Before giving an answer which putty is better, gypsum or polymer, it is necessary to study the properties and composition of each option. Only having figured out how polymer putty differs from gypsum putty, and comparing their operational characteristics, it will be possible to draw the correct conclusion.
Features and specifications
Gypsum putty
To prepare a gypsum-based working mixture, use:
- gypsum (in some cases alabaster);
- water soluble polymers;
- mineral fillers.
Due to the use of gypsum, marble flour and quartz white sand, the mixture has a white color, in some cases light yellowing is allowed.
Depending on the size of the fractions, putty is divided into two types:
- Homepage. Its purpose is to hide small surface defects, remove cracks and chips of the base, therefore, large fractions of bulk materials are used in the composition of the starting mixture. It serves as the basis for the final leveling layer.
- Home. To obtain a flat and smooth surface, only fine fractions of bulk materials and special plasticizers are added to this putty. Application - finishing. On the finished surface, you can glue wallpaper or apply paint.
Scope of gypsum putty:
- elimination of minor defects (chips, cracks);
- masking of joints of sheet material;
- alignment of the bases for subsequent pasting or painting;
- stucco molding on the ceiling;
- decoration of arches, cornices and columns.
Manufacturers most often produce this type of putty in bags of 20-25 kg. For subsequent dilution of the material with water to the desired consistency, follow the instructions printed on the package. In some cases, it is possible to purchase a ready-made pasty mixture in a plastic container.
When working with gypsum-based solutions, it is necessary to prepare them in small portions, since the mixture dries out within 30-40 minutes. Dry mixes can be stored for at least 1 year.
Given the hygroscopicity of the basic material, the use of this type of putty is possible only in rooms with normal humidity, and they will not be suitable for a toilet, bathroom or kitchen. The finished surface “breathes”, letting in fumes.
Application of gypsum putties is possible on the following bases:
- drywall;
- wood;
- concrete;
- brick.
Polymer putty
The following materials are used to prepare the working mixture based on polymers:
- as the main component - acrylic, polymer cement or latex;
- fine-grained mineral fillers.
The difference between polymer putty and gypsum putty lies in the chemical method of manufacturing dry matter.
The following surfaces can serve as a basis for applying this material:
- drywall;
- concrete;
- plaster;
- plywood and particleboard.
For metal surfaces this type of putty is not applicable.
Is it possible to apply polymer on gypsum putty? The answer is affirmative - polymer compositions have excellent adhesion with almost any substrates, therefore they are often used as a finishing layer for an already laid starting layer of another material. In addition, these leveling mixtures can be used in rooms with humidity above the norm - this is a significant difference between the gypsum and polymer base.
Polymeric materials allow you to get a sturdy surface with perfectly white color, which is suitable for wallpapering and painting.
Polymeric compositions most often go on sale in finished form. Packing putty at the factory in plastic containers of various capacities. Such material is completely ready for application on walls. When you open the package in a room with room temperature, the finished mixture does not lose its characteristics within 2-3 days.
For the preparation of putty, dry mixes and water are independently used. The ratio of water and powder, as well as the rules for the preparation of the solution are indicated on the package. Manufacturers pack dry mixtures in 20 or 25 kg paper bags.
When using putty to align the external walls, it should be borne in mind that for these purposes you need to choose an acrylic or polymer-cement mixture, because latex-based material cannot cope with the aggressive external effects of precipitation and temperature changes.
When choosing what is best for leveling walls, you should consider the advantages of polymer compositions:
- universality of application (exception alignment of metal surfaces);
- better adhesion with any bases, in comparison with other types of putties;
- immunity to high humidity;
- lack of an unpleasant smell;
- polymers allow to obtain surfaces with the highest strength characteristics;
- immunity to temperature jumps;
- lack of shrinkage during the set of strength;
- immunity to the action of chemical compounds;
- the finished solution can be stored for at least 10 hours;
- the mixture includes only environmentally friendly materials;
- does not require special skills when applying, a beginner finisher will cope.
Comparison of gypsum and polymer putties
A comparative analysis of the characteristics will help determine whether gypsum or polymer putty should be used in specific conditions:
- when using polymer compositions in rooms with high humidity, it should be remembered that this material is not hygroscopic and contributes to the accumulation of moisture on the surface. The gypsum base absorbs excess moisture, regulating the general level in the room, but with excessive moisture the gypsum base is destroyed;
- in terms of vapor permeability, the situation is similar - polymer compositions, in contrast to gypsum, almost do not let steam pass through;
- gypsum-based putty is more plastic;
- the level of environmental safety of gypsum solutions is higher than polymer;
- You can distinguish polymeric materials from gypsum on a perfectly white finished surface. In gypsum mixtures, slight yellowness may be present, and therefore, for important objects, polymer compositions should be chosen;
- the cost of polymeric materials is higher than gypsum.
What putty and in which case it is better to choose
The choice of type of leveling mixture depends on the base material.
Wooden surfaces
To prepare the surface of wood for decoration, use polymer compositions. They have excellent adhesion to plywood or chipboard, but before applying putty. the tree should be treated with antiseptic impregnations.
Drywall
In living rooms and office spaces, standard plaster mixes are usually used for leveling. For the processing of drywall, it is not necessary to apply a starting layer, but before finishing, it is necessary to repair the seams and attachment points of the sheets. The joints are embroidered at an angle of 45 degrees, glued on a sickle and filled with putty.
The use of expensive polymer mixtures is recommended only in rooms with high humidity, where a moisture-proof drywall is mounted.
Concrete
For the alignment of concrete and brick walls and ceilings, any type of mixture can be used, but the operating conditions of the premises should be taken into account. For rooms with humidity above the norm, polymeric materials are suitable, and for rooms with normal humidity, gypsum-based leveling mixtures can be used.
For outdoor use, only acrylic-based polymer compounds are used.