What is dry plaster and features of working with the material

Dry plaster is a quicker and more hygienic way to finish walls than traditional wet plaster. It is usually applied directly to the wall surface in the form of large sheets, doing away with the mess, water, and mixing that are typically associated with plastering.

This material’s ease of use and smooth, even finish make it especially popular for use in contemporary construction and renovation projects. In order to get the best results when working with dry plaster, it’s critical to comprehend the process, which calls for certain tools and techniques.

This post will explain what dry plaster is, why it’s good, and how to use it. It’s a very flexible material.

General information about dry plaster

There are two concepts involved in discussing what dry plaster is. This name in the first instance relates to a standard loose plastering mixture. In this case, the materials are ones that must be applied to the walls after being diluted with water.

Sheet material, another name for dry plaster, consists mostly (93%) of gypsum. To prevent the gypsum from crumbling or breaking, it is sealed on both sides with cardboard or paper. Starch and other viscous organic materials are also added to the composition to extend the shelf life and strength of the products. The primary characteristic of drywall is its adaptability. It can be applied to any kind of surface to finish it.

Advantages and disadvantages of dry leaf plaster

When discussing this material’s advantages, the following particularly stand out:

• Environmental friendliness. No harmful compounds are used in the production of dry sheet plaster; in addition, it does not emit toxic substances when heated.
• Fire resistance. The material does not support or propagate combustion. Only the top layer of paper or cardboard can smolder.
• Soundproofing. Gypsum molecules are located at a very small distance from each other, due to which the material dampens sound waves.
• Work speed. Firstly, after installing dry plaster, you do not need to wait some time before finishing work. Secondly, the installation work itself is much faster than with conventional plaster.

It should be mentioned that sheet dry plaster is significantly less expensive for interior work than its liquid equivalents.

Just like any other substance, dry plaster has disadvantages.

• Insufficient strength. You cannot hang equipment, such as a TV, furniture, etc., on walls finished with plasterboard.
• Hydrophilicity. Even plasterboard covered with a special moisture-resistant material is not able to withstand prolonged exposure to water, so if the apartment is flooded, the walls or ceiling will have to be finished again.

A practical substitute for conventional wet plastering is dry plaster, which uses prefabricated plasterboard sheets that are quick to erect and don’t need much drying time. This technique lessens the usual plastering mess while expediting the wall finishing process. Because it requires less work to achieve smooth, even walls, it’s a popular option for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers. A long-lasting and excellent finish is guaranteed for any project by being aware of the essential characteristics of dry plaster, such as handling and securing techniques.

Installation of sheet plaster

There are two methods for utilizing this material to finish work.

Installation with glue

Plasterboard sheets are installed using this technique, which involves using special building compounds to adhere the sheets to the surface. For this, Knauf-Perlix or any other equivalent is ideal. The price difference between them isn’t that great. The manufacturer’s recommended water dilution ratios are printed on the package for this mixture. The end product ought to be a homogenous, reasonably thick mixture that is simple to apply to the surface.

Installing plasterboard sheets alone is not only inconvenient but dangerous due to their weight; it is advisable to collaborate with someone.

The following is how glue installation is done:

1. First of all, it is necessary to clean the walls or ceiling, which will subsequently be plastered. For this, sandpaper or a machine with a grinding wheel is used.
2. Then a primer is applied to the surface. This is necessary to increase adhesion and, as a result, improve the adhesion of the glue and the wall.
3. After the primer has dried, glue is applied to the wall. This must be done along the perimeter of the wall and its center. The glue is applied in large, voluminous fragments. You can also apply the composition to the panel to be glued.
4. Next, the plasterboard sheet is leaned against the wall and the correct installation is checked with a building level.

It is necessary to allow the glue to dry after finishing the job (the manufacturer will specify the necessary time on the packaging). After applying finishing putty to the joints separating the slabs, further finishing is completed (painting, tiling, gluing wallpaper). The simplest approach is this one. This method makes it possible for even someone who has never worked with gypsum boards to lay drywall.

Installation on a frame

This approach differs from the previous one in a fundamental way. It entails first assembling an aluminum profile frame to which self-tapping screws are used to fasten dry plaster.

In this instance, the work is completed as follows:

1. First, the walls are cleaned and prepared for the installation of the profile. For this, it is recommended to remove large irregularities and seal potholes. This is done so that the dowels on which the frame is held do not fall out along with a fragment of the wall.
2. Then the starting horizontal profile is installed. It is located at the bottom of the wall. Installation of this element is the most important operation, since the entire frame will rest on it. Before installing the profile, you need to mark the wall, constantly checking the building level.
3. The next step is to install the top profile on the ceiling. As a result, it should be located in the same vertical plane as the lower structural element. In order for the profiles to be completely parallel, it is necessary to install a vertical profile in the lower profile, which will not reach 2 centimeters to the ceiling plane. The vertical element must be leveled to the building level so that it is completely perpendicular to the lower profile. Then you need to mark the top point of the vertical profile, and then repeat the above operations from the other end. The two points obtained should be connected into a straight line, along which the upper profile will be installed.
4. Next, you need to install vertical posts connecting the upper and lower profiles. It is important to observe a step of 40 cm so that there are no gaps during the installation of sheets. Intermediate fastenings to the wall are carried out using U-shaped brackets every 60 cm. Before the final installation of fasteners, it is necessary to check the verticality of the posts with a building level.
5. At the end, you just need to install dry plaster on the frame using screws and a screwdriver. At this stage, it is important to mount the structural elements end-to-end to avoid the formation of large cracks.

Technology nuances

To ensure that finishing work is successful and that repairs last for many years, there are a few easy steps that must be taken:

• Ordinary sheet dry plaster cannot be laid in rooms with high humidity. For this, materials with a moisture-resistant layer are used.
• Work should be carried out at a temperature of +5 to +45 degrees. Otherwise, paper or cardboard may peel off from the plaster.
• In fire-hazardous rooms, it is necessary to use a material with a fireproof layer.
• All utility lines are laid before finishing work.

You should know this! Dry plaster is not suitable for plastering external walls.

Smooth and even wall surfaces can be quickly achieved with dry plaster, which is a practical solution. Professionals and do-it-yourselfers find it to be a desirable option due to its simplicity of use and low mess.

When working with dry plaster, precision is essential, especially when it comes to surface preparation and uniform material application. A high-quality finish that is resilient and long-lasting can be accomplished with the appropriate equipment and methods.

For individuals seeking to improve their wall finishing endeavors, dry plaster is a dependable and effective option. You can confidently use this material in your next construction or renovation project if you are aware of its features and adhere to best practices.

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