Glattputz

Glattputz, also called glatter Putz, is a smooth plaster finish applied to interior walls. It is commonly used in German-speaking regions and parts of Europe to achieve a seamless, paint-ready surface. The finish is typically applied over a lime-putz or cement-lime base, sometimes gypsum-based, with a very fine aggregate to create a uniform, non-textured layer.

Application requires a sound, absorbent substrate; after preparation a base coat is applied if needed, followed by a finish coat of a few millimeters, smoothed with a steel trowel and burnished to achieve a smooth, even surface. Temperature and humidity during curing are important.

Glattputz provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface suitable for painting or wallpapering and is commonly used in renovations of historic interiors where a refined finish is desired. Material options include lime-based glattes (Kalkputz) that offer breathability, and cement-lime glattes that are more durable but less breathable. Final coat thickness is typically around 1–3 mm; bonding agents or primer may be used on absorbent substrates.

Advantages include an aesthetically pleasing, seamless surface that takes paint well and forms a good base for thin coverings. Disadvantages include sensitivity to substrate movement leading to cracks, higher skilled workmanship requirements, and less forgiving tolerance for irregularities. Glattputz is often contrasted with Strukturputz, a textured plaster finish, and with other traditional plaster systems.