Plaster mixes

For walls and ceilings to have smooth, long-lasting surfaces, plaster mixtures are necessary. Selecting the appropriate plaster mix can have a significant impact on the final appearance and durability of your project, regardless of whether you’re finishing a new construction or remodeling an existing space.

Plaster mixes come in a variety of forms, each intended for a specific use and level of finish. Knowing these choices will enable you to choose the ideal combination for your unique requirements, guaranteeing an excellent outcome.

The main characteristics of plaster mixes will be covered in this article, along with an explanation of what makes them special and practical applications for your house or place of business.

Types of mixes by degree of readiness

The readiness of plaster mixes is divided into categories:

• Dry compositions. Such products are produced in paper bags in packages from 5 to 35 kg. The product requires preparation. The product is diluted with water and the solution is mixed using an industrial mixer. The viability of the composition depends on the type of material. Most often, the solution is used for 40 minutes, after which the product hardens. The advantage of dry mixes is an acceptable price. The average cost of a 25 kg bag is 150 rubles.
• Ready-made compositions. The product is produced in plastic buckets. The material is used immediately after opening the package. The main advantage is ease of use. In this case, there is no need to use a construction mixer to mix the composition. The disadvantage is the high cost, several times higher than the cost of dry mixes. The average price of a 25 kg bucket is 350 rubles.

Plaster mixtures are necessary to achieve smooth, long-lasting wall surfaces in both new construction and renovation projects. These mixtures are available in different varieties, each intended for a particular use, like thermal insulation, decorative finishing, or wall leveling. The needs of the project, the kind of surface, and the desired finish all influence the choice of plaster mix, so it’s critical to comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Varieties of mixture according to composition

Depending on the composition, there are multiple combinations. Every product has guidelines for use in addition to benefits and drawbacks.

Cement composition

This plaster mixture can be used anywhere. The product can be used to finish building facades, as well as inside high-humidity and unheated spaces. This all-purpose plaster mixture is used to finish bathrooms, garages, warehouses, and swimming pools.

Benefits of cement composition:

• increased strength;
• durability;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• affordable price;
• vapor permeability;
• thermal conductivity;
• frost resistance;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• possibility of cooking with your own hands.

There are drawbacks to the cement-based universal plaster mixture as well.

• the large weight of the solution, which makes application difficult;
• long curing period.

Finishers prefer cement-based material despite its drawbacks.

Cement-lime composition

This product is also multipurpose and can be used for both interior and exterior finishing. High levels of humidity can be used indoors with this material.

The benefits of using a universal cement-lime plaster mixture are as follows:

• affordable cost;
• plasticity;
• good adhesion to various types of building bases;
• ease of use;
• absence of harmful impurities in the composition;
• resistance to mold and mildew on the surface;
• moisture resistance;
• frost resistance;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• no cracks after hardening.

• low strength;
• pungent odor, therefore, when using the material, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment.

Gypsum composition

Since this product should only be used in dry, heated rooms, it does not fall under the category of universal compositions. In spite of this, finishers still want the material because of its excellent qualities and attributes.

The benefits of gypsum plaster

• absence of harmful impurities in the composition;
• absence of unpleasant odor;
• heat and sound insulation of the room;
• ease of use;
• elasticity;
• air circulation, which prevents the appearance of mold and mildew on the surface;
• the material does not need subsequent puttying for the final leveling of the base.

The composition of gypsum has drawbacks.

• lack of moisture resistance, due to which the material cannot be used in a room with high humidity;
• the viability of the finished solution is 40 minutes, which forces the master to work at high speed or prepare a minimum amount of the product;
• low strength and tendency to abrasion, so the finish is short-lived;
• incompatibility with building bases made of metal, wood and plastic.

Adhesive composition

One type of material used for plastering a variety of surfaces is plaster-adhesive mixture. Benefits of the product:

• high curing speed;
• plasticity;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to sudden temperature changes.

• low viability of the finished solution;
• impossibility of use for plastering the facade.

Plaster-glue combination Popular is Knauf’s Sevener.

Polymer composition

This composition is prefabricated using acrylic resins. Benefits of the product:

• increased strength;
• easy application;
• the possibility of use for all types of surfaces, inside and outside the building, as well as a starting or decorative coating;
• rich color range.

• low vapor permeability;
• high cost compared to dry compositions.

Silicone composition

This material is prefabricated and is derived from potassium glass. Benefits of the content:

• use as a starting and finishing agent indoors and outdoors;
• air circulation, so condensation does not accumulate under the material;
• moisture resistance;
• frost resistance;
• resistance to temperature changes.

• low strength;
• difficulty of repair – if the surface area needs restoration, then only this type of plaster will have to be used to repair the damage.

Silicate composition

Silicone resins are the primary active ingredient. Benefits of the product:

• vapor permeability;
• air permeability;
• long service life.

Professionals only point out the high cost in comparison to the materials on the list as a drawback.

Types of mixture by application method

There are two product types based on application method: manual and machine application.

Mixture for manual application

In this instance, the product is applied using a trowel, spatula, or ladle, as seen in the picture below. Because binders and fillers are included in the composition, these products are distinguished by a thick consistency of the solution. After the plaster has hardened, it is spread along the beacons, leveled with a rule, and rubbed with an industrial float. This method allows for the processing of 10 m2 in 60 minutes, but the plasterer’s skill is crucial.

Mixture for machine application

A product called plaster mixture for machine application is applied to the surface with the aid of a specialized apparatus. The consistency of the product is liquid. Dry plaster mixtures that are ready to use with a machine are made. Since the product is reasonably priced and the unit will mix the solution to the desired consistency on its own, using dry material is advised in this situation.

At home, this application technique is seldom used. This makes sense given how expensive the unit is. This makes buying the machine unfeasible if it will only be used once. Big areas are an exception. To process such surfaces, it is advised to consult a professional.

If surfaces are machine plastered in accordance with the guidelines, the finish will endure at least 20 years. You can process 60 m2 of the building base using this method in 60 minutes.

Popular manufacturers of mixtures

Experts advise only utilizing materials from reputable producers as this ensures the product’s quality. There is a market for Volma, Knauf, Cerisit, and Bergauf products. These brands offer lines of polymer, silicone, silicate, cement, and gypsum materials.

Type of Plaster Mix	Key Features
Cement-Based Plaster	Durable, water-resistant, suitable for exterior and interior walls.
Gypsum Plaster	Smooth finish, quick-drying, ideal for interior walls and ceilings.
Lime Plaster	Breathable, natural, good for historic buildings and eco-friendly homes.
Clay Plaster	Eco-friendly, easy to work with, provides a natural look and feel.

Selecting an appropriate plaster mixture is essential to attain a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing wall coating. Because every type of plaster mix has a unique set of benefits, it’s critical to match the mix to the requirements of your particular project.

Knowing your options, including gypsum, cement, and lime-based plasters, will help you make sure your walls look fantastic and last for a long time.

Ultimately, thorough planning and choosing the appropriate mix for the job at hand are the keys to a successful plastering job. Your walls will have an even, smooth finish that improves the overall appearance of your room if you take the proper approach.

Video on the topic

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