Putty is a material with high plasticity, similar in texture to clayordough, typically used in domestic construction and repair as a sealant or filler. Although some types of putty (typically those using linseed oil) slowly polymerise and become stiff, many putties can be reworked indefinitely, in contrast to other types of filler which typically set solid relatively rapidly.
Putty has been used extensively in glazing for fixing and sealing panes of glass into wooden frames (orsashes), although its use is decreasing with the prevalence of PVC and metal window frames which use synthetic sealants such as silicone. Glazing putty is traditionally made by mixing a base of whiting (finely ground chalk) with linseed oil in various proportions. Historically, white lead was sometimes mixed with the whiting.[1] There are a number of synthetic alternatives such as polybutene based putties, where the polybutene is a low molecular weightoligomer replacing the linseed oil. Butyl rubber is also added to the mixture to provide some strength and flexibility.
Painter's putty is typically a linseed oil-based product used for filling holes, minor cracks and defacements in wood only.
Inwoodworking, 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.
Plumber's putty is the common name encompassing a variety of products of completely different compositions, all used for making watertight seals in plumbing.
Polyester putty and epoxy putty are plastics that can be molded by hand but become stiff and hard after curing. Pratley Putty is an epoxy putty used primarily for steel bonding. Milliput is another epoxy putty. Bondo is a polyester putty.
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Other uses
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.
Play putty, such as PlasticineorSilly Putty, is for children to play with, and often comes in plastic eggs.