When renovating a home, office, or commercial space in Singapore, one of the most critical steps before painting is properly preparing the walls. This is where wall plaster and wall putty come into play. Although these two materials are often confused, they serve very different purposes.
Understanding the differences between wall plaster and wall putty is essential if you want long-lasting paintwork, smooth surfaces, and protection against cracks, moisture, and uneven texture.
As one of Singapore’s leading painting and wall preparation specialists, Best Painting SG provides both plastering and putty services to ensure your walls are perfectly smooth and ready for painting. Whether you’re upgrading your home or fixing wall defects in a commercial property, choosing the right material makes a big difference in quality and cost-effectiveness.
What Is Wall Plaster?
Wall plaster is a thick, cement-based mixture applied to walls to create a strong, level, and durable surface. It is usually used during construction or major renovation, especially when walls are:
- Uneven
- Rough
- Damaged
- Cracked
- Hollow-sounding
- Breaking apart due to moisture
Plastering is considered a structural preparation layer, meaning it forms the base layer that strengthens the wall.
Common Uses of Wall Plaster:
- Creating a brand-new smooth wall surface
- Fixing severely damaged walls
- Leveling uneven walls and ceilings
- Covering large cracks and dents
- Repairing moisture-damaged walls
- Restoring old HDB, condo, or landed house walls
Thickness of Application
Plaster is often applied at a thickness of 6–18 mm, depending on the wall condition.
Pros of Wall Plaster
- Strong, durable, long-lasting
- Ideal for major wall repairs
- Covers all imperfections
- Creates a solid foundation for painting
- Suitable for new construction or older homes
Cons of Wall Plaster
- More expensive than putty
- Longer drying time
- Requires skilled workmanship
- Not ideal for minor touch-ups
What Is Wall Putty?
Wall putty is a smooth, fine-finish compound applied over plaster or existing painted walls. It is used when the wall surface is mostly good but needs refinement before painting.
Putty creates a smooth, even, flawless finish, ensuring the final paint coat looks perfect.
Common Uses of Wall Putty:
- Filling small cracks or nail holes
- Smoothing minor surface imperfections
- Preparing walls before painting
- Improving paint adhesion
- Enhancing paint finish
Thickness of Application
Putty is applied very thinly—usually 1–3 mm.
Types of Wall Putty
- Cement-based (more durable)
- Acrylic-based (smoother and dries faster)
Pros of Wall Putty
- Affordable and quick to apply
- Provides a smooth finish
- Enhances paint bonding
- Ideal for repainting projects
- Great for cosmetic improvements
Cons of Wall Putty
- Not suitable for significant wall damage
- Doesn’t fix structural defects
- Cannot level extremely uneven walls
Wall Plaster vs Wall Putty: Key Differences
| Feature | Wall Plaster | Wall Putty |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Structural repair & leveling | Surface finishing |
| Thickness | 6–18 mm | 1–3 mm |
| Material | Cement, sand, lime | Fine powdered compounds (cement/acrylic) |
| Use Case | Heavily damaged walls | Minor imperfections |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Durability | Very strong | Moderate |
| Application Stage | Base layer | Final layer before painting |
Which One Do You Need?
Choosing between wall plaster and wall putty depends on the condition of your walls.
Use Wall Plaster If:
- Your wall is very uneven
- There are deep cracks or holes
- The surface is peeling or powdery
- The wall produces a hollow sound when tapped
- You want to restore old walls completely
- The area has moisture damage
Use Wall Putty If:
- The wall is smooth primarily
- You only need finishing perfection
- You want high-quality paint results
- There are minor dents or uneven spots
- You’re repainting your home or office
Most professional painters use both when needed:
Plaster for major repair → Putty for final finishing → Painting.
Why Proper Surface Preparation Matters
Many people skip plastering or putty to save cost, but poor preparation leads to:
- Paint peeling
- Cracks appearing within months
- Patchy paint finishing
- Uneven texture
- Moisture retention
- Reduced paint lifespan
Proper wall preparation ensures:
- Longer-lasting paint (up to 2× lifespan)
- Better colour uniformity
- Resistance to humidity
- Fewer cracks and imperfections
- Higher-quality finishing
Wall Plaster and Wall Putty Services by Best Painting SG
At Best Painting SG, we provide comprehensive wall preparation services with high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. Our services include:
Professional Wall Plastering
- Full wall resurfacing
- Repair of damaged concrete walls
- Moisture and crack repair
- Leveling of uneven surfaces
- Restoration of old walls in HDB/condo/landed homes
- Ceiling plastering
- Thick-layered structural plaster application
High-Quality Wall Putty Application
- Smooth finishing for painting
- Filling small cracks and holes
- Surface sanding and polishing
- Preparation for premium paint coats
- Thin-layer refinements
- Entire wall or spot application, depending on need
Painting with Nippon Paint
After plaster and putty, we continue with:
- Nippon Odour-Less
- Nippon Vinilex 5000
- Nippon EasyWash
- Nippon Matex
- Nippon Weatherbond (for exterior)
- Low-VOC and child-safe paint options
Our goal is to provide a perfect painting finish that lasts for years.
Why Choose Best Painting SG for Wall Preparation and Painting?
- Professional and trained plastering specialists
- Affordable and transparent pricing
- High-quality materials
- Smooth and flawless finishing
- Free on-site assessment
- Fast completion time
- Service for all property types
- Workmanship warranty provided
Contact Best Painting SG
📞 Call Now: +65 81935251
📩 Email: bestpaintsg@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://bestpaintingsg.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the main difference between wall plaster and wall putty?
Wall plaster is used for major repairs and leveling, while putty is for surface finishing. - Can I apply wall putty without plaster?
Yes, if the wall is already smooth and structurally solid. - How long does plaster take to dry?
Typically, 24–48 hours, depending on thickness and humidity. - Is wall putty necessary before painting?
Yes, if you want a smooth, even, and professional finish. - Can I paint directly on plaster?
No. You need primer and usually a layer of putty for the best results. - Which is more expensive, plaster or putty?
Plaster is more costly because it requires more labour and thicker material. - Does plaster fix water-damaged walls?
If there is moisture damage, plastering may be required after waterproofing. - Can putty hide deep cracks?
No, deep cracks require plastering first. - Do you offer both plaster and putty services?
Yes, Best Painting SG offers complete wall preparation and painting. - How do I know if my wall needs plaster or putty?
Our team can inspect your walls for free and recommend the correct solution.
