Plaster: how to choose and which one to buy

Plaster is a popular building material used for interior and exterior finishing of walls, ceilings, columns and other surfaces. It is always applied in the form of an elastic solution that forms a firm, even surface after curing. Depending on the composition, its surface can be smooth or rough. Also during finishing works it is possible to give texture.

Today there are several types of plaster on the type of application and composition, so the choice is made taking into account the tasks at a particular site, based on the characteristics of the mixtures under consideration.

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The main purposes of plaster application

Plaster mixtures have been widely used in construction for a long time. But if earlier they were used only for leveling walls and ceilings, then today the sphere has expanded to decorative finishing.

There are three main purposes: protective-constructive, sanitary and decorative. Plastered surface is reliably protected from the harmful effects of dampness, high resistance to heat transfer, it also significantly reduces sound permeability. Sanitary and hygienic purpose is to obtain a smooth surface, effectively resisting the deposition of dust and other contaminants. Decorative function is provided by improving the aesthetic qualities of the plastered wall.

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Types of plaster

There are three varieties that differ in the type of application: standard, textured and special. Each of them has its own features and advantages that play a key role in solving certain tasks. Let's take a closer look:

- Standard - designed for leveling wall surfaces in order to create a protective layer for further application of thin-layer decorative finishes, painting or wallpapering;

- Textured - used for decorative finishing of interiors and facades of buildings. It has a very spectacular appearance after drying, can have a different surface texture and color palette. Such properties of decorative plaster, allow you to realize almost any design: from chaotic divorces, to truly creative solutions in the form of three-dimensional paintings on the walls;

- Special - is a mixture for solving specific problems. It includes additional components that ensure the fulfillment of a particular function. For example, X-ray protection mixtures with beryte concentrate are used as wall plaster for production shops where aggressive chemicals are used.

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Classification of plasters by composition

The chosen composition determines the immediate quality of the plastered surface. The most popular are cement-sand, lime and gypsum plasters.

- Cement-sand - include in the composition of two main components: sand and cement. Their proportions can vary, depending on the tasks. The key advantage of finishing plaster on a cement-sand basis is increased strength;

- Lime - have a good indicator of elasticity. The composition includes lime, as well as a little cement and sand. Because of the relatively low strength are considered plaster for interior decoration. On it you can not lay heavy finishing materials: stone, ceramic tiles and so on;

- Gypsum - another type of interior plaster. It is well suited for finishing works in dry rooms. When wet, it simply falls off - soaking is an effective method of dismantling it. Gypsum mixture is well applied, quickly sets and dries. After drying has decent aesthetic qualities.

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Difference between plaster and putty

Plaster and putty are completely different materials that are similar in composition, but differ in function.

- Plaster is a classic construction mixture, designed for leveling canvases and walls. After drying, it creates a strong even layer, ready for further finishing work. The thickness of plaster application can vary within 5- 30mm;

- Putty - a special paste-like material designed to eliminate minor irregularities on previously plastered wall and lumber surfaces. The main task is to create optimal conditions for further decorative finishing or wallpapering. The thickness of plaster application does not exceed 1-3 mm.

Plaster is based on coarse-grained fractions of the material, while putty is based on fine-grained fractions. Both materials are used by W2studio specialists when performing major and cosmetic repairs in apartments and houses.

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Which plaster to choose for walls?

The choice of the optimal plaster for walls is determined by the individual preferences of the owner and the material from which the walls are made. If the room requires the leveling of large irregularities of concrete slabs, it is best to use a mixture on a sand-cement base. It should also be used as a facade plaster, because it has a high resistance to high humidity and sharp temperature changes.

If the task is to get high aesthetic qualities of the facade of the building - perform finishing decorative plaster for external works, if the interior - for internal works. We do not recommend making plaster with your own hands, factory mixtures have better quality and durability.

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What plaster is better for the ceiling?

In houses and apartments, ceilings are finished in various ways, but the most common solution is plastering for further painting. As a rule, plaster based on gypsum is used for the ceiling, less often - sand-cement mixture.

The use of gypsum plaster on the ceiling has several advantages, including: it does not "steal" the height of the room, has exceptional environmental qualities, provides excellent sound insulation, allows the ceiling surface to "breathe", and is suitable for classic and modern interiors.

The use of sand-cement mixture is recommended for objects where stretch structures or plasterboard ceilings will be installed in the future.

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Plaster for interior finishing

For interior finishing of premises can be used different types of plaster. Performing repair of the apartment "turnkey" should take into account the properties of the mixtures under consideration, the material of the base (on which the plaster will be applied), as well as the chosen method of application.

Choosing a variant for interior finishing, in addition to aesthetic properties, it is also worth paying attention to the physical qualities of the composition - it is important that the surface had sufficient vapor permeability. Special attention should be paid to mineral, silicate, polymer and silicone decorative plasters that allow you to realize bold design ideas.

Do you want to get advice on plaster selection from professionals or order a high-quality repair? Contact W2studio.

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