Selecting the proper sand for wall plaster may not seem like a big deal, but a smooth and long-lasting finish really depends on it. Knowing which type of sand is best for your project is important because it affects the texture and strength of the plaster.
There are various kinds of sand available, and each has unique qualities. While some sands are coarser and give the plaster more grip, others are finer and work better to create a smooth, even surface. Selecting the appropriate type can have a significant impact on the outcome.
This post will discuss the various kinds of sand used in wall plaster, what makes them special, and how to select the one that will work best for you. The proper sand can help guarantee that your plaster looks fantastic and lasts longer, whether you’re working on a new wall or repairing an old one.
Sand is an essential component of wall plaster that affects the material’s durability and texture. A smooth, durable finish depends on selecting the appropriate kind of sand. This post will discuss the various kinds of sand that are appropriate for plastering, their unique qualities, and how they affect the overall standard of your plasterwork. Knowing the function of sand can help anyone, professional or amateur, plaster walls that are more attractive and functional.
Types of sand
When selecting sand for plaster, it is important to consider the characteristics of each variety.
- Career. When using it, a dense and durable solution is obtained. The composition of the impurities and the presence of clay differs depending on the place of sand mining. This type of raw material is less uniform in structure than river, with sharp faces of grains. Before using career sand, it is required to flush and sifting it.
- River. More homogeneous, inferior to quarry sand in terms of the strength of the formed solution, but more convenient to apply.
- Quartz. Formed by crushing rock containing silicon.Resistant to chemical and mechanical influences.Used in decorative finishing of premises.
The type of work being done determines which sand is better for plastering. Take the intended layer’s thickness into account when selecting a filler. River sand is preferable if you need a thin layer because it lies more smoothly and has less clay and stones in it. Utilizing quarry sand is preferable when finishing walls with a thick layer initially. Because of its sharper edges and stronger solution bond, it is more resilient. Interior design uses plaster that has been sifted with quartz.
Sand fractions
It’s crucial to consider the sand’s fractions, which are based on grain size, when determining the type required for plastering.
- For self-finishing of walls, medium-fraction sand is used, the grain size of which is from 0.5 to 2 mm.
- For the first layer of finishing, coarse sand is used, the grain size is 2-4 mm.
- For final finishing you need fine sand, with grain parameters in the range of 0.25-0.5 mm.
Material calculation
Understanding the formula for sand and cement in plaster is essential when doing repairs by hand. Plastering materials are calculated with consideration for the texture of the finished coating, mixture parameters, and surface quality (material and wall curvature).
Ratio of components. based on the type of cement used, the percentage of sand used, and the necessary level of prepared solution quality. Plaster sand and cement are combined in a 1:3 ratio to make a typical mortar. One part cement and one part lime for five to six parts sand is the ratio if lime is added to the solution.
Consumption of materials. The amount of material used increases with surface irregularity. The walls are primed, and construction mesh is used where materials meet different structures to minimize the amount of plaster used.
Thickness of the layer. determined by comparing the surface to the vertical difference. Plaster applications range in thickness from 3 to 6 cm.
As an illustration, there are three installed beacons, and the plane’s deviations are 2.3.5 cm. Here, the calculation is (2 + 3 + 4) / 3 = 3 cm, which represents the plaster layer’s thickness.
You can better understand how different types of sand are used for wall finishing by watching the video included in this article.
Applying plaster with sand
Applying sand-filled plaster has several advantages. First, you have to:
- thoroughly prepare the surface – clean it from stains and dirt;
- level the walls;
- prime in two layers.
Using a spatula, the surface pattern is leveled. Wax and specific toners are applied on top once the surface has fully dried.
The characteristics of using decorative plaster for wall decoration are outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions: in one scenario, the composition is mixed to distribute the fillers evenly; in the other scenario, diluting with water is necessary.
Decorative plaster
One kind of interior decoration is sand-colored decorative plaster.Quartz or river sand, as well as color-determining additives and reflective elements, are used in the production of decorative plaster. Plaster types are classified as matte or pearlescent based on the kind of surface they are applied to.
This kind of wall décor is safe for the environment, resistant to mold and moisture, and durable enough to last through operation even with the addition of extra parts.
Sand, a component of decorative plaster, is used to produce patterns on the wall’s surface, such as dunes, swirls, and other unique visual effects that are made with brushes and stencils.
Images of the finishing of decorative sand:
Type of Sand | Description |
Coarse Sand | Ideal for plaster that requires strength and durability. Provides good adhesion and helps to prevent cracking. |
Fine Sand | Used for smoother finishes, this sand helps create a fine, even surface. It"s commonly used in finishing plaster layers. |
Gravel Sand | Contains larger particles and is typically used for structural plaster where extra strength is needed. |
Washed Sand | Clean and free of impurities, it ensures a better bond with plaster and reduces the risk of color variations. |
For wall plaster, selecting the appropriate sand is essential to producing a smooth, long-lasting finish. Better workability and a strong bond with the plaster are ensured by high-quality sand. Sand should be clean and free of contaminants such as silt and clay, as these can eventually weaken the plaster and cause problems.
Don’t forget to take the sand’s grain size into account. While coarser grains might be used for texture or in particular plaster mixes, finer grains work better for smooth finishes overall. The quality of your wall plaster can be greatly improved by using the appropriate sand, which will also have an impact on the finish’s longevity and appearance.
In the end, taking a little time to choose the correct sand will be worthwhile. Your plaster work will look better and last longer if you use the right sand. It also provides a strong base for any wall decoration project.