Why should you apply putty and paint to your walls? Because this is a crucial step that determines the aesthetics and durability of the walls. However, not everyone fully understands the standard process of wall putty application and painting. This task requires skilled and meticulous workers to achieve the best results.
PUTTY APPLICATION & PAINTING WORK
1. PREPARATION WORK:
- Clean off dust and mold from the wall.
- Scrape off any peeling old paint with a scraper.
- Fill in holes and cracks to create a smooth surface.
- When painting on new walls, it is essential to use a primer. The primer helps prevent alkalization, which causes white spots and discoloration on the painted surface.
2. INSPECTION DURING APPLICATION:
Step 1: Surface Cleaning and Preparation
- For newly constructed walls, allow enough time for complete drying and curing.
- Use coarse sandpaper to smooth the surface, then clean off the dust using a compressed air blower or a damp cloth.
Step 2: Putty Application
2.1. Checking the Surface Moisture
- The surface moisture should be between 25% and 30%.
- If the surface is too dry, roll a layer of clean water with a roller before applying the putty.
2.2. Mixing the Putty with Water
- Check the product’s expiration date and read the instructions carefully.
- Gradually pour the putty powder into water according to the supplier’s specified ratio.
- Mix thoroughly using a mixer or manually.
- Let the mixture sit for 7 to 10 minutes to allow the chemicals to activate fully.
(*) Recommendations:
- Do not use iron-contaminated or saline water.
- Only mix enough putty to be used within 3 hours. Mix more as needed, but avoid overmixing.
- Keep the putty mixture free from sand and dust contamination.
2.3. Applying Putty
Putty Mixing Ratio:
- The ratio of putty to water = 3 or 3.5 (by weight), meaning 14–16 liters of clean water per 40kg bag of putty.
- Gradually add the putty powder into the water to prevent clumping.
- Use a hand mixer or stirring stick to blend into a smooth, uniform paste.
- Let the mixture sit for 7–10 minutes to allow the chemicals to activate, then stir again before applying.
- Tools required: Putty knives, putty boards.
– First layer: Apply the first layer of putty evenly using a putty knife and let it dry.
– Second layer: Mix putty again with water. After 24 hours, use fine sandpaper to smooth the surface.
(Note: Do not use coarse sandpaper, as it may scratch the smooth surface of the putty.)
- Use a light source to check for surface smoothness.
- Perform a maximum of two touch-ups for uneven areas, then clean the putty-applied wall.
- Allow the surface to dry for 24 hours before proceeding with the painting process.
(*) Recommendations:
- The total thickness of the two putty layers should not exceed 3mm.
- Sand the surface properly to achieve a smooth finish.
- After at least 12 hours, use 150–180 grit sandpaper to sand the putty surface before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Color Coating (Paint Application)
- Check the product’s expiration date and read the instructions carefully.
- Dilute the paint as per the supplier’s recommended ratio.
- Maintain consistent mixing ratios to avoid color inconsistencies.
- Select the appropriate tools and application methods based on the type of paint being used.
First Coat (Base Paint Layer)
- Apply an even coat across the entire surface, ensuring consistent color coverage.
- If using a roller, roll back and forth to create a thin, even, and well-adhered layer.
Final Color Coating
- After at least 3 hours from the first coat, proceed with the final color coating.
- Ensure the first coat is completely clean before applying the final coat.
- Water can be added to the final coat, but only according to the supplier’s guidelines.
- Apply evenly across all areas to maintain a uniform color.
3. Final Inspection of the Painting Work
- The final paint layer must have a uniform color with no stains, blotches, or brush marks.
- The surface should be smooth and even, with no cracks or paint buildup.
- No underlying paint layer should be visible through the top coat.
- The painted surface should be free from air bubbles, clumps, or cracks.
- If the paint design includes patterns, they must match the specified design, size, consistency, and color accuracy.