Do-it-yourself putty on wall corners

Learning how to properly apply putty to wall corners is one of the most important skills for any do-it-yourselfer. The final look of your walls can be greatly improved by learning how to achieve smooth, perfect corners, whether you’re remodeling a space or doing small repairs. You can easily complete this task on your own by following this guide, which will walk you through the process.

While putty application on corners of walls can initially seem difficult, it is completely manageable with the correct tools and methods. The secret is to proceed methodically and patiently while making sure that every layer is smooth and evenly blended. Since preparation is key, let’s start by talking about how to prepare your surfaces for putty application.

After your walls are ready, we’ll begin the meticulous putty application procedure. We’ll go over everything you need to know, from mixing the compound to using the right tools for a smooth finish. You can create professional-looking corners that improve the overall appearance of your home by following these instructions.

Lastly, we’ll offer some pointers and advice to help you steer clear of typical blunders and get the greatest outcomes. You’ll quickly gain confidence in your capacity to manage putty work on wall corners like a pro with a little perseverance and practice. Thus, prepare to transform your walls with your hands by rolling up your sleeves.

Tools

You will need to get ready the following tools and supplies in order to do puttying work:

• two straight spatulas with a width of 100 and 250 mm;

• a special corner spatula made of two plates located at right angles;

• drill with a blade attachment for mixing the working solution;

• sanding float complete with sanding mesh P100-P120;

• bubble building level;
• measuring angle;
• plaster rule or flat lath 2000 mm long;
• knife and pencil;
• stepladder or small table.

Priming is necessary to improve adhesion and secure the wall’s surface, and to do it, you’ll need a paintbrush and a pump room—we discussed the necessity of this step here.

Gaining proficiency in the application of putty on wall corners can help you save time and money on remodeling projects. This comprehensive manual will lead you through every stage of the procedure, from surface preparation to attaining a polished, flawless appearance. Our simple-to-follow advice will empower you to take on this project with confidence, regardless of your level of experience with do-it-yourself projects. This will guarantee that your wall corners are perfect and well-finished.

Materials

Selecting the right putty mixture—which is available in dry or ready-to-use form—is crucial. While ready-made formulations are easier to use because the manufacturer provides an ideal thickness solution right away, dry formulations are more expensive.

All putties are separated into gypsum and cement categories based on the type of binder used. Moisture-resistant cement-based compositions are used to finish corners in kitchens and bathrooms. Such mixtures’ primary drawback is the possibility of tiny cracks developing during the drying process.

Plaster putties are applied thinner, have a finer grind, and set quickly, requiring the performer to prepare the working solution in tiny amounts.

The following are putty mixtures categorized by purpose:

• starting, for initial rough alignment;
• finishing, for fine decorative finishing for painting;
• universal, most suitable for filling corners.

The original condition of the corner surfaces should be taken into consideration when selecting the base material type. Beginning compositions enable the use of a layer that is thicker. If the corners are relatively even, all that is needed to finish them is the finishing mixture. If you’re having trouble deciding, get ready-to-use universal putty.

To ensure easy and high-quality puttying of wall corners, buy deep penetration primer, serpyanka (polymer plaster mesh, 100-150 mm wide), and plastic or metal perforated corners in addition to mortar. The thickness of a mesh should be considered when buying one. Plastering walls requires a thinner material, while puttying corners requires a thicker one.

Preparatory work

Initially, the corners’ surfaces are visually inspected, and any visible flaws are removed with a spatula, a sturdy knife, and occasionally a chisel and hammer. Following that, the surface’s plane and level are examined by the level and rule. Where there are notable deviations, pencil marks need to be placed.

The wall has to be painted with liquid primer next. Once it dries, wait and repeat the process. As a result, the surface will become stronger, absorb less moisture, and have a higher degree of putty adhesion to the wall. This brings the preparations to a close.

Corner filling technology

Curved, internal, and external corners can be identified based solely on appearance. Every variety has a unique finishing and forming technology. In particular, you should think about puttying the wall’s corner where it meets the ceiling.

External

It is convenient to use special corner pads with perforated shelves to make it easier to putty an external right corner with your hands. Plastic or galvanized steel are used to make them. Plastic corners are more useful because they are not prone to corrosion, which in the case of metal can eventually cause traces to appear on the wall’s surface.

The following is the work order:

1. apply a thin layer of putty along the entire height of the corner;
2. attach the perforated corner to the surface and press it into the solution;
3. using a building level, check the vertical position and overall correctness of the fit;
4. in case of deviations, level the position of the corner by applying putty under it;
5. wait until the solution sets and then apply the putty solution to the surface of the wall on both sides of the corner.

Primer should be applied twice after the putty has dried and the surface should be cleaned with an abrasive mesh. It is possible for cement mortars to slightly shrink. This can be fixed by adding a thin layer of the mixture and sanding the area once more.

Internal corners

Tie up interior corners is a little trickier. Particularly when their sizes deviate from 90°. Keep in mind that the putty layer shouldn’t be thicker than two to three millimeters when working. Big disparities only line up with traditional plastering.

Apply putty from the corner in the direction of the wall’s plane. The corner vertical is frequently stacked higher or lower. Consequently, it is necessary to continuously check the surface for this parameter during finishing. Here, the plastering is done on each wall independently.

Using a spatula to level the solution and achieve the perfect angle is a very challenging task. Sanding each wall separately to a high shine is the way to go. Plaster abrasive mesh Nos. 100–120 is the recommended mesh for grouting.

Curvilinear corners of arches

Building material manufacturers create flexible plaster corners specifically for arched areas. One of their shelves can be bent in a straight line because it has slits running the length of it. Other than that, finishing exterior corners and puttying curved surfaces use the same technologies.

Where walls meet the ceiling

Internal corners also exist between the walls and the ceiling. Their finishing is unique in that perforated plaster corners are not utilized, and putty is applied only after wall plastering is finished. The solution should be applied to the ceiling in the smallest possible layer.

Considering that floor slabs are typically flat anyhow, the primary goal of the leveling process is to create a flat wall surface. It is best to think about a suspended or suspended ceiling if the slabs differ in installation height; in that case, puttying won’t be necessary.

Although applying putty to wall corners can initially seem difficult, it is completely doable with the correct tools and methods. Practice and patience are essential. Assemble all required supplies first, and make sure your wall surfaces are dry and clean. Apply the putty slowly and evenly, paying attention to the corners to ensure they are crisp and clean.

Keep in mind that with every try, your work will get better. Initial errors shouldn’t deter you; they are a necessary part of learning. Spend time sanding as it is essential to a smooth finish. If you want to minimize damage to the putty and increase your workload, use fine-grit sandpaper.

When you’re happy with the putty’s smoothness, prime and paint can be applied. Surfaces that have been properly primed will look more polished in the end. Select high-quality paint and primer for optimal effects. By adding these final touches, you’ll protect your work and improve the way your walls look overall.

You can achieve long-lasting, professional-looking corners by following these steps. When completed properly, this task can greatly enhance the durability and appearance of your walls. Your DIY putty project can completely change the appearance and atmosphere of your house with a little work and attention to detail.

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