Universal putty: the pros and cons

Hard putty is one of the most demanded construction materials used during repairs. It has won the trust of consumers all over the world thanks to its exceptionally high performance, reliability and practicality. All varieties of mixtures on the market are consistently in high demand both among ordinary people and professionals, who have the opportunity to compare one or other formulations and choose the best one. This is exactly what universal putty is considered to be.

All putties are divided into three types, taking into account the grain structure, which largely determines the purpose of the composition and method of applying the solution.

• Starting. Used for primary leveling of walls, as well as ceilings, doorways and slopes. Differs in good adhesion, durability of a covering and big service life.The particles of the main substance in the mixture are rather large, so after hardening a rough surface is obtained, which is difficult to grind. It serves as the basis for the decoration of other types.
• Finish It is applied before a decorative finish, suitable for thin and light finishing materials. The finishing mixture has a fine-grained structure, so that the use of the mixture allows you to remove minor defects. When dried, such a composition gives a perfectly smooth surface of super-white color, which resembles polishing and does not need further grinding. Finishing putty is considered a coating of the second layer and is applied to the starting one.
• Universal. The manufacturer of universal putty positions its product as “two in one”, that is, in one composition and start and finish. It is commonly used for minor repairs, primary wall leveling and finishing work.

Universal putty used in a variety of finishing works:

1. for minor repairs, elimination of cracks, chips, grouting of the joint;
2. for primary leveling of the wall, elimination of irregularities and deformations;
3. as a topcoat before decorating with paint, wallpaper or tiles;
4. for fixing plaster blocks;
5. in the formation of decorative elements of the interior.

Universal putty has a number of undeniable advantages.

• It can be used as a glue base when mounting gypsum board or gypsum fiber in a frameless manner and this is its difference from a putty that does not exhibit fixing characteristics.
• This mixture is popular with consumers due to its strength, durability and high plasticity. The composition is resistant to high humidity, temperature fluctuations and other adverse environmental influences. The coating is wear-resistant, resistant to mechanical damage. Universal putty used for both internal and external finishing works.
• The main criterion for attributing mortar to the type of universal is considered to be a set of composition characteristics in an extended range of applications.This means that its performance properties remain unchanged in a variety of conditions. Materials that meet this requirement and fit the definition of "universal", in practice, not so much in the construction market. As a rule, these are multi-component compositions and at the same time are by no means low-cost.
• Universal putty is very popular among non-professionals who started repairs on their own. It is very convenient when all the necessary work can be carried out using the same mixture.

Builders, however, prefer specialized putty, arguing that the quality of the universal composition is not enough for standard technology using layers of leveling and topcoat.

Minuses:

• Among the disadvantages of such a mixture, the greatest thickness of the layer is distinguished. According to consumer reviews, with a large number of irregularities up to 10 mm deep, the universal mixture should not be used as a starting mixture. Otherwise, you will not achieve a perfectly smooth coverage.
• Another significant disadvantage of the mixture is the high price.

Before buying a universal mortar should take into account the fact that each composition has its own characteristics in use, which must be considered when choosing a particular material.

Regardless of the brand, the putty has a high adhesion (adhesion) and should be used to reduce the time and cost. At the same time, not every manufacturer produces a mixture of proper quality. Therefore we will get acquainted with those options, the reliability and practicality of which has been tested by time and is not in doubt.

Universal putty "Knauf Furgen." It has a wide range of applications. is used for:

1. surface treatment of gypsum boards, corners and joints;
2. installation of tongue-and-groove plates;
3. gluing drywall sheets onto a smooth, even surface of the walls;
4. grouting joints between building boards;
5. puttying a porous concrete surface;
6. eliminate cracks, chips and other defects.

The Knauf Furgen putty has high performance characteristics:

1. Creates a coating with high strength. This is especially true when carrying out restoration work or installing protective corners.
2. When working with a flat surface material consumption is minimal.
3. The Knauf Furgen coating will be durable and equally suitable for any type of finishing, whether it is paint, wallpapering or applying plates.
4. Putty is presented in different packaging options, so you can choose a mixture for any wallet.

Among the shortcomings can be noted:

1. High drying rate of the material. This disadvantage is considered by many to be a virtue, but if an amateur is taken to work without the necessary work skills, then for him the speed of hardening can become a real problem.
2. The impossibility of applying a quality layer of material with a thickness of more than 3 mm.
3. Difficulties with grinding - this process is quite time-consuming, even if the instruction requires the use of No100 abrasive mesh.
4. The likelihood of spots and dark gaps on the surface, it significantly limits the scope of the mixture in those situations, if you plan to finish finishing thin light wallpaper.

Universal mortar, special composition created for grouting and processing joints of gypsum panels. Due to the rigidity of the coating, there is no need to use reinforcing tape, which allows you to significantly save time, effort and money. Like other universal putty from Knauf, This material has exceptional characteristics:

1. fortress;
2. high adhesion to the surface;
3. elasticity putty.

All this guarantees a wide range of application of the material and causes a long service life of the coating.

• "Universal". The main advantages of the putty are exceptional elasticity, ease of application and durability of the coating. The material has a perfectly white color, so it can be applied under thin wallpaper and light paint. Despite the fact that the composition is considered universal, its moisture resistance indicators are not very high, therefore, it is better to use the mixture only when carrying out finishing works in rooms with normative humidity indicators.
• Knauf Rotband. Another quality universal putty from the famous German concern.

Its advantages are obvious:

1. The material is considered environmentally friendly, it does not contain harmful and toxic substances.
2. In contact with moisture, the putty retains its strength, the coating does not "slip" and does not deform.
3. High fire resistance - the mixture is considered to be flammable, does not ignite spontaneously and does not sustain combustion.
4. High thermal insulation performance.

Another producer of universal putty that has won the trust of domestic consumers is the Russian company Artel. Their mixtures were created for leveling concrete surfaces, finishing and eliminating minor coating defects.

The composition differs from analogs in a number of advantages:

1. increased strength;
2. resistance to adverse weathering;
3. Fire safety;
4. creates a smooth super white coating;
5. the coating is not dusty;
6. not subject to shrinkage;
7. easy to sand;
8. contains antiseptic components that prevent the appearance of mold and fungus;
9. the mixture is plastic, easy to apply.

Among the leaders in the market, you can also mention the universal mix Novol uni, putty and plaster Axton, as well as ready-made and dry mix from Tex.

For how to level the walls with a Knauf putty, see the next video.