Wall Putty

Wall putty is a fine, skim-like coating that fills pores, small dents and slight undulations. It is applied in thin coats, left to dry and sanded between layers. The goal is a surface that feels smooth to the hand and looks uniform under raking light, which is where weak preparation shows most.

Putty is useful on new construction, after patch repairs, behind darker colours and before gloss or satin paints that reveal flaws. It is less necessary on already smooth, sound walls, and over-applying it adds cost and time without benefit. We assess the wall and suggest where it is worth doing and where light sanding is enough.

Putty is not a waterproofing or structural fix. Damp or crumbling plaster needs to be addressed before it is skimmed, because moisture can lift the putty and the paint above it. Scope, coats and drying time are confirmed in the quotation after a wall inspection. Where several coats are needed, drying time between each one is allowed so the result does not shrink or ridge.