Using cement-sand mortar for plastering is one of the most popular ways to get walls ready for additional finishing. This method is well-liked for walls on the inside as well as the outside due to its strength and smooth surface it offers.
Learning this method will help you save time and money when working on new construction or remodeling an existing structure. Even if you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast, you can accomplish professional results with a few easy steps.
We’ll take you step-by-step through the entire cement-sand mortar plastering process in this tutorial, from preparing the mixture to applying the finish. Now let’s get going!
Step | Description |
1. Surface Preparation | Clean the wall from dust and debris. Wet the surface slightly if it’s too dry. |
2. Mixing Mortar | Combine cement, sand, and water until you get a thick, creamy consistency. |
3. Applying the First Coat | Using a trowel, spread the mortar evenly over the wall, starting from the bottom. |
4. Leveling the Surface | Use a straight edge to smooth out the plaster, removing any excess material. |
5. Applying the Second Coat | After the first coat dries, apply a thinner second coat for a smooth finish. |
6. Final Smoothing | Once the plaster sets, gently smooth the surface with a trowel or float. |
- Indisputable advantages of plaster
- Application options
- Wet method: application technology
- Compositions for plastering walls
- We plaster the walls with cement mortar
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Indisputable advantages of plaster
You should consider plaster solutions’ technical attributes before selecting one.
Plastered surfaces offer the following advantages:
- Water resistance of the surface and the ability to dry quickly after getting wet without deteriorating the main technical characteristics.
- The ability of the surface to "breathe", which optimizes the temperature regime inside the room, making it comfortable for living.
- Plastered surfaces are environmentally friendly and comply with sanitary and hygiene standards.
- This surface allows you to change the decorative style of finishing.
- Compliance with fire safety standards, which allows plastering as façade surfaces (see. Plastering the facade of a house, as a way to decorate it and extend its service life) and indoor surfaces.
- Quite affordable prices and costs for organizing plastering work. The difference in costs is especially noticeable if plastering work is done by hand.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, these surfaces have some serious drawbacks:
- During operation, cracks may appear on plastered surfaces. This may be due to shrinkage of the building or violation of the technology for preparing or applying the solution.
- When plastering external surfaces, work can only be carried out at above-zero temperatures.
- For application to certain types of surfaces, additional surface preparation is required, namely: applying additional notches, installing a chain-link mesh, applying a layer of primer (see. Facade primer – its types and application).
- Since plastering work is carried out manually, it is unproductive and has a high price.
- Possibility of applying only a certain layer of plaster, which is due to building regulations.
Using a cement-sand mortar for plastering is an easy process that needs the proper mixture, equipment, and skill. This post will walk you through the process of mixing mortar, applying it to walls, and creating a smooth, long-lasting finish, so even novices can handle the work.
Application options
There are simple instructions for this matter. All you have to do is take caution and properly prepare the solution. This determines the adhesion of surfaces and, consequently, the coating’s durability.
Wet method: application technology
Three independent steps are involved in the plaster application technology:
- Spray – this is the first stage, the task of which is to ensure normal adhesion of the plaster to the main surface. To do this, use solutions that have the thickness of sour cream. The thickness of the applied layer for wooden surfaces should not exceed 9 mm, for all others – no more than 5 mm.
- Second stage – applying a primer layer, which serves as the basis for finishing. It is performed with a thicker solution and leveled until a flat surface is obtained. This layer is applied after the final hardening of the first layer.
- Covering – This is the final stage of the plaster layer. For this layer, a solution with fine -grained sand is prepared, which can be obtained after thorough sore sand. By consistency, it resembles not very thick sour cream. With the help of the third stage, they achieve an absolutely smooth and flat surface. Before applying covers, the primer should be slightly moistened, for better adhesion.
Attention: In order to avoid issues, make sure you meet all the deadlines for the previous layers before applying the next layer of plaster. It is important for everyone to be aware of who is left to handle plastering tasks alone. If the mixtures are bought, there are instructions on the package that must be followed exactly.
Compositions for plastering walls
Until recently, plaster solutions consisted of just cement and sand with lime added. Today’s plaster market offers a wide range of plaster mixes with different additives that influence the primary technical properties of the solutions: adhesion, plasticity, setting speed, and application temperature range.
- As a rule, such mixtures are made and sold dry. To make them suitable for work, you need to add liquid to them and mix until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
- The only drawback of such mixtures is their high cost. In order not to overpay extra money, many developers resort to making them themselves, or prefer ready-made ones, but simple in composition and affordable.
- The construction market offers ready-made mixtures based on cement or gypsum, which differ both in the method of application and in the area of application.
Note: Do not purchase this product on open trays during the winter. It loses its properties when it freezes.
We plaster the walls with cement mortar
Sand from rivers or the sea, free of large particles and debris, and construction cement mixed with different additives form the foundation of cement plaster. It should be noted that the degree of sand coarseness in the mortar affects the thickness of the plaster layer.
- Ready-made industrial mixtures are very easy to prepare yourself. If you take an ordinary bucket, then you should half fill it with water and add dry mixture to the bucket of water in small portions with constant stirring.
- To obtain a high-quality mixed mixture, you need to use an electric drill with a nozzle (mixer). To prepare the plaster mortar yourself, you will need well-sifted sand and cement grade M400. First, a ready-made mixture of sand and cement is prepared in a ratio of 3: 1. After mixing the dry mixture, you can add water to it and mix it with water to the desired consistency.
- It is not recommended to increase the proportion towards increasing the amount of cement, as this will not allow you to rub the plaster in a timely manner due to the rapid setting of the solution.
- To throw the solution onto the walls, you need to have a trowel or spatula, and to rub the surface – a plaster float. You can level the solution on the wall using a rule or a flat strip. For a novice plasterer, it is enough to have a trowel and float.
- In order for the plaster layer to be of high quality and adhere well to the surface, it is thrown in a special way, which a novice plasterer will have to master. The solution is not simply applied to the wall, but slapped on, with a well-practiced movement, as a result of which it seems to stick to the surface. As a rule, as a result of such patches, a lot of splashes from the solution are formed, but you need to get used to this, otherwise you will not get a high-quality plaster coating.
- Plastering the surface is done in small sections, because the cement mortar dries quickly. If you slap a large section of the wall, it will be very problematic to level it later, and even more so, smooth it with a float.
- Alignment and smoothing of the surface is done with a float using circular movements. During grouting, the solution should be added to the sinks, and the excess solution is raked off with a float and thrown back into the solution for re-slapping. Each layer of plaster should dry for at least 7-8 hours, after which you can begin to apply the next layer.
- The outer corners are formed using a device in the form of a flat rail. It can be held or attached with screws. It is desirable that the rail be set strictly according to the level in a vertical position.
Note: The corner is created in this instance in two steps: first, the rail is affixed to one side of the corner, and then it is taken off and fixed (or held) on the opposite side of the corner once the solution has dried. Work breaks cannot last longer than twelve hours. Processing the cement mortar becomes challenging after this point.
Building robust and long-lasting walls can be accomplished practically by plastering with a cement-sand mortar. Although the process calls for some perseverance and close attention to detail, the outcomes are well worth the effort. The proper ratios of cement, sand, and water can be carefully mixed to make a mortar that is easy to work with and will stick to your walls.
The secret to success is even mortar application and thorough surface preparation. A smooth, even finish that lasts for years can be achieved with steady hands and the appropriate tools. This is a dependable method for finishing a new wall or repairing an old one.
It’s important to let the plaster completely dry before beginning any painting or decorating. By taking your time, you can create sturdy, elegant walls for your house or place of business that will last for many years.