If you started a major overhaul of an apartment or house, then you will certainly encounter the need for plastering. This stage of decoration allows you to make the wall surface very aesthetic and neat. Creating a smooth plaster layer is a very time-consuming process, which requires serious professional skills. But if you are not ready to contact specialists due to a limited budget and intend to do all the finishing work yourself, check out our tips. They will help you competently and efficiently perform wall plastering with your own hands and create the perfect interior.
Plaster - a mixture for leveling walls. It allows you to prepare the surface for finishing. But this is not her only purpose.
Wall plastering is necessary for:
leveling surface defects;
prevention and termination of the destruction process;
protect the base of the wall from moisture;
increase the strength of thin partitions;
increase heat and noise insulation properties.
Correctly plastered wall is a flat and smooth surface without cracks and depressions. This base is ideal for applying decorative finishes, regardless of its type - painting, facing with ceramic tiles or wallpapering. Plaster mixes have a different composition. The choice of a particular type of material depends on the scope of application of the composition and the properties of the surface on which it will be applied.
The solution can be prepared independently by mixing cement, sand and water. However, it is advisable to use high-quality finished dry mixes from reliable manufacturers. The plaster coat should be a solid foundation for the rest of the finish.
The composition of any plaster mixture includes the following components:
filler - allows you to achieve the desired consistency of the solution, provides the necessary viscosity and strength;
binder - fastens filler particles together and with the wall surface;
diluent - provides a comfortable application of the solution to the wall, provokes the activation of binding elements. In the process of setting the plaster layer, the diluent evaporates.
The plastering algorithm includes several stages, at each of which certain tasks are solved. We do not recommend neglecting any of them and abide by the rules of the technological process worked out over the years.
The compositions of the mixtures vary depending on their functional purpose - alignment, warming, decoration. Qualitative differences depend on the binders of the solution. A huge role is played by fillers and additives, providing ease of application and additional qualities to the finished coating.
Types of plaster, their advantages and disadvantages
To choose the right mixture, you need to determine the scope of their application and understand the properties. All plaster mixes can be divided into two large groups:
leveling - it is used to prepare walls for painting or wallpapering; they differ in the binder component and the presence in the composition of additives to improve properties;
decorative - are used as one of the finishes.
Cement
The main binder in this mixture is cement. It provides the strength of the finish. Cement-based mixes are used in any type of premises, suitable for manual and mechanized work. The properties of the binder component may vary - in compressive strength, resistance to frost. This type of plaster fits perfectly on any foundation covered with soil. The only exception is gypsum plaster. Cement mixes are the most economical and versatile. White cement plaster can be used for finishing.
Cement-lime
This type of plaster combines the advantages of both binding components. At a relatively low cost, it exhibits a high level:
adhesive ability;
plasticity;
resistance to cracking;
moisture resistance;
resistance to temperature extremes;
strength;
resistance to the formation of fungus.
The solution can be kneaded on its own or purchased in prepared form. The latter allows you to achieve maximum effect due to the introduction of modifying additives. The mixture is used when leveling internal and external walls, not excluding rooms with a high level of humidity.
The composition is better not to use on weak walls due to its high specific gravity. Also cons include:
the need to create a multilayer coating;
a longer duration of the period required for the final set of strength - up to 3-4 weeks;
the impossibility of applying to smooth walls without special preparation;
not suitable for plastering wooden walls.
Gypsum
It has a long history - appeared in ancient times. Promotes the creation of a favorable microclimate in the room. For its manufacture, natural stone is used, which is subjected to drying in furnaces and grinding. It is used for interior decoration, but lately there have been versions of this material designed for outdoor use.
The composition of the leveling mixture includes medium- and coarse-grained filler, for decorative use a filler of small fractions. Plastering can be done either manually or mechanically. Gypsum plaster coexists perfectly with clay, lime.
Strengths of the material:
High adhesiveness.
Excellent maintainability.
No shrinkage.
Easy to grind.
It has high ductility.
Short time for gaining strength.
Fire safety.
Cons of gypsum plaster:
Increased setting speed, which limits the time of application of the material.
The need to strictly abide by technology.
It is not resistant to moisture.
High price - relatively clay or lime.
Clay
The oldest of all types of plaster known to mankind. The raw materials for its manufacture literally lie under our feet. The solution is prepared from self-selected components or purchased dry mix. Historically, chaff, needles, chopped straw, sawdust, horse manure were used as fillers. Thanks to these fillers, the strength and thermal insulation performance of the plaster increase. A clay coated wall feels warm when touched. The plasticity of the solution is regulated by the addition of sand. The required amount of this component is determined using simple techniques empirically. The composition of the solution can be improved with lime or cement.
Clay plaster is used for leveling and warming walls. Colored clay is used for decorative purposes.
The main advantages of clay plaster:
Environmental friendliness.
Low cost.
High maintainability.
Excellent heat retention rates.
It serves as a natural regulator of humidity in the room.
It makes reusable non-waste use possible - fragments of old plaster can be soaked and reused.
Suitable for finishing wooden walls.
Among the shortcomings can be identified:
inability to withstand moisture - soaks;
dries for a long time - within 1-2 months;
the layer should be at least 10 mm when applied to a flat wall, and 15 mm on a tear or wood. Otherwise, it will not be possible to avoid cracking of the material.
Decorative
It is able to fulfill the role of ordinary plaster and finish at the same time. The plaster composition can be created on the basis of acrylic, mineral, silicone and other fillers. Decorative effect is provided due to:
structure;
topography;
color scheme;
multilayer translucent coatings of different colors;
methods of applying patterns or textures.
Manufacturers offer smooth solutions that require a flat base and textured - to hide the flaws of the processed surface.
The advantages include the following properties of decorative compositions:
strength;
durability;
fire resistance;
resistance to decay;
vapor permeability;
environmental friendliness;
decorativeness;
uniqueness of coverage;
the fascination of the process of creating textures or patterns with your own hands - to apply the picture, you can use improvised materials - brushes, spoons, nets, films, paper - everything that the artist’s imagination tells you.
The main disadvantage of such mixtures is their high cost. To save money, you can prepare the composition yourself.
Silicone
Material from the expensive price segment is made on the basis of silicone fibers, resins. The composition also includes various additives. Coatings of such plaster have high elasticity and resistance to mechanical stress. In order to remove or scratch such a coating, you will have to try hard. Silicone plaster is waterproof, so it is great for decorating the bathroom. The coating from it is highly resistant to ultraviolet rays, so the paint retains its original color, even when directed by the sun. The material easily withstands temperature fluctuations with a large amplitude - from -50 to + 70 degrees, is resistant to aggressive environments. The high adhesiveness of the mixture eliminates the priming step from the technology. Able to maintain their original appearance for more than 20 years. They are characterized by fire resistance, do not emit toxins into the environment.
The material is sold as dry mixes or ready-to-use solutions. It is used for leveling and finishing. It fits well on concrete, gas silicate, wood, gypsum and lime substrates.It is not recommended to apply silicate mixtures on walls with paint, varnish and oil coating. Cracks do not form on the finish; it does not shrink. You can restore the life of a thickened mixture with water.
Venetian
The luxurious multi-layer coating is mesmerizing, makes you want to watch the transitions of shades without stopping. The base should be as smooth as possible. The wall is leveled with solutions containing stone flour. In addition to the classical method of application, there are other techniques. The base layer of Venetian plaster can be attributed to the draft. The rest are finishing. Using special techniques on the wall, you can recreate a craquelure effect coating, imitation of polished marble, silk, balsa wood. The photo shows the implemented options for this finish. They were obtained as a result of using various methods of applying the material. On top of the plaster put the top coat of varnish or wax.
Surprisingly, you can not buy expensive plaster mortar. It is quite possible to make it yourself from ordinary putty. Compared to finished decorative mineral-lime or acrylic compositions, it will cost much less. Venetian plaster is applied only with stainless tools.
The main advantage of the Venetians is their high aesthetics and originality.
The disadvantages include - high cost, the need to master the complex technique of applying the material, high labor costs.
Textured
This type of plaster mix also belongs to veterans in the family of decorative materials. Lime is present in the composition as a natural binder. It gives the mixture environmental friendliness and bactericidal properties. It turns out a breathable, fire-resistant coating. The composition can be used to align the walls and as a textured finishing plaster. Great for frescoing.It goes well with mineral binders - cement, gypsum, clay. It is realized in the form of dry mixtures, but if you wish, you can prepare a solution of independently composed material.
Advantages of textured plaster:
Perfectly hides small defects of the basis.
It does not require the addition of antibiotic components.
Regulates the microclimate.
Does not burn.
It is odorless.
Easy to apply on the surface.
It has an affordable cost.
Minuses:
Lack of water resistance - this disadvantage can be eliminated with the help of a wax protective layer or special additives.
A set of strength sufficient for further work only occurs after a few days.
How to choose a plaster
First of all, you need to decide whether you want to use a dry or wet type of plaster. The dry method involves facing the walls with gypsum boards. Using this material can significantly speed up the process. However, it is better not to use GKL sheets in small rooms - they will conceal an already small space.
The “wet” method involves leveling the walls using building mixtures. When choosing a plaster composition, it is necessary to take into account the material from which the walls are made and where they are located - inside or outside the building.
How to prepare the surface for applying stucco
The preparation of the walls is an important stage in the finishing work. The base must be freed from the old exfoliated coating, cleaned from dust, mold, grease stains. This is followed by repair of potholes, chips and cracks. The wall is covered with a layer of soil and reinforced with reinforcing building mesh. Such careful preparation is necessary to prevent peeling of the new coating and the penetration through the composition of oil stains or rust. A primer with antiseptic components prevents the destruction of the wall under a layer of plaster.
Concrete wall
If concrete walls act as a base, they must be primed with a special material with quartz particles. Additives will significantly increase the adhesive properties of the wall and allow the plaster mix to bond firmly to the base. Concrete surfaces are well absorbed by gypsum-cement plaster and a mixture of gypsum and lime.
Gypsum, lime and cement compositions should be diluted separately, and mixed together in a prepared form. The consistency of the solution should be thick and uniform.
Brick wall
Choosing plaster for brick walls is not an easy task. Regardless of the material selected, quality surface preparation is imperative. Most often, the brick walls are already covered with old plaster. It is necessary to get rid of this layer, and this can be done with water and a sponge. We wet the surface several times and wait until the water completely impregnates the coating. This procedure will greatly facilitate the removal of outdated material. Next, we arm ourselves with a spatula with a working surface thickness of at least 1.5-2 mm and a hammer and knock down the old plaster. First you need to gently tap the cleaned area. Due to this, cracks form on the surface, which will allow to put a spatula in and pick up the coating. If the plaster does not want to fall off under your pressure, help yourself by tapping the handle of the spatula with a hammer. This will make the task a little easier.
After removing the old coating, it is necessary to treat the surface with a grinder or a metal brush. Next, deepen the seams between the masonry elements by 5-7 mm to increase the adhesion of the material to the wall. After that, the surface is cleaned with a soft bristle brush and dusted off with a damp cloth. The final stage is the priming of the wall in two layers with the help of a composition that provides deep penetration.
Foam wall
Most modern buildings are built using this material. Surfaces from foam concrete blocks and aerated concrete need not only to be carefully primed, but also to be strengthened with a special reinforcing mesh or fiberglass "sickle". For the manufacture of a stucco mortar, gypsum, lime-cement mixtures can be used.
Wood wall
Before proceeding with the plastering of wooden walls, it is necessary to treat them with protective compounds against fungus and bark beetles. After that, you need to make a special lattice of wooden slats - shingles. The product has a mesh shape. The shingles are fixed on the wall with nails. Fasteners do not recess entirely into the wall. It is very important to remember that nails need to be driven in only up to half, and the top with a cap is bent, clinging to the surface.
Instead of “shingles”, you can use a special metal mesh to reinforce the facades. It is attached to the wall before plastering.
The process of plastering walls with your own hands
Plastering is a complex and time-consuming process. If you still decide to do it yourself, we recommend using our tips. Introducing detailed instructions for beginners.
Necessary materials and tools
To complete the work you can not do without:
dry plaster mix, primer, putty;
painting beacons, dowels, screws;
a hammer, screwdriver, grinder or scissors for metal;
drills with a perforator with a set of drills, a construction mixer and a container for mixing mortar;
building level, roulette;
long thread, marker;
wide and narrow spatula, brush and roller, rule and stroked.
In addition, you will need work clothes, a hat, safety glasses, gloves.
Beacon Setting
To align the walls and, if necessary, form a layer of large thickness, plastering is carried out using beacons.For this purpose, wooden planks, metal profiles, gypsum rectangular bars are used. Lighthouses simplify the work, guarantee even application and distribution of the mixture, which is leveled according to them using the rule.
Installation of beacons is as follows. It is necessary to screw a self-tapping screw into the wall at a distance of 5 cm from the ceiling and 40 cm from the corner. We screw the next screw directly under it, stepping back from the floor by a plumb line of 5 cm. We draw a line from one self-tapping screw to another and measure the distance between them. Slightly reduce the result, cut off the bar from the metal profile, equal to the length of this line. We sprinkle on the line several tubercles of the stucco mixture and press the profile into it so that its surface is at the same level with the self-tapping screws. We remove the screws and repeat the procedure at the opposite corner. We set the following beacons at intervals of 1-1.5 m. We check their verticality using a taut cord. The quality of the formed surface depends on it. After applying the solution, the beacons should be removed and the remaining grooves filled with plaster. Plaster beacons can not be removed if plaster mix is used.
The rules for preparing the solution
Previously, we examined the types of stucco mortars, but now it is worth mentioning some of the nuances of various compositions.
To make a cement mixture, you need to take 3 parts of sand and 1 part of cement. Use this solution must be within an hour after mixing. Therefore, you should prepare the material in small portions, and apply it to the wall quickly and without stopping. Otherwise, the composition will begin to dry out and set, and it will not be possible to use it.
The cement-lime mixture is composed of 1 part cement, 1 part lime mixture and 5 parts sand.
To prepare gypsum plaster, you need to take 3 parts of lime, reminiscent of the density of the dough, and 1 part of gypsum powder.Such material is grasped very quickly, so it must be diluted immediately before application.
How to calculate the required amount of solution
It is very difficult to independently calculate the required amount of material. A special online calculator can help you with this. It determines the amount of mixture you will need using a formula. According to it, the costs of the stucco mixture are equal to the product of the mixture consumption by the area of the room and the leveling layer. The resulting value will help to at least approximately navigate during the acquisition of mixtures.
Plaster reinforcement
Using a reinforcing mesh, cracks can be made less noticeable, but it will not prevent their appearance.
There are various types of nets for wall reinforcement:
metal - indispensable for plastering walls with pronounced protrusions and irregularities that can exceed 4-5 cm. To level these surfaces, it is necessary to apply a thick layer of material. However, after drying, it can move away. To prevent such a development of events, coarse-mesh will help - with holes exceeding 4 mm, a metal mesh. It is more durable than plastic, which can suffer from contact with the aggressive environment of the cement-sand mixture;
plastic - painting grid with a mesh size of 2-3 mm. It is used for finishing with putty or when applying a thin layer of plaster;
fiberglass.
Reinforcement may not be performed entirely on the entire wall, but be present only at the joints of various finishing coatings and structural parts. But when plastering ceilings or when decorating a new building that has not yet shrunk, it is necessary to reinforce the entire area to be trimmed.
Do not save on reinforcing mesh. Cracks that can form to the entire depth of the plaster layer will lead to the need to redo the entire coating or at least a putty layer.
Plaster corners
Curved corners and slopes are found everywhere - both in old Soviet buildings and in modern buildings. Therefore, one of the mandatory procedures in the process of plastering is to align the corners. If you do not want the drawings on the wallpaper to be distorted, and for gluing ceramic tiles it took several times more glue, do not neglect this important step.
Both internal and external corners are subject to alignment.
The formation of the internal angle is carried out according to the following scheme:
set the beacons in such a way as to connect the wall planes at right angles. If there are a large number of angles in a small area, you can not adhere to the perpendicular - it will still not catch the eye;
carefully align the first wall with the rule, a half-trowel and a spatula. During work, we focus on the lighthouses;
when the mortar on this wall is set, it will be possible to begin processing the adjacent surface. At this stage, use a trowel with a beveled blade to prevent grazing on an already aligned plane;
If desired, you can immediately plaster both adjacent walls. In this case, the rule should not be brought to the corner, stopping 5-10 cm before it. After that these strips will need to be aligned manually.
we form an angle using a special tool with a curved blade. Swipe from top to bottom to remove excess mixture and create a clear junction line;
we cut the remains of the plaster with a spatula when the setting begins.
Step-by-step instructions for deriving the outer corner.
Spray the solution on a plane using a trowel. At an angle we put material with a margin;
We remove the excess mixture using the rule, first from one wall, then from another. In this case, the rule should be based on beacons and angle;
Using spatulas and trowels, we correct the rule for existing defects. If there are recesses, cover them with a small amount of solution and level them;
We make the final alignment of the walls by moving the spatula longitudinally. The blade must not touch metal or plastic parts.
If the corner is located in the aisle, it is recommended to slightly round it. This will save you from the appearance of chips that will inevitably form at the sharp junction.
Wall finishing plaster
This is the final stage of plastering, which will make the wall ready for finishing. For this, cement mixtures, gypsum, polymeric materials can be used. Any of these compounds is suitable for the completion of the coating.
Finishing Plaster Tasks:
Get rid of any irregularities by filling them with material.
To protect the wall from mechanical stress - you will need a high-quality composition.
Create an aesthetic surface with texture or relief.
Materials with identical components must be used. This will ensure a high level of adhesion.
Finishing plaster should have:
resistance to mechanical damage;
good level of sound insulation;
vapor permeability;
moisture resistance;
ability to maximize heat storage;
aesthetic appearance.
To do the work you will need:
drill with mixer;
container for mixing the mixture;
spatulas - narrow and wide.
Application steps:
Spray is made, which creates a thin base layer. It is necessary to increase the adhesion of the wall and soil.
Soil - the main plaster layer used to level the surface. We spray the soil and distribute it well along the wall plane. As a result, the wall should become smooth, almost perfect.
Coating - allows you to make the surface perfectly smooth.
After the finish layer has dried, it is grouted, and you can proceed to the decorative finish.
Stucco without beacons
If the ideal flatness of the wall is not important for you, and you plan to eliminate flaws and small errors with the help of the main material, it is not necessary to plaster the beacons.
Work Stages:
If necessary, apply a thin layer of material, use a trowel, we form a thick layer with a spatula.
Using the rule, we stretch the mixture, moving from bottom to top and to the sides. We do the same thing vertically.
If after drying of the first layer pits have formed, the second should be formed.
After waiting for the surface to completely dry, we wipe it with a plastic grater.
Plaster without beacons is used to align walls with minimal differences. Since there is nothing to focus on, you need to often check the quality of work with the help of the construction level. A detailed master class is presented in the video.
Features of plaster for wallpaper without putty
If the walls after applying the plaster have become fairly even and smooth, the application of finishing putty before wallpapering is not required.
Sometimes it is necessary to strengthen the plaster layer. For example, if the base is represented by a cement-bonded particleboard or when pairing different types of materials, for example, brick and concrete. In this case, the wall is reinforced with a fiberglass mesh with 5 mm cells. The strips are overlapped, with each of the next covering the previous 10-20 cm. The solution is applied on top and the contraction begins.
The final stages are grouting and smoothing. To do this, the base is softened with a moistened sponge, brush or spray. Then take a grater and rub the protrusions in a circular motion. If after this there are ring strips, we perform the smoothing procedure. We wait until the plaster acquires a matte finish, and treat the wall with a trowel or spatula.
Stucco walls for painting
Preparing the walls for subsequent painting is more difficult than under the wallpaper.Paint will not look good on uneven and poorly putty walls. Usually requires 3-4 layers of putty.
The skinning follows - to carry out this work, you must have the skill. Any risks and poorly cleaned areas will certainly appear and will be very visible under the paint. Fractures of light will emphasize the unevenness of the walls. When cleaning the walls, it is necessary to illuminate the wall with a lamp, directing its diffused light onto the wall. This will help to identify defects in the prepared surface. For skinning, you need to use mesh No. 240.
Stucco wall tiles
It is impossible to glue the tiles on uneven walls. Therefore, it is necessary to align using plaster. This will reduce the consumption of tile adhesive, prevent tile from slipping, and the lining process itself will be much simpler.
To prepare the wall for gluing tiles, you will need improved plaster. High quality in this case is inappropriate. Final glossing is not needed - the wall will still be hidden under the decorative finish. In addition, smooth surfaces will only prevent the heavy tile from being firmly fixed.
Advantages and disadvantages of mechanized plastering
Mechanization of the plastering process allows you to automate all stages - from diluting the mixture to covering the wall with mortar.
The composition is poured into a special plaster station, which begins to prepare the solution. After that, the master applies the mixture to the wall with a hose and evens the coating.
The advantages of using mechanized plaster:
The coating formation rate is 4-5 higher than with the traditional method.
Savings on puttying - just 1 coat is enough, while manual application requires 2-3.
The cost of the mixture for machine application is 30-40% less than that of a similar one for manual application.
Disadvantages:
Heavy equipment is difficult to lift to the floor.If it does not fit in the elevator, then its use will be impossible.
To perform the work, the object must be connected to the electric network.
Economic benefits can be obtained only when decorating large areas from 100 to 150 square meters.
Conclusion
Now you know how to plaster a wall with your own hands. Doing it yourself is not so difficult, even if you are new to this business. Skills can be honed during work. Before you begin direct decoration, practice on a small section of the wall.
If you started a major overhaul of an apartment or house, then you will certainly encounter the need for plastering. This stage of decoration allows you to make the wall surface very aesthetic and neat. Creating a smooth plaster layer is a very time-consuming process, which requires serious professional skills. But if you are not ready to contact specialists due to a limited budget and intend to do all the finishing work yourself, check out our tips. They will help you competently and efficiently perform wall plastering with your own hands and create the perfect interior.
Content
Features
Plaster - a mixture for leveling walls. It allows you to prepare the surface for finishing. But this is not her only purpose.
Wall plastering is necessary for:
Correctly plastered wall is a flat and smooth surface without cracks and depressions. This base is ideal for applying decorative finishes, regardless of its type - painting, facing with ceramic tiles or wallpapering. Plaster mixes have a different composition. The choice of a particular type of material depends on the scope of application of the composition and the properties of the surface on which it will be applied.
The solution can be prepared independently by mixing cement, sand and water. However, it is advisable to use high-quality finished dry mixes from reliable manufacturers. The plaster coat should be a solid foundation for the rest of the finish.
The composition of any plaster mixture includes the following components:
The plastering algorithm includes several stages, at each of which certain tasks are solved. We do not recommend neglecting any of them and abide by the rules of the technological process worked out over the years.
The compositions of the mixtures vary depending on their functional purpose - alignment, warming, decoration. Qualitative differences depend on the binders of the solution. A huge role is played by fillers and additives, providing ease of application and additional qualities to the finished coating.
Types of plaster, their advantages and disadvantages
To choose the right mixture, you need to determine the scope of their application and understand the properties. All plaster mixes can be divided into two large groups:
Cement
The main binder in this mixture is cement. It provides the strength of the finish. Cement-based mixes are used in any type of premises, suitable for manual and mechanized work. The properties of the binder component may vary - in compressive strength, resistance to frost. This type of plaster fits perfectly on any foundation covered with soil. The only exception is gypsum plaster. Cement mixes are the most economical and versatile. White cement plaster can be used for finishing.
Cement-lime
This type of plaster combines the advantages of both binding components. At a relatively low cost, it exhibits a high level:
The solution can be kneaded on its own or purchased in prepared form. The latter allows you to achieve maximum effect due to the introduction of modifying additives. The mixture is used when leveling internal and external walls, not excluding rooms with a high level of humidity.
The composition is better not to use on weak walls due to its high specific gravity. Also cons include:
Gypsum
It has a long history - appeared in ancient times. Promotes the creation of a favorable microclimate in the room. For its manufacture, natural stone is used, which is subjected to drying in furnaces and grinding. It is used for interior decoration, but lately there have been versions of this material designed for outdoor use.
The composition of the leveling mixture includes medium- and coarse-grained filler, for decorative use a filler of small fractions. Plastering can be done either manually or mechanically. Gypsum plaster coexists perfectly with clay, lime.
Strengths of the material:
Cons of gypsum plaster:
Clay
The oldest of all types of plaster known to mankind. The raw materials for its manufacture literally lie under our feet. The solution is prepared from self-selected components or purchased dry mix. Historically, chaff, needles, chopped straw, sawdust, horse manure were used as fillers. Thanks to these fillers, the strength and thermal insulation performance of the plaster increase. A clay coated wall feels warm when touched. The plasticity of the solution is regulated by the addition of sand. The required amount of this component is determined using simple techniques empirically. The composition of the solution can be improved with lime or cement.
Clay plaster is used for leveling and warming walls. Colored clay is used for decorative purposes.
The main advantages of clay plaster:
Among the shortcomings can be identified:
Decorative
It is able to fulfill the role of ordinary plaster and finish at the same time. The plaster composition can be created on the basis of acrylic, mineral, silicone and other fillers. Decorative effect is provided due to:
Manufacturers offer smooth solutions that require a flat base and textured - to hide the flaws of the processed surface.
The advantages include the following properties of decorative compositions:
The main disadvantage of such mixtures is their high cost. To save money, you can prepare the composition yourself.
Silicone
Material from the expensive price segment is made on the basis of silicone fibers, resins. The composition also includes various additives. Coatings of such plaster have high elasticity and resistance to mechanical stress. In order to remove or scratch such a coating, you will have to try hard. Silicone plaster is waterproof, so it is great for decorating the bathroom. The coating from it is highly resistant to ultraviolet rays, so the paint retains its original color, even when directed by the sun. The material easily withstands temperature fluctuations with a large amplitude - from -50 to + 70 degrees, is resistant to aggressive environments. The high adhesiveness of the mixture eliminates the priming step from the technology. Able to maintain their original appearance for more than 20 years. They are characterized by fire resistance, do not emit toxins into the environment.
The material is sold as dry mixes or ready-to-use solutions. It is used for leveling and finishing. It fits well on concrete, gas silicate, wood, gypsum and lime substrates.It is not recommended to apply silicate mixtures on walls with paint, varnish and oil coating. Cracks do not form on the finish; it does not shrink. You can restore the life of a thickened mixture with water.
Venetian
The luxurious multi-layer coating is mesmerizing, makes you want to watch the transitions of shades without stopping. The base should be as smooth as possible. The wall is leveled with solutions containing stone flour. In addition to the classical method of application, there are other techniques. The base layer of Venetian plaster can be attributed to the draft. The rest are finishing. Using special techniques on the wall, you can recreate a craquelure effect coating, imitation of polished marble, silk, balsa wood. The photo shows the implemented options for this finish. They were obtained as a result of using various methods of applying the material. On top of the plaster put the top coat of varnish or wax.
Surprisingly, you can not buy expensive plaster mortar. It is quite possible to make it yourself from ordinary putty. Compared to finished decorative mineral-lime or acrylic compositions, it will cost much less. Venetian plaster is applied only with stainless tools.
The main advantage of the Venetians is their high aesthetics and originality.
The disadvantages include - high cost, the need to master the complex technique of applying the material, high labor costs.
Textured
This type of plaster mix also belongs to veterans in the family of decorative materials. Lime is present in the composition as a natural binder. It gives the mixture environmental friendliness and bactericidal properties. It turns out a breathable, fire-resistant coating. The composition can be used to align the walls and as a textured finishing plaster. Great for frescoing.It goes well with mineral binders - cement, gypsum, clay. It is realized in the form of dry mixtures, but if you wish, you can prepare a solution of independently composed material.
Advantages of textured plaster:
Minuses:
How to choose a plaster
First of all, you need to decide whether you want to use a dry or wet type of plaster. The dry method involves facing the walls with gypsum boards. Using this material can significantly speed up the process. However, it is better not to use GKL sheets in small rooms - they will conceal an already small space.
The “wet” method involves leveling the walls using building mixtures. When choosing a plaster composition, it is necessary to take into account the material from which the walls are made and where they are located - inside or outside the building.
How to prepare the surface for applying stucco
The preparation of the walls is an important stage in the finishing work. The base must be freed from the old exfoliated coating, cleaned from dust, mold, grease stains. This is followed by repair of potholes, chips and cracks. The wall is covered with a layer of soil and reinforced with reinforcing building mesh. Such careful preparation is necessary to prevent peeling of the new coating and the penetration through the composition of oil stains or rust. A primer with antiseptic components prevents the destruction of the wall under a layer of plaster.
Concrete wall
If concrete walls act as a base, they must be primed with a special material with quartz particles. Additives will significantly increase the adhesive properties of the wall and allow the plaster mix to bond firmly to the base. Concrete surfaces are well absorbed by gypsum-cement plaster and a mixture of gypsum and lime.
Brick wall
Choosing plaster for brick walls is not an easy task. Regardless of the material selected, quality surface preparation is imperative. Most often, the brick walls are already covered with old plaster. It is necessary to get rid of this layer, and this can be done with water and a sponge. We wet the surface several times and wait until the water completely impregnates the coating. This procedure will greatly facilitate the removal of outdated material. Next, we arm ourselves with a spatula with a working surface thickness of at least 1.5-2 mm and a hammer and knock down the old plaster. First you need to gently tap the cleaned area. Due to this, cracks form on the surface, which will allow to put a spatula in and pick up the coating. If the plaster does not want to fall off under your pressure, help yourself by tapping the handle of the spatula with a hammer. This will make the task a little easier.
After removing the old coating, it is necessary to treat the surface with a grinder or a metal brush. Next, deepen the seams between the masonry elements by 5-7 mm to increase the adhesion of the material to the wall. After that, the surface is cleaned with a soft bristle brush and dusted off with a damp cloth. The final stage is the priming of the wall in two layers with the help of a composition that provides deep penetration.
Foam wall
Most modern buildings are built using this material. Surfaces from foam concrete blocks and aerated concrete need not only to be carefully primed, but also to be strengthened with a special reinforcing mesh or fiberglass "sickle". For the manufacture of a stucco mortar, gypsum, lime-cement mixtures can be used.
Wood wall
Before proceeding with the plastering of wooden walls, it is necessary to treat them with protective compounds against fungus and bark beetles. After that, you need to make a special lattice of wooden slats - shingles. The product has a mesh shape. The shingles are fixed on the wall with nails. Fasteners do not recess entirely into the wall. It is very important to remember that nails need to be driven in only up to half, and the top with a cap is bent, clinging to the surface.
Instead of “shingles”, you can use a special metal mesh to reinforce the facades. It is attached to the wall before plastering.
The process of plastering walls with your own hands
Plastering is a complex and time-consuming process. If you still decide to do it yourself, we recommend using our tips. Introducing detailed instructions for beginners.
Necessary materials and tools
To complete the work you can not do without:
In addition, you will need work clothes, a hat, safety glasses, gloves.
Beacon Setting
To align the walls and, if necessary, form a layer of large thickness, plastering is carried out using beacons.For this purpose, wooden planks, metal profiles, gypsum rectangular bars are used. Lighthouses simplify the work, guarantee even application and distribution of the mixture, which is leveled according to them using the rule.
Installation of beacons is as follows. It is necessary to screw a self-tapping screw into the wall at a distance of 5 cm from the ceiling and 40 cm from the corner. We screw the next screw directly under it, stepping back from the floor by a plumb line of 5 cm. We draw a line from one self-tapping screw to another and measure the distance between them. Slightly reduce the result, cut off the bar from the metal profile, equal to the length of this line. We sprinkle on the line several tubercles of the stucco mixture and press the profile into it so that its surface is at the same level with the self-tapping screws. We remove the screws and repeat the procedure at the opposite corner. We set the following beacons at intervals of 1-1.5 m. We check their verticality using a taut cord. The quality of the formed surface depends on it. After applying the solution, the beacons should be removed and the remaining grooves filled with plaster. Plaster beacons can not be removed if plaster mix is used.
The rules for preparing the solution
Previously, we examined the types of stucco mortars, but now it is worth mentioning some of the nuances of various compositions.
How to calculate the required amount of solution
It is very difficult to independently calculate the required amount of material. A special online calculator can help you with this. It determines the amount of mixture you will need using a formula. According to it, the costs of the stucco mixture are equal to the product of the mixture consumption by the area of the room and the leveling layer. The resulting value will help to at least approximately navigate during the acquisition of mixtures.
Plaster reinforcement
Using a reinforcing mesh, cracks can be made less noticeable, but it will not prevent their appearance.
There are various types of nets for wall reinforcement:
Reinforcement may not be performed entirely on the entire wall, but be present only at the joints of various finishing coatings and structural parts. But when plastering ceilings or when decorating a new building that has not yet shrunk, it is necessary to reinforce the entire area to be trimmed.
Plaster corners
Curved corners and slopes are found everywhere - both in old Soviet buildings and in modern buildings. Therefore, one of the mandatory procedures in the process of plastering is to align the corners. If you do not want the drawings on the wallpaper to be distorted, and for gluing ceramic tiles it took several times more glue, do not neglect this important step.
Both internal and external corners are subject to alignment.
The formation of the internal angle is carried out according to the following scheme:
Step-by-step instructions for deriving the outer corner.
Wall finishing plaster
This is the final stage of plastering, which will make the wall ready for finishing. For this, cement mixtures, gypsum, polymeric materials can be used. Any of these compounds is suitable for the completion of the coating.
Finishing Plaster Tasks:
Finishing plaster should have:
To do the work you will need:
Application steps:
After the finish layer has dried, it is grouted, and you can proceed to the decorative finish.
Stucco without beacons
If the ideal flatness of the wall is not important for you, and you plan to eliminate flaws and small errors with the help of the main material, it is not necessary to plaster the beacons.
Work Stages:
Plaster without beacons is used to align walls with minimal differences. Since there is nothing to focus on, you need to often check the quality of work with the help of the construction level. A detailed master class is presented in the video.
Features of plaster for wallpaper without putty
If the walls after applying the plaster have become fairly even and smooth, the application of finishing putty before wallpapering is not required.
Sometimes it is necessary to strengthen the plaster layer. For example, if the base is represented by a cement-bonded particleboard or when pairing different types of materials, for example, brick and concrete. In this case, the wall is reinforced with a fiberglass mesh with 5 mm cells. The strips are overlapped, with each of the next covering the previous 10-20 cm. The solution is applied on top and the contraction begins.
The final stages are grouting and smoothing. To do this, the base is softened with a moistened sponge, brush or spray. Then take a grater and rub the protrusions in a circular motion. If after this there are ring strips, we perform the smoothing procedure. We wait until the plaster acquires a matte finish, and treat the wall with a trowel or spatula.
Stucco walls for painting
Preparing the walls for subsequent painting is more difficult than under the wallpaper.Paint will not look good on uneven and poorly putty walls. Usually requires 3-4 layers of putty.
The skinning follows - to carry out this work, you must have the skill. Any risks and poorly cleaned areas will certainly appear and will be very visible under the paint. Fractures of light will emphasize the unevenness of the walls. When cleaning the walls, it is necessary to illuminate the wall with a lamp, directing its diffused light onto the wall. This will help to identify defects in the prepared surface. For skinning, you need to use mesh No. 240.
Stucco wall tiles
It is impossible to glue the tiles on uneven walls. Therefore, it is necessary to align using plaster. This will reduce the consumption of tile adhesive, prevent tile from slipping, and the lining process itself will be much simpler.
To prepare the wall for gluing tiles, you will need improved plaster. High quality in this case is inappropriate. Final glossing is not needed - the wall will still be hidden under the decorative finish. In addition, smooth surfaces will only prevent the heavy tile from being firmly fixed.
Advantages and disadvantages of mechanized plastering
Mechanization of the plastering process allows you to automate all stages - from diluting the mixture to covering the wall with mortar.
The composition is poured into a special plaster station, which begins to prepare the solution. After that, the master applies the mixture to the wall with a hose and evens the coating.
The advantages of using mechanized plaster:
Disadvantages:
Conclusion
Now you know how to plaster a wall with your own hands. Doing it yourself is not so difficult, even if you are new to this business. Skills can be honed during work. Before you begin direct decoration, practice on a small section of the wall.