Let us examine in detail the difference between plaster and putty

Plaster and putty are two materials you’ll frequently need when finishing walls. Despite their initial similarities, they have different functions and are employed at various phases of the procedure. Knowing the distinction between putty and plaster will enable you to finish your projects with a smoother, more polished appearance.

Usually, plaster is applied as a base layer on walls and ceilings to produce a sturdy, level surface. It’s used to cover uneven surfaces like concrete or brick, giving additional decoration a strong base. In order to ensure a smooth and even surface for painting or wallpapering, plastering is the first step in wall preparation.

Conversely, putty is a finer substance that is used to fill in tiny holes, cracks, and flaws in the plastered surface. It is the last step in perfecting the surface before painting, and it is applied following plastering. The walls are perfectly smooth and ready to accept any paint or wallpaper thanks to putty.

You can prolong the appearance and durability of your wall finishes by knowing when and how to use plaster and putty. To help you decide which of these two crucial materials to use for your next project, let’s examine their main distinctions.

What is the difference between plaster and putty?

Let us begin by highlighting the primary distinction between these construction blends.

Plaster is not meant for finishing; it is meant for rough wall leveling. Conversely, putty is used to prepare walls for finishing (painting, wallpapering, etc.), even after they have been plastered.

Both the words "plaster" and "putty," which are related to the plastering process, entered the Russian language in different ways. The first comes from Italy; the term stucco originally referred to alabaster or gypsum, which was used to cover up uneven walls, while stuccare was used to refer to plaster. The word "putty" (or "putty") is derived from the German word "spatula," which refers to a spatula, a leveling and filling tool.

Although the exact moment and process of a word’s meaning splitting are unclear, the distinction still exists. Now let’s define plaster.

This word indicates (based on context):

• a building compound (in dry form or a solution);
• the process of applying the solution (plastering walls, for example);
• the finished coating.

"Putty" means coating layer, composition, and process. As of yet, we have not noticed any differences. The distinction has to do with the task’s intended outcome, composition, field of use, and order of completion. Consequently, it is simple to discern the putty surface both visually and tactilely.

The inclusion of sand filler in the composition is the primary distinction in the plaster mixture. Venetian is an exception, as stone flour is used as a filler. Let’s carefully examine the composition from several angles to see if there are any more differences.

Composition

The two uses of plaster compositions are decorative and protective. For instance, to fix cracks, seal joints, and level out the curved and monolithic walls.

Several categories of compositions exist:

• regular (for rough processing, for example, leveling, monolithing);
• decorative (in the first position are properties that contribute to the creation of various visual effects);
• special (protective functions – thermal insulation, waterproofing, sound insulation, etc.).

The plaster’s composition consists of multiple primary ingredients:

• a binder (one or two, less often more), connecting other components, hardening by polymerization or crystallization;
• filler – granular or fibrous inert material that creates a structure that affects strength (as well as other physical properties) and decorative qualities;
• solvent – ​​water (for complex polymer compositions this may be other substances);
• modifying additives (increasing adhesion, resistance to fungus, plasticity) or decorating (mother of pearl, flocks, metal dust).

Two types of mineral binders are most frequently used for leveling (rough mixes): cement (general purpose) and gypsum (interior decoration). The type of binder determines its strength characteristics as well as the features of its application, hardening, and operation technologies. Due to their higher cost, alternative binders are utilized less frequently.

Since the volume of plastering work is usually large, one of the tasks of the components included in the solution is to reduce the cost of the coating without reducing the strength. For this reason, sand, sawdust, and other solid small bulk materials were initially added to the solution. However, these materials have particles, the size of which determines the texture of the plaster layer. The surface is rough, has a graininess, no matter how smooth the applied mass is by the plasterer. Such a coating is suitable for tiles, but when gluing thin-sheet wallpaper or painting, all the rough spots clearly show through, reducing the visual quality of the finishing.

There is only one method to achieve a smooth surface, and that is to eliminate all granular and fibrous inclusions. We get a smoother-looking dough by eliminating the mixture’s fibrous and granular inclusions. However, there is a noticeable increase in dough cost if the filler is eliminated entirely. As a result, a filler with a fine fraction (up to 1 mm) or grain size comparable to flour must be used (for example, chalk). The goal of this entirely different building composition is to create a smooth surface, similar to putty.

There are other components included in the putty:

• binder (gypsum, cement, acrylic, glue, or drying oil);
• filler (chalk, fine sand, mineral flour, gypsum);
• supplements.

Putty pieces are beginning and ending. While the second ones are rougher, the first ones are finer. Applying finishing mixtures in thicker layers makes shrinkage cracks easy to form.

Application area

Another thing that sets plaster apart from putty is this. Putty does not need to be as strong as the plaster composition when used as a finishing coating in relation to plaster. Its job is to produce a thin, smooth-surfaced layer that sits in between the finish (paint film, wallpaper) and the base material (plasterboard, a flat concrete wall, or a plastered structure).

Additionally, dents created when screws are driven in (for instance, during the installation of dry plaster) and other minor flaws can be filled with putty. These cracks don’t need to be reinforced. The choice of material is also influenced by the thickness of the leveling layer. Plastering is done if the leveling layer is 4 mm thick or greater.

The mixture can be used in unconventional ways without always being hindered by putty’s differences in properties. Finishers have learned to live without decorative plaster in favor of putty. To achieve this, combine the beginning and finishing mixtures, then incorporate color and ornamental elements (mother-of-pearl, mica, quartz sand, and viscose fibers). In this manner, you can putty the ceiling as well as specific wall sections in an artistic manner.

Difference in work

Let’s examine the technological differences between putty and plaster and how they affect work production. Putty solutions are only applied manually, spreading the paste with a spatula, as opposed to plaster solutions, which are applied during leveling and thrown onto the base with a trowel or sprayed mechanically. The putty paste adheres to the spatula with such tenacity that it does not come off. The plaster solution flows continuously down the blade as the spatula’s inclination increases.

Plaster is far more challenging to work with because k. the composition weighs more than the putty. Additionally, you must work with substantial amounts of the mixture. Plaster differs from putty in that it requires less labor intensity.

Putty keeps the shape of the stroke better because it does not slide off the wall, even when applied in thick layers. Because of its own weight, plaster mortar collapses and becomes deformed. The microvibrations that putty makes during work allow the master to easily distinguish it from plaster even just by feeling the material in their hand.

Venetian refers to the situation where the putty composition varies slightly based on application feel, layer thickness, and layer smoothness. This results from both the fineness of the filler grinding and the use of a spatula or trowel solely for manual spreading of the solution.

For putty, a rigid-plate spatula is not necessary. A flexible plate, on the other hand, works better for smoothing. The tool’s wiring will soon be visible through a rigid plate.

It takes more than one pass to apply the leveling plaster mass. In addition, there are differences in the layer compositions, application techniques, and surface leveling:

• spray (semi -liquid solution, should be thrown on the base with force, not aligned);
• the soil (there may be several layers, is aligned with the rule according to the lighthouses);
• covering (composition without sand, is aligned with grout, is well grinded).

Putty is used in one or two passes. The starting mixture makes the first pass, and the finish makes the second. They applied a putty mixture with a layer as thick as 2 mm. This layer makes plastering easier to align, and 1-2 mm of sparkle at the top is sufficient to create a smooth surface.

It is crucial that any drying lumps or garbas—which leave a noticeable trace on the surface—do not fall beneath the instrument plate when putty is applied.

Similarities and differences

Plaster and putty have different purposes, but they are both used to level surfaces during finishing work. Their compositions are similar and different.

• are a composite building material;
• hardening, they form an artificial coating resembling stone;
• contain functionally similar components (binder, modifying additives, filler);
• applied, formed by plastering tools;
• form a monolithic coating;
• internally they differ in the area of ​​application (interior, outdoor, universal);
• are intermediate works in a complex of finishing.

• size of filler grains;
• thickness of the formed layer;
• sequence in the order of application;
• ease of grinding;
• quality of the resulting surface (smoothness-roughness);
• possible finishing coating (intended for a certain type of finishing);
• strength;
• cost.

To achieve the best results when finishing walls, it’s imperative to understand the differences between plaster and putty. Typically, plaster is used to provide a smooth surface and structural integrity by building a strong, even base layer on walls and ceilings. Conversely, putty is used for surface preparation—painting or wallpapering—and fine-tuning, as well as for filling in tiny cracks. The longevity and quality of your wall finishes can be greatly increased by understanding when and how to use each material.

What comes first, plaster or putty

Plaster or putty applied first to the wall determines the order, which cannot be misunderstood. A construction rule makes the sequence easier to comprehend and recall; noncompliance results in defects.

In other words, a weak wall cannot have a stronger coating applied to it because it will peel off along with some of the underlying material’s top. This frequently occurs already during the curing phase. Putty is never made weaker than the plaster coating. The less resilient putty base will not be able to tolerate the hardening top layer’s tendency to "shrink" if plaster is applied over the putty. Hard finished pieces will break and fall off due to the ensuing stresses.

Plastering the wall first will prevent the putty from crumbling or breaking.

What should the plaster of the walls look like under putty

Plaster mortar is used, as previously mentioned, to level bases that have significant flaws and wide variations in height. By performing a cover and rubbing the surface, the plaster coating surface meant for puttying is leveled, accounting for the putty layer’s 2 mm thickness. Sanding the plaster surface is a necessary step, but it can be challenging because of the material’s strength.

Prior to applying putty, the surface needs to be completely dry and spotless. Prior to puttying, make sure the surface is primed. Priming increases the adhesive properties while clogging the pores.

The surface that is ready to paint should therefore appear even, uniform, stain-free, smooth, and dry after puttying.

Plaster	Putty
Thicker material used to level walls and cover large imperfections.	Finer material applied to smooth surfaces and prepare them for painting.
Often used in the initial stages of wall finishing.	Usually applied as a final layer before painting or wallpapering.
Can be applied in thicker layers.	Applied in thinner layers to create a smooth finish.
Typically rougher and more durable.	Creates a smooth, polished surface.

Anyone working on wall finishing projects needs to know the difference between putty and plaster. The primary layer, plaster, gives walls their initial strength and form. It’s perfect for smoothing out significant flaws and building a strong base. But putty is used for finer work, filling in small imperfections and priming the surface for painting or wallpapering.

Although both materials are necessary, they play different roles. Because plaster is thicker and more resilient than other materials, it can be used for larger repairs or new construction. Putty works best for finishing touches and creating a perfect surface because it is smoother and finer.

Knowing when to use putty and when to plaster when working on a wall project can greatly impact how the project turns out. Utilizing every material for its intended use will result in a finish that looks professional, is long-lasting, and is pleasing to the eye.

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