16 best putties

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

No construction can do without putty. With its help, it turns out to align the walls and ceiling, as well as the facade of the building under the final layer of decoration (paint or wallpaper). If it were not for putty, then all these surfaces would be bumpy and rough. But how to choose this finishing material? Our experts have figured this out. We invite you to find out the types and properties of putties, and then study the TOP-16 products that have earned a good reputation among the craftsmen.

Putty Tips

To keep your eyes open from the variety of assortment in the hardware store, focus on a few specific characteristics when choosing a putty:

1. Thickening time. After mixing the dry filler with water, the finishing material, depending on the composition, can be in liquid form from 40 minutes to 72 hours. This is called the “pot life” time, which is optimal for application. After its completion, lumps will begin to form in the mixture, and its thick consistency will no longer allow the material to be applied in a thin layer. For do-it-yourself repairs, it is better to choose a putty with a “pot life” of 4-24 hours in order to have an adequate supply of time.

2. Layer drying time. This interval is from 2 to 24 hours and affects the speed of work. After the time indicated on the package, it is allowed to apply a second layer or grind the surface.

3. Fraction size. The composition of the product includes small particles bound by an adhesive. The permitted application thickness depends on the dimensions of the fractions. The granule size varies from 0.2 to 0.5 mm. The larger it is, the thicker the layer will be to fill in the bumps, which makes it possible to do the job the first time.

4. Place of use. There are putties for outdoor use, which finish the facades. They are more resistant to moisture. They are allowed to be used inside the building. Products for interior decoration can only be applied for their intended purpose, since the material outside the house will quickly become cracked and crumble. More putties are divided for use in dry and wet areas.

5. Surface material. To seal the joints of drywall, gypsum composition is used, which effectively resists the formation of cracks and quickly hardens. In the case of finishing plastered brick walls, cement-based substances are used. There are fillers for a wide range of base materials.

Working temperature. It is possible to putty surfaces at a minimum temperature of the base from +5 … + 13º C. This affects the possibility of carrying out outdoor work in early spring or late autumn, as well as in the case of interior decoration of an unheated building.

Rating of the best putties

The best starter putties

Such putties are used for applying the first layer, after plastering the surface. The composition of the starting putty includes larger particles, so it can be applied in a thick layer of up to 12 mm, which perfectly smooths out the unevenness of rough plaster. Due to the large filler, the substance has low shrinkage. Usually, a lot of material is required to level the walls, so the putty is sold in dry form, where the package can hold 5-25 kg.

Uphill Smooth Cement

Rating: 4.9

In the first place putty from Bergauf. Glatte Zement finishing mix consists of cement as a binder. The product has a gray color that is clearly visible on the plaster to trace the application area. Approximately 1 kg of dry mixture is consumed per 1 m² of area, provided that a layer of 1 mm is maintained. Grinding the ceiling or other treated surfaces can be done after 4 hours. The putty is applied outside and has increased moisture and frost resistance. After hardening, it gains a compressive strength of 10 MPa. In the reviews, the masters like the product for its plasticity and ease of kneading.

This starting putty is recognized by experts as the best leveling quality. Due to the particle size of 0.2 mm, the substance can be applied in a thin layer of 0.5 mm, filling barely visible depressions. If there is a serious difference in the height of the plane on the way, the product can be laid with a thickness of up to 12 mm. In the case of deep surface chips, local use of a layer up to 15 mm is allowed. Thanks to these characteristics, the alignment of the walls is carried out much faster and it takes less time.

Volma Standard

Rating: 4.8

This putty is intended for indoor use in interior decoration, where processing thicknesses from 1 to 5 mm are allowed. Occasionally, up to 8 mm can be applied to close the crack. Operation of the solution is permissible at a base temperature of +5 degrees. Masters in the reviews note a rather economical consumption, where, if you try, you can invest in an indicator of 0.8 kg per 1 m². The construction product adheres well to the base at a strength level of 0.4 MPa. You can work with the solution for 2 hours.

This putty is universal in compatibility with any type of substrate. Unlike the category leader, it can be applied to gypsum surfaces, concrete blocks, plaster, GVL and GKL, as well as aerated concrete.

DANOGIPS Dano Jet 5

Rating: 4.7

This is a polymer putty, characterized by a marble filler and an astringent vinyl acetate. The solid fraction size is 0.3-0.35mm, and the maximum layer height is 6mm. It is possible to apply finishing material in dry internal rooms. The treated surface is distinguished by increased whiteness up to 90% on the CieLAB scale, which is important for subsequent painting, so as not to affect the brightness of the color. The goods are sold in paper bags of 25 kg. To process 1 m², 1.2 kg will be required. Users in the reviews recommend this putty for wallpaper, as it allows you to achieve a relative evenness of the surface without the use of finishing compounds.

Our experts have marked the product as the best due to the long pot life of the mixture. It can be used within 72 hours (indicated on the packaging and on the official website). This interval is optimal for slow work and is especially suitable for beginners who do not know how to quickly level the applied mass.

KIILTO PAGE

Rating: 4.6

The KIILTO brand offers LK starting putty, which consists of 0.5 mm fractions and a polymer binder. The composition is designed for use on concrete, brick and plastered surfaces. The optimal layer thickness is 3 mm, and the maximum is 5 mm. The tool has a snow-white color, which is convenient for controlling the surface coverage and does not affect the next layers of painting. The adhesion density with the surface is high and amounts to 0.5 MPa. Masters in the reviews like the environmentally friendly composition, where the activity of radionuclides reaches more than 370 Bq / kg. The goods are delivered in paper bags weighing 20 kg.

This is another putty, optimal for beginners to slowly level the walls with their own hands. The material handling time is 24 hours. This characteristic is relevant at an average air temperature of + 20º C.

Tikkurila Presto LF

Rating: 4.5

The Finnish manufacturer Tikkurila sells an excellent Presto LF filler, which is suitable for leveling both concrete and gypsum-fiber surfaces inside dry rooms. The product is supplied in 400 ml, 3 or 10 l plastic buckets and can be diluted with water to obtain the desired consistency. It is possible to process walls with its help with a layer of up to 4 mm. Only manual application with a spatula is allowed. Drying time varies from 2 to 24 hours, depending on air humidity and room temperature. Judging by the reviews, the masters like it with minimal shrinkage.

The feature of this material in the category of starting putties is the extremely light weight of the filler. This feature allows you to use putty not only for starting surface treatment, but also for repairing already painted walls and ceilings. You do not need to remove the old decorative layer, just clean it of dust and apply Presto LF.

The best finishing putties

This type of building material is used in the final stage of surface finishing before it is painted or wallpapered. The composition of the substance includes fine fractions, which allows it to be applied in a thin layer of 1-3 mm, ideally leveling the base. The consumption of finishing putty is relatively low, so it is already produced in ready-made liquid mixtures.

Sheetrock SuperFinish

Rating: 4.9

In first place in the category of finishing putties, we placed SuperFinish from the Sheetrock brand. The product is produced in plastic containers of 3, 11 or 17 liters. The substance is already in liquid form, ready for use. Before starting, you only need to mix the contents. The putty consists of marble and an ethylene copolymer, as well as vinyl acetate. The manufacturer allows a maximum height of up to 2 mm. The consumption of the mixture is 1 liter per 1 square meter. If the closed container is stored in an unheated building, it will withstand 5 freezing cycles. Masters in the reviews praise the plasticity of the substance, which ensures convenient filling of small irregularities, and the material does not reach for the spatula.

This putty is recognized as one of the best in the world for finishing gypsum board joints that have a thinned edge. Such places are dangerous because, due to the small depth, a large layer of finish cannot be applied, and thin material quickly cracks from drying or vibration. This will not happen with this putty.

KNAUF Rotband Paste Profi

Rating: 4.8

The German brand KNAUF offers Rotband Paste Profi internal putty, suitable for finishing ceilings and walls for subsequent wallpapering or painting. The pasty substance is created on a vinyl base and is characterized by excellent whiteness, resistance to cracking and high adhesion. Putty is sold in buckets of 5 kg. Drying time reaches 24 hours. If a crack appears after the starting putty, then with the help of this paste it will be possible to reliably close it. The maximum layer height is allowed up to 2 mm.

This is another top finishing putty that will meet the demands of any perfectionist. The minimum layer thickness allowed is 0.2 mm. This characteristic allows you to apply the technology of puttying “on a strip” and create an absolutely flat surface, on which differences will not be visible even under the light of spotlights. Masters in the reviews recommend buying this product for painting walls and ceilings or for the subsequent application of thin expensive wallpaper with a plain pattern (any irregularities can be seen under them).

Tikkurila Euro Filler

Rating: 4.7

Tikkurila launches the Euro Filler series in 2.5, 5 and 10 liter containers. It is already ready to use, but it can be diluted with water to obtain the desired consistency. The average consumption of the product is 1 kg per 1 m². The maximum layer thickness is allowed up to 5 mm, which allows you to hide the flaws made when processing the plane with starting compositions. The white solution hardens from 4 to 24 hours, depending on the ambient temperature. But you can store stocks of putty at + 5º C and above, otherwise the product will deteriorate.

This product is suitable for leveling vertical and horizontal surfaces in rooms where moisture will periodically appear later. After drying, the putty gains increased strength and resistance to steam or condensate. The composition includes special impregnations that prevent the formation of mold. The best option for surface treatment with this composition are walls and ceilings in the kitchen and bathroom.

Weber LR+

Rating: 4.6

The product for finishing, unlike those described above in the category, is produced in a dry form and requires dilution with water. But the mixture is prepared in 3 minutes, so it does not delay the repair. The product was recognized as the leader in 2017-2018 in Russia, which was established after an officially conducted survey by Promstroyinform CJSC, which interviewed specialists in construction organizations. The putty contains granules of natural marble in the composition and fits perfectly. In the reviews, the masters share that it is very easy for her to reduce the layers and the joints are invisible.

Our experts rated the product as the best in the category for a long “pot life” of 72 hours. As in the case of the Dano Jet 5 starter putty, you can work with it without worrying about spoiling the residue.

Volma Polyfin

Rating: 4.5

The goods are manufactured in full accordance with TU 23.64.10-002-88933857-2019. The mixture is available in 19 kg bags and needs to be diluted with water. Mixing can be carried out both with a mixer and by hand. The substance has excellent whiteness and retains high plasticity. The wall finishing product can only be used inside the building. The operation of the material is allowed at a temperature of +5 … +30 degrees. The layer height is admissible from 0.2 to 3 mm. In some cases, a thickness of 5 mm is allowed. The average consumption of putty is 1.1 kg.

Putty attracted the attention of experts with such a property as thixotropy. This ensures the preservation of its homogeneous state without precipitation during the entire time of operation. When stirred, it becomes rare, and thickens at rest. The substance adheres well to construction tools and does not form streaks on vertical surfaces.

Ceresit CT 225

Rating: 4.4

The product from the Polish brand Ceresit completes the category of finishing putties. Finishing agent is supplied in dry form in 20 or 25 kg. The consumption of the mixture reaches 1.2 kg per 1 m². Layer thickness up to 3 mm is allowed. The main filler is limestone, and cement was chosen as a binder. In liquid form, the substance reliably adheres to the base, where the strength reaches 0.5 MPa. Judging by the reviews, the craftsmen like how the putty hides sinks, cracks and other cosmetic defects.

This finishing putty is recognized as the best in terms of application versatility. It is suitable for application both outside the building and inside. The manufacturer also allows surface treatment with this putty in both dry and wet rooms (basements, bathrooms, kitchens, laundries). Polish developers managed to achieve increased strength of the composition due to the addition of microscopic fibers that perform a reinforcing role. If you are afraid to make a mistake with the choice, use the Ceresit CT 225 putty, suitable everywhere.

The best universal putties

This type of building material is characterized by an average filler size, therefore it is suitable both for leveling walls at the initial stage, even after plastering, and at the end. Some craftsmen use universal products as an intermediate layer where perfect surface evenness is required.

Sheetrock Fill&Finish Light

Rating: 4.9

Experts gave the first place in the category of universal putties to Fill&Finish Light. This is a polymer-type marble putty, which contains fractions with a size of 20-25 microns. The product is delivered ready-made and stored in a plastic container. The product withstands 5 freezing cycles without loss of its properties. You can buy such a putty in a container of 10 or 17 liters. Works are carried out at a temperature of +13º C. The material should be applied only on surfaces inside the building.

The substance is not as dense as other putties – 1.23 kg / l versus 1.60 kg / l for competitors. Thanks to this, the universal putty is 30% lighter than other products in this section. This allows it to be applied to previously painted surfaces without thorough cleaning of the previous layer. Due to the lower weight, the decorative material does not cause peeling of early layers, which simplifies the process of finishing in rooms where there was once a repair.

KNAUF Fugen Hydro (25 kg)

Rating: 4.8

The German brand “Knauf” offers a universal putty in 25 kg bags, which is designed for application on both porous and high-density building materials. The filler is an environmentally friendly material – gypsum. The finish almost does not shrink and does not crack, which is what the masters like in the reviews. The product fills chips and sinks well. Another distinguishing feature is tensile strength, comparable to drywall sheets.

In the category of universal putties, this product stands out for its increased moisture resistance. Its most optimal use is the sealing of joints between GKLV used in the bathroom. The versatility of the putty is that it does an excellent job of leveling differences of 1 mm and filling grooves with a depth of 5 mm. Due to hydrophobic additives, the substance will not allow water to penetrate the finish.

Volma Shaw

Rating: 4.7

The product is produced in full compliance with the requirements of GOST 58278-2018. As you can see from the name of the “Seam” series, the universal putty is designed to fill drywall joints between sheets. The product consists of a gypsum binder and mineral additives that increase strength and adhesion. The adhesion force with the base reaches 0.4 MPa. Work is carried out at an air temperature of +5 … +30 degrees. Mechanical surface treatment is allowed after 4-24 hours, depending on the microclimate in the room. The maximum height of the application layer reaches 5 mm, so the solution will hide deep irregularities and punched holes from self-tapping screws in drywall.

We considered putty to be the best in the category in terms of cost savings. With due skill, it will be possible to apply the liquid mixture with a layer of 1 mm, while spending 800 g of dry matter. But the “vitality” of the product is only 40 minutes, so the product is designed for professionals who clearly know their business.

Prospectors plaster leveling

Rating: 4.6

Under the Starateli brand, a universal type putty is produced for leveling concrete and gypsum surfaces. It can be used to finish both plastered planes and those already covered with the starting composition. The product is sold in bags of 20 kg and needs to be prepared by adding 450-550 ml of water to it for each kg of powder. The “pot life” of the finished product is only 60 minutes, so you will have to work quickly and without interruptions, or knead the material in small portions in order to have time to work out. The putty is perfectly fixed to the base with an adhesive force of 0.5 MPa. When squeezing the hardened material, the strength reaches 5 MPa.

This is one of the best putties in the category in terms of versatility of use and affordable cost. With its help, you can close up both thin cracks and subtle differences on the plane, as well as deep furrows. The manufacturer allows the application of putty with a layer of up to 10 mm.

Uphill joints plaster

Rating: 4.5

Completes the category of universal putties Fugen Gips from Bergauf. The product is sold in dry form and is prepared by mixing with water with a mixer. The basis of the mixture is gypsum with a fine fraction of 20 microns. It will be possible to process walls with such a composition with a minimum layer of 1 mm. The average consumption reaches 1 kg per 1 m². You can work at a temperature of +5 degrees. The solution remains elastic for 40 minutes, so you should act quickly. Masters in the reviews like the grayish color, convenient for application control, as well as gradual hardening, which allows you to correct something with a spatula. But grinding by mechanized means is allowed only after 24 hours.

Our experts noticed that this putty, when applied in a layer of 15 mm, does not shrink. Other manufacturers managed to achieve this effect only with a material height of 5-6 mm. If you need to remove strong differences in the level of the plane in one pass, so as not to modify the surface later, use this putty. With partial leveling, the manufacturer allows surface finishing with a layer thickness of 25 mm, which is a record for this category. But due to the presence of other disadvantages, the product ended up in the last place of the review.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.