How to properly plaster walls with cement mortar?

Using cement mortar to plaster walls is a basic building and remodeling skill. It’s a procedure that fortifies walls and gets them ready for a level, smooth finish. Whether you’re working on new construction or remodeling an existing structure, knowing how to use this technique effectively will improve the caliber of your work.

Plastering may seem simple in theory, but the correct technique and attention to detail are needed to achieve a perfect finish. Every stage, from blending the mortar to spreading it uniformly, is vital to the result. Comprehending these procedures is essential to attaining a resilient and visually appealing surface.

We’ll walk you through the steps of using cement mortar to plaster walls in this article. You’ll discover useful advice and insights to support you in reaching professional goals, regardless of your skill level.

Features of the material

Finishers tend to favor plaster that is based on cement. The material’s affordable price, versatility in application, and ability to be used for building bases, high-humidity rooms, and facades all contribute to its rising demand. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to the product as well: it peels off the surface and cracks after hardening. When using the solution, it is advised to adhere to the following guidelines to avoid this kind of situation:

• apply the material only to a prepared building base;
• when mixing the solution, strictly adhere to the ratio of the mixture and water;
• apply the product carefully but quickly so that the material does not have time to set before the final surface treatment;
• use the material at a temperature of +5-+30 0 C;
• after applying the solution, it is not recommended to accelerate the hardening rate of the product, but regularly wet the building base with water so that the material does not crack;
• when using any tool for plastering, you should regularly wet the device with water to avoid the composition sticking;
• after plastering the surface, it is recommended to clean the tools, otherwise the next time you use the devices, the quality of the plaster will deteriorate.

Types of product

Cement is the product’s primary ingredient. Other binders, such as clay or lime, are also added to the mixture. Pumice, sand, gravel, or slag are also added to the product to enhance its qualities. The material is categorized based on the components of the binder that are included in the composition:

• cement plaster – this product is characterized by increased strength;
• cement-sand composition – is resistant to cracking after hardening;
• cement-lime agent – ​​prevents the formation of mold and mildew on the building base;
• cement-clay material – is fireproof, so the product is used for plastering stoves and fireplaces.

The most in-demand material is cement-sand. This is because it’s simple to use and prepare.

Necessary materials and tools

The materials and tools needed to plaster the surface with cement-sand mortar are as follows:

• plaster;
• primer;
• water;
• roller, brush or spray bottle for applying primer;
• trowel for pouring mortar or plaster ladle;
• rule for leveling the solution;
• industrial grater and grater;
• set of spatulas;
• an industrial mixer or a drill with a mixer attachment; if plastering a large area is required, it is recommended to use a concrete mixer;
• guides;
• level;
• container for preparing the solution;
• hammer.

Take the following materials in place of the pre-made composition if you intend to independently prepare the cement mortar for plastering:

• quarry sand;
• cement grade M400 or M500;
• water.

Surface preparation

It is advised to thoroughly prepare the building base to avoid surface cracks developing once the material hardens.

Brickwork

Here’s how the brick surface is prepped:

• dismantle the old coating;
• excess cement mortar between the bricks is knocked down with a hammer;
• the surface is tapped for unstable fragments, imperfections are expanded, primed and filled with cement mortar;
• the surface is cleaned and degreased, and also treated with an antiseptic solution to prevent the occurrence of mold and mildew;
• metal elements are removed or treated with an anti-corrosion substance;
• two layers of primer are applied to the surface and after each treatment a break is taken for the composition to harden.

Concrete base

The preparation of the concrete base is similar to that of the brickwork. There is no difference in the work algorithm.

Wooden surface

The wooden construction base is primed using a wood primer specifically made for that purpose, and it is prepared similarly to the preceding surfaces except that there is no need to check the material for flaws.

Surface reinforcement

The purpose of surface reinforcement is to strengthen the cement mortar, make it more resistant to mechanical damage, and stop the material from cracking after it has hardened. When applying a thick layer of plaster and for wooden building bases, the mesh is a must.

Screws with broad heads that self-tap are used to secure the metal product. Dowels are fastened to the wall 0.4 meters apart in order to accomplish this. A checkerboard pattern is created by fastening the dowels. After that, metal scissors are used to cut the mesh into pieces. The material is then fixed to the surface in a bottom-to-top direction. Self-tapping screws are used to stretch and fasten the mesh to the dowels. The product’s sheets overlap one another by ten centimeters.

The solution is directly fixed to the fiberglass mesh. This is accomplished by applying the material to the wall, pressing the product into the composition by pressing branches up against the plaster and moving them along the surface with a spatula.

Fixing the guides

On walls, beacons are positioned parallel to one another and vertically. The solution is spread evenly across the surface with the aid of guides. Using guides is crucial if the finishing is being done by a non-professional using his hands alone. The following are the fixed beacons:

• 15-20 cm are made from the edge of the wall, from the floor and ceiling and dots are placed at the top and bottom, which are connected with a straight line – this manipulation is performed on the other side of the wall;
• markings are made on the surface of the building base at a distance less than the length of the rule;
• plaster mortar is fixed along the lines with small bumps;
• beacons are applied to the material and the products are pressed into the composition.

It’s critical to comprehend the proper mix proportions, application techniques, and curing methods in order to plaster walls with cement mortar. Make sure the wall surface is clean and clear of any loose debris before beginning. Apply the cement mortar in thin, even layers, mixing it to the proper consistency and smoothing it with a trowel. Before adding the next layer, let the previous one set. To avoid cracks, keep the plaster moist while it cures. You can improve the strength and appearance of your walls with a smooth, long-lasting finish by paying close attention to detail.

Preparation of the solution

Everything depends on the brand of material being used when discussing how to prepare cement mortar for plastering walls. To use product M400, measure out one part cement and four parts sand. The ratios for product brand M500 will be as follows: One part sand and five parts cement.

After putting all the ingredients in a spotless container, the mixture is blended with an industrial mixer or a drill equipped with a mixer attachment. The product is kneaded until it achieves a lump-free, homogenous consistency.

When making a plastering cement solution from a pre-made dry mix, the dry composition is put in a dry container and water is added according to the package’s instructions. Subsequently, the mixture is blended to a uniform texture utilizing an industrial mixer or an analogous apparatus.

The substance is allowed to mature and be used for its intended purpose for five minutes.

Plastering technique

It is advised to abide by the cement mortar usage guidelines if you want the finish to last for a long time.

Application of the material

Guidelines for using the content:

• the surface is moistened with water – this manipulation improves the adhesion of the solution to the building base and prevents premature hardening of the material;
• with a ladle or trowel, throw the solution onto the path located between the beacons, from the bottom up – this procedure is carried out along the perimeter of the building base.

Leveling the mortar

As seen in the picture below, a rule is used to level the mortar. This is accomplished by pressing the tool against two nearby beacons at the base of the building after the material has been applied and set. After that, the guide is raised. Using a spatula, remove any excess mortar, and then fill the empty spaces with cement mixture. On every path, this manipulation is carried out.

The beacons are taken apart once the composition has solidified. Rust on the finish will eventually show if this operation is not done. After removing the guides, use a spatula to fill the empty spaces with cement mortar.

Surface cleaning

Cleaning the surface helps to prepare the building base for decoration by removing streaks from the rule or spatula. Once the mortar has set and the beacons have been disassembled, the manipulation is carried out. You can tell how ready the surface is by just pressing on the plaster. If, following such manipulation, no trace remains, move on to grouting. Use an industrial grater or a half-grater for this. Until the base is smooth, the tool is pressed up against the surface and moved in circular motions around its perimeter.

While plastering walls with cement mortar is a meticulous process, it is completely doable with the appropriate methodology. You can make sure that your walls are sturdy, smooth, and prepared for any final touches by taking the right procedures.

First, ensure that the surface is properly prepared by clearing away any loose particles, dust, or dirt. This will improve the cement mortar’s wall-attaching properties. Make sure the mortar mixture has the proper consistency—it shouldn’t be either too thick or too runny. To create a uniform layer, apply it evenly using a trowel and a straight edge.

After applying the plaster, carefully smooth out any blemishes. In order to achieve a professional finish, this step is essential. Let the plaster completely dry before applying any more paint or layers. At this point, being patient will pay off in the way your walls turn out.

Recall that practice makes perfect. If you’re new to plastering, small errors shouldn’t deter you. You will become more proficient and confident with every wall, which will improve your future performance.

Video on the topic

Cement-sand mortar plastering. EASY AND SIMPLE PLASTERING OF BRICK WALLS. BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF WORK PLASTERING.

15. Plastering for pennies, with cement mortar.