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# Is putty necessary before painting? | Time Paints

Putty is applied before painting to level the wall surface and fill minor imperfections such as hairline cracks, holes from fixings, surface porosity, and small irregularities left by plastering. It is not always necessary on every surface, but it is standard practice for smooth interior wall finishes. On new plaster that is already flat and even, a thin skim of fine wall putty improves the surface texture and provides a uniform base for paint absorption, resulting in a more consistent colour and finish. On older walls with visible imperfections, putty is essential before applying a topcoat. The correct sequence is: surface cleaning, putty application, sanding when dry, primer, then painting. Skipping putty on an imperfect surface means those defects will show through the paint, particularly under raking light from windows. Using putty adds time to the job but extends the lifespan of the paint film by eliminating stress points where cracking can begin.

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