Manufacturers of finishing materials strive to provide their products with optimal qualities for the formation of durable and attractive coatings. However, it is not always possible to lay the cladding on surfaces that have not undergone preparatory treatment. In particular, the alignment of walls and ceilings will help putty polymer, which is easy to apply and provides a good result. There are different types of such compounds that have individual qualities and characteristics.
General information about polymer putty
Before starting the finishing work, the master conducts a final audit of the surface on which the decorative coating will be applied. Requirements for roughing can be different - depending on the material being laid. As practice shows, polymer finishing putty is able to form coatings that are suitable for the most whimsical and delicate finishes. This applies to wallpaper, textile coatings, plaster and thin panels. Putty hides minor defects on the surface of the rough base, which no longer appear during the operation of the decoration.
Some formulations also support structures with a soundproofing effect and warming function. But in most cases, polymer putty is still used to level surfaces in order to accurately perform future cladding. It is important to consider that such mixtures are not intended to repair deep damage. In the correction of such defects, it is recommended to use primers initially, and then fill them with finishing putty.
Main characteristics
When choosing, it is important to take into account such characteristics as the consumption by thickness, the period of preservation of ductility, as well as the time after which the main finish can be laid after grouting by grinding. In particular, it is usually recommended that the mixture flow rate is 1 kg for a 1 mm thick layer. By the way, polymer putty is distinguished precisely by its ability to form ultrathin coatings that are optimally suitable for painting. After application, the user has another 24 hours to adjust the composition without violating its structure. And after 2 hours you can apply a decorative layer of the main finishing material.
Special qualities
Traditional compositions were mainly calculated on a narrow set of properties, which was enough for a relatively even laying of the cladding. Today, putty is already a multifunctional preparatory coating, which provides a reliable foundation. Among the special qualities, vapor permeability and moisture resistance can be noted. Due to these properties, polymer putty for interior use can be used in the preparation of the walls of the kitchen and bathroom. Other compositions are also suitable for such work, but not every mixture can provide durability and protection from negative biological processes under a layer of finishing material. And, on the other hand, the material is resistant to elevated temperatures, so it can be laid in thin layers in heated rooms.
Varieties
Polymer compositions are available in two versions - on latex and acrylic bases. In the first case, the mixture is intended only for repair operations indoors. Such coatings are distinguished by ductility, strength properties, lack of smell and durability. In practice, the use is noted preservation of the coating structure and the absence of negative deforming processes. If the composition is universal, from the point of view of laying, then acrylic putty is the best choice - the finish white polymer mass will allow to refine both the walls of the room and the facade of the building. It is such coatings that are moisture resistant, which protects the basis for the finish from the effects of precipitation. But acrylic has one serious nuance in the characteristics. The fact is that such mixtures have a high solidification rate. With large volumes of work, this can cause a lot of problems.
Styling tips
The surface should be ready for putty coating, that is, be cleaned and, if possible, free from deep defects. In extreme cases, a primer layer can be applied to the surface, but only from those formulations that provide sufficient adhesion to the smoothing mass. Polymer putty is applied using a metal spatula. The optimal layer thickness is 0.5-1 mm, but in extreme cases, you can increase this value to 2 mm. Also, when working with problem surfaces, it is recommended to apply several layers. After each layer, it is important to leave time for its polymerization - about 4-5 hours. If alignment with the primer function is also required, then it is possible to alternate the application of putty and primer. This will provide additional adhesion between the layers. After laying, grout. For this operation it is necessary to use a fine-grained abrasive. At this stage, a smooth and even surface should be formed by light grinding.
Positive feedback on polymer putties
As a material for partial grouting of walls indoors, such compositions show their best side. Users note plasticity, ease of application, tenacity of the mass, as well as undemanding to the conditions of use. Separately emphasized and aesthetic merits. For example, white polymer putty looks like a gypsum panel - this is hinted at by the texture and texture of the coating. Also, the composition receives good reviews from those users who used materials that are demanding to the basis for decoration. For example, some types of wallpaper should be applied to a perfectly smooth surface, and only with a snow-white shade. And polymer-based putty copes with such functions better than other analogues.
Negative reviews
If a more detailed comparison is made with alternative putty options, then the shortcomings of the polymer mass will be expressed quite clearly. So, the owners of private houses note that it is not practical to use such a grout for exterior decoration. Of course, acrylic mixtures are also suitable for such tasks, but facade cladding is not their strong point. In any case, gypsum and cement compounds perform similar tasks an order of magnitude better. Also, dry polymer putty is not recommended for the treatment of surfaces having large areas with damage. Since such mixtures are expensive, the expense of priming actions does not justify itself. Again, it is more advisable to either switch to universal putty, or to choose a full primer. In other words, polymer compositions are more suitable for specialized indoor applications.
Conclusion
On the market, synthetic mixtures of this type are available in different packaging forms. The most popular is the container in the form of 25-kg baggy packages, which contain polymer putty. The price of such a product is on average 300-500 rubles. This is an expensive construction product, but it is more likely to ensure the quality of fulfilling the target tasks. It is desirable to choose such means and taking into account the characteristics of the finishing material. For example, even if internal work is planned, the use of polymer mixtures is not necessary in preparation for the installation of the same drywall panels or lining. Such cladding materials combine well with cement and gypsum compositions, providing higher adhesion. But if you plan to design a room with expensive wallpaper or paintwork, then the polymer composition will cope best.