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Proper use of putty
The first mistake when using putty can be made as soon as the container is opened and liquid is visible on the surface of the putty.
PROPER USE OF PUTTY
EXCESS RESIN ON PUTTY IN CONTAINER
The first mistake when using putty can be made as soon as the container is opened and liquid is visible on the surface of the putty.This fluid is, in fact, an excess of the resin used in the manufacturing of the putty, and does not in any way mean that the putty is defective or not entirely as it should be.
The presence of fluid is normal. It is by no means advisable to mix in the liquid with the putty, since it is unnecessary to do so, and at the same time, mixing it in easily leads to air bubbles in the putty itself, which later manifests as imperfections when applying and sanding. It must be poured off and the normal use of the material continued.
The presence of fluid is normal. It is by no means advisable to mix in the liquid with the putty, since it is unnecessary to do so, and at the same time, mixing it in easily leads to air bubbles in the putty itself, which later manifests as imperfections when applying and sanding. It must be poured off and the normal use of the material continued.
CORRECT MIXING RATIO WITH HARDENER
The correct dosage of peroxide hardener with putty is always between 2% and 3%. The dosage of the hardener should be as accurate and as equal as possible every time.
Higher amounts of hardener do not affect the drying speed! Excess amount of peroxide hardener used will result in residual un-reacted hardener in the putty. This will react later (in a few days) with the subsequent coatings (base, varnish), which appears as discolouration. Stains appear in the cover coating and are called “peroxide bleeding”. Issues can also exacerbate poorer adhesion and loss of lustre.
MIXING IN THE HARDENER
Mixing the hardener into the putty must be carried out accurately so that air is not mixed in and to achieve a uniform colouration of the prepared putty. The peroxide hardener is coloured in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the putty itself (usually red). The colouration of the hardener helps us to achieve even mixing in of the hardener.
The red coloured spots in the putty (pictured below left) indicate that the hardener is not sufficiently mixed in with the putty. The application of such material leads to subsequent complaints.
USE AND APPLICATION OF PUTTY
Always apply putty onto a clean and degreased surface (use antisilicone cleaner)! It is possible to apply it in several layers, but the material must be applied in thin layers. Applying over old coatings and wash primer coatings is not appropriate! Applying on a cold surface may result in condensation. The presence of moisture in the putty can easily cause the appearance of craters. The temperature during application should be at least 10 °C. Polyester putties do not harden at temperatures below 5 °C. Applying over epoxy primer is permitted! Wet sanding of putty is not appropriate: the effects of the presence of water (moisture) in the sanding process may be reflected in the final result. Moisture residues that have been "trapped" in the putty can also cause cratering or bubbles to appear on the surface over several days or weeks.