A popular technique for giving walls extra strength and durability is plastering on a mesh. It is particularly helpful for surfaces that are brittle or require more reinforcement. More evenness and longevity in the finish are guaranteed by this method than by conventional plastering techniques.
Plaster adheres to the surface more readily when a mesh is used, which lowers the possibility of further damage. Plastering over a mesh can greatly improve the overall quality of the finish, whether you’re working on an exterior facade or an interior wall.
We’ll guide you through the necessary procedures and advice for plastering on a mesh properly in this post, so your walls will look fantastic and last for a long time.
- What is the function of the mesh?
- Types of meshes
- How to fasten a metal mesh?
- Installation of fiberglass web
- Preparing the wall for plastering and installing beacons
- Video on the topic
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What is the function of the mesh?
Plastering a wall without a reinforcing layer increases the likelihood that the solution will just fall off the base. Furthermore, even after the repairs are finished, plaster may start to peel and crumble when finishing brick and wooden surfaces. This usually happens as a result of the aforementioned materials’ inadequate adhesion. With the mesh, you can create a monolithic slab that is unafraid of loads. The type of material used depends on the thickness of the plaster layer, and different meshes are made for different loads.
Note: Because of reinforcement, long-term use won’t cause the durable coating to break. Even if the technology used to prepare the solution is compromised, the mesh will ensure the plaster layer’s integrity.
Types of meshes
Although there are many different kinds of products used for reinforcement, the following materials are the most common ones:
- fiberglass;
- metal.
Fiberglass is typically used when covering a flat surface with a thin layer of mortar. When the plaster thickness exceeds two centimeters, only metal products are appropriate for finishing curved walls.
Conversely, metal meshes are available in various varieties:
- woven – a durable and flexible material made from small-section wire. This product is used for both external and internal work. When choosing a woven fabric for reinforcement, it should be taken into account that the optimal cell size in this case is 1×1 cm;
- woven – also known as chain-link mesh. It is best suited for finishing surfaces with a large area. The most common cell size is 2×2 cm;
- welded – made of wire using spot welding. Rods located perpendicular to each other form square cells, the optimal size of which for reinforcement is 2-3 cm. Welded products are most often used for finishing buildings subject to strong shrinkage;
- expanded metal – made from sheet metal by forming diamond-shaped cells on a special machine. Such material is usually installed in cases where a small consumption of mortar is expected per 1 m2.
Understanding the exact steps involved in plastering on a mesh is essential to achieving a smooth and long-lasting finish. Plaster is applied over a mesh that strengthens the surface, reducing adhesion and preventing cracks. The most important steps are to prepare the surface, fasten the mesh, apply several layers of plaster, and give each layer enough time to set. Whether for walls, ceilings, or external surfaces, you can accomplish a professional and long-lasting result by using the right technology.
How to fasten a metal mesh?
You’ll need metal mounting tape, construction dowels, and screws to work with a metal grid.
- Before installing the canvas, it is necessary to cut off the required piece, having previously measured the area on which the plaster will be applied in the future. For cutting thin material, metal scissors will be sufficient. If the product is made of wire with a diameter of 2 mm or more, you will need a grinder. The cut cloth must be degreased by wiping it with a rag moistened with a solvent.
- Attaching the mesh under the plaster must begin from the ceiling. The top of the material is secured along its entire length with self-tapping screws, under the heads of which cut pieces of mounting tape are placed. Wide washers can also be used as spacers, but they are much more expensive than tape.
- When installing on a concrete or brick surface, you need to drill holes in the wall and insert plastic dowels into them.
- The distance between the screws depends on the size of the cells and the thickness of the mesh itself. But in any case, it is desirable that the fastener step is no more than 40-50 cm. In places of fixation, the web can touch the wall, and in the gaps between fasteners it should not contact the surface, since in this case the quality of the plaster layer will deteriorate.
- At the joints, the material is mounted with an overlap of 8-10 cm.
- A properly fixed web should be well stretched. If the material does not vibrate in places where there are no fasteners, then everything is in order. Otherwise, voids may form under the mesh, which will negatively affect the quality of the finish.
Installation of fiberglass web
In this instance, the plaster mesh is attached to the wall by simply securing the material around the edge of the web. Fix the upper edge of the mesh in multiple locations first, then all other sides using self-tapping screws. Since the mesh is firmly embedded in the plaster’s thickness when the solution is applied later, extra fasteners are typically not needed.
Since the grid is initially rolled into rolls, it is preferable to unwind and attach material parallel to the floor along the walls for ease of installation. Starting from the top, you must begin fastening from any corner of the space. There is a 15-20 cm overlap between joints.
You should know this! It is best to cut the material in order to stretch a solid sheet. The plaster layer will become stronger as a result.
Preparing the wall for plastering and installing beacons
Preparing the surface is necessary even when using a mesh:
- First of all, the wall is freed from the old finish (if any) – paint, plaster, etc.p.
- Then dust is removed from the surface. If there is fungus and mold on the wall, the affected areas should be cleaned with a metal brush.
- After this, the surface is treated with a primer, which improves the quality of adhesion, strengthens the base and prevents the formation of mold and corrosion.
You must install lighthouses to aid in creating a level surface for plastering after preparing the base and attaching the reinforcing canvas. As beacons, a unique profile is employed.
The installation process is as follows:
- Using a building level, set the extreme profile in a strictly vertical position and fasten it with two screws.
- Then fix the beacon with gypsum mortar.
- The next step is to install a beacon from the other edge of the wall. To install all profiles in one plane, stretch a thread between the extreme guides.
- Then install the remaining beacons, the distance between which should be less than the length of the rule.
Step | Description |
1. Surface Preparation | Clean the wall, remove dust and debris, and apply a primer to ensure better adhesion of the plaster to the mesh. |
2. Attaching the Mesh | Secure the mesh evenly across the wall surface using nails or screws, making sure it is taut and free from wrinkles. |
3. Applying the First Coat | Spread the first layer of plaster over the mesh, pressing it firmly to ensure it fills the gaps and adheres well to the surface. |
4. Adding Additional Layers | After the first coat dries, apply additional layers as needed, smoothing each one to achieve a uniform finish. |
5. Finishing | Once the final layer is dry, sand the surface lightly to remove any imperfections, then apply paint or another finish as desired. |
Plastering over a mesh is a dependable method to guarantee an even and long-lasting wall finish. It is a method that reduces the likelihood of cracks over time and adds strength by fusing contemporary reinforcement with traditional plastering.
A professional-quality finish can be attained by carefully following the steps: priming the surface, setting up the mesh, layering on the plaster, and then smoothing it all down with a topcoat. Because the mesh helps to securely bond everything together, this method is especially helpful in areas that are prone to movement or where different materials meet.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced do-it-yourselfer, knowing how to use this method will give you the confidence to take on more projects. Patience and meticulous attention to detail are essential, with each layer needing to be applied evenly and given enough time to dry completely before moving on to the next. You’ll be able to build walls that not only look amazing but also endure over time with practice.