Having uneven walls can make it very difficult to finish your home in a way that looks polished and seamless. You may be wondering how to do this project yourself if your walls resemble a landscape rather than a flat surface. Fortunately, you can achieve perfectly level walls with the appropriate method and supplies.
You primarily have two choices when it comes to leveling mixture selection: cement- or gypsum-based compounds. Each is appropriate in certain situations and has advantages of its own. Cement mixtures offer durability and are better suited for larger repairs, while gypsum mixtures are renowned for their ease of application and quick drying times.
We’ll show you how to level extremely uneven walls in this guide, and we’ll also assist you in selecting the right mixture for your project. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or just want to update the look of your house, knowing these options will help you succeed.
- The need to level the walls by plastering, all the nuances of the process
- When it is necessary to level the walls
- Do-it-yourself leveling
- Tools
- Surface preparation
- Prime the wall
- Install the beacons
- Carrying out the work: master class
- Video on the topic
- 5 ways to level walls with plaster / cement plaster on walls and ceilings.
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The need to level the walls by plastering, all the nuances of the process
Navigating pages
The builders of Khrushchev and Stalinist homes typically neglected to make sure the walls were level. As a result, leveling the walls should come first when making repairs.
Selecting the appropriate leveling mixture is essential if you want to create smooth, even walls on your own. This article compares cement and gypsum mixtures to help you determine which is best for your project and will walk you through the process of fixing very uneven walls.
When it is necessary to level the walls
Wallpaper cannot be glued to damaged walls during repairs.
Additionally, the walls must be leveled to a very high degree of evenness if you wish to glue tiles; otherwise, there will be spaces beneath the tiles.
Do-it-yourself leveling
You should choose and get ready a plastering mixture before starting any work. Cement and gypsum are the two binding ingredients in dry plaster mixtures. Determine how much material is needed, accounting for the number of layers and the area that needs to be leveled.
Working in residential spaces (living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms) calls for the use of a more environmentally friendly mixture based on gypsum that helps to keep the room’s microclimate balanced. For kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and other utility rooms, cement mixtures are a great fit.
Tools
Purchase tools:
- primer;
- screwdriver;
- beacon profiles;
- angle grinder;
- hammer:
- screws and dowels;
- a drill with a set of drills and a mixer attachment;
- plumb line;
- tape measure;
- bucket or other container;
- building level;
- thread, marker or pencil;
- wide and narrow spatulas, brush or roller, rule, iron.
You should also purchase gloves, a headband, and work clothes.
Surface preparation
- First, you need to remove the old coating.
- Then tap the wall with a hammer, if cracks are found or appear, cover them with putty or a solution of cement and sand.
- Remove old nails and other metal materials from the wall. Cut the reinforcement with an angle grinder, then coat it with an anti-corrosion substance.
- Cover the furniture in the room with film.
- Apply markings.
To see all the irregularities, apply a building level both horizontally and vertically to the wall.
Then, apply the rule to the wall and search for flaws. Put a mark there, then, where there are flaws.
After that, move 0.3 meters away from the room’s corners and draw straight vertical lines that descend from the ceiling to the floor. After drawing each line, take a 1.6 m step back and draw another vertical line. Measure the beacons’ lengths, then take a step back 150 mm from the floor and 150 mm from the ceiling. Drill holes, then screw in dowels.
Next, drag the two cords horizontally from one corner to the other: one cord that is 15 cm below the floor and the other that is slightly below the ceiling. Drill holes and insert dowels without screws where the cord will cross over the vertical lines. Consequently, two rows of dowels are created, 150 mm indented from the floor and ceiling.
Prime the wall
If the wall is smooth, you can use "Betonkontakt," but if it is brickwork or composed of cellular concrete, prime with a composition that penetrates deeply.
Install the beacons
- Screw the screws into the upper dowels, put a rule to any screw and see how it is necessary to screw the screws into the lower dowels so that there is a straight line vertically between them.
- Next, pull two diagonal threads between the screw heads, then place a beacon profile under them and move it under the threads to see if it will stick out later. If the beacon profile catches the thread, then check the depth of the screws again. Then pull the thread between the screws near the ceiling and near the floor. Check them in the same way with a beacon profile.
- Then calculate the indentation between the upper and lower dowels and cut the beacon so that it retreats on each side by 5 cm.
- And then make a small amount of plaster. It is spread on the wall along the vertical line, then the cut beacon is pressed into the plaster so that it is at the same level with the screw heads. Finally, you need to check whether you installed the beacons correctly. Remove the screws from the wall, and also wait until the applied plaster dries.
Carrying out the work: master class
One layer of plaster can eliminate wall unevenness up to 3 cm; however, plasters that can be applied in layers up to 5 cm are occasionally used.
You’ll need a bucket or other appropriate container, a mixer, or a drill with the right attachment to mix the mixture. After the mixture is put in a container, it is thoroughly mixed and diluted with water. Take a brief break afterward, then stir once more until everything is well combined. On the packaging, the amounts to be mixed with water are typically mentioned. They ought to be adhered to in order to prevent misunderstandings. If not, the mixture will either be too thick and not adhere to the wall well, or it will be too liquid and not be able to stay on the wall.
The mixture is thrown onto the wall using a large spatula and leveled with a rule after the wall has been properly prepared and beacons have been installed. Applying plaster to a large spatula with a small, narrow spatula is a convenient method.
You shouldn’t focus too much on aesthetics at this point if there are broaches, holes, or depressions in the surface because grouting and puttying can fix these issues. Prevent blisters by using a spatula to remove the solution from the rule and cleaning it with a brush that doesn’t need to be dipped in water. There will inevitably be challenges when working in corners, so the best way to overcome them is to plaster one wall in turn, and then the second wall after the first has dried.
The best way to level extremely uneven walls: plaster leveling
Gypsum plaster will need to be applied in two or even three layers if the wall’s maximum unevenness is greater than 3 cm.
Typically, the second layer should be applied 24 hours after the first layer has been primed with water. Next, the rule is moved along the beacons from bottom to top. The solution that is still on the rule is removed and disposed of in the areas where it did not come into contact with anything. The final filling of the gap between neighboring beacons is completed by repeating such movements. If bumps appear, it is advised to move the rule from top to bottom, which will cause them to vanish.
Method | Gypsum | Cement |
Ease of Use | Gypsum is easier to apply and work with, especially for small repairs and less severe unevenness. | Cement can be more challenging to work with, especially for detailed or intricate repairs. |
Drying Time | Gypsum dries relatively quickly, allowing for faster completion. | Cement takes longer to dry, which can extend the overall project time. |
Durability | Gypsum is suitable for interior walls but may not be as durable in high-moisture areas. | Cement is more durable and can handle higher levels of moisture, making it better for various conditions. |
Finish Quality | Gypsum provides a smooth finish that is easy to sand and paint. | Cement can also provide a smooth finish but may require more effort to achieve the same level of smoothness. |
Cost | Gypsum is generally less expensive and cost-effective for small jobs. | Cement can be more expensive and is often used for larger-scale repairs. |
Although leveling extremely uneven walls may seem like an overwhelming task, even do-it-yourself enthusiasts can handle it with the right strategy. Which cement or gypsum mixture is best for your project will depend on its particular requirements. While cement-based plaster mixes are better suited for areas needing greater durability and moisture resistance, gypsum-based plasters work well for interiors and quickly provide a smooth finish.
Each kind of combination has advantages of its own. Gypsum is perfect for indoor applications where a rapid turnaround is required because it is simple to apply and dries more quickly. On the other hand, cement provides more strength and is more appropriate for damp or high-traffic areas. To make the best decision, consider the needs of your space and the state of your walls.
Understanding the properties of each mixture and using the right method will help you achieve a level, smooth surface that improves the appearance of your walls as a whole. Applying and preparing correctly will guarantee a long-lasting, professional-looking finish.