omítek

Omítek is a Czech noun that denotes a small patch of plaster used to repair or smooth a damaged plaster surface. It is the diminutive form of omítka, the general term for plaster or plastering work, and is most often encountered in informal speech, renovation contexts, and regional dialects rather than formal construction documentation.

Etymology: The word derives from omítka with the diminutive suffix -ek, signaling a small quantity or fragment.

Usage and application: An omítek is applied to minor surface defects such as hairline cracks, gouges, or rough patches. Preparation usually involves cleaning and lightly abrading the area, applying a base layer if needed, and then applying a patching compound that matches the surrounding substrate. On interior walls, patching may use lime-putty or gypsum-based plasters; exterior work commonly employs cement-lime or polymer-modified patching products to improve adhesion and weather resistance. After application, the patch is smoothed to blend with the surrounding plaster and left to cure under appropriate conditions.

Limitations and context: Because an omítek refers to small repairs, it is not suitable for structural damage or large-scale replastering. For significant deterioration, more extensive plastering or replacement of sections may be required. The term is primarily found in Czech-language sources and may be unfamiliar outside Czech-speaking regions.