Before you start finishing the surfaces in the room, they should be leveled. Different technologies are usually used for this, but the most popular is the one that involves the use of appropriate cement-based mixtures. Among others, it is worth highlighting the basic putty of "Prospectors", which meets the relevant requirements for such building mixtures. Firstly, the composition is easy to apply. Secondly, it is quite simple to process. Thirdly, with its help it is possible to form a moisture resistant durable coating.
What was in the beginning
The production of such mixtures, which are ready for use, began by the company "Prospectors" back in the nineties. Technologists have taken as a basis samples of imported mixtures that have proven themselves in the work. The base is made of cement and sand. Fillers are modifiers and plasticizers.
Description
The basic putty "Prospectors" is a dry mixture of white cement, which expands the scope and accelerates the time of work. If we make a comparison with plasters based on gray Portland cement, the described composition has a light beige color, so the finish can be started immediately after the starting putty has dried.
If we consider the product by composition, then Prospectors can be attributed to dry plasters. However, one of the important differences here is the plasticity, which is characteristic of putties. This indicates versatility. The mixture combines moisture resistance, leveling properties that are characteristic of gypsum putties and plasters.
Using the basic putty “Prospectors”, you can take advantage of another important advantage, which is expressed in the possibility of gluing wallpaper without additional puttying of the starting layer. This saves money and time.
The composition of the described mixture has purified sand, the fraction size of which is 0.4 mm. The recipe involves the addition of gypsum and ground clinker. There are additives in the mixture that prevent shrinkage and improve elasticity, and also contribute to the repulsion of moisture. The mixture contains polymer plasticizers and additives.
Starting putty is a modified mixture, because marble flour, fine sand and cellulose ethers are added to it, which helps to retain moisture and allows you to apply the composition in a layer up to one centimeter.
Basic properties and reviews about them
The basic putty "Prospectors" is made on the basis of the recipe, which is time-tested. Among the main properties of the product can be identified:
- plastic;
- water tightness;
- high adhesion.
With regard to ductility, the mixture can be smeared with a continuous thin layer, which is the main advantage. Application can be carried out using putty tools as a spatula or grater. On large planes, the composition is leveled without slipping and scoring.
Reading reviews of the basic putty “Prospectors”, you can understand that it is often compared with gypsum putties, which have less impressive adhesion to a primed surface. Consumers also like water resistance. When dried, the layer does not form pores. It is easy to grind until the grooves and tubercles disappear.
You can use the material both outside and indoors. It does not crack if applied in a thick layer. The mixture does not shrink. In this regard, according to consumers, you can use it to align walls with large differences and flaws.
Specifications and Consumption
The characteristics of the basic putty "Prospectors" are truly outstanding. This makes the mixture so popular among consumers. The operating temperature range is quite extensive and varies from +5 ˚ to +30 ˚. The basic putty "Prospectors", the technical characteristics of which are described in the article, begins to set in 1.5 hours after preparation.
In order to obtain the optimal consistency, it is necessary to mix a kilogram of the mixture with 0.3 liters of water. The applied layer should have a thickness of up to 10 mm in one pass. You may also be interested in the strength of adhesion to the base, which is 0.25 MPa. The consumption of the basic putty "Prospectors" per 1 m2 is 1 kg. This figure is true if the thickness of the applied layer is 1 mm.
Application Tips: Surface Preparation
Working with any mixture of the type of plaster, you can achieve a good result if you properly prepare the surface. On the walls should not be crumbling areas. If the coating peels off, it is removed. Painted walls are cleaned with graters, scrapers and rags. Previously, the layer must be softened with a construction hairdryer.
Brick or concrete walls are cleaned of spray, mortar, lime and cement milk. The base should be cleaned of dust. For this purpose compressor units are not usually used, wide brushes are better suited. Cracks should be cleaned to remove crumbling material and putty.
At the final stage of preparation, it is necessary to apply a primer. It is selected depending on the porosity of the base. For foam concrete, for example, deep penetration primer is suitable. For ordinary concrete, acrylic-based film-forming compounds should be purchased.
How to knead and apply a solution
To knead the mortar, it is recommended to assemble a plastic container with a smooth inner surface. Water is poured there, and then a dry mixture is poured. This sequence must be observed, because otherwise you will have to fight with lumps. A small amount of the mixture must be stirred manually. But to cope with a large volume is possible only with the help of a mixer.
The amount of solution is calculated from the amount of work that you plan to complete in an hour and a half. Putty is mixed twice. After falling asleep, the mixture is stirred with a mixer until the dry lumps get wet. The solution is then left for 5 minutes, then the procedure is repeated. These simple manipulations allow the mixture to ripen.