So, we will continue the topic of choosing dry mixes and in particular plastersand putties. In addition to special types of finishes, such as ceramic tiles, for which putty is not needed at all, and it is better to use the plaster mixture on a cement base, the application scheme is usually as follows: plaster – putty – finishing putty. It is advisable to use a primer before each application, what is it for? Firstly, the primer will strengthen the adhesion of materials, and secondly, it will reduce their consumption, the main thing when choosing a primer is to take into account the type of base on which it will be applied – concrete, a highly absorbent base (gypsum), etc., all other properties and the characteristics are not so significant, they are simply, say, a pleasant addition (moisture resistance, stabilization of a weak base, etc.).
Finishing putty. Most often it is made on a polymer basis, fine fraction and always white. It is used mainly on the surface for painting, since there is no extreme need for it for other finishing materials (wallpaper, panels, etc.), and this is a very expensive mixture compared to the leveling putty. Finishing putty can also be in finished form, but this option is much more expensive than dry mix and is not suitable for large volumes.
Very often there are cases when the customer, to put it mildly, is at a loss about the consumption of materials, namely dry leveling compounds, and the amount planned for repair categorically does not want to obey the plans. To prevent this from happening, you need:
a) plan the amount with a tab of unaccounted expenses (15-20%);
b) roughly calculate the consumption yourself (the bags contain the approximate consumption of the material for different layer thicknesses) or ask the seller for this service;
c) save on the price of building materials.
With the first point everything is clear, the second point requires decoding – such calculations will turn out to be very approximate, if you yourself are not a finisher and not a professional estimator, and the seller in any case will not know all the nuances of your repair.
The third point may turn out to be the most effective in terms of savings; you can and should save on building materials in the following ways. Firstly, discounts – on the volume of the purchase (buy everything at once for repairs in one place to the maximum, or cooperate with someone); a discount card from friends and acquaintances, including ask the hired master; sale (paper bags are often damaged during unloading, and the discount on them goes much more than the cost of spilled 200-300 grams, you, in principle, do not need your own bag as a keepsake.) Secondly, there is not always an extreme need to strictly follow the requirements of the master about a particular brand of mixture. Of course, if you are completely and completely confident in his professionalism, then, undoubtedly, look for the requested mixture. But most often it happens that a master from Russian words only knows “Fügenfüller” and that word seems to be German, or is simply used to working with a certain mixture, not wanting to try new items, or even gets a “kickback” for selling products from a particular manufacturer. In such cases, ask the seller about the existence of analogs of the required dry mix, often these analogs are absolutely identical in purpose and quality, and even in packaging design and name, but this is by the way, and they are much cheaper. Our country is famous for plagiarism not only in show business, however, in contrast to this, building dry mixes absolutely do not lose quality. To a greater extent, this statement applies to plaster mixtures and leveling putties, it is still better to entrust the choice of finishing compounds to the master, there are too many different nuances in this group.
If the curvature of the walls and your preliminary calculations showed that leveling with dry mixtures will be worth its weight in gold (do not forget to take into account the cost of priming, plastering and puttying – this is a very expensive operation), then, for example, drywall will suit you as the main leveling. But even in this case, you cannot do without putty, for sealing the seams unambiguously and finishing if necessary. The putty for plasterboard joints has a direct relationship price = quality. As an example, the notorious Fügenfüller (not a high price) and Uniflot, a putty for joints without using a serpyanka. The latter has a high price, but its quality and plasticity really make it possible to use it without a serpyanka and it simply cannot be replaced in houses where the walls “walk”. This is exactly the case when “we are not rich enough to buy cheap things”.
In addition to the so-called “working” dry mixes, there are also decorative plasters, various relief, Venetian, etc. Decorative plasters, as it is already clear from the name, if they can serve as leveling, then insignificantly and are positioned as a finishing finish, although visually all defects are hidden amazingly. Such mixtures can be white for color and obviously colored, as well as with various fillers (marble chips, for example). No matter how simple the application technology on advertising brochures and video clips looks, it is better to entrust the work with such specific mixtures to professionals so that it is not excruciatingly sorry …
Could you please provide some guidance on how to align walls properly when using dry mixes? Also, what choices do I have in terms of dry mixes, and do you have any little tricks or tips to make the process easier?
Can anyone share some tips on properly aligning walls when using dry mixes? What are the different choices available? And are there any helpful little tricks to ensure the walls are perfectly aligned? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Can you please provide some guidance on how to align walls when using dry mixes? Are there any specific choices or little tricks that can help achieve better results?
When aligning walls with dry mixes, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth and accurate finish. Firstly, ensure that the walls are clean, level, and free of any debris before starting the alignment process. Use a level and string lines to help guide you in keeping the walls straight.
One helpful tip is to use a mix that is not too dry or too wet, as this can affect the overall alignment. Aim for a consistency that is easy to spread but not runny. Additionally, make sure to work quickly, as dry mixes can set fast and become difficult to adjust once they start to harden.
Another trick is to periodically check the alignment as you work, making any necessary adjustments before the mix fully sets. This will help you catch any issues early on and prevent misalignments. Additionally, using corner guides or spacers can help maintain a consistent gap between walls for a professional finish.
By following these guidelines and utilizing these little tricks, you can achieve better results when aligning walls with dry mixes. With practice and precision, you can create straight, smooth walls that provide a solid foundation for your project.