Putty is one of the most famous and frequently used finishing materials. With its help, leveling of surfaces, primer, sealing of seams and even finishing decoration are carried out. A new generation of PVA-based putties is radically different from previous formulations in a number of operational parameters that determine the specifics of this coating.
What is PVA?
This tool is widely known as an adhesive, but in relation to putty it is necessary to talk about a variety of composition based on polyvinyl acetate diluted with special additives. Unlike clerical PVA, building modifications are distinguished by higher adhesive ability, strength and resistance to external influences. Accordingly, a PVA-based putty of this type has several improved qualities that allow bonding coarse and poorly interacting materials with foreign structures. The adhesive contains special plasticizers with thickeners and solvents, as well as stabilizing ingredients, due to which, in particular, the reliability of laying the solution, its water resistance and setting speed after application are increased.
Purpose of putty with PVA
Despite the fact that the function of bonding two foreign materials is auxiliary to ordinary putty, in this case the main emphasis is placed on it. Performing tasks such as leveling and priming on concrete and brick surfaces is more efficiently realized thanks to the binder component. The purpose of the putty made of polyvinyl acetate is still the interior finish of surfaces that are planned to be further processed by whitewashing, painting or other finishing coatings. More importantly, an increase in strength indicators allows the use of PVA-based putty for floors laid out including of wood. The restoration of load-bearing lags or boards with the help of polyvinyl acetate allows you to align the geometry of the flooring, as well as eliminate the foci of biological damage, without resorting to a complete replacement of the coating. Another thing is that this should be a special composition of adhesive putty with additives that provide biological restoration of the structure.
Homemade putty with PVA
Putty agents today perform many tasks that require special combinations of the ingredients of the composition, which confirms the same example with the strengthening of wood. Therefore, the fashion applies to individual formulations of these formulations with the expectation of a specific set of components and at the same time the exclusion of unnecessary additions. Also, do not forget that ready-made putty based on PVA is not cheap - about 25-30 rubles / kg. Obviously, a homemade solution will cost less.
So, what exactly can you do with your own hands from polyvinyl acetate? The simplest option is to combine PVA with chalk, which will act as a filler. In its pure form, such a combination can be used as a finishing putty, and for rough work with covering large areas it should be diluted with sawdust or shavings. Another recipe involves the addition of water-soluble varnish to the aforementioned composition. A feature of this mixture will be higher elasticity, which is more likely to work in the finishing of delicate surfaces.
Surface preparation for the application of putty
Before starting work, special preparatory measures must be performed. These include the removal of deep defects with cracks, dents and chips, abrasive dusting and the removal of grease stains. Moreover, at the very beginning it will be useful to conduct surface troubleshooting with the identification of weak areas that can provoke the collapse of the old coating when exposed to external influences. Further, the restoration of the structure is carried out by cement-based plaster or special primers. It is impractical to use PVA-based putty for such tasks, as this is a more delicate and precise way of preparing the surface for further decorative finishing work. As for stubborn greasy and oily stains, they can be fought with acetone, white spirit or other organic solvents.
Application Technique
The main working tool is a spatula, and it will be useful to have a wide and narrow model on hand. The first will help in decorating large areas, and the second will facilitate the spot repair of defective areas. The technique for applying PVA-based putty is similar to laying plaster, but adjusted for a smaller volume. It also distributes the mass throughout the work area with uniform movements. If bumps or dents still remain, they must be completely filled. It is recommended to close the newly opened cracks with a mounting gun using polyurethane foam or sealant. The optimal layer of putty is 0.5 mm. It takes about 24 hours to fully gain strength for the subsequent stages of finishing at this thickness.
Material benefits
The main advantages of putty with PVA glue include high plasticity, versatility and many positive effects that are already apparent during the operation of the finished cladding. The material retains the original coating structure, not succumbing to abrasion and other mechanical influences. As noted in the reviews of putty based on PVA, there are pluses of a practical property for plasterers. In particular, the material does not get dirty, does not smell and easily fits in a given shape without causing any inconvenience to the distribution of mass on the surface.
Material flaws
The inclusion of polyvinyl acetate in the composition of traditional putty provided her with several weaknesses. These include the following:
- Restrictions on use. Such coatings are not recommended for use in rooms where high humidity prevails or it is planned to lay tiles.
- Long drying period. As already noted, PVA-based putty passes through a polymerization period of about a day, while traditional formulations can also dry in a few hours, which reduces the time it takes to carry out work activities.
- High training requirements. PVA glue is extremely sensitive to the state of the surface on which it is applied. Therefore, high adhesion can only be achieved if the working base is thoroughly cleaned.
Conclusion
The practice of using PVA glue in construction and finishing works is not new, but in combination with filling and leveling mixtures it began to be widely used only a few years ago. During this time, special groups of this material were formed. For example, especially for interior delicate work, latex putty based on PVA is recommended, which, in particular, is optimal as a substrate for paint and wallpaper. If the emphasis is on the protective qualities of the walls, it is preferable to give preference to acrylic adhesive putties, and for street use there is a special segment of facade mixes based on the same basis from polyvinyl acetate. By the way, the advantages of the additives accompanying the PVA components are especially pronounced on the surfaces of the exterior cladding of the house, where emphasis is placed on rigid adhesion between the coatings and good adhesion.