WALL PAPER :
Preparing your room for wallpaper can be a simple or more complicated process depending on
the current condition and surface type of the walls. Painted drywall is fairly easy to prepare with
a quick wash and a coating of primer/sealer. Older walls, or walls that have wood paneling or
other types of alternative surfaces, may take a little more work. Follow the right steps, however,
and just about any wall can be effectively prepared for your new wallpaper.
The best way to ensure your wallpaper will adhere nicely to your wall is to finish any preparation
with a coating of acrylic primer or sizing. Applying acrylic primer or sizing to your wall is like
creating an entirely new surface to which your wallpaper can adhere most effectively. It also
protects the wall from the moisture of the wallpaper adhesive which can cause the wall to
weaken or be exposed to mildew growth.
WALL PUTTY FINISHING:
wall putty has been introduced in the market, it has become a go-to wall treatment for both
interior and exterior applications because of its superior finish.
There are two types of wall putty available.
1. White cement wall putty
Made up of white cement, added polymers and minerals.
Used for both interior and exterior application.
Has superior binding traits because it is white cement-based.
2. Acrylic wall putty
An acrylic and water-based solution.
Suitable only for interiors.
Binding quality is inferior to white cement alternative.
Putty or primer first?
Before you apply either primer or putty, you need to ensure that all traces of grease, stains, dust,
old wallpaper, oil paints, etc. are scraped off the wall.
If the wall is uneven or has major cracks and dents, it needs to be filled in with putty and evened
out. Brands like Birla White also offer a special solution called Wall Levelling Putty MF (Matt
Finish) to cover major undulations.
It is a general practice by contractors to apply a coat of primer before the wall putty for better
adherence. However, some brands suggest wetting the wall before application.
Brands like Birla White Wall Care Putty specify that primer is not required for their product.
That’s why it’s best to check manufacturer’s guidelines before application. You can also opt to
hire their in-house trained skilled persons for the job.
Advantages of wall putty
Most of the advantages of wall putty come from the fact that it is a cement-based material.
Manufacturers have come up with specialized solutions with added polymers that improve wall
putty’s overall traits.
Some key advantages of wall putty are:
1. It improves the tensile strength of the wall.
2. Wall putty increases the lifespan of the wall paint.
3. It is resistant to moisture.
4. Wall putty provides a smoother finish.
5. Wall putty doesn’t flake or get easily damaged.
Disadvantages of wall putty
While wall putty ensures the perfect finish to walls, it has certain disadvantages that make it
challenging to work with. These are the disadvantages of wall putty:
Once hardened, wall putty paste cannot be used.
It requires skilled or trained labour to get the desired finish.
Wall putty cannot be mixed by hand or simple tools. A mechanical stirrer is a must.
wall putty prepared for application:
The right kind of wall putty is chosen, depending on whether it needs to be used for
interior or exterior application.
To make a smooth paste, water is gradually added to the wall putty mix (never the other
way around) and blended with a mechanical stirrer.
Since the paste dries up quickly, use it within 2-3 hours. Always prepare small batches
based on application.
The prepared putty paste can be covered with a moist cloth to prevent it from drying.
