In order to create a surface that is smooth and durable and ready for painting or other finishing touches, plastering the walls is an essential step. Using mesh is a useful technique to fortify the plaster and stop it from cracking. This method ensures a longer-lasting finish by giving the plaster layer more stability.
Using a video guide can make plastering much easier, especially if you’re new to the process or want to hone your skills. You can better grasp the process by following the illustrated instructions, which cover everything from priming the wall to applying the mesh plaster. With the correct instruction, anyone can pick up this simple method.
This post will guide you through the fundamentals of mesh wall plastering and offer a helpful video tutorial to help you attain expert results. This guide will provide you with the confidence to begin, regardless of whether you’re taking on a do-it-yourself project or are simply interested in the procedure.
- Why do you need mesh?
- Types of material
- Polymer mesh
- Metal mesh
- Fiberglass mesh
- PVC mesh
- For what kind of plaster can the mesh be used
- How the mesh is fixed
- Installation of fiberglass mesh
- Fastening the polymer mesh
- Installation of metal mesh
- Preparing the walls
- Installing beacons
- Video on the topic
- Puttying walls. What to consider when puttying walls with a reinforcing mesh
- the fastest and most reliable way to attach plaster mesh
- Plaster with a reinforcing mesh
- Painting mesh, how and what to glue it on
- What will happen if the plaster is incorrectly reinforced with a mesh.
Why do you need mesh?
Plastering walls requires the use of mesh, which adds strength to the plaster and guards against material peeling, cracking, and finish distortion. The mesh strengthens the bond between the repair mortar and the building base. The substance strengthens the plaster’s resistance to mechanical impact, temperature fluctuations, and moisture.
Plastering walls with mesh on your own can be done for:
- finishing facades;
- floor pouring screed;
- fixing materials with low adhesive properties to the surface, including foam plastic and other insulation materials;
- strengthening surface areas where there is a risk of material peeling – slopes, corners and openings;
- applying the product in a thick layer – more than 2 cm;
- preventing shrinkage of the building.
Types of material
There are various types of mesh for walls under plaster. It is advised that you become familiar with each material’s qualities before selecting one.
Polymer mesh
They’re meshes made of plastic. Finishers have a strong demand for this material. The product is offered with various sized cells. Even highly varied uneven surfaces are applied with it. The product’s affordable price is one of its advantages.
Metal mesh
These kinds of mesh are mostly used for exterior finishing. Because of the material’s increased strength, it can be used to create uneven walls with significant variations.
There are various categories of metal meshes:
- Woven mesh is a product made of thin wire, which has increased resistance to mechanical damage and flexibility. It is used for reinforcing surfaces inside and outside the premises. Professionals advise using a mesh with a cell size of 1×1 cm.
- Woven mesh. Another name is chain-link mesh. Craftsmen use it to reinforce a large-area building base. The dimensions of the cells are 2×2 cm.
- Welded – a mesh that is made of wire by welding. The rods are located perpendicular to each other and welded at the joints. The dimensions of the cells are 2×2 or 3×3 cm. The material is used if the object shrinks.
- Expanded metal – this is a mesh made of sheet metal. The material is made by rolling sheets on a special machine. The mesh can withstand the application of a thick layer of plaster. A distinctive feature of the mesh is an increase in the bearing capacity of the object.
Fiberglass mesh
Fiberglass mesh, which can have small or large cells, is a thin material used for plastering walls. Interior design is the application for the first kind. The mesh is affixed to the surface with minimal deviations and flaws. The substance is typically utilized in gypsum compositions. For facades, a fiberglass product with large cells is utilized. These materials are capable of supporting heavier loads.
PVC mesh
It is a thin polyvinyl chloride fiber. An important characteristic is heightened chemical resistance. Watch videos to learn how to plaster on PVC mesh.
For what kind of plaster can the mesh be used
Regarding the type of plaster for which the mesh is intended, everything is contingent upon the product’s composition and how it interacts with the material. It is advised to use a polyvinyl chloride mesh if the product contains aggressive chemical compounds. Gypsum, cement-sand, and cement-lime plaster work well with other materials.
How the mesh is fixed
Depending on the kind of reinforcement material being used, there are different ways to lay plaster mesh.
Installation of fiberglass mesh
- This material is fixed to the repair mortar. A layer of plaster is applied to the prepared surface and, without waiting for it to harden, a mesh is laid. Apply from above with a wide spatula so that the material sinks into the solution.
To make fixing easier, the mesh is cut into small pieces before beginning work. After that, they cross over.
- Using self-tapping screws is another option for how to stretch a plaster mesh. The method is relevant if the material is attached to a surface with complex geometry. If the mesh is fixed to a wooden building base, then use a construction stapler.
Fastening the polymer mesh
There are two methods for stretching a plastic plaster mesh.
- For repair mortar. The plaster is applied to the surface in a thin layer, after which a mesh is attached to the material. A wide spatula is used along the surface to drown the product in the solution.
- Using self-tapping screws, as described above.
Installation of metal mesh
The following order is followed when attaching metal mesh for plastering walls:
- cut into small pieces taking into account overlaps;
- treated with compounds that prevent corrosion;
- holes are made in the building base – dowels are fixed in them;
- fastening of the mesh begins from the upper corners – the material is applied to the surface and screwed with self-tapping screws, screwing the fasteners into the dowels.
Plastering walls on mesh technology operates under the assumption that there should be a 3–5 mm space between the wall and the metal product.
In order to prevent sagging, the material is stretched (as in the photo below).
Preparing the walls
The surface needs to be prepared before mesh plastering is applied, so remove any old finish and dust and clean the surface. The base is then primed. After applying the primer twice, let the product air dry for a short while. Next, secure the mesh to the surface.
A simple, long-lasting, smooth finish can be achieved by plastering walls with mesh. Even novices can easily grasp how to apply the mesh correctly by watching the instructions on the video, which will ensure that the plaster adheres well and doesn’t crack. This tutorial simplifies the procedure into manageable steps so that anyone wishing to give their walls a polished appearance can do it.
Installing beacons
Install beacons following the strengthening of the building base.
Guidelines for repairing the guides:
- using a building level, install the outer beacons and fix the products with self-tapping screws at the top and bottom;
- reinforce the fixation of the guides with gypsum mortar;
- stretch a thread between the beacons;
- fix the remaining guides on the wall at a shorter distance than the dimensions of the rule.
Step | Description |
1 | Prepare the wall surface by cleaning and removing any loose debris. |
2 | Apply a base coat of plaster to the wall. |
3 | Press the mesh into the wet plaster, ensuring it is smooth and without wrinkles. |
4 | Apply a second coat of plaster over the mesh, covering it completely. |
5 | Smooth the surface with a trowel, removing any excess plaster. |
6 | Allow the plaster to dry completely before finishing. |
A practical and efficient technique to ensure a long-lasting finish and strengthen the surface is to plaster walls using mesh. Even those who are not experienced with plastering can create long-lasting, smooth walls by following the video’s instructions.
By adding an additional layer of reinforcement, mesh helps to stop cracks and other common problems that can develop over time. This easy step can significantly impact the overall durability and quality of your wall finish.
Recall that it will be worthwhile to take the time to apply the plaster and mesh correctly in the end. If you have the correct supplies and a little perseverance, you can accomplish results in your home that look professional.