What is spachtelputz?
Spachtelputz is a decorative plaster applied as a rubbed (floated) finish, with a fine, medium or coarse grain. In the Netherlands the term usually refers to a plaster of marble grains bound with a synthetic resin binder. The material is applied thinly with a trowel and then “rubbed” in circular movements with a plastic or stainless steel float, creating a calm, granular texture. The grain size determines the layer thickness: the layer is roughly as thick as the largest grain.
Properties
- Colourfast and available in many colours. The material is coloured through, so minor damage is less noticeable.
- Vapour-permeable. A good spachtelputz lets water vapour through, so moisture from the substrate can escape.
- Impact-resistant and washable. This makes it suitable for stairwells, corridors and façades.
- Indoors and outdoors. Thanks to the synthetic resin binder it can also be used as a façade finish.
- Family. Slightly coarser than spachtelputz is rustiekputz; coarser still is granol.
Application
- Prepare the substrate. The substrate must be flat, clean, dry and sound. Remove loose material, fill holes and plaster flat.
- Prime. Use the primer or base coat specified by the manufacturer, often in the same colour as the plaster. This prevents show-through and controls suction.
- Work each surface in one go. Finish a wall or façade area in one session, wet-on-wet, up to a corner, bead or masking line. Stopping in the middle of a surface leaves visible joins.
- Weather conditions. Outdoors, do not apply in frost, rain, strong sun or high wind; follow the minimum application temperature on the product data sheet.
- One batch per surface. For a single surface, use material from the same production batch to avoid colour differences.
Common mistake: applying spachtelputz directly to a highly absorbent or dusty substrate without a primer. The plaster then dries too quickly, comes loose or becomes blotchy.
Related terms
- Decorative plaster
- Rubbed finish
- Granol render
- Scraped render
- Façade rendering
- Plaster coat
- Spack (spray plaster)
Want to know more about building terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.