Wall Plastering (113 Photos): What Are These And Types Of Mixtures, How To Plaster, Products Of Knauf And "Prospectors" For Interior Decoration

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

Plaster is a versatile and very popular material. It is used in many finishing works and is an indispensable part in the renovation of any home. It can be easily handled by both an experienced and a home craftsman. Today we will take a closer look at the features and subtleties of the plastering process.

What it is?

Almost all repair work, with the exception of communications, begins with plaster. It is a mixture that contains components such as sand, cement, lime and a certain amount of water. Plaster is needed for rough finishing, it can also act as a suitable base for various decorative elements. She can finish a variety of surfaces - the main thing is to choose the right composition and knead it correctly.

Peculiarities

Plaster is rightfully recognized as one of the most demanded finishing materials. It is used for various purposes; repair work in a home is extremely rare without it. Such a composition can act both as a base for some kind of finish, and as a finished finish for a particular surface. It is worth noting that such a finish also has stylistic properties, for example, the use of light plaster on the walls can visually expand the room and make it lighter.

Currently, there are many varieties of high-quality plaster, it is produced by many brands. Even the most demanding consumer can find the ideal option. In stores you can find not only interior, but also facade plaster. Most of the mixtures have excellent performance and strength properties. Of course, a lot depends on how you apply the plaster: if the work was done incorrectly, then the mixture will not last long.

The main feature of the material is its ability to conceal various defects and irregularities in the walls . Due to this, it is very often used in preparatory work before applying the main finishing material, for example, wallpapering or painting. In addition, plaster can boast of its unpretentiousness in the base material - it can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces: concrete, brick, stone, wood, drywall and any other materials. This feature suggests that it is permissible to use plaster in a variety of dwellings: from an ordinary city apartment to a country house or a country villa.

High-quality plaster does not absorb foreign odors, which are often not the most pleasant. Due to this feature, this mixture can be used in the design of balconies and loggias, as well as dining rooms and kitchens.

Many consumers opt for plaster, as it has soundproofing characteristics. Of course, its layer cannot be so dense as to absorb all extraneous noise, however, to a certain extent, it protects the space from unnecessary sounds. Considering the above features, home interior designers turn to this decorative finishing material in their designs. As mentioned earlier, with its help you can radically change the image of a room and even "transform" its structure.

Working with plaster is quite simple and affordable , for this you do not need to have special knowledge and rich experience in repair work. Before applying it, no complicated preparation of the base is needed, and sometimes it is not required at all.

Most modern plasters are fairly durable and reliable. They are not afraid of temperature extremes and harsh climatic conditions. Of course, a low-quality mixture of dubious production cannot boast of such properties, therefore experts strongly recommend contacting only high-quality branded products.

The plaster is characterized by its breathable characteristics . Thanks to this feature, the coatings finished with this mixture become "breathable", so they do not develop fungus or mold. The material forms on the base an environmentally friendly and absolutely safe coating, which is distinguished by its practicality and resistance to mechanical damage. Because of this, the composition can be chosen for the design of a wide variety of rooms, including in the children's room. It does not emit harmful substances even in high temperature conditions, so the health of small households will not be at risk.

Another feature of the plaster is its high plasticity. This property makes the solution quite pliable and easy to use. Using plaster, you can finish any complex structures, as well as create original drawings, patterns and other decorative elements.

Types of mixtures

Many consumers believe that plaster is a single mixture and does not have any varieties - this opinion is erroneous. In fact, in stores of building and finishing materials, you can find many different types of plaster, which have their own distinctive properties and components in the composition. Let's consider them in more detail.

The textured mixture differs from other solutions in its structure: it is coarsely dispersed and highly viscous. The fillers in such mixtures are flax fibers, wood, mica and special crumbs (of mineral origin). Such plaster can be purchased only for decoration of walls made of brick, concrete or wood. In addition, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Facades of buildings decorated with such plaster look quite attractive.

With the help of the material, you can hide many of the imperfections of the walls ., since it has special particles in its composition. It is permissible to safely use it to level the floors, but not all mixtures can cope with this task. To apply textured plaster of the base, you do not need to prepare it for a long time and diligently - it is enough to dry them and clean them of excess debris and old finishing coatings if they move away from the walls. This is followed by the stage of applying a special adhesive composition, so that the plaster properly "adheres" to the overlap.

Textured plaster has a lot of positive characteristics:

• It is moisture resistant and does not suffer from contact with water.
• Forms a breathable coating. Thanks to this property, the walls in the room will not be susceptible to the formation of mold or mildew.
• Capable of repeating a wide variety of surfaces. For example, it can be a spectacular imitation of masonry, natural leather, beautiful wood with its natural structure or fabric.
• Such a mixture is applied without the use of special tools. In addition, for its application it is not at all necessary to involve specialists, since even an inexperienced user can cope with such work.

Among all types of materials, this one is one of the most popular, as it has a relatively affordable price.

There are several subtypes of textured plaster:

• Lamb. This mixture consists of stone grains of different sizes. As a rule, it is applied to bases of mineral origin. As a result of their use, the surfaces are grainy.
• Fur coat. It creates a slightly rough and fleecy texture on the walls. The main component of this mixture is concrete.
• Bark beetle. This type of plaster is composite. It contains a stone filler. After application, the surface of the base becomes grooved and resembles pitted wood.

Another type of plaster, structural, has a thin-layer composition, it is created on an acrylic or silicate base. The composition contains marble chips or quartz particles. In terms of appearance, it is grainy and uneven. Structural plaster is used for different purposes: both for finishing partitions inside premises, and for decorating the facades of various buildings.

There are several types of seduction:

• Fine-grained. This mixture, after drying, forms an almost smooth layer.
• Medium-grained. A similar solution forms a slightly rough and embossed surface on the wall.

The structural mixture has good adhesion to most mineral surfaces. In addition, it can be used in the decoration of ordinary drywall or chipboard sheets.

The advantages of such plaster are:

• High breathability.
• Resistant to moisture.
• Tolerance to temperature changes.

These compositions are produced in packs of 9, 18, 50 kg . Stores supply ready-made mixtures to which coloring components are not added. It is necessary to apply such plaster using a trowel on an absolutely dry and cleaned surface of the base. Experts strongly advise against using this finishing material in rooms with high humidity levels. If you are decorating the facade, then you should not do this in the rain and at an air temperature of less than 7 degrees. It should be noted that structural plaster is often used for finishing fences and gates.

Another type of plaster - Venetian - is one of the most luxurious. Once transferred to the base, it forms a coating that resembles beautiful marble or rich onyx. However, it is worth considering the fact that working with such a finishing material requires a master of sufficient experience and a certain skill. Otherwise, the surface of the bases will turn out to be less spectacular. Such plaster is quite expensive, so consumers turn to it not so often. However, the effect it creates in the room justifies the high price. Due to its noble appearance, such plaster is often used in the design of artsy interiors in such styles as baroque, rococo, empire, classic, neoclassic or art deco.

Such mixtures are applied using special thin spatulas and exceptionally thin strokes. According to experts, Venetian plaster should be applied in 5-6 layers, but each layer should be completely dry.

You can apply the Venetian mixture in different ways, since it happens:

• Matt.
• Glossy.

Both options look very impressive. The choice of the optimal solution depends on the style of the decor and the desires of the owners.

In addition, one or another color scheme is often added to the composition of Venetian plaster. Venetian plaster can be used not only as the main finishing material, but also as a base for another coating. For example, it can be a luxurious fresco, a complex and intricate panel, or a mosaic canvas. This type of plaster can imitate not only expensive rocks, but also precious metals, since it contains a special pigment. With the help of such a finishing material, in the room, you can create the effect of a more spacious and free room. It is achieved through refracted light.

Do not forget that such plaster is only suitable for indoor decoration. It should not be used for exterior decoration. Venetian plaster is produced in packages of 8 kg and 16 kg. It must be applied to a dry and cleaned substrate surface. In addition, it must be aligned in advance.

The so-called "colored" type of plaster belongs to the category of specific and is made on the basis of acrylic and marble chips.

This finishing material has a number of features:

• It fits perfectly on mineral substrates.
• Differs in moisture resistance.
• Is hard enough.
• Available in a palette of 15 attractive shades.
• It can be applied in just one layer.

Before applying colored plaster, it is necessary to prepare the base by thoroughly cleaning and drying it. In order that ugly joints are not noticeable on the surface of the floors, the mixture should be brought to the corner. Colored plaster can be used for both internal and external work.

There is a roller mix, which can be distinguished by an environmentally friendly and safe composition, it includes fillers of natural origin. After application, it forms an interesting texture on the basis with small grooves-recesses. Roller plaster can be used for facade treatment, as well as for decorating partitions inside residential and office premises. Tinting of such solutions or their surface coloring is possible. Roller plaster should be applied using a special wide spatula. Then the mixture must be grinded with a trowel in a circular, vertical or crosswise motion.

It is worth noting latex plastic, because with the help of such a mixture, you can create a smooth surface on the walls with a light gloss. Coatings imitating stone or marble look especially attractive and expensive. Such a finishing material boasts durability: it is not susceptible to the formation of ugly cracks. In addition, it is moisture resistant so that the surface finished with latex plaster can be washed if dirt appears on it. The material can be tinted at your discretion: it can be absolutely any shade, in order to give the mixture the effect of a stone structure, you need to knead the solution less carefully and scrupulously.

Latex plaster must be applied to a perfectly flat base surface . Overlappings must be pre-treated with putty and deep penetration soil in order to achieve the desired result.

If you want to find an original and unusual coating, then you should look in stores for "wet silk" plaster. Once cured, these coatings become fabric-like, which looks pretty interesting. In the composition of such a mixture there are special mother-of-pearl components that create spectacular overflows, and it is they that imitate the surface of fine silk.

You can also add any color scheme to such compositions, but initially they are available in the following colors:

• White.
• Golden.
• Pomegranate.
• Silver.
• Bronze.

The created coatings have increased moisture resistance: they can be wet-cleaned without fear that the coating will lose its color brightness or begin to crack. Quite often, this type of plaster is used in kitchen decoration.

"Sea Breeze" is another decorative coating that has an unsurpassed appearance, it is distinguished by a translucent structure with an unobtrusive and barely noticeable shimmer of mother-of-pearl. Fine-grained sand is often poured into the composition of such a mixture.

The material can be coloured, but initially it is produced in the following palettes:

• White.
• Red.
• Golden.
• Chameleon.

Experts recommend using the "sea breeze" exclusively for interior finishing work.

For additional thermal insulation of the room, you can use high-quality heat-shielding plaster.

The composition contains special fillers that increase its effectiveness and enhance the qualities:

• Foam glass.
• Expanded polystyrene (in the form of granules).
• Foamed perlite.
• Vermiculite.

The most popular are polystyrene foam and perlite mixtures, the latter version contains perlite - a special component that is a mineral of volcanic origin. Heat-insulating plaster is rather light, because it contains small-volume fillers. Due to this feature, the mixture can be used to create the most comfortable indoor climate. In some cases, the use of a heat-shielding composition allows the owners to refuse additional insulating sheets of polystyrene or mineral wool.

Another popular type of plaster is the acoustic mix. It is necessary to significantly reduce the noise level in the room. Especially often, such compositions are used in the decoration of large industrial premises, cinemas and gyms, where extraneous sounds are common. Acoustic plaster is indispensable if there are architectural curvilinear forms in the room; you can also refuse to use suspended acoustic structures if their installation is not possible. Consumers note that it is much more pleasant and comfortable to be in a room with such a finish, especially if the floors are decorated with rigid materials.

A waterproofing type of plaster, as a rule, contains special waterproof polymers. It is necessary for the preparation of special waterproofing layers in rooms or buildings with high levels of humidity. Acrylic, epoxy and polyurethane resins are used as a setting liquid for such plaster. In order for the water-repellent properties of the mixture to be more effective, the solution should be applied using a special cement gun (otherwise it is called a thinning machine).

There is a sanitizing plaster, which is otherwise called drying . It is ideal for finishing in rooms with high humidity levels. With the help of such mixtures, it is possible to carry out high-quality dehumidification of floors without producing unnecessary mechanical stress. Such compositions have a porous structure, due to which the evaporation area is noticeably increased.

Silicate polymer plaster, as a rule, is produced in the form of a ready-made solution that does not need to be kneaded. Such finishing material is absolutely safe and environmentally friendly. In addition, in stores you can find silicate plasters in a variety of colors. First of all, such mixtures are produced for facade finishing works, however, experts say that they can be used indoors. Silicate solution will look interesting in the interior of a kitchen, loggia or balcony.

The advantages of such plaster include:

• Can be applied to concrete, plasterboard and limestone substrates.
• Increased vapor permeability.
• Not susceptible to deformation.
• Resistant to precipitation.
• Lack of unpleasant and pungent odor.
• Rich colors.
• Increased strength.
• Ease of application.
• Fire safety.

It is necessary to apply such a mixture very quickly, an inexperienced master with such work may not be able to cope. In addition, it is necessary to cover the bases treated with a special primer with silicate plaster. Such mixtures do not last very long.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly type of plaster, then you should consider the option of buying a clay mixture, which has many positive qualities:

• Clay plaster quickly absorbs moisture and releases moisture. Due to this quality, such coatings serve for a very long time.
• Low cost.
• Clay plaster perfectly protects the base from mechanical damage.
• Such a mixture is elastic, therefore it is applied easily and without problems.
• Clay plaster is suitable for both interior and exterior decoration.
• Using a similar composition, you can even out significant differences on the surface of the walls.

As for the lack of clay solutions, they include:

• Lack of a clear recipe for making mixtures. There are no specific proportions for the manufacture of such plaster, which is why each master makes it in his own way.
• Possibility of cracking. Drying out the clay mortar too quickly can cause it to crack.
• Very few experienced craftsmen. Today, clay plaster is rarely used, which is why there are few really experienced workers who are well acquainted with this material.

Which is better?

It is difficult to say which plaster is the best, as the choice of a suitable mixture depends on the room in which you are renovating. For example, for a cool room, a heat-shielding mixture would be the best option, and sanitizing and waterproofing solutions are ideal in a space with high humidity.

When drawing up a beautiful and stylish interior, you should choose one of the spectacular decorative mixtures . The most expensive and luxurious of them is Venetian plaster, it is she who is recognized as the best option when it comes to creating a pompous ensemble. The choice of the optimal decorative composition depends on the style and "mood" of the interior.

To avoid extraneous noise in the room, you should use a special soundproof plaster.

When choosing the best option for decorating your home, you need to pay attention to its composition and performance characteristics. High-quality plaster should be vapor-permeable, waterproof and durable. Such coatings not only serve for many years, but also retain an attractive appearance for a long time.

Application area

Different types of plaster are suitable for a wide range of applications, for example:

• Most compounds can be used for interior decoration. Even silicate mixtures designed for finishing the facade are allowed to be used in the design of the interior space of the dwelling.
• Decorative plaster is usually used for interior renovations.
• For facade work, they often choose not only silicate, but also structural, textured and roller mixtures.
• For finishing brick bases, it is recommended to use cement-based mixtures. The thickness of the applied layer should not exceed 3 cm.

• Concrete floors can be plastered, but first they should be treated with priming mixtures, which include quartz sand and flour. For such substrates, it is recommended to use gypsum-containing cement plasters or gypsum-lime mortars.
• If the walls in the building are made of gas or foam blocks, then it is recommended to finish them with porous deep penetration plaster.
• A material such as polystyrene can also be treated with plaster. To do this, you should use a universal facade mixture (when it comes to facade design) or a mineral composition.

Universal facade plaster is a reliable and moisture-resistant mixture that is not afraid of harsh climatic conditions and temperature changes. Such a composition is perfect for external decoration, it will last even longer and will look neater if you install a special reinforced mesh under it.

• Mineral mixtures are also often used for facade finishing works. Such compositions are based on Portland cement of the usual white color, as well as lime and various fillers. Such solutions are very durable and have high adhesion to many surfaces, including the aforementioned foam.
• Modern acoustic mixtures with enhanced sound insulation characteristics are used in the decoration of noisy areas. It can be a concert hall, cinema and other similar spaces. Of course, in the conditions of an ordinary residential apartment in a new building or in a private house, it can also be used.

• Latex mixtures can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces, but they must first be prepared - covered with putty and special primer.
• Modern gypsum plaster is universal. It can be applied on dense mineral bases, cellular concrete, silicate bases (aerated concrete, brick), as well as synthetic insulation, such as polystyrene or foam. When choosing such a mixture, it should be borne in mind that it does not tolerate certain atmospheric phenomena, since it is not waterproof and washable.

Colors

Plaster can have different colors, it depends on this indicator how the room in which the repair is being made will look like. The stores sell different formulations. As a rule, plasters are sold ready-made and all you have to do is add one or another pigment to them. However, you need to act very carefully at this moment so as not to overdo it and not make the shade too bright and lurid.

After the correct application of the painted mixture, finishing work must be completed .by painting the floors with a special paint and varnish composition. Here you can combine different shades, but if you do not want to experiment, then you can choose the same color as it was originally. You can also add a special coloring agent to the plaster to give the walls a suitable color. However, it should be borne in mind that in this case you will have to re-paint the floors to make them look more juicy and rich.

Plaster can have absolutely any color, the most popular are pastel-colored compositions:

• Blue.
• Green.
• Pink.
• Peach.
• Pale yellow.
• Turquoise.

If you want to decorate the interior with unusual shades, then you should turn to decorative compositions such as "sea breeze" or "wet silk", as they can have golden, silver and bronze colors.

How to calculate the expense?

Before starting finishing work, it is worth calculating the consumption of the plaster mixture per 1 sq. M.

It can be calculated in this way:

• First you need to calculate the required layer thickness.
• The next step is to clean the base.
• After that, you need to hang the surfaces by placing beacons or special slats.
• Key points need to be found at different sites. Further, they will determine the deviation of the base from the correct and flat plane. The more points you select, the better the result will be.
• Now you should measure all deviations, add them and divide by the number of marked points.

To make this method of calculating the material more understandable, it is worth giving a specific example:

• For example, you need to grout a base with an area of 10 square meters, beveled by 50 mm (note that the maximum deviation may be 5 cm).
• In the case of hanging three points, we will get deviations - 1 cm, 3 cm, 5 cm.
• You need to add the results - 1 + 3 + 5 = 9 cm.
• Now you need to divide the resulting value by the number of fixed points - 9: 3 = 3 cm.
• Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that for a neat and even coating of the base, it will be necessary to transfer the middle layer, which is 3 cm.

After determining the middle layer, you should read the manufacturer's recommendations for calculating material consumption. As a rule, it is indicated per square meter, provided that a layer of 10 mm is applied. This information is on the packaging. In the case of high-quality plaster, there should be no problems in this matter.

For example, on a dry Knauf Rotband mortar, it is indicated that 8, 5 kg of plaster will be needed to decorate one square meter of the base with a layer of 10 mm.

Based on these indicators, further calculation can be made:

• We multiply the norm (in this case 8, 5) by the average thickness, which we calculated before - 8, 5x3 = 25, 5 kg.
• As a result, we received the consumption of Knauf Rotband solution for finishing one square meter of the base.

Tools

If you plan to plaster the floors indoors on your own, then you will need the following tools and additional mixtures:

• Putty knife.
• Lighthouses.
• Grater.
• Drill.
• Cellular calico with sizes 1, 5x1, 2 mm, 2x2 mm, 5x5 mm, 10x10 mm.
• Trowel (trowel).

• Special metal trowel.
• Net capacity.
• Rollers, stamps. It is much more convenient to apply a textured mixture with such devices.
• Dye. It will be needed if your plaster is plain white and not tinted.
• Water based varnish. It will be needed to fix the paint layer.
• Primer for painting.

Work technology

If you want the plastered surfaces to look aesthetically pleasing and neat, then you should adhere to the appropriate application technology and certain stages of finishing work. First, the base is prepared, after which you can proceed to the marking of the floors and their primer. It will also be necessary to install beacons. Only after these steps can the walls be covered with plaster. The final stage will be the design of the corner sections and areas next to the floor and ceiling.

How to prepare the mixture?

Before the direct preparation of the plaster, you need to take into account the basis on which it will lie.

• Cement and limestone options should be used for exterior cladding of building facades. They are also suitable for areas with high humidity.
• Lime and gypsum compositions can be used to decorate wall and ceiling bases in spaces with low humidity levels.
• Plaster mixes containing eco-friendly clay are ideal for stone and wood substrates.

When preparing plaster, you should rely on the following recommendations from professional craftsmen:

• It is recommended to pass all materials through a special strainer with meshes of different sizes.
• To prepare the mixture, use a separate box with a depth of at least 10 mm and no more than 20 mm.
• Whichever solution you choose for wall decoration, it will have to be mixed well to get a homogeneous mass without lumps and seals. To do this, you can use a special oar made of wood, which has a length of about 1 m. If the structure of the mixture is non-uniform, the material will not “grab” well with the overlap and will be of poor quality.
• After stirring the plaster, make sure that it has a sufficient level of grease. To this end, it is worth poking with an oar into the mixture. A good quality mortar will stick a little to the instrument. If the prepared plaster sticks too much to the oar, then it is worth adding filler to it to reduce its grease level. If the composition, on the contrary, does not stick at all, then a component with an astringent substance must be added to it.

Let's take a closer look at how to prepare different solutions.

For cement-lime type of plaster will require 1 part of cement, 3-5 parts of sand and 1 part of lime.

• You need to take quicklime and put it in a bucket. Remember that plastic containers will not work for this.
• Pour room temperature water into the bucket. Pour it so that it completely covers the lime layer.
• Now it is necessary to quickly cover the bucket with a lid and press down on top with something heavy, since under boiling conditions lime often flows out through the edges of the dishes.

• After that, you need to wait until the chemical reaction of all components of the composition stops.
• Next, you need to strain the mixture through ordinary cheesecloth.
• After a day, such a lime mortar can be used for plastering floors in a room.
• Then prepare a dry sand-cement mixture (1 to 3).
• Pour the lime mixture into a container with dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until the solution becomes homogeneous.

For the manufacture of lime mortar you will need 1 part lime mixture and 3 parts sand.

• Lime should be "quenched" with water, so that a high-quality solution comes out in the end.
• Add water and sand to the container with lime - these components will make it easier to apply the composition on the base.
• Stir the solution well so that there are no lumps or sticky pieces left in it.
• Throw in the remaining sand in small portions. Add water at the same time.
• The readiness of the composition can be determined by its appearance - it should have a normal fat content and an average level of density.

In gypsum-lime plaster includes 1 part dry gypsum and 3 parts special lime dough. This solution should be applied immediately after preparation, as it dries very quickly.

• First, dilute the dry gypsum with water. As a result, you should get a mass that resembles dough.
• Add lime solution to the first component and mix well.

How do I set up beacons?

Lighthouses are necessary to achieve perfectly flat wall surfaces, these details are exhibited at the building level. As a rule, metal guides are used as beacons, they are attached to the walls using a simple gypsum solution, since it dries out rather quickly and becomes solid, due to which it reliably holds the profile in the position that you set it on the level.

It is necessary to maintain a certain distance when installing beacons. The optimal step is 1.5 m from each other. This is necessary for the rule to follow two adjacent beacons during the alignment process. The vertical line of the metal guides must be monitored with a plumb line. If your toolbox contains only small and short levels, then instead of them you can use a block of more impressive length, it must be attached to the guide and this must be done before the gypsum mortar is completely solidified.

Training

Before applying the plaster, it is extremely important to properly prepare the base of the walls.

This requires:

• Get rid of the old finishing materials and coatings on a rough basis. Any paint, wallpaper or old decorative plaster should be removed. The starting layer of the finish can only be left in its place if it is strong enough, otherwise it must be knocked off the base.
• Next, tap the base with a hammer. This is necessary to identify weak areas that require filling with putty or cement-sand composition.

• If there are metal parts in the wall, such as nails or screws, then they must be removed. As for the fittings, they are cut with a grinder and coated with an anti-corrosion agent.
• Do not start applying the solution without covering furniture and other items with plastic.
• Next, you need to apply a primer to the walls. This stage should not be neglected, since the service life of the plaster directly depends on it.

The primer is necessary not only to ensure the durability of the plaster, it also acts as an antiseptic layer and increases the ventilation of finishing materials. For brick and concrete bases, it is recommended to use deep penetration soil, and for simple and smooth bases, the usual "Betonokontakt" is quite suitable.

Pour the purchased primer into a paint container. Then you need to dip a construction brush or roller into it, squeeze the tool well against a special canvas installed directly on the dishes, and then process the entire area of the existing bases. Do not forget that after applying the starter layer, you need to wait 2-3 hours and then repeat the procedure again.

After this overlap, leave to dry for 10-12 hours. After treating the bases with soil, you can install beacons.

Application

After thoroughly preparing the bases, as well as their primer, you can proceed directly to the application of plaster. This work is not too difficult, and a home craftsman who does not have rich experience in such matters can easily cope with it.

Consider the process of applying plaster using the example of a gypsum solution:

• First you need to properly knead the solution with all the required components and prepare the tools you need for work. If the floors are made of brick or concrete, then they should be wetted with water before facing. Such coatings absorb it strongly, which is why the plaster will not quickly gain strength until it dries completely, which will lead to the appearance of ugly cracks on it.
• It is advisable to cover the walls with water using a spray bottle. If this is not in your toolbox, then this process can be done using a simple damp sponge.

The prepared solution can be applied to the walls in two ways:

• "Cape". Experienced craftsmen often turn to this application option. With this kind of work, the solution is "thrown" onto the surface of the base, after which it is stretched to the desired scale. It is better for an inexperienced user to refuse such a method.
• A beginner should take the mixture on a wide spatula and move it to the surface of the base, then stretch it with a special tool - a trowel.

Next, you need to take the rule and fix it perpendicular to the beacons. Move this device from the bottom up, making light zigzag movements. The sharpened part of the rule will cut away excess plaster, which can then be applied to fill in the remaining gaps. If air bubbles were formed during the application of the plaster, then the mixture must be removed from these places, and then reapplied and properly leveled. At the end of the finishing work, you should re-walk the rule along the base, but now you can simply lead the tool from the bottom up. It is recommended to carry out this procedure up to 5 times, as a result, you should get a perfectly flat and neat surface.

At the end of all work, only places in the corners, as well as near the floor and ceiling, remain untreated. These areas must be finished only after the rest of the area has completely dried.

Finishing corners and areas near the floor and ceiling

These works are final. The gypsum plaster should be applied as quickly as possible to corners and areas near the floor and ceiling.

It is recommended to start finishing the remaining areas from the ceiling . To do this, the solution must be prepared again and adhere to the same consistency as in the finishing of the main surfaces. The resulting solution should be taken on a narrow spatula, and then gently stretched. If you get a slight overlap, don't be intimidated. Then it will be possible to walk on it with sandpaper. In the same way, unfinished areas near the floor should be trimmed. The remaining plastered areas must also be leveled using the rule, removing excess finishing material. The corners must be processed using a similar technology, but it is worth constantly monitoring the perpendicularity of the floors using a square. In this case, instead of beacons, the already finished surface of the walls will act as a reference point.

At the end of all work, you should make sure that there are no cracks on the walls, if they did form, then they need to be sealed with a liquid composition and leveled with a rule. Only after these actions can all beacons be removed, and the resulting grooves can be repaired and leveled. After that, the plastered surface must be sanded with sandpaper.

Manufacturers

Among the most famous and popular manufacturers of high quality and durable plaster, it is worth highlighting the following large firms:

• Knauf (Germany).
• Ceresit (Germany).
• "Prospectors" (Russia).
• Volma (Russia).
• Weber Betonit (France).
• Silk Plaster (Russia).

Reviews

Most consumers purchase plasters from foreign brands. As a rule, they are quite satisfied with the quality of the products - with rare exceptions: more often people are upset not by the poor quality of the resulting coatings, but by the cost of finishing mixtures. For example, the products of the French brand Weber Betonit or the large German company Knauf are not cheap. It is also worth noting that in stores there are quite a few cheap fakes of plaster mixes of these brands. Buyers who come across such products experience sheer frustration with their use.

Consumers note the good quality of Russian plasters, but very often they give a slight shrinkage, and in terms of cost they often exceed foreign mixtures.

Tips & Tricks

Experts recommend using exclusively high quality and branded materials for finishing. Do not look for mixtures that are too cheap, as they tend to have poor adhesion, do not last long, and shrink significantly.

Do not neglect the preparation of the base for the application of plaster, otherwise the finish may lie inaccurately and not “adhere” to the base insufficiently.

Choose vapor permeable and moisture resistant mixes , such compositions serve for a long time and are resistant to wear. In addition, harmful bacteria or mold and mildew will not grow on their surface.

Be careful when adding color to the plaster mixture: if there is too much of it, then the result will not please you - the composition will turn out to be too bright.