Intro

On most jobs, wall prep makes or breaks the finish. Painters and drywall crews ask the same thing: Which putty is best for walls? acrylic vs cement based. The answer depends on the surface, the room, and the finish you want. In this guide, you’ll get a simple breakdown. We cover where each putty wins, the numbers you need on site, and a step-by-step way to choose. You’ll see common mistakes, plus real coverage and drying times. Use this as your go-to reference before your next coat.

Quick Answer

If you need a smooth, paint-ready surface indoors, choose acrylic putty for its fine finish, low shrinkage, and fast sanding. For damp areas, exteriors, or rough masonry, go cement-based for better moisture resistance and hardness. Which putty is best for walls? acrylic vs cement based often comes down to location, humidity, and substrate.

Table of Contents

• Which Putty Is Best for Walls? Acrylic vs Cement-Based
• When To Use Acrylic Wall Putty
• When To Use Cement-Based Wall Putty
• Cost, Coverage, and Time: Real-World Numbers
• Step-by-Step: Choose, Apply, and Finish
• Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
• Tools, Weather, and Substrates That Change the Choice
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• Acrylic putty wins for fine indoor finishes and quick sanding.
• Cement-based putty wins on damp walls, exteriors, and rough masonry.
• Aim for 0.5–1.5 mm per acrylic coat; 1–3 mm per cement coat.
• Typical dry times: acrylic 2–4 hours, cement 6–8 hours per coat.
• Plan for 1.0–1.5 kg/m² per 1 mm thickness, depending on product.

Which Putty Is Best for Walls? Acrylic vs Cement-Based

Your choice starts with the wall and the room. Which putty is best for walls? acrylic vs cement based is not one-size-fits-all. Think about moisture, texture, and the final paint. High-end interior paint jobs benefit from acrylic. Exterior repairs and wet rooms often need cement-based.

Here’s a quick comparison you can use on site.

When To Use Acrylic Wall Putty

Use acrylic when you need a fine, paint-ready surface. It spreads smooth, fills pinholes, and sands easy.

Good scenarios:

• Interior gypsum drywall and old painted walls.
• Level 4–5 finishes before matte or eggshell paint.
• Tight schedules. Acrylic often sands in 2–4 hours at 20°C.
• Thin coats. 0.5–1.0 mm passes reduce rework.

Why it works:

• Acrylic has low shrinkage, so fewer hairline cracks.
• It bonds well to latex paints and primers.
• You get a tight, smooth surface with less sanding time.

Watch-outs:

• Not ideal for constantly damp walls.
• Avoid thick fills over 1.5 mm in one pass. Build in layers.

When To Use Cement-Based Wall Putty

Choose cement-based in tougher spots. It handles moisture, rough substrates, and temperature swings better.

Good scenarios:

• Bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
• Exterior masonry, concrete, and block.
• Leveling rough plaster or skim-coating uneven cement.
• Thicker fills up to 3 mm per coat.

Why it works:

• Higher hardness and moisture resistance after cure (24–48 hours).
• Strong adhesion on mineral substrates.
• Less softening in humid cycles.

Watch-outs:

• Longer drying. Plan 6–8 hours per coat at 20°C.
• Harder to sand. Keep your trowel work clean to save time.

Cost, Coverage, and Time: Real-World Numbers

On site, numbers matter. Here are typical ranges. Always check your specific product’s data sheet.

• Coverage at 1 mm: 1.0–1.5 kg/m² (acrylic toward the lower end).
• Dry times at 20°C, 50% RH: acrylic 2–4 hours; cement 6–8 hours.
• Full cure before topcoat: acrylic 12–24 hours; cement 24–48 hours.
• Ideal working temperature: 15–25°C. Avoid below 10°C.
• Typical bag/tub sizes: 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg.

Cost Snapshot

• Acrylic ready-mix: higher material cost, lower labour due to sanding ease.
• Cement-based powder: lower material cost per kg, more sanding time.

For estimating and scope notes, capture conditions, room counts, and substrate photos in your proposal workflow. Many contractors log these details and build fast quotes using tools like Donizo, then send branded PDFs for quick client approval.

Step-by-Step: Choose, Apply, and Finish

Follow these steps for repeatable results.

1. Identify the substrate.
   • Gypsum board or painted drywall: lean acrylic.
   • Masonry, concrete, damp zones: lean cement-based.
2. Check the environment.
   • High humidity or exterior? Cement-based is safer.
   • Tight timeline and fine finish? Acrylic is faster.
3. Prime if needed.
   • Dusty or chalky walls: use a suitable primer/sealer.
   • Skip priming only if the product data allows it.
4. Mix or stir.
   • Acrylic: stir 1–2 minutes.
   • Cement-based: mix 3–5 minutes, rest 2 minutes, remix.
5. Apply thin coats.
   • Acrylic: 0.5–1.0 mm. Wait 2–4 hours to sand.
   • Cement-based: 1–3 mm. Wait 6–8 hours to sand.
6. Sand and inspect.
   • Use 180–240 grit for acrylic; 120–180 for cement.
   • Hold a light at a low angle to spot defects.
7. Spot fill and repeat.
   • Keep total build under 3–4 mm unless specified.
8. Prime and paint.
   • Prime within 24 hours for best adhesion.

Tip: When you scope wall prep, note coat counts, dry times, and sanding passes. Converting accepted proposals to invoices is easier if you planned these steps upfront. After client e-sign, many crews invoice in one click using platforms such as Donizo.

Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

• Applying too thick in one pass.
  • Keep acrylic under 1.5 mm and cement under 3 mm per coat.
• Skipping primer on dusty or glossy surfaces.
  • Seal first for a consistent bond.
• Rushing sanding.
  • If it gums the paper, wait another 30–60 minutes.
• Working cold or damp.
  • Below 10°C or high RH slows drying and risks flashing.
• Ignoring movement cracks.
  • Bridge with tape or a flexible filler before putty.

Tools, Weather, and Substrates That Change the Choice

• Tools: Wider blades (10–14 inches) help keep coats thin and flat.
• Weather: In cold garages or basements, cement-based dries much slower. Plan extra 6–12 hours.
• Substrates: Over old oil paint, sand and prime first. Then acrylic performs better.
• Finish level: For high-sheen paint, acrylic gives a finer base. For textured or semi-rough finishes, cement-based is fine.

Which putty is best for walls? acrylic vs cement based changes with these factors. In short, pick for the environment first, then the finish.

FAQ

Is acrylic or cement-based putty better for bathrooms?

Cement-based. Bathrooms see frequent moisture. Cement-based putty holds up better to humidity and has higher hardness after cure. Prime and allow 24–48 hours before topcoat.

Can I use acrylic putty on exterior walls?

It’s not ideal. Acrylic is best indoors for smooth finishes. For exterior masonry or uneven concrete, choose cement-based. It handles temperature changes and moisture better.

How thick can I apply putty in one coat?

Acrylic: 0.5–1.5 mm. Cement-based: 1–3 mm. Thicker passes risk cracking and long dry times. It’s safer to build in layers and sand lightly between coats.

How long should I wait before painting?

Acrylic: usually 12–24 hours after final sanding. Cement-based: 24–48 hours. Always check the surface with your hand. If it feels cool or damp, wait longer.

Do I need a primer after putty?

Yes, in most cases. Primer locks down dust and evens absorption, so paint lays flat. Some systems allow direct paint over putty, but a primer coat is safer for uniform finish.

Conclusion

Here’s the bottom line. For fine interior finishes and speed, go acrylic. For damp rooms, exterior walls, and rough masonry, go cement-based. Which putty is best for walls? acrylic vs cement based depends on moisture, substrate, and finish level. Next steps: 1) Check the room’s humidity and substrate. 2) Choose your putty by environment first. 3) Plan coat thickness and dry times before you price. When you draft proposals, tools like Donizo help capture site notes fast and send clean PDFs for approval. Prep smart, finish clean, and move to paint with confidence.