When it comes to patching compounds, WW Henry stands out as one of the leading manufacturers in the market. Their underlayments and floor adhesives are known to be of the highest quality.
If you have an upcoming project that requires you to fill holes and cracks on your floor or you’re interested in leveling it out, both the Henry 549 and 547 are excellent choices.
When you examine the features of both patching compounds, they seem so similar that it’s difficult to choose which among the two you should use in your project.
If you’re having a hard time figuring out whether you should use Henery 549 or Henry 547, you’re in luck because, in this review, I’ll be comparing both products and listing the key differences so that you can make an informed choice.
What is Henry 549?
Henry 549 Feather Finish is an underlayment patch and skim coat that is made out of Portland cement and a latex additive.
It is a universal underlayment that can be used on literally any floor surface whether it’s concrete, tile, or terrazzo.
Henry 549 is the go-to product if you want to smoothen out a floor. It dries very fast in less than 15 minutes. And one of the key features I like most about this product is that it doesn’t stain.
Unlike many patching compounds, the Henry 549 is very easy to apply. All you have to do is mix the product thoroughly with water and apply it in thin coats.
This will ensure a strong bond between the Henry 549 and the substrate. It’s also sandable if you want to get a smoother finish.
Something worth noting about the Henry 549 is that it doesn’t bond so well on rough surfaces. So, if the floor you intend to use it on is very rough, please consider alternatives such as the Henry 547.
What is Henry 547?
The Henry 547 is a universal underlayment made out of Portland cement. WW Henry, the manufacturer, refers to it as universal because you can use it on any type of floor.
The Henry 547 also has some interesting features. For instance, the formula is non-sandable yet it delivers a very smooth finish.
Also, once it cures, the Henry 547 can withstand a pressure of up to 5,000 PSI. This makes it the perfect finish for high-traffic floors.
With the Henery 547, you can use it to level an uneven floor or fill cracks and gaps. Another attribute that I love about the Henry 547 is that it has a longer working time.
That’s good for novice installers because it will minimize room for error. It also has excellent adhesion strength. However, just like the Henry 549, the 547 adheres better when applied in thin coats.
How Are They Different?
• Henry 549 Has a Latex Additive Whereas the 547 is Made Out of Portland Cement
The first difference that distinguishes the Henry 549 from the 547 is the ingredients used. As mentioned above, the 549 comprises both Portland cement and a latex additive, whereas the Henry 547 only comprises Portland cement.
This variation in formulas contributes significantly to the differences below.
• Henry 549 is Sandable and the 547 is Non-Sandable
During the installation of the Henry 549, you can sand it down to create a smoother finish. However, with the 547, it has a non-sandable formula. So, sanding is not an option.
• Henry 547 Has a Longer Working Time than Henry 549
The Henry 549 dries in less than 15 minutes. This can be both beneficial and disadvantageous. If you’re a professional, the quick drying time of the Henry 549 allows you to finish your job much faster.
However, for newbies or DIY enthusiasts, it’s more difficult to work with the Henry 549 because you can’t correct mistakes. This is a key determining factor when it comes to choosing Henry 547 vs. Henry 549.
• Henry 549 Delivers a Smoother Finish than 547
Even without sanding Henry 549, you are guaranteed a smoother finish. That’s because the Henry 549 has a latex additive which contributes to its self-leveling capabilities. Since the Henry 547 only has Portland cement, the final finish is usually rough.
• Henry 547 is Stronger than Henry 549
Remember when I mentioned that the Henry 547 can withstand a pressure of up to 5000 PSI? Well, it’s one of the strongest underlayments I’ve ever come across.
The reason behind that is Henry 547 has a higher concentration of Portland cement. Therefore, it is the perfect underlayment to use on high-traffic floors.
How Are They Similar?
Both Henry 549 and Henry 547;
• Are Manufactured by the Same Company
The Henry 549 and 547 are manufactured by the same company which is WW Henry. Therefore, they are both of the same quality. It’s also worth mentioning that the manufacturer has a great reputation.
• Can Be Used on a Wide Range of Substrates
Whether you settle for Henry 549 or Henry 547, you can use either on a wide range of surfaces. This includes concrete, wooden, or terrazzo floors.
But before choosing a certain patching compound, always confirm with the manufacturer whether it’s ideal for the floor you intend to apply it over.
• Are Relatively Easy to Apply
Even though Henry 549 dries faster than its counterpart, both products are very easy to work with. Also, you don’t need to possess any unique skills to be able to apply either Henry 549 or Henry 547.
• Are Patching Compounds
This may seem obvious. But it’s a significant similarity. Both Henry 549 and Henry 547 are patching compounds. Therefore, you can use them to level floors or even better fill cracks and gaps.
Why Choose the Henry 549?
As we approach the end of our review, I think I should highlight the individual traits of each product. As for the Henry 549, what makes it stand out is the extra smooth finish that it provides.
Also, its fast-drying formula is an added advantage depending on how you look at it. However, if you’re going to use Henry 549, please note that its adhesive strength is a bit average, especially on rough surfaces.
Why Choose the Henry 547?
On the other hand, Henry 547 has a longer working time and its adhesive strength to substrates is exceptional. The Henry 547 won’t dry as fast as its counterpart. And it dries into a rough finish.
I believe that the Henry 547 should be your top pick if you’re interested in either leveling uneven surfaces or filling gaps.
Henry 549 vs. Henry 547: Which is Better?
Most people approach the comparison between Henry 549 and Henry 547 wrongly. Yes, you can substitute one product for the other but when you examine the features keenly, each of these two patching compounds has a certain application where it stands out the most.
The Henry 549 is perfect for projects where you want a smooth finish in the shortest time possible.
The reason behind that is that the Henry 549 has a latex additive that improves the self-leveling features. Also, it’s sandable and dries in less than fifteen minutes.
The Henry 547 is the best patching compound to use in applications where adhesion and strength are the key factors.
Let’s assume you’re repairing the floor of a commercial property. With Henry 547, you’ll get a higher resistance to pressure and a stronger bond to the substrate.