Dictionary Definition
putty n : a dough-like mixture of whiting and
boiled linseed oil; used especially to patch woodwork or secure
panes of glass v : apply putty in order to fix or fill; "putty the
window sash" [also: puttied]
User Contributed Dictionary
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ʌti
Noun
- a form of cement, made from linseed oil and whiting, used to fix panes of glass
- any of a range of similar substances
Translations
a form of cement
- Finnish: kitti
any of a range of similar substances
- Finnish: silote
Translations
Extensive Definition
Putty is a generic term for a plastic material similar in
texture to clay or dough typically used in domestic
construction and repair as a sealant or filler. Painter's Putty is
typically a linseed oil
based product used for filling holes, minor cracks and defacements
in wood only. Putties can also be made intumescent, in which case
they are used for firestopping as well as for
padding of electrical
outlet boxes in fire-resistance
rated drywall
assemblies. In the latter case, hydrates in the putty produce
an endothermic
reaction to mitigate heat
transfer to the unexposed side.
Overview
Specifically putty has been used extensively in
glazing
for fixing and sealing panes of glass into wooden frames (or
sashes), although its use is decreasing with the prevalence of
PVC and
metal window frames which use synthetic sealants such as silicone.
Certain types of putty also have use in the field
of terminal
ballistics, where the putty can accurately represent the
average density of the human body. As such it can be used, for
instance, to test the penetrative power of projectiles, or the stopping
power of body
armour.
Glazing putty is traditionally made by mixing a
base of whiting (finely ground chalk) with linseed oil
in various proportions. There are a number of synthetic
alternatives such as polybutene based putties,
where the polybutene is a low molecular
weight oligomer
replacing the linseed oil.
Butyl
rubber is also added to the mixture to provide some strength
and flexibility.
In woodworking, water-based
putties are more commonly used, as these emit very little odour,
are more easily cleaned up and are compatible with water-based and
latex sealers. However with the introduction of other useful
adhesives such as 'no-more-nails'
putty usage in woodwork has reduced. other adhesives are also more
common as some colored putties can cause stains where in some cases
only 'cilit bang'
has proved effective, but then stains are also common in the other
adhesives too.
See also
External links
- Putty & Mastic at wiki.DIY FAQ.org.uk
putty in German: Kitt
putty in French: Mastic
putty in Icelandic: Kítti
putty in Dutch: Kit
putty in Polish: Kit
putty in Swedish: Kitt