Every renovation begins with preparing the walls for finishing. In order to bring them into a perfectly smooth state, two types of plaster are used - “dry” and “wet”. The first option involves covering the walls with plasterboard and other similar materials. The technology of surface cladding using the “dry” method is described in the article “”.

The “wet” method of finishing walls involves the use of plaster mixtures. Despite the fact that it is quite labor-intensive, the classic method of wall finishing is used very often.

Do I need to plaster the walls?

The main purpose of plaster is to level the walls. But besides this, it protects them from moisture penetration and, accordingly, extends the service life of building materials. The availability of all plaster components and tools for carrying out the work allows you to do it yourself. To do this, it is enough to know the basic principles of plastering walls and the procedure for doing this.

The best way to plaster walls - choice of material

Our market offers big choice mixtures ready to use. They are quite expensive, but have certain advantages.

• Silicone plaster – universal material, the most expensive of these mixtures. It is easy to clean, flexible and durable.

• Acrylic plaster is a ready-made mixture based on synthetic resins. It also has high elasticity and low absorption. Disadvantages - worse vapor permeability compared to mineral mixtures and ultraviolet sensitivity.

• Mineral plaster - used for work both inside and outside the building. It is resistant to sunlight, has strength and high vapor permeability. Comprises mineral fillers, cement and additives. This mixture is perfect for rooms with high humidity and walls made of materials with high vapor permeability - such as cellular concrete. Mineral plaster also includes silicate plaster, the binding material of which is liquid glass.

Despite the merits thin layer plasters, cement-sand, lime and gypsum mixtures are still the most popular. This is due to the availability of the material and its qualities. Such mixtures are sold in finished form or do it yourself.

• The cement-sand mixture is considered the most durable and at the same time cheapest. This plaster is not afraid of moisture and is suitable for leveling any walls, including those with significant defects or poor-quality masonry. The disadvantage is low plasticity, so a plasticizer is added to the finished mixtures. Mortar proportions: 1:3 (cement and sand, respectively).

The cement mortar is used within an hour after preparation.

• Lime plaster has good ductility, but is inferior in strength to the previous option. There are several types of this mixture:
  • cement-lime: 1:1:4 (cement, lime, sand);
  • limestone: 1:3 (lime, sand);
  • gypsum-lime: 1:3 (dry gypsum, lime dough).

The gypsum mixture is easy to use and creates a very smooth surface. It is resistant to cracking and has good vapor permeability. The gypsum-based material is plastic, conveniently applied to the surface and hardens quickly. That is why it is prepared in small portions and used immediately.

We plaster the walls ourselves - tools for the job

• Container for solution.
• Metal profile for the installation of beacons.

• A scraper is a trapezoidal metal spatula.
• Falcon - wooden or metal shield.
• Trowel is a heart-shaped blade.
• Grater and grater.
• Wire brush – for cleaning the surface.
• Master OK.
• Rules.
• Plumb.
• Level.

We plaster the walls with our own hands

Preparing the premises

Preparing the premises includes actions aimed at protecting the environment from damage. All things are taken out of it, and the furniture is moved to the middle and covered with film.

The floor covering should also be protected from contact with the solution. It is covered with film or covered with a layer of sawdust. Chandeliers and lamps are removed and the wires are insulated.

Cleaning and preparing walls

The next step will be preparing the walls themselves:

• If they are covered with wallpaper, they are soaked in water and then removed or cleaned with a scraper.

• Any old coating, be it paint, whitewash or crumbling plaster, must be completely removed. Otherwise, the new layer may move away from the wall.

• To check the strength of old plaster, tap the surface with a hammer. If at the same time a dull sound is heard, the coating fits tightly; if it is loud, then this place is cleaned.
• Small cracks are opened with a knife; for large chips, a grinder is used.

• Then they are filled with mortar and glued with a plaster mesh.

• Preparation various surfaces plastering has its own characteristics. On walls made of concrete, stone or brick, a chisel or ax is used to make a beating, the depth of which is approximately 10 mm. Thanks to this, the plaster will adhere more securely to the surface.

• How to properly plaster wooden walls? Such a surface requires special preparation. In order for the plaster to adhere tightly, a mesh of shingles is stuffed onto the surface. In this case, the nails are driven halfway, and the rest of them are bent. Instead of shingles, it is possible to use metal mesh.

Primer of walls

After the procedures are completed, the wall is cleaned of dust and dirt and primed. Some craftsmen skip this stage, considering it unimportant, and use water, especially when working with cement-sand mixtures. But the primer, penetrating into the thickness of the concrete, increases the adhesion of the surface and protects it from dampness. It stabilizes the porosity of the base and allows the plaster to be applied evenly.

Depending on the surface material, Concrete Contact, Grundirmittel or Super Contact Ground are used. Used for wood antiseptic impregnation. The primer is applied with a brush or roller in one or two layers, depending on the degree of absorption of the wall.

How to plaster the walls of a house - setting up beacons

• Using a level, the verticality of the surface is checked.
• Screws are screwed in at the bottom and top of the wall or dowels are driven in.

• A fishing line is tied to the screws and aligned vertically.

• A horizontal line is stretched in the same way; 4 lines will be enough for a wall 3 m high.
• Slides of solution are formed vertically under the fishing line.
• The profile is pressed into the mixture until it comes into light contact with the fishing line.

• Horizontal beacons are set in the same way.
• The resulting mesh is checked with a level to ensure it is in the same plane.

Preparation of the solution

At self-training the solution takes into account the layer for which it is intended:

• 1st layer - spray. For this, the solution should have a creamy consistency. The maximum layer thickness is 5 mm for a concrete or brick base and 9 mm for wooden walls.
• 2nd layer (up to 10 mm) – primer. A dough-like solution is prepared.
• 3rd layer – covering. A solution with fine-grained sand, creamy consistency.

When using the ready-made mixture, you should carefully study the instructions printed on the packaging and act in full accordance with them.

How to plaster walls - apply the solution

1. A trowel is used to apply the first layer of plaster. A small amount of solution is applied to it and it is sprayed onto the wall. The swing of the hand should be sharp, but not too sweeping and strong, otherwise the prepared mixture will fall not only on the wall, but also on everything that surrounds it.

How to plaster walls, video:

1. The primer is applied over the spray using a grater or wide spatula. Depending on its thickness, the work is carried out in one or several “passes”. Last layer equals the rule for beacons.

1. A layer of covering is applied on top of the wet soil.

How to learn to plaster walls - final work

• Removing beacons and filling grooves with a solution.

• Leveling - using a spatula, carefully smooth out all the depressions and bumps in the wet mortar.
• Grouting - performed in a circular motion in a spiral. The plane of the grater is pressed tightly against the surface.

• Clean grout. Performed with a sponge or felt grater.

How to plaster walls correctly, video:

• The porous base is primed twice.
• Gypsum plaster is finally smoothed no later than 4 hours after application.
• Metal beacons must be removed after applying the last layer.
• If the surface is being prepared for finishing ceramic tiles, then one layer of plaster is enough and it is not smoothed over.
• The walls are painted two weeks after completion of work when using gypsum mortar and after 30 days when using cement-lime plaster.

Well-plastered walls are the key to successful, high-quality and durable repairs. But plastering work is a very labor-intensive process, requiring great skill from the one who does it. We advise you to entrust this work to specialists, but if you still decide to take on this matter yourself in order to save your budget or out of curiosity, then our article today will try to instill in you theoretical basis, without which one cannot count on the success of this enterprise. How to properly plaster walls - read in our material today.

The plaster mixture, which will be used for the work, must be selected in accordance with what the walls of the building are built from. Another important factor when choosing is the side of the wall that will be plastered - internal or external.

Concrete walls

First of all, you need to pay attention to the texture of the wall. If the wall is smooth, then it should be pre-treated with a primer that contains quartz inclusions - they will make the surface quite rough, which in turn will help the wall to hold the plaster well. IN cement mortar You can add gypsum powder, it increases the adhesive qualities of the mixture.

Another option for working with smooth concrete wall is a lime-gypsum solution consisting of ¾ part lime and 1 part gypsum. The process of preparing the solution is as follows: gypsum is added to water and quickly mixed, lime mortar is added to a fairly liquid substance and all this is mixed until a homogeneous consistency.

With a rough wall, the situation is simpler - here you can use standard cement or gypsum mortars, but the wall should still be impregnated with a primer first deep penetration– this way the result will be more reliable.

Brick walls

It is better to plaster such walls with mixtures based on cement with the addition of lime, the latter adding moisture-resistant qualities to the solution. The applied layer of plaster should not exceed 30 mm, and if you have chosen a layer from 20 to 30 mm, then you must first attach a chain-link mesh to the wall, which will help hold the plaster mixture.

The mixture must be plastic, and therefore we recommend using a solution consisting of ¾ parts sifted sand and 1 part cement. By mixing the components with water you will get a fairly plastic mixture that easily fits on the wall. When the lime component is included, the solution will look like this: 1 part cement, half lime and 5/7 parts sand. Diluted lime is added to the dry mixture of sand and cement, after which the solution is mixed.

If the plaster is applied to a smooth facing brick, you will have to tinker and pre-treat the wall with a primer, as well as select a reinforcing mesh. Applying plaster to a wall facing bricks It’s better to leave it to professionals; few people succeed in doing this kind of work well the first time.

Wooden walls

If the room you plan to plaster has wooden walls, then before you begin work, you need to lay shingles on them. Thin slats or scraps of plywood are suitable for this; if such elements are not at hand, then you can use the usual chain-link mesh.

The distance between the mesh and the wall must be at least three millimeters, otherwise the plaster may crumble.

Preparatory stage

Required tools and materials

Plastering walls is a labor-intensive process; to implement it you will need the following tools and materials:

• Ready plaster mixture or components for mixing it;
• In order for the walls to come out smooth, we need to be able to track curvatures - we will need 3-6-10 mm beacons;
• Tin scissors or grinder to cut beacons;
• The mixture will have to be stirred; a hammer drill with a special attachment will come in handy here;
• Dowels, many dowels of different sizes;
• The situation is the same with screws;
• Crosshead screwdriver;
• Level;
• Hammer;
• Primer for processing concrete and smooth walls, as well as acrylic primer;
• Wide brush or roller;
• Individual protection means.

Preparing walls for plastering

As always, before moving directly to the plastering process, we need to clean the wall of previous finishes and various deposits. If you set out to plaster the walls with your own hands and skipped this stage, do not be surprised when the plaster begins to slowly and inevitably collapse. If the wall consists of several types of materials, then each section should be cleaned in accordance with the recommendations for a particular surface.

After we were faced with bare walls, they must be carefully inspected for cracks. Why plaster walls if not to eliminate cracks? Having seen a crack, we carefully clear it and treat it with a primer. After it dries, the crack should be sealed with putty at the same level as the remaining plane of the wall. Narrow and shallow cracks can be sealed with sealant, but with wide ones you will have to tinker and use polyurethane foam.

Further sequential actions depend on what the walls inside the house are made of. In the case of a brick base, we first remove the previous layer of plaster, if any, and then sand the walls using iron brush. If necessary, the seams between the bricks are deepened for better adhesion of the plaster, and the surface of the wall is treated with a primer.

The concrete wall must be freed from whitewash, and notches should be applied to the cleaned surface or a primer containing quartz sand should be used. After completing these works, run your hand over the surface of the wall - we need to get a rough texture.

Displaying beacons

We need a perfectly flat wall, and therefore we cannot avoid using landmarks. Metal guides are used as beacons, fixed on the wall surface using gypsum mortar.

Levels for beacons should be set at a distance of one and a half meters from each other.

The verticality of the profiles is controlled using a plumb line. After our walls are ready for action and are waiting for the plaster to be applied, we can begin preparing the solution.

Preparation of the solution

Following the rules for plastering walls, we will apply the mortar in three stages, there are no secrets here - we apply the mortar thickly with the first layer, this can be done either manually or with the help of a trowel. Brick and concrete walls It is worth covering just above the beacons, at a level of about 5 mm. The layer thickness on wooden walls should be about 8-9 mm.

The second layer, the ground layer, has the consistency of dough and should be applied using a 7-8mm thick spatula. The third layer has a creamy consistency and consists of fine sand.

For each of the layers, you can purchase ready-made mixtures, but it can also be produced independently; the main options have already been described above. It must be remembered that solutions have various properties, for example, a gypsum-based solution must be mixed right before application, since it hardens extremely quickly, and plaster cement based must be used within an hour from the moment of mixing.

Wall plastering technology

Where to begin? We follow the three steps described in the above instructions for preparing the solution. First, we throw the mortar from the bottom of the wall, gradually rising up. Having reached about a meter in height from the floor level, we level the plaster using the rule; there are other methods, but why reinvent the wheel.

We already know how to apply the second layer of plaster to the wall - after the first layer has set, we apply the plastic primer composition using a spatula. This layer should hide the still visible guide strips.

At the final stage of wall plastering, we make the wall surface smooth using a finishing layer. This thin layer should not exceed two millimeters in thickness. The third layer should be applied to the still wet second layer; if it has already dried out, it should be moistened.

After finishing layer dry, you need to start grouting using a grater. Using circular movements counterclockwise, level the surface. Putting a soft felt material on the brush, repeat the sanding, and the plastering process is complete!

Experts in the field of premises renovation say that the successful completion of any finishing works half depends on the quality of the surfaces you have to deal with. In this article we will pay utmost attention to how to plaster walls. Why is it so important to carry out this process efficiently? Imagine that you need to lay tiles in the bathroom or kitchen, but there is still a slope on the wall even after plastering. In this case, the tiles will begin to fall off very soon. Another example: you are going to putty the walls for painting or wallpapering, and there are noticeable waves, pits and other irregularities on the plaster layer. Putty is much more expensive than plaster mixture, and you will most likely have to apply a considerable layer of putty. So, if you want your renovation to be successful, quickly and not result in unplanned expenses for you, approach each stage of finishing work responsibly and without haste. No less important also has a competent selection of building materials. But first things first.

Properly plastered walls are the key to successful renovation

Main types of consumables for plastering walls

If in past decades, when choosing a material for plastering walls, preference was given to a sand-lime mixture, today it fades into the background, as more modern, high-quality and easy-to-work compositions have appeared. Even after drying on the wall, the sand-lime mixture remains soft and flowable, which does not suit us at all.

The second type of materials that are used when plastering walls are cement-based mixtures. It should be noted that before plastering walls with such a composition, it is necessary to take the most serious measures to improve the adhesive characteristics of the surface, since cement plaster itself is not very sticky and plastic. In addition, the solution often contains pebbles, which makes it difficult to apply it to the wall in a thin layer. The reasons why cement may be preferred are the large volume of work and the need to finish the external walls of the building.

The third type of material for plastering walls is gypsum-based materials. Compared to previous types of mixtures, gypsum has many advantages:

• it is sticky and plastic;
• it can be easily applied even in thin layers;
• if it is necessary to plaster in several layers, gypsum adheres well to the wall even with a layer thickness of 5 cm;
• gypsum plaster does not shrink;
• gypsum does not reduce the ability of walls to breathe, while being an excellent heat and sound insulator;
• there is no need to install reinforcing mesh before plastering.

Gypsum plaster is one of the most popular materials used by craftsmen.

The best results are shown by leveling the walls with the Rotband mixture from Knauf, so if you are interested in how and how to plaster walls quickly, easily and efficiently, we advise you to take note of this brand. Other popular brands of gypsum plaster are Volma Layer, Osnovit Gipswell, Forman No. 10, etc.

What are the requirements for the quality of plastering work?

As with other stages of construction and finishing work, there are a number of requirements for how walls should be plastered (according to the current edition of SNiP):

• For average quality plaster, the horizontal deviation per meter of wall should not exceed 2 mm, and the vertical deviation - 3 mm. For every 4 square meters of surface, 2 irregularities up to 3 mm deep are allowed.
• If you are applying for good quality plastering work, horizontal and vertical deviations should not exceed 2 mm, and there should be no more than 2 irregularities for every 4 sq.m (depth - up to 3 mm).
• If you are interested in how to plaster walls in order to earn an “excellent” rating, then the quality indicators should be as follows: horizontal and vertical deviations - 1 mm each, irregularities up to 2 mm deep - no more than two for every 4 sq.m of wall surface.

Basic approaches to plastering walls

The choice of wall plastering technology depends on how serious the irregularities are on the surface:

• If the slope of the walls and the protrusions/depressions on the wall are insignificant, the solution is applied to the wall and leveled as usual, without using any additional fittings.
• If the unevenness is significant, you must first set up beacons, which will become guidelines for leveling the walls and adjusting the thickness of the applied mortar. Since plastering walls using just one rule is not particularly difficult, we suggest talking in more detail about how to plaster walls using beacons.

List of necessary tools, equipment and consumables

• plaster of one or another component composition;
• composition for priming walls for plaster;
• a wide brush or roller for applying the primer mixture;
• spatula or trowel for applying the mixture to the wall;
• beacons, which are long aluminum guides with perforations;
• a hammer drill with a drill of suitable diameter;
• dowels with self-tapping screws for marking walls;
• building level;
• long rule (2 – 2.5 m);
• the tool you will use to cut the beacons, for example, metal scissors or a grinder;
• steel ironed.

How to prepare the surface of the walls for applying the plaster mixture?

First of all, the wall should be cleaned of old wallpaper, paint, plaster and other coatings that do not adhere securely and may subsequently cause the new layer of plaster to peel off.

Next important preparatory stage– improvement of surface adhesive properties. If you have a fairly strong old paint coating, apply a notch to it with a spatula. The adhesion of wooden walls to the mortar is improved using plaster shingles. For large walls, sandblasting is an indispensable method.

If it is necessary to plaster the walls with a thick layer (up to 50 mm), preliminary installation of a reinforcing metal mesh is required. To avoid the development of corrosion, the mesh is treated oil enamel, bitumen varnish or cement laitance.

Priming walls for plaster is a process that is necessary both to improve the adhesion of the wall surface to the mortar and to protect them from dampness, mold and fungi. For walls that strongly absorb moisture, have many irregularities, roughness and pores, deep penetration soil is required. If you have a smooth concrete wall in front of you, the “Betonokontakt” composition is perfect. Prime the walls using a roller or wide brush.

How to set beacons correctly?

Marking walls and correct installation lighthouses - this is the most labor-intensive stage of finishing walls with plaster, but also the most important, because right now you have to determine what thickness to plaster the surfaces and set strictly vertical and horizontal levels to level the solution.

First you need to apply the rule to different areas walls to find the most significant irregularities: protrusions and depressions. For convenience, each such defect is marked with a marker. In the future, you will focus on the largest ledge.

When all defects on the walls are detected and recorded, they proceed to marking. Use dowels with self-tapping screws and non-stretch cord for this. We work with each wall (from corner to corner) separately. First, the outermost upper and lower screws are screwed in. As a rule, the length of the beacons is less than the distance from the floor to the ceiling, so when attaching the screws, keep a space of approximately 15-20 cm at the top and bottom. The distance from the corners of the room is approximately 30 cm.

The distance at which intermediate screws will be screwed in at the floor and ceiling is calculated as follows: if you have chosen a rule of about 2-2.5 m in length, fasten the screws in increments of 30-40 cm less, starting from the corner, so that in the future it will be convenient for you to level solution between two beacons. Here you will need a plumb line or a building level to create strictly vertical lines on the wall.

As a result, 4 corner screws + intermediate ones should appear on the wall, located at the intersection of horizontal cords and vertical lines. Next, using a level and a rule, you need to position the heads of all the screws in the same plane. Come to this process very responsible, because the level at which you will set the beacon guides themselves depends on this.

The next stage of preparatory work is attaching the beacons to the wall using mortar. It should be moderately thick, so that it does not flow off the wall. Throw a little mixture onto the wall with a spatula or trowel, and then press the beacon profile into it so that its protruding part is in the same plane as the head of the self-tapping screw located on this vertical marking line. Fix the remaining beacons on the wall in the same way. Control the position of each of them using a level and a rule.

After you have secured all the beacons to the wall, the screws can be unscrewed. Therefore, if you don’t know how to set up beacons correctly, be sure to read our material.

How is the actual plastering of the walls done?

If you are working with a cement-sand mixture, be sure to consider the following requirement: the larger the layer that needs to be applied, the larger the sand should be in the solution.

Wall plaster should be prepared in small portions so that it does not have time to dry out while you are finishing this or that section of the wall. Thin layers are formed using a more fluid solution, thick layers with a thicker one.

A visual diagram of the stages of the wall plastering process

The plaster is mixed in a separate container using a construction mixer or a special attachment for a drill. First fill the container with water about a third, and then gradually add the dry mixture. Bring the working solution until it is homogeneous and only then proceed to applying it to the wall.

The surface to be plastered must be periodically moistened with a spray bottle. This is especially important when working with porous, rough walls, as they will suck moisture from the plaster itself, causing it to crack and peel.

So, ready mixture for plastering, they are thrown onto a section of the wall between two beacon guides. Do this with a spatula or trowel, applying force, otherwise the solution will not adhere well to the surface. Maintain a distance from the floor and ceiling: these areas are finished in last resort. The width of the area on which you throw the mortar should be slightly larger than the space between the beacons, so that the latter is certainly filled with plaster.

Next, using the rule, they begin to level the plaster. Apply the sharp edge of the tool to the edges of the beacons, maintaining a strictly perpendicular position. Otherwise you will remove too much mortar from the wall. Typically make zigzag movements from side to side, leveling the surface from bottom to top. Immediately throw the released solution onto the wall above. If you notice that voids or air bubbles have formed in the thickness of the solution, they must be eliminated immediately. If necessary, the leveling procedure is carried out several times until excess plaster no longer forms under the rule.

When working with cement plaster Leveling should be completed within 12 hours until the solution has completely set. If plastering must be carried out in several layers, be sure to wait time for each previous layer to set.

The main part of the work with plaster ends with filling voids near the floor and ceiling. This is done when the mortar on the walls has almost hardened.

Door and window openings are plastered flush, or even better - with a slight overlap.

If the unevenness of the walls was so significant that a layer of plaster more than 5 cm thick is required, proceed as follows:

• perform all of the above points;
• wait a few days;
• make notches on the plaster to improve adhesion;
• re-priming is carried out;
• treat the wall with the plaster mixture again.

Grouting plaster

After working with the rule, the surface of the walls will become smooth, but to bring it to an ideal state, grout the plaster. For this they prepare plaster mortar, similar in consistency to liquid sour cream. The prepared plaster is applied to a section of the wall, and then they begin to rub it over the surface with a metal trowel until the wall becomes completely flat and smooth. It is better to grout the plaster before completely dry the base layer of cement plaster while it is still wet, which means it is easier to process.

A small nuance: if you are leveling the walls in the bathroom and plan to lay tiles in the future, there is no need to grout the plaster. Tile adhesive will adhere better to a rough surface.

How to plaster walls with gypsum-based mortar?

Gypsum plaster is only suitable for interior work and shows good results only in dry rooms. main feature similar materials are that they quickly set and harden. Leveling the layer of gypsum plaster must be completed within an hour. If plastering is carried out in several layers, wait at least 2 hours between them.

Summing up

So, when choosing a technology for plastering walls, you should focus on the scale of unevenness present on the surface.

If we talk about plastering material, take into account the following points:

• place of work: inside or outside;
• room features: high humidity, high traffic, significant load on the walls, etc.;
• the need to apply additional decorative elements to the plastered surface;
• component composition and performance characteristics the plastering mixture itself;
• possibilities of your budget.

So, cement mixtures cheaper, but more difficult to work with due to low stickiness and ductility. In addition, they may shrink over time.

Gypsum and silicate plasters are more expensive, but much more flexible and wear-resistant. At the same time, gypsum-based mixtures require higher skill and speed of work, as they set quickly.

Whatever material you choose, carefully read the instructions on the package before you start preparing the working solution.

Consider planning and execution repair work responsibly and seriously, and you will definitely succeed!

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Since today everyone dares to plaster walls without involving a professional more people, you need detailed and accessible instructions that would anticipate the questions of a beginner. This article is the main contender for such a role!

The word “plaster” is known to absolutely everyone, even children and people not involved in construction, but few people think about the functions of such a coating. Not so long ago, several decades ago, this stage of construction was one of the main ones. However, today, with the development of technology, new Construction Materials, capable of replacing lime-sand mortars and becoming a worthy alternative gypsum mixture. These include the well-known drywall.

Plastering walls

But it's one thing when we're talking about about the construction of a new building with smooth walls, and it’s completely different if you are going to renovate an old 20-year-old house. Often in such rooms there is a huge difference in the level of the walls, and it is irrational to level them with drywall, because its installation requires allowances, which will significantly reduce the area. With the help of plaster you can achieve ideal surface with minimal losses. In addition, this is the most economical method.

Leveling the walls is the main, but not the only function. In this way, it is easy to ensure reliable protection of the surface from moisture and at the same time avoid air trapping. Sound and heat insulation performance increases significantly. And by giving preference to double-sided plastering, you will do brickwork more durable. In addition, plaster can also act as a decorative coating.

Before you dive headfirst into learning how to plaster walls, let's talk about some tricks with which you can not only achieve an excellent result, but also save a lot. If family budget limited, it is possible to plaster only those surfaces that have noticeable irregularities. Special attention give the lower part at least 15 cm from the floor. The fact is that the baseboard reveals even the slightest surface irregularities.

Notching walls

To prevent the plaster from falling off, it is necessary to ensure good adhesion to the wall. To do this, small notches are applied to it. And here wooden walls It’s better to cover it with a special mesh. With the help of reinforcement, the formation of cracks can be avoided. There is metal and plastic mesh. The first is relevant when leveling walls that are too crooked, when the thickness of the plaster exceeds 4 cm. Such a thick layer can come off immediately after drying. Plastic mesh less durable, and it is used only for finishing with a layer thickness of no more than 2 cm.

The times when plaster was a lime-sand mixture are far behind us. Now we will look at the main types of plaster, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages. Such mixtures are divided into facade and mixtures for interior work. The former are distinguished by their strength and durability, and have sufficient moisture and frost resistance. Another advantage is its resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Plaster used for interior work is subject to less stringent requirements. In this case, it is more important that the material is environmentally friendly, so it is better to give preference to water-based mixtures.

Walls covered with decorative plaster

Plaster can be simple and decorative. The first task is to level the walls and prepare them for further painting or wallpapering. But the decorative one is directly involved in creating the design of the room. There are also special mixtures that have special properties, for example, acid resistance. Simple mixtures, depending on their composition, are divided into cement-sand, gypsum and cement-lime. Almost any surface (stone, brick, cinder block or aerated concrete) can be plastered with cement mortars. Sand solutions suitable for work in any room, but lime ones can only be used for rooms with normal humidity.

With the help of gypsum plaster you can achieve more High Quality surface, but it has some limitations. This solution does not tolerate contact with cement and is afraid high humidity. Part decorative plaster includes both natural and artificial components, with the base being cement, lime, acrylic, latex. Usually the required color is immediately added to such a mixture, and then the walls do not need additional painting. With the help of such plaster it is easy to imitate the most various materials, starting from natural stone and ending with textiles and leather. The surface relief depends on the size of the filler.

Textured is usually sold dry or ready-made, and the question of how to plaster correctly is rarely considered, because the process is quite simple. In the first case, it is necessary to dilute the powder with water in the proportions indicated on the label. And here ready-made solution You can immediately plaster the walls. The work will not cause any difficulties, and the cost of the material will please you. One of the newest coatings is flock. It consists of 3 layers. First, an adhesive base is applied to the wall, on top of which special flocks or, as they are also called, chips are attached. Finally, a varnish coating follows. It provides reliable surface protection from external influences.

There is also Venetian plaster. Unlike most types decorative mixtures it makes the surface perfectly smooth. However, this does not at all negatively affect the appearance of the room, but even the opposite. The mixture contains marble flour, and with its help it is easy to imitate various types of stone. The solution is applied in several thin layers, as a result the wall seems to glow. It is difficult to learn how to work with such a solution, so if you prefer it, it is better to trust the professionals. This is a labor-intensive process, because each layer also needs high-quality polishing. This type of plaster, called sgraffito, also deserves attention.

In this case, the wall will be decorated with an unusual relief coating with a pattern and even a design. This technology also cannot be considered simple. Several layers are applied to the surface different color, and to obtain the desired ornament, some parts are removed.

Let's say a few words about special mixtures; they are most often used for finishing enterprises, workshops and laboratories. Acid-resistant materials are based on liquid potassium glass. However, this material is afraid of contact with air, so a layer of ordinary sand-cement mortar is applied on top of it. But the main component of X-ray protective plaster is barite concentrate. This cheap way protection from X-ray radiation, but when working with such a mixture, some rules should be taken into account. Firstly, it is forbidden to join this plaster, so apply protective covering should immediately cover the entire wall. Secondly, work can only be carried out at temperatures above 15 °C.

We level the walls with our own hands - how to meet the deadline

Let's move from theory to the practical part and look at how to properly plaster walls with ordinary mortar. are quite capricious, so it is better to entrust their application to professionals, and learn to work with gypsum plaster or cement mortar easily.

Instructions for plastering walls

Step 1: Preparatory work

It doesn’t matter what you work with, gypsum, lime or cement plaster, you should start the process by preparing the room. It is best to completely free it from furniture. If this is not possible, you must at least move all remaining things to the center to ensure easy access to the walls. Then we cover them with film to protect them from the solution. Be sure to worry about floor covering, because cleaning off dried mortar is not the most pleasant thing. Cover the floor with film, you can fill it up and sawdust, they will also protect the coating from adhering plaster.

Step 2: Surface Cleaning

Now you need to prepare the walls themselves. We carefully remove old wallpaper, whitewash and other coverings. If the paper wallpaper is well glued, you should wet it and then remove it with metal brush or a scraper. To clear the walls old whitewash with minimal effort, you need to apply liquid paste to it and wait until it hardens. Then we take a metal spatula and remove both layers at the same time.

Step 3: Preparing the Walls

If cracks or chips are found on the surface, they should be repaired. For this operation we will need a knife, chisel or grinder if we are talking about large defects. Brick and concrete surfaces require preliminary upholstery. After this operation, the wall will acquire a relief, which will have a very positive effect on adhesion. You can apply notches using an ax or chisel. But the wooden walls are covered with a special metal mesh. If material possibilities are limited, then you can make a mesh from shingles (thin wooden slats). In this case, it is very important to drive the nails only half their length, and simply bend the remaining part with pliers.

Step 4: Installation of beacons

Without special design, namely lighthouses, it will not be possible to make the surface perfectly flat. In this paragraph we will look at how to install the simplest landmarks. We will need a building level, a plumb line, fishing line, screws with dowels, a hammer and, most importantly, a beacon profile. First, using a plumb line and level, check the wall for verticality. Then we drive in 1 dowel in each corner and, if necessary, screw in self-tapping screws. After this, we stretch the fishing line vertically. It is attached to the upper and lower dowels. Then, every 60–75 cm, we tighten the fishing line in a horizontal position. In this case, it is necessary to strictly focus on vertically stretched threads.

Finally, the installation of beacons is carried out. Due to the fact that they sit on the solution, it is easy to press the structure or, on the contrary, push it out a little. The main thing is to carry out all the procedures before the mixture loses its plasticity, this is especially true when working with gypsum plaster, which hardens very quickly. The exposed profile should lightly touch the fishing line, but in no case move it away. At the end, you can use a level to check how correctly the beacons are installed.

Step 5: Preparing the solution

Preparing cement, lime and gypsum mixtures is a simple process if you know the intricacies. For example, cement mortars must be used within an hour, otherwise they will begin to harden and their ductility and adhesion to the surface will significantly deteriorate. If you decide to plaster the house with a gypsum mixture, then it must be prepared in small portions, because... gypsum sets faster than cement. Usually the proportions and method of preparation are indicated on the package with the dry mixture. However, now we will look at the most popular solutions. Limestone consists of sand and lime mortar taken in a ratio of 3:1. You can add dry gypsum (3:1) to the lime dough. Classic cement mortar consists of sand and cement. The ratio depends on the brand of the latter. Cement-lime mixtures usually include sand, cement and lime mortar. The ratio of components is 5:1:1.

Step 6: Spray

Now let's see how to plaster correctly. The technology for applying gypsum mixture and cement mortars is somewhat different. Now we will look classic version. In this case, the plaster is applied in 3 layers. First, the prepared cement mortar is spread onto the surface with a trowel. The thickness of this layer reaches 9 mm, but if we are talking about brick surface, then it should not be more than 5 mm. In this case, the mixture is prepared creamy.

Step 7: Primer

After waiting for the first layer to dry, you can apply the next one. We prepare a dough-like solution and apply it using a trowel or trowel. In this case, the plaster can either be thrown on and then rubbed in with the above tools, or immediately applied to a trowel and rubbed in. There should be a gap of about 10 cm between the upper edge of the tool and the wall, and the lower edge, on the contrary, should fit snugly. Movements are sharp and zigzag, made from bottom to top. This way you can even out all the depressions and irregularities. The thickness of this layer should not exceed 10 mm.

Step 8: Covering

This is the final thinnest layer, no more than 4 mm thick. It is applied before the primer dries. If you missed the time, you should thoroughly moisten the previous layer with water using a brush. The covering is only spread, and in order for the solution to be convenient to work with, it must be creamy. As soon as the mixture has set a little, we level the surface with a trowel or a rule, moving the tool in a circular motion from bottom to top.

Plastering walls is a painstaking and complex job. To perform this, special compounds are usually used, most often gypsum-based. In addition, for a high-quality result, it is very important to follow the correct sequence of the process: it is performed in several stages.

Plastering walls is a task that requires special knowledge, skills and abilities from the performer. Proper alignment of the walls will facilitate the gluing process and significantly improve appearance premises. This kind of work can be done independently, but more often it is still trusted to the masters. In any case, when carrying out this procedure you will have to take into account some nuances.

To get a high-quality result (perfectly smooth walls), you need 4 components of success:

• experienced master plasterer;
• high-quality plaster mixture (you need to carefully familiarize yourself with its composition and the manufacturer);
• proper preparation of the solution;
• proper storage conditions for the plaster mixture before starting work (no moisture allowed).

In addition, you need to clearly understand the purpose for which the walls of a given room are finished with plaster. Plastering walls under wallpaper is a slightly different situation than plastering bathroom walls under tiles. In this case, you need to properly plaster the walls with gypsum plaster so that the main decor (tiles or wallpaper) sticks.

The best way to plaster walls depends on the home owner’s wallet, as well as on the characteristics of the room in which repairs need to be made. In addition, it is important to understand why you should plaster walls - for wallpaper, tiles or just painting.

Which plaster is better to use? First, you need to know that plaster can be dry or wet. Secondly, both dry and wet plaster exist three types:

• ordinary (actually the composition for leveling the walls);
• decorative (colored, terrazite or stone);
• special.

The cheapest option is lime plaster. But this option, unfortunately, is short-lived and is only suitable for plastering walls inside the building. External part plastered with a different composition. In addition, lime is absolutely not suitable for the bathroom. The fact is that lime is afraid of moisture.

The main advantages of gypsum plasters are good sound and heat insulation. This is a plastic material in which cracks rarely form. This plaster dries quickly and hardens. A few hours are enough for this.

Unfortunately, such mixtures are not sufficiently resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. Before plastering the walls with gypsum plaster, you need to study all the features of the room. At the same time, you can decorate the walls with Rotband (popular gypsum plaster) even in the bathroom.

Cement is a universal option for plastering walls both inside and outside. The main advantages of the material are resistance to moisture and changes temperature regime. It can also be used to plaster bathroom walls before laying tiles. It is recommended to choose it if the owners do not know which dry or wet plaster is best for finishing internal or external walls.

Also, many users are interested in how quickly the applied plaster will dry. From this point of view, cement and gypsum mixtures are practical. In addition, you need to read on the bag or bucket with the mixture at what temperature the mixture dries fastest.

Types of dry plaster

Dry plaster May be:

• simple;
• improved;
• high quality

The quality of dry plaster is determined by differences. Normal - with differences of no more than 3 mm, improved - with differences of no more than 2 mm. In high-quality, differences of a maximum of 1 mm are allowed.

The simple one is usually finished in warehouses, basements and other premises for utility purposes; the second one is used in public institutions - hospitals and schools. But the walls of residential buildings are finished with high quality.

To know how to plaster walls with your own hands, you can read a lot of tips on the Internet.

However, it all comes down to two options: plastering with beacons and without beacons. Anyone can learn how to plaster walls, although it will be more difficult for a beginner than for a professional plasterer.

Deciding how and with what to plaster the walls in the bathroom under tiles or walls living rooms Before wallpapering, it is important to correctly assess the quality of the existing surface.

To plaster the walls yourself, you will need to apply the solution in three layers. The resulting excess is removed with a trapezoidal spatula. You will have to buy it before plastering walls of any material with your own hands.

In any case, the solution must be applied extremely carefully.

Plastering in a plane (using a rule) is a good option, if the walls are relatively smooth. If there are serious unevenness on the walls, the contractor has no other choice but to plaster the walls according to the beacons. Thanks to beacon profiles, unevenness is eliminated with an accuracy of 1 mm/m2.

Typically, metal beacons are used for this, although artificial plaster beacons can also be created. In the second case, you can save the plaster mixture (the layer with iron beacons will be at least 6 mm).

Before plastering aerated concrete walls, you need to make sure that the plaster mixture is ideal for them. This material is environmentally friendly, it allows oxygen in and removes carbon dioxide from the room, so the choice of plaster should be taken responsibly.

The technologies of how to plaster walls made of foam block, foam concrete, as well as how to plaster concrete walls, differ little from each other. It is important to choose only the right mixture. The technologies for plastering wooden walls are also similar.

How to plaster brick walls, depends on the location of the surface to be finished. Concrete and other moisture-resistant materials are suitable from the outside, but plastering brick walls inside the house is also permissible with gypsum mixtures.

Methodology for plastering walls cement-sand mortar, is similar to the methods of working with any other wall finishing products. The main thing is to add required amount water.

How to plaster walls using beacons?

Many users are looking for tips on how to plaster walls without beacons. Here you have to determine the layer thickness and surface quality by eye. This method is suitable for relatively smooth surfaces. This way minor imperfections are smoothed out.

Plastered walls are already finished with the chosen paint, wallpaper or tiles - it depends on the purpose of the room and the desires of the owner.

Mother of two children. I'm leading household for more than 7 years - this is my main job. I like to experiment, I constantly try different means, methods, techniques that can make our life easier, more modern, more fulfilling. I love my family.