Gypsum putty, also known as building gypsum putty or wall scraping putty, is a dry powder formulation made primarily from building gypsum powder and talcum powder, blended with a small amount of performance enhancers like cellulose ethers. When mixed with water and applied with a trowel or blade, it forms a smooth surface on interior walls, making it an ideal base for painting or wallpaper application.
If high-fineness gypsum or inorganic pigments are used, the putty can also serve directly as a decorative wall finish.

Compared to traditional plastering and wall preparation techniques, gypsum putty offers several benefits:
Fast Setting Time: Due to the natural characteristics of gypsum.
High Bonding Strength: Prevents detachment, cracking, or hollowing.
Smooth and White Finish: Suitable for painting and wallpapering.
Labor-Saving: Thin-coat application reduces workload and mess.
Eco-Friendly: Low VOC and dust release.
| Property | Gypsum Putty | Traditional Putty (Calcium Carbonate/Talc) |
|---|---|---|
| Setting Time | Quick | Slow |
| Compressive Strength | ≥ 4.0 MPa | Low |
| Flexural Strength | ≥ 2.0 MPa | Low |
| Bonding Strength | ≥ 0.3 MPa | Poor |
| Water Resistance | Moderate | Poor – collapses when soaked |
| Application Thickness | Thin layer (1–3mm) | Thicker layers (5mm+) |
| Final Appearance | Smooth, white | Chalky, dusty |

Surface Preparation: Remove grease, dust, and loose particles.
Mixing: Add water to the gypsum putty powder and stir evenly.
Application: Use a blade or trowel to apply a thin coat.
Leveling: Flatten and smooth the surface quickly before it sets.
Drying Time: Typically within a few hours.
Gypsum putty is widely used in:
Residential buildings
Public buildings (schools, hospitals, offices)
Renovation projects
Compared to high-cost waterproof or paste putties (costing over 1000 CNY/ton), gypsum putty offers an affordable solution with excellent performance, especially for interior wall base treatment.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | ≥ 4.0 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | ≥ 2.0 MPa |
| Bonding Strength | ≥ 0.3 MPa |
| Softening Coefficient | 0.3 – 0.4 |
| Application Thickness | 1–3 mm |

Q1: Is gypsum putty waterproof?
A: Standard gypsum putty is not fully waterproof but offers moderate water resistance. For humid areas, waterproof-enhanced formulas are recommended.
Q2: Can I paint directly on gypsum putty?
A: Yes, after it is completely dry, gypsum putty provides an ideal smooth surface for paint or wallpaper.
Q3: Can gypsum putty be applied over cement plaster?
A: Yes. As long as the base surface is clean and dry, it bonds well over cement-based plasters.
Q4:How is gypsum putty different from white cement putty?
A: White cement putty is more durable in wet environments, while gypsum putty offers smoother finish and easier workability for dry interiors.