying them in a layer of more than 3-4 mm.

For reference. Also on sale you can find universal compositions suitable for any of the listed types of work and having combined properties. But they are more often used for interior decoration.

Mixtures for finishing facades differ little in appearance and method of application from putties for interior work. But the requirements for their properties are higher.
They must have:

• Moisture resistance, since they will have to constantly withstand air humidity and precipitation;
• Frost resistance - withstand many cycles of freezing and thawing without changing strength;
• Elasticity, the ability to adapt to constantly changing temperatures;
• Vapor permeable so that the walls of the house can “breathe”.

Note! Finishing facade putty can be used indoors, especially with high humidity. But mixtures for interior work are never used for finishing facades.

Types of putties for exterior use

For finishing external walls, mixtures based on cement or polymer binders are used. In turn, polymer compositions are divided into acrylic and latex.

Each of these types has its own characteristics, disadvantages and positive properties.

Type of putty	Advantages	Flaws
Cement facade putty	Resistance to moistureHigh frost resistanceDurable, low maintenance Low price	During the drying process they shrink significantlyHigh probability of cracks
Facade acrylic putty	Ease of application Elasticity, no shrinkage Moisture resistance Strength	Small permissible thickness layer: to level out significant defects you have to make several approaches
Latex based putty	Available in ready-to-use form, does not require kneading. Plasticity. Durability. No shrinkage or cracking.	High price

What to look for when choosing

In addition to resistance to mechanical and atmospheric influences, when choosing a material, one should take into account its other characteristics that affect the appearance of the finished surface and the ease of working with it.
Basic:

• Possibility of mixing with pigments or tinting compounds to give the mixture a specific color. This will allow you to either avoid painting altogether, or apply just one layer of paint, and any chips or other mechanical damage to the surface will not be so noticeable.

• Consumption of façade putty per 1m2. It depends on the thickness of the layer, as well as on the fraction of the filler. The smaller it is, the more thin layer will happen when applied. As a rule, large grains of quartz sand are added to the starting compositions, and in the finishing compositions either ground sand or marble dust is used as a filler;

Note. Mineral chips up to 3.5-4 mm in size are specially introduced into the decorative finishing putty of the bark beetle type. When treating a putty surface with a float, these granules leave marks on it similar to the marks left on wood by bugs of the same name.

• Compatible with paint and varnish compositions which are planned to be used for decorative wall decoration;
• The period of setting and hardening of the working mixture;
• Plasticity, ease of application.

How to putty facades correctly

Like plaster, facade putty can be applied mechanically using a special unit that feeds the mixture under high pressure. But to do this, it needs to be given a strictly defined consistency; moreover, the hardware method does not guarantee the uniformity of the layer, its equal thickness over the entire plane.
Therefore, it is preferable to apply the composition yourself using a conventional tool - a spatula or grater.
Regardless of the chosen method, the base is prepared before finishing: cleaned of oil stains, dust and dirt, primed with solutions that provide better adhesion of materials and protect the walls from the appearance and proliferation of fungal mold.
Before starting work, simply mix the finished putty, and dilute the dry mixture with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is better to do this in small portions, since the plasticity of the solution decreases over time: the setting time, depending on the composition, varies from 40 minutes to 2-3 hours.
If there are large defects on the surface, first eliminate them by filling all the cracks, joints, cracks and potholes with putty. A continuous layer is applied after the patches have dried.

If it is necessary to apply several layers, each of them is dried and primed again. To achieve perfect smoothness, the finished surface can be sanded.

Advice. Do not putty facades in high air humidity or in extreme heat, when the base is excessively heated by the sun's rays - this will reduce the quality of the finish.

Conclusion

You have probably paid attention more than once to houses decorated decorative putty and painted in a variety of colors. Each of them looks unique, which is what motivates many homeowners to choose this type of finish.
After watching the video in this article, you will once again be convinced of its advantages, and also learn Additional information both about the material itself and about the technology of its use.

Facade putties are construction mixtures specially designed for creating optimally smooth surfaces and subsequent application of the final decorative finishing layer. The terms putty and putty combine one concept and are of German origin, so both designations may appear in different sources. The task of high-quality putty is not only to level the surface, but also to maximize the protection of external walls from the negative effects of external factors.

Fine-dispersed facade finishing materials, depending on their purpose, can be represented by compositions of different size fractions and consistencies:

• starting putty, better known as a base or leveling mixture;
• the finishing version of a fine-grained putty with a relatively liquid consistency;
• a decorative version of putty that allows you to create textured decorative elements;
• wood putty used to level and protect wooden surfaces.

Depending on the intensity of exposure to external factors, not only the compositions, but also the technical characteristics of facade putty mixtures can vary. A high-quality putty must be vapor-permeable, moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and sufficiently elastic, which will allow the work to be completed by applying paint, decorative tiles, enamels, mosaics or other finishing materials.

The base and finishing mixture can be waterproof, frost-resistant and heat-resistant:

• mixtures with water-repellent qualities minimize the risk of condensation appearing on the surface, which can occur under the influence of rain and evaporation. This putty is distinguished by its simple and quick application, uniform distribution, and compatibility with other types of finishing materials;
• frost-resistant mixtures are used when sealing cracks or chips, and increase the resistance of the surface to low-temperature conditions;
• heat-resistant compounds combine excellent adhesive properties and have proven themselves when treating surfaces exposed to high temperatures.

Using putty - photo

Classification by composition

Each putty mixture is characterized by a composition strictly established by production technology, the main component of which allows us to distinguish several varieties that have certain advantages and disadvantages.

View	Application	Advantages	Flaws
	Concrete surfaces with deep cracks. Starting, universal and finishing versions are available, differing in additives.	Resistance to temperature changes, affordable price, ease of work.	Shrinkage occurs and cracking of the layer may occur.
	The liquid version levels and decorates the surface. Apply with a thickness of 0.1-0.3 cm onto a previously properly prepared and primed surface.	Good moisture-resistant material with a high level of strength and elasticity.	Not suitable for quickly repairing deep cracks; grinding requires the use of a respirator.
	The paste-like composition has improved moisture resistance and good frost resistance.	Ease of use, high level of plasticity and good protective qualities, durability.	Not very affordable price.
	A mineral version of a façade mixture based on liquid glass, produced in a ready-to-use form. Suitable for working on surfaces consisting of shell rock and cellular concrete.	High vapor permeability, serves as protection against moisture and dust, and has neutral electrostatic characteristics.	A minimal violation of the application technology can cause cracks to appear.
	A high level of density of the composition may affect the uniformity of the applied layer, so certain skills in finishing work are required.	A budget option with high protective properties.	Significant mass and high density, inconvenient application on vertical surfaces.
	The presence of polystyrene in the composition indicates frost resistance, and latex additives improve water-repellent properties. The mixture can be presented in powder and liquid versions.	Durable and plastic material with an affordable price and excellent technical characteristics.	There are practically no downsides when using high-quality material from official manufacturers.
	Elastic material with high vapor transmission and strength. Apply in a thin and uniform layer.	Plastic and vapor-permeable composition in a variety of colors.	The cost is too high.

Making your own putty

If there is a need to save money on purchasing factory mixtures, it makes sense to prepare the putty yourself:

• To level concrete, relatively flat surfaces, it is recommended to prepare a gypsum-chalk mixture by mixing three parts chalk and part gypsum. With uniform mixing, the bulk ingredients should be gradually poured into a 5% solution based on wood glue. A homemade solution, mixed until smooth, hardens quickly and should be used immediately after preparation;

• To level a wooden facade, it is advisable to use an oil mixture, in the production of which a couple of kilograms of drying oil and four kilograms of chalk are mixed, with the addition of a quarter kilogram of drier. The mixture brought to a boil must be cooled to room temperature.

It should be remembered that the consumption of self-prepared putty will be higher than when applying ready-made factory-produced mixtures.

Preparation of working tools

To carry out puttying work, you will need to purchase some tools to make application easier and get the most even, smooth surface:

• a fairly wide brush with soft bristles or a roller, with which the façade surface is primed;

• a construction mixer or electric drill with an attachment for high-quality mixing of the putty mixture;

• Several spatulas of different sizes allow you to process large areas of the facade, as well as corners or hard-to-reach areas.

Construction mixer price

Construction mixer

If paint is intended to be used as the final finishing of the facade, then the surface must be absolutely flat and smooth, so a well-dried layer of putty will need to be rubbed with a special fine-grained mesh.

Surface preparation

Regardless of the type, the putty must be applied to an absolutely clean, dry and pre-primed surface. It is best to use primer options for putty, which will avoid plastering the surface. Universal primers can be used on any surface, but many experts consider such materials to be ineffective, so they prefer to use special compounds:

Primers FL-03K and FL-03Zh. Technical information. File for download

Step-by-step instructions for preliminary preparation of the facade surface for applying the starting putty layer.

Step 1. We remove all external facade decorative elements and antennas that may interfere with the priming process.

Step 2. We fix all loosely fitting elements to the façade surface or remove them completely.

Step 3. We clean the outer surface of dust accumulations with a wet or dry brush with medium-hard bristles.

Step 4. We remove heavy dirt and layers of fatty deposits on the surface with a damp cloth. Too much dirt and paint residues can be removed with solvents, after which the surface is washed with clean water.

Step 5. Using a construction roller, carefully apply the prepared primer solution in a thin but uniform layer.

Depending on the composition and weather conditions, the drying process of the primer can take from four hours to a day or more.

Prices for facade primer

Facade primer

Starting layer application technology

Starting mixtures are coarser and coarser. They are used for rough finishing of facades and have good adhesion to concrete, lime, brick and other substrates. Allows you to fill seams, deep cracks and other large defects.

Depending on the initial state of the facade, the working solution can be applied in a layer of several millimeters or centimeters. It is recommended to apply the starting solution thinly, but in several tiers. In this case, it is possible to obtain a higher quality finish.

Step 1. We dilute cement and gypsum putty compositions with clean water in the proportion recommended by the manufacturer. Polymer compositions are ready for use and only need to be mixed before application.

Step 2. We take a small amount of working solution onto a construction spatula, and then apply it to the surface with a sweeping and fairly wide movement. During the application process, the spatula must be pressed fairly tightly to the surface at a stable angle of inclination.

Step 3. We immediately smear all sagging and unevenness using an empty spatula, and carefully remove excess mixture.

Step 4. After the solution has hardened, we perform thorough grinding, which allows us to get rid of minor defects and makes the surface even and as smooth as possible.

Facades with strong unevenness need to be leveled in several steps.

Quickly hardening self-made compositions or solutions diluted from dry ready-made mixtures cannot be stored. They are used as quickly as possible.

Features of finishing putty

The composition of the finishing putty mixtures is represented by fine-grained fractions, due to which the processed structure acquires a smooth and durable structure. Coarse-grained putties based on quartz sand or marble chips can also be used, designed to create a relief and highly decorative texture of the facade.

In recent years, the most popular way to decorate the façade of buildings is to use putty, which is subsequently pigmented with high-quality coloring compounds. Quite often this method is combined with facing work using natural or artificial materials.

Facade putty can be applied not only manually, but also mechanically, using special equipment. The disadvantage of mechanical application is the lack of the most even application.

Main manufacturers

Putties on the domestic construction market can be presented by both foreign and Russian manufacturers. Of particular interest to consumers are mid-price products with high product characteristics.

Putty	Type	Applied layer	Drying time	Seasonality of work
		5 mm	72 hours	At +5-30°С
		1-5 mm	24-72 hours	At +10-20°С
		1-3 mm	24 hours	At +5-30°С
	Cement-polymer	1-10 mm	24 hours	At +5°C and above
	Polymer	0.2-2.0 mm	2 hours	At +5-30°С
	Polymer	1-5 mm	24 hours	At +5-35°C
		1-5 mm	4 hours	At +5°C and higher
		0.2-3.0 mm	10 hours	At +10-30°C

German cement-based Knauf exterior putties are characterized by high levels of frost resistance and moisture resistance, so they will be the best option for finishing the exterior walls of newly constructed buildings and restoring old façade surfaces.

Finnish acrylic-based putty compositions “Vetonit” are ideal for working with any concrete or wooden bases subject to high humidity levels.

Domestic mixtures “Ceresit”, “Starateli” and “Bolars” are distinguished not only by their affordable price, but also by their good quality, and also allow you to obtain a durable coating.

Prices for popular types of putty

• the surface of the facade must be prepared in advance, cleaned with a brush with metal bristles and thoroughly primed;
• moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and relief putty mixtures can be applied to the facade surface only at positive temperatures;
• at low temperatures, winter putty such as “Rusean”, “Kreps” and “VGT” should be used;

  

• puttying technology may vary depending on the type of material, but the simplest and most affordable way is to apply along beacons, which will allow you to obtain a layer of optimal thickness;
• under each putty layer, a deep-impact primer solution must be applied, which helps to increase adhesion between the base and the applied composition;

  

• The putty mixture for painting the facade should be white, since gray putties can negatively affect the decorative properties of the finish.

  

  

It should be noted that in the instructions, all responsible manufacturers always indicate not only the composition of the mixture, but also certain nuances of working with the material. Before purchasing, you must make sure that there is a quality certificate for the products being sold.

Video - The right putty for exterior use

Video — Facade putty PLITONIT Kf white