Construction dry mixes for plastering are one of the types of finishing materials that are used to work with the so-called “rough” surface. For example, it can be masonry bricks, gas blocks, monolithic concrete and other materials with a rough surface and a large height difference. There may be several variants of this material, depending on its composition, scope of application, and certain technical properties. You can use plaster to finish walls and ceilings, and apply it to structural elements of the building (steps, columns, arches, cornices, bay windows). According to sanitary standards, a cement-based or gypsum-based plaster mix is a mandatory step in the construction of residential premises. Tasks that plaster solves:
- Surface leveling after general construction works;
- Masking of laid communications or traces of their installation;
- Providing a certain level of heat, sound, and noise insulation;
- Preparation of a highly adhesive layer for further finishing;
- Compensation of large height differences in processing.
This material is very durable and versatile in use, so it is used on almost every housing construction site.
Types of plaster mixes
The price of dry plaster mixes for exterior and interior finishing is largely determined by the composition of the mixes and their properties. Most often in our climatic conditions are used:
- Cement building mixes for plastering walls and ceilings – can be used both inside the house and outside. They create a strong and reliable surface with high performance properties. Modern technologies allow the use of cement mixtures, but more and more often gypsum plasters are used on objects, which do not require further putty on the walls.
- Gypsum mixes are optimal for creating comfortable living conditions. They participate in self-regulation of humidity and help to achieve an optimal microclimate in the rooms. Some plaster mixes for aerated concrete and bricks can already be used as a finishing finish.
- Lime plaster-sand is included in the composition, and lime is used as a binder. The price of this type of plaster mix remains one of the lowest, so this building material is widely used in the construction of residential and commercial real estate. It shrinks, is sensitive to a large layer thickness, does not have high strength and resistance to moisture, but the resulting solution is very eco-friendly and quickly sets.
- Special compositions-used for solving narrow and special tasks, such as warming the surface, giving it water resistance, fire and biosecurity, noise insulation, or increased mechanical stability.
If you want to profitably buy dry plaster mixes for interior work, it is important to understand the properties, characteristics and optimal operating conditions of each of the types of finished mixes.
Composition of the plaster mixture
The main filler of cement, gypsum and lime plaster is sand. They differ only in their viscous substance, proportional composition, and the presence of additional impurities. For example, facade plaster mix is most often made of cement, since the finished surface will be strong, resistant to moisture and will be able to withstand any whims of the weather. For interior work, it is better to buy a plaster mixture of gypsum, but if the task is to save the budget, then it is better to use lime mortar as an alternative. The builder only needs to add a certain amount of water and mix the mixture. Some decorative plasters may include marble chips, perlite, polymers, and tinting agents.
Scope of application of dry plaster building mixes.
Most often, dry plaster mix M150 or M200 is used on objects. However, this is not the whole list of types of finishing solutions:
- Structural plaster-the composition includes chips, stone chips, polymers that dramatically change the surface texture, giving it relief. It can be used for facade works and interior decoration. Fillers not only change the appearance of the finish, but can also provide increased resistance to abrasion, impact, and other damage.
- Decorative plaster-usually refers to finishing, although today there are already solutions that allow you to create a complete surface appearance at the stage of rough finishing. They are used for wall cladding, structural and decorative elements of buildings.
- Textured plaster-a plaster mixture based on cement or using other binders, with a pronounced texture of the filler. Most often, such materials allow you to copy the texture of natural stone, wood, or metal.
Sometimes building mixes are conditionally separated at the stages of their application. For example, there are starting plasters, the main task of which is to provide high adhesion for further finishing. In such cases, the starting plaster mixture will play the role of a layer between smooth concrete and ceramic tiles, for example. Also, starting compounds can be used to fix loose substrates with a large number of cracks and shells.
Choosing a plaster mix
If you don’t know which plaster to choose, consult your architect, foreman, or builders. It is important to choose compounds not according to their price and strength, but according to the conditions of future operation and the properties necessary for you. For residential areas, they come out on top in terms of importance:
- Environmental friendliness and safety;
- Practicality;
- Durability.
For industrial premises:
- Endurance;
- Low price of the material and its installation works;
- Achievement of certain technical conditions (dedusting of the surface, moisture resistance, etc.).
Of course, the M200 plaster mix can be used on almost any object, but if you have certain problems, plaster can help solve them. Some tips to choose from:
- For leveling walls, treating wet surfaces, and unheated rooms, CPS (cement-sand mixture)is better suited;
- Interior work, including finishing for painting or wallpapering, is best carried out with gypsum mixtures;
- To solve special problems (increase thermal insulation, reduce noise, provide fire protection), it is better to use special mixtures.
Do not forget about the method of applying plaster. If you plan a machine method of applying the solution, it is better to use industry-specific solutions. Such mixtures do not sit down for a long time, have the necessary plasticity and provide high surface quality in one pass. If the height difference on the surface of the wall or ceiling is small, it is better to use thin-layer plasters. They usually have mineral, polymer, silicone or silicate fillers that increase adhesion and strength even with a small layer of application.