A wonderful way to shield your house from the weather and give it a new, tidy appearance is to plaster the outside. Although it may appear like a difficult undertaking, you can complete it on your own if you have the necessary equipment and a little perseverance.
External plastering is a satisfying do-it-yourself project, whether your goal is to update a newly constructed home or bring back the charm of an older home. It not only makes your house look better, but it also adds an extra layer of insulation that keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
This tutorial will take you through every stage of external plastering, from surface preparation to coating application. Even if this is your first experience working with plaster, you can still achieve professional-looking results with clear instructions and helpful advice.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Prepare the Surface | Clean the exterior walls from dust, dirt, and loose material. Repair any cracks or holes with filler. |
| 2. Apply Primer | Use a primer to ensure the plaster adheres properly to the wall. Let it dry completely before moving to the next step. |
| 3. Mix the Plaster | Follow the instructions on the plaster packaging to mix it to the right consistency. Use clean water and mix thoroughly. |
| 4. Apply the Base Coat | Using a trowel, spread the first coat of plaster evenly across the surface. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Allow it to set. |
| 5. Apply the Finish Coat | Once the base coat is set, apply a thinner layer of plaster to achieve a smooth finish. Work carefully to avoid bumps or uneven areas. |
| 6. Texturing (Optional) | If you want a textured finish, use a texture roller or brush while the plaster is still wet. |
| 7. Curing | Let the plaster dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight or strong winds, which can cause cracking. |
- Advantages of plastering
- Work with various surfaces
- Types of plaster
- Mineral compositions
- Polymer solutions
- Self-made mixtures
- Video on the topic
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Advantages of plastering
Plaster finishing is popular for a variety of reasons, including the following benefits:
- The coating prevents the penetration of moisture, which has a destructive effect. At the same time, no barriers are created for normal vapor exchange, which allows the walls to breathe.
- The outer layer is additional sound and heat insulation. This is achieved by adding additives that improve the characteristics of the mixture.
- Decorative appeal. Various types of products and technologies can be used for cladding, which allow you to get the texture and the desired color. The plaster mixture is well tinted.
- Elasticity. Compositions that have a polymer component have this property. Due to this quality, the coating does not deteriorate due to shrinkage of the building and temperature changes.
- Ease of installation. Facade finishing does not require complex mathematical calculations and construction of a frame.
- Possibility of repair. Any damage is easily repaired. But if they make up more than 30% of the surface, this means the wrong choice of composition or violation of the application conditions.
Even when purchasing contemporary polymer solutions is taken into account, the material’s low cost bolsters all of its benefits.
Work with various surfaces
Facade plaster works well on nearly all surfaces, though the procedure may vary depending on the particular situation.
- Wooden walls. This is the most complex material that requires long preparation. It consists of impregnating the base with protective compounds to eliminate putrefactive processes. If the work is carried out with a log structure, then a special lathing is created, otherwise the solution will not be able to adhere reliably.
- Concrete surfaces. This material has good adhesion, but due to the presence of pores, it quickly absorbs moisture, so it is treated with deep penetrating primers. Problems arise with reinforced concrete slabs that have numerous joints. For such cases, initial treatment with cement compounds will be required.
- Brick facades. To ensure reliable fixation of the applied solution, the joints are expanded.
Every material used to construct the walls calls for a different strategy.
Note that plastering the outside of a house made of aerated concrete blocks is a duty. In actuality, work requires the use of compositions with lower strength indicators. This is necessary to prevent internal stress between materials.
Types of plaster
One of the most important aspects of the job is deciding what to use for wall plaster. Due to the wide variety of options available in the construction market, it is not always possible to identify the right type right away.
There are three types of plaster for outside work.
Mineral compositions
Cement and gypsum-based solutions are included in this group.
The first kind is thought to be the most common, which makes sense given its superior qualities and affordable price. However, a number of drawbacks make using it on newly constructed homes more difficult.
Because of its poor resistance to precipitation, gypsum composition is used far less frequently; however, mixtures containing a large number of polymers have been reported. This ultimately results in the plastered surface’s vapor permeability being compromised.
Polymer solutions
The varieties of facade plastering that fall under this group are silicone, silicate, and acrylic. The bases of each option vary, and this has an impact on the material’s characteristics.
Acrylic mixtures are the most widely used. Their resistance to environmental influences is excellent. Their primary drawback is thought to be their flammability and pollution susceptibility, which suggests a decline in appearance.
Since polymer solutions are costly, leveling is initially done using less expensive materials for finishing.
Self-made mixtures
This includes mixtures in which plasticizers, modifiers, and fillers derived from minerals are used as additives. Because it is nearly impossible to select the right components, plastering external walls with such materials is complicated. This reduces the coating’s longevity.
Finishing your home’s exterior plastering is a fulfilling project that raises the aesthetic appeal and adds protection to your house. Even if this is your first time, you can still achieve a professional finish by paying close attention to the instructions and using the appropriate supplies.
Recall that preparation is essential. The degree to which the plaster adheres and endures over time will be greatly impacted by how well the surface is primed and cleaned. Don’t hurry through the application process; instead, take your time.
You can make an attractive and long-lasting exterior that can withstand the weather with patience and attention to detail. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an old façade, your efforts will be rewarded with a gorgeously plastered house.
It may seem intimidating to tackle the task of external plastering for your home, but it’s completely doable for a do-it-yourself enthusiast with the correct supplies, equipment, and a well-defined, step-by-step method. From surface preparation to final coat application, this guide will walk you through the process to ensure a long-lasting and visually appealing finish that improves the curb appeal of your home.
Video on the topic
#3 Is it possible to live in an uninsulated house made of expanded clay blocks!? Plastering the walls of a "one-man" house
Simple facade plaster, application to the wall
Do-it-yourself decorative plastering of the facade
Plastering clay walls. How to plaster an adobe wall
Plastering the facade without beacons. It won"t be easier and cheaper.
