Plaster mesh

A necessary component of construction, plaster mesh serves to reinforce wall coatings such as plaster. Plaster mesh is a useful tool for ensuring a long-lasting finish when building something new or remodeling an existing building.

Comprehending the distinct varieties of plaster mesh and their appropriate application can yield notable distinctions in the resilience and visual appeal of your walls. Many professionals rely on this straightforward but efficient solution.

You will learn about the main features of plaster mesh in this guide, along with its types, advantages, and application techniques for projects. You’ll understand why this material is the first choice for anyone wishing to build sturdy, smooth walls by the end.

Type of Plaster Mesh Uses
Fiberglass Mesh Great for interior walls, provides excellent crack resistance.
Metal Mesh Ideal for exterior walls and areas requiring extra strength.
Plastic Mesh Lightweight and resistant to moisture, perfect for wet areas.
Jute Mesh Eco-friendly option, suitable for both interior and exterior.

What is the mesh for

Perhaps we should begin by addressing the question of whether mesh is required for plastering work. The response is clear-cut: it is required.

This is what gives the plaster its increased strength and resistance to various impacts. The choice of mesh to use for plastering walls presents a major challenge, though, as there is an abundance of it available on the market today. The mesh can be identified not only by its cost but also by the materials it is composed of:

  • Metal mesh, which in turn is divided into three more varieties, which we will discuss in more detail in the course of our article.
  • Plastic mesh. Practically everything in the world is made of plastic today, and plaster mesh is no exception. It is much cheaper than its competitors, and why it is not so popular, we will figure out below.
  • Composite fiberglass. A material that has been known for a long time, and is distinguished by high quality characteristics, which are not always necessary.

Why then do producers offer such a wide range? Is it really that hard to focus on just one material that has every good quality in it? No.

The truth is that a specific mesh is chosen for each type of plaster, and this is determined by a number of factors that you should be aware of:

  • The thickness of the plaster on the mesh. A very important factor, since each mesh has its own margin of safety, and the thickness of the plaster mixture may vary depending on the material of the walls, and the need for certain circumstances.
  • Material of the plaster mixture. As you know, plaster is a generalized concept that includes different materials with different properties and qualities. The mesh is selected based on this factor, since sometimes you can encounter elementary incompatibility.
  • Degree of resistance to temperature changes and natural influences. This factor is especially important for external plastering, that is, when working with walls that are regularly exposed to increased loads. Nature tests the strength of the finish every day, and as a result, the plaster mesh.
  • Resistance to mechanical influences. Another factor that is important when finishing external walls. As we mentioned above, the mesh significantly increases the quality characteristics of the plaster itself, but in order for it to become truly strong and durable, it is necessary to choose this mesh correctly.

All of the above information should have made it clear to you that each mesh is chosen separately, and the quality and accuracy of the selection will determine how long the finish lasts. Of course, you could use the priciest and most resilient mesh available everywhere, but that would also be a mistake.

So let’s examine the main plaster mesh models and try to determine which one to use and in what situation to achieve a high-quality wall finish that will withstand years of heavy use without cracking or crumbling.

Metal mesh

Although metal is one of the materials that is thought to be the most resilient and long-lasting, there are a few drawbacks that prevent the metal mesh from ranking first in our rating:

  • Low corrosion resistance. Any metal, with frequent contact with moisture, begins to rust and loses all its strength characteristics. Of course, it can be protected with the help of various coatings, but then what is the point of taking a steel mesh?
  • Heavy weight. This factor is especially important if you need to finish a wall made of some light material, such as wood or plasterboard. Of course, a steel mesh will not destroy the base underneath, but it will create an additional load, which is sometimes extremely undesirable.
  • Difficulty of fastening. Installation of a metal plaster mesh requires certain skills and experience, especially if we are talking about the well-known chain-link mesh, which will be discussed below.

Crucial! Steel is consistently shielded from corrosion by the galvanized coating found on the majority of contemporary metal plaster meshes. To be honest, only this kind of mesh works well with plaster mixtures and can greatly increase the finish’s longevity.

We believe it is necessary to take a closer look at each of the three materials that make up the generalized concept of metal mesh, as they each have unique characteristics.

CPWS

When it is necessary to apply plaster in a thick layer, one of the most sturdy yet heavy materials is called expanded metal plaster mesh, or CPWS. The machine cuts a solid sheet of steel to create this kind of mesh. After the sheet is removed, a material with exceptional strength is produced that is hard to match.

Expanded mesh can withstand extremely high loads and is essentially unaffected by mechanical impacts and temperature changes. It is most frequently used to finish exterior walls where the plaster layer’s multilayering as well as thickness are crucial considerations. Under such a mesh, any insulation can be used, including mineral wool (see How to insulate walls from the outside with mineral wool), on which, because of its low stability, no mixtures can be applied.

The expanded mesh maintains its shape flawlessly and forms a barrier between the plaster layer and the insulation; in other words, the mixture sits on the mesh with little to no contact with the cotton wool, which keeps all of its characteristics and original look. The expanded mesh’s primary drawback is its comparatively heavy weight. It places a significant load on the foundation and wall surfaces on its own, and the finish becomes even heavier when combined with a thick layer of mixture and insulation.

It’s also intriguing that the TsPVS plaster mesh attaches without the need for glue because it uses specific dowels or anchors. This is the only method for securing the bulky material securely.

It would be impossible to overlook the resilience of this mesh given that corrosion will take more than a dozen years to destroy it, even in the absence of a galvanized coating. However, keep in mind that if decorative plaster, like Valsetin, is used, for example, yellow spots may eventually appear on it and cannot be removed; instead, you will need to decorate them or alter the finish entirely.

This stuff is widely available because it’s used to build fences in addition to serving as a base for plaster mixtures.

It is essentially a very tough material made of thin steel wire that has been woven in a unique way on a unique machine. and which has the surface strength to support heavy loads.

Three variations exist for contemporary chain-link fencing:

  1. Simple steel mesh. The least stable and short-lived mesh, as it is more susceptible to corrosion than others, due to the lack of a protective layer. Such a mesh is rarely used under plaster, and mainly serves as a cheap way to make a temporary fence for a construction site.
  2. Galvanized chain-link fencing. It is most often used for plaster. It is practically not subject to corrosion, and serves much longer. Of course, the price between galvanized mesh and ordinary mesh will differ greatly, but you can be calm about your walls and decoration.
  3. Mesh with a plastic coating. For plaster, it is also very rarely used, since there is no point in buying metal that is completely covered with plastic. In this case, it is better to choose a solid plastic mesh, which in terms of strength and durability will not be inferior to chain-link mesh, but will cost much less.

Counseling! When working with galvanized mesh, you should only use specialized scissors to cut it; never use a grinder as this will simply burn the protective layer due to the high speed, rendering the mesh useless.

One of its biggest drawbacks is plaster mesh-chain-link installation. You will require several capable assistants in addition to your expertise and knowledge to fix it on your own with any degree of reliability.

We recommend that you watch the video in this article for comprehensive instructions on how to work with this material as you won’t be able to do this on your own.

Welded mesh

Among the most widely used metal meshes. It is constructed from thin wires, much like chain-link mesh, but instead of being entwined, they are welded together via contact welding to form cells of different diameters. The primary benefits of this material are its ease of installation and relatively low cost.

The mesh already has a shape and doesn’t need to be stretched or unraveled; it can be secured with dowels or specialized glue. Similar to chain-link mesh, it comes in three varieties; however, the galvanized version, which is corrosion-resistant, is the only one that is utilized beneath plaster.

The plaster mixture’s heavy weight is perfectly supported by the welded grid, which essentially remains unaffected by temperature variations. Its positive attributes also contribute to its versatility; welded mesh works well with any plaster mixture; all you have to do is choose the mesh size. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The 5×5 cm plaster mesh is the most widely used size. This is a sufficient step when working with heavier and coarser cement mixtures as well as premium plasters based on gypsum.

Plastic

Items that aren’t made of plastic nowadays. Plaster mesh is one of the most widely used and in-demand materials available. Numerous benefits come with this material, such as its strength, light weight, and affordability, but there is also a major disadvantage that can offset all the benefits and limit the application of plastic mesh.

As you are aware, cement is alkali in its purest form, so we are referring to its instability to active alkalis. The plastic mesh dissolves almost entirely under cement plaster, and this will occur within a few years. Vapors will remain in place of the material and start to eat away at the finish.

In addition to being the best choice, this mesh can be used completely fearlessly with other types of plaster mixtures, such as gypsum or silicate.

Plastic can be used for interior decoration when it is applied thinly and the walls won’t be subjected to extreme mechanical or temperature changes because of its weight and strength. However, it is preferable to use a different, higher-quality, and more durable material for exterior decoration. The quality of plaster on a plastic mesh varies depending on the cell size, which can range from two to fifteen centimeters, and the wire thickness.

Based on the arrangement of the cells, plastic mesh can be:

  • PCF – diamond-shaped cells, which are most often used for plaster, since it is easier to attach to the wall.
  • SQ – square cells, often used for reinforcing screeds.

The density of the mesh per square meter can also vary:

  • 70 – with low tensile strength, tensile strength and a maximum plaster layer thickness of 30 mm.
  • 145 – a mesh with an average density capable of withstanding a plaster layer of up to 50 mm.
  • 165 – reinforced mesh with a layer thickness of more than 50 mm.

The most crucial aspect is that this material is incredibly simple to work with and convenient; even after being rolled up for a while, it can easily take shape. It is fastened to the wall using dowels or special glue, both of which are deemed inappropriate in this particular situation.

Counseling! Although some plastic meshes are resistant to alkali, you should test this yourself by placing a small piece in a cement mortar for several days rather than relying solely on the manufacturer’s claim. The mesh can be used with cement mixtures if, at the end of the term, it still maintains its shape and no decay process has started.

Composite fiberglass

This material is also known as plaster mesh adit or fiberglass. In this context, "composite" refers to a material composed of multiple interconnected components. One of the priciest, yet most versatile, materials is fiberglass mesh.

All of its benefits would require a different article, so we’ll just concentrate on the biggest and most noteworthy ones here:

  • Alkali resistance. One of the main criteria when choosing a mesh for plaster. Composite fiber interacts well with cement mixtures and does not react with them, which could negatively affect the quality of the finish.
  • Resistance to mechanical damage and resistance to temperature changes. Composite fiber has no thermal expansion, so such a mesh can be used for both interior and exterior wall decoration.
  • Ease of installation. Fiberglass does not have a “shape memory”, so you do not have to wait for the mesh to straighten out and take the required configuration, you can start installing it immediately after unpacking.
  • Light weight. Fiberglass does not create a load on the walls, and can be used on any surface, regardless of what they are made of, be it wood or plasterboard, which are contraindicated for heavy finishing materials.

In summary, composite mesh is essentially universal, but only if you can afford to pay the slightly higher price compared to plastic and even metal.

Plaster mesh gives plaster surfaces strength and durability, making it an essential component of wall finishing. It guarantees a smooth finish that lasts for a long time and helps prevent cracks. Plaster mesh greatly enhances the durability and quality of your walls, regardless of the substrate you’re working with—cement, drywall, or other materials.

Which material to choose

We’ll offer a brief table that enumerates everything discussed above and illustrates the ideal locations and types of mesh to utilize:

Plaster mixes Types of mesh
metal plastic composite
With zinc Without zinc
cement + +
gypsum + +
acrylic + +
polymer + + +

In order to guarantee the strength and longevity of plastered surfaces, plaster mesh is crucial. It contributes to a smoother, more durable finish by avoiding cracks and offering a strong foundation.

The correct kind of plaster mesh must be chosen for the job, whether you’re working on external surfaces, walls, or ceilings. It’s a quick step that significantly impacts the longevity and caliber of your plasterwork.

Plaster mesh is an intelligent investment in the longevity and aesthetics of your walls that you should incorporate into your wall finishing process. When using the proper supplies and techniques, you can achieve a long-lasting, polished finish.

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Dmitry Stepanov

Professional decorator with 10 years of experience. I know everything about renovating apartments, houses and offices. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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