Knauf finishing putty: pros and cons

The German company Knauf is a renowned manufacturer of building materials. She produces various types of putty, allowing you to create the most even surfaces. The manufacturer offers starting, finishing and universal putty, each of which has its own purpose.

Aligning the walls is an essential part of a major overhaul. To make high-quality work on leveling the surface, you will need a starting and finishing putty.

Finishing is used for the final stage of leveling the walls and creates a perfectly flat and white surface. Although a wide range of putties from different manufacturers is presented on the modern construction market, many buyers prefer the products of the German company Knauf.

This brand offers ready-made blends that are convenient and easy to use. Ease of work is an indisputable advantage. Anyone can make perfectly smooth walls using Knauf putties, without having any special knowledge or skills. It is sold in paper bags. The large package contains about 25 to 30 kilograms of the mixture for ease of use.

The Knauf finishing mix includes cement, gypsum and lime. After its application, it is not necessary to use additional mixtures for grouting the surface. This mixture is used as a ready-made fine finish. It is enough to read the instructions, stock up on the necessary tools and you can go to work.

Knauf on the packaging of each product indicates its characteristics, as well as the expiration date. On the putties, the maximum permissible layer thickness is always marked. The warranty period for it is only one year. The mixture should be stored in dry and dark rooms in a closed container. If the package has already been opened, then it must be used within 24 hours, otherwise the material will become unusable.

Today the German company Knauf is the leader in the production of leveling compounds. Knauf putty is ideal for working with gypsum plasterboards, which are produced by the same company.

Finishing putties "Knauf Fugen" are presented in different types, among which it is worth highlighting three main ones:

• standard - made in the form of plaster putty;
• putty "Fugen GF", developed for gypsum fiber sheets;
• finish for moisture resistant plasterboard "Fugen Hydro".

All of the above putty mixtures have different technical characteristics, although in appearance they resemble a dry powdery conglomerate, consisting of gypsum and the corresponding modifiers and plasticizers. These putties perfectly absorb moisture to create the plasticity of the mortar, so they are protected from premature drying.

The main advantages and characteristics of Fugen gypsum finishing putty:

• The mixture is characterized by environmental friendliness, since the composition does not include chemical additives.
• The increased durability of the coating guarantees protection of the corners during installation, and also helps to eliminate defects on the drywall sheets.
• If the finishing mixture is applied on a flat surface, then its low consumption will pleasantly please you.
• After using the finish, you can paint the wall or wallpaper.
• A wide range of putty is presented in different weights (5, 10 and 25 kg), and the affordable price will surely please you.

Finishing putty "Knauf Rotband" is a gypsum mixture with polymer additives. It is designed to level the walls. It can be used on concrete, plasterboard or plastered walls or ceilings. Due to its increased strength, the putty does not crack over time.

The main advantages of Knauf Rotband putty:

• Excellent moisture permeability contributes to the rapid removal of moisture, so there will never be dampness in the apartment.
• The environmental friendliness of the mixture lies in the fact that it is made on the basis of gypsum and does not contain harmful chemicals. The putty does not cause allergies, so it can be safely used to repair a children's room.
• Durability and reliability. Even a thick layer of the ready-mix will not crack.
• After using the mixture, the wall remains perfectly smooth and snow-white.
• The material is characterized by excellent elasticity.
• The putty attracts attention with its ease of application.
• The mixture adheres perfectly to the surface to which it is applied.
• Residual mortar does not dry out quickly.
• The material is produced by the manufacturer in several versions: 3, 8, 18, 28 kilograms.

Knauf Rotband putty is available in white, gray and pink. The layer thickness should vary from 5 to 30 mm. One square meter will require about eight kilograms of material.

Knauf Multi-finish putty is available as a dry mix. It is made on the basis of gypsum filler, as well as supplemented with minerals and polymer modifiers. It can be used for the pretreatment of plasterboard or concrete surfaces. This material is ideal for creating a flat surface before painting or for decorative wall decoration. The manufacturer produces this mixture in 20 and 25 kg buckets.

Experts know that to create a finishing layer of putty with a thickness of 1 mm per 1 m2, one kilogram of the mixture will be required. It should be remembered that a gypsum mixture will weigh less than a cement analog. The gypsum mixture allows you to level the walls or shelf, if there is a difference in the differences of no more than 6 mm. The manufacturer always indicates the approximate material consumption on the packaging, so this indicator should be taken into account.

Many experts advise buying a base and finishing putty from one manufacturer. Do not forget about the high hygroscopicity of the mixture after drying. If the surface is porous, then the walls should be primed before using the finish.

It is worth purchasing Knauf products at official outlets and stores in order to exclude the possibility of acquiring a fake. You should not look for brand products on the market, because there is no guarantee of quality.

To begin with, you should purchase all the necessary tools for applying the putty to the surface:

• a drill with a special attachment or a mixer designed for construction purposes is ideal for stirring;
• 30 cm spatula;
• a small spatula measuring 5 to 10 cm;
• angular spatula;
• brushes and rollers;
• sandpaper;
• for work on the upper parts of the wall or with the ceiling, a stepladder is useful.

Two methods can be used to apply the finishing putty:

1. The finished solution is applied to a large spatula with a small one, then the mixture is applied to the wall from bottom to top. The tool should be pressed as tightly as possible to the surface, the action should be carried out several times. The surface becomes as flat as possible. The rest of the mixture is returned back to the bucket. Further, with the help of grinding, the roughness on the wall is smoothed.
2. This method is more time consuming as it consists of double covering the wall. The finishing putty is applied to the surface with small strokes, then proceed to reapplying the material. This method guarantees the creation of a flat surface, so much less time will be spent on grouting.

The finishing putty is quickly applied to gypsum structures, since such sheets are quite even.

In order for the process of applying the putty to the surface to proceed quickly and efficiently, it is worth adhering to the advice of specialists:

• Carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. The putty layer should not be more than indicated in the recommendation. If you make a layer thicker, then there is a possibility of the mixture crumbling after complete drying.
• To apply a layer twice, it is imperative to use a reinforced mesh. To create the next layer, the previous one must dry thoroughly.
• After working with the putty, all tools must be immediately thoroughly washed from the remains of the mixture before it dries.
• Use cold water to prepare the mixture. If you dilute the mixture with water at a temperature above 30 degrees, then after drying, the putty may crumble.

For some techniques for finishing walls, see below.