betún

Betún is a Spanish term with several uses depending on the country and context. In technical or industrial contexts, it designates a viscous, black substance derived from bitumen, natural deposits or petroleum refining. It is used in construction and civil engineering for waterproofing, sealing joints, and paving when formulated as asphalt or related products; it can be applied as a protective coating on roofs and other surfaces and may be mixed with aggregates for road surfaces. Its properties include flexibility at moderate temperatures and hardening as it cools, but it is flammable and its vapors can be irritant, requiring appropriate handling and ventilation.

In everyday language, betún also refers to shoe polish, a dark waxy or creamy product used to shine and protect leather footwear. It typically contains waxes, oils and pigments and is applied with a cloth or brush, then buffed to a shine. The product range includes various colors to match different leather tones and is used to restore appearance and extend the life of shoes and leather goods.

In baking and confectionery, betún denotes a sweet icing or glaze used to cover cakes and pastries. It is usually made from powdered sugar, fat such as butter or shortening, and often milk or water; flavors and colorings are common. Variants include buttercream betún and royal icing, among others, which serve to impart sweetness, texture, and decorative finishing to desserts.

Overall, betún encompasses distinct substances—industrial bitumen, shoe polish, and cake icing—linked mainly by their designation in Spanish-speaking regions rather than by a single common composition.