Construction mixtures for leveling walls. How to level walls with construction compound yourself

Despite the fact that each of us has repeatedly started repairs, we do not always understand what plaster is. Under this name lies a material that has different constituent elements, with the help of which craftsmen perfectly align walls, floors and even ceilings.

In order for the result of the repair to please the owners of the apartment, before purchasing you need to be familiar with the types of plaster and its intended purpose.

The material is made on the basis of gypsum, cement or lime, as well as various additional elements, which provide waterproofing, soundproofing and other properties necessary for residents of modern high-rise buildings.

There is also plaster, which is made from a mixture of lime and cement. This is the most environmentally friendly option and is used for plastering wooden surfaces.

Gypsum, lime or cement: which is better?

Various types of plaster are suitable for different types finishing works. Plastering walls with lime mixtures is justified when interior renovation– when interacting with water, the material is washed off from the surface. It's a long time ago known method give evenness to the walls; in addition, lime has excellent environmental friendliness.

The price of lime mixtures for leveling surfaces also attracts buyers, but this method also has its drawbacks - poor durability of the coating and its fragility. Experts recommend strictly observing the proportions of preparing the solution in order to avoid an unpleasant result at the end. repair work.

Cement plaster has an expanded scope of application - it is used both for interior decoration walls and for exterior work. The material is relatively cheap, practical, and durable. The mixture most often contains cement itself, sand, chemical components for easy application and plasticizers.

Based on cement plasters, decorative structural materials are produced - fur coat, bark beetle. But most often this type is used for rough work to level the walls and prepare them for subsequent decorative coating (tiles, etc.).

If you want to purchase a gypsum mixture for plastering the walls inside the apartment, then you do right choice. After all, this material is known for its high practicality and ease of use during repairs (plastic with low melting). At the same time, it dries very quickly, and literally after 1-2 hours you can continue working - gluing wallpaper, laying tiles or other types of decorative coating. Does not require puttying and is dry crack resistant. Experts also note the fact that gypsum is the best material that provides sound and heat insulation.

Attention! Gypsum plaster suffers from moisture and steam and is very easily damaged. Therefore it is used only when internal works in the apartment with subsequent decorative coating.

Types of plaster

Dry. This type of plaster is sold in the form of plasterboard sheets, which are widely known to the end user. If the walls are very uneven and the surface material is crumbling, then it is better to use ready-made gypsum sheets covered with cardboard.
This material is more convenient to use - you don’t need to bother with mixing the solution, apply it several times to the walls, and wait a long time until it dries completely. It is enough just to build a frame and attach the sheets to it using screws. But drywall is not always advisable to use. For example, if the room is small, then covering it with a frame and plaster material will reduce its area. You also need to take into account that the sheets should not be left uncoated for a long time - they can absorb moisture and become warped. In this case, it is better to purchase moisture-proof drywall.
Wet. This type includes all types of materials that require mixing. The technology for performing repair work with them is mainly different, but often the application process wet plaster more energy-consuming and requires lengthy cleaning upon completion.

Advice. Get by plasterboard sheets or knead cement mortar- you decide. However, any of the options you choose requires the master to have certain professional skills. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust repair work to specialists.

IN construction stores You can buy the following types of plasters based on the readiness of the material:

dry mixtures requiring the preparation of a solution;
ready-to-apply plaster mixtures to the wall (in plastic buckets);
plasterboard sheets.

You can prepare mixtures for plastering walls yourself. This method will significantly save money, but it will take more effort.

Bringing beauty

With the help of plastering, you can not only level the walls in your apartment, but also give them a unique texture, relief, color and coating design. Decorative plasters can help us with this.

They are:

Silicone is a very expensive type, but at the same time it has the most best properties. Can be used in any room. This material contains mineral fillers, silicone resins and pigments.
Silicate. A universal plaster consisting of pigments, mineral components and glass in liquid form. Experts note high quality coverage and execution capabilities various designs using silicate mixtures for plastering.
Acrylic. Consist of mineral components and acrylic resins. When using such plaster, wide possibilities for the design of the coating open up. However, it is not recommended for use in the kitchen and other rooms where there are areas with high temperatures. This material is flammable.
Mineral. The cheapest option, but even when using them you can achieve a unique decorative coating. Consist of lime, cement and marble chips.

The final result of covering walls with decorative plaster depends not only on the type of material chosen, but also on the method used during application. There are different techniques - rollers, spatulas, trowels and brushes are used.

Main problems of choice

Building materials stores often have experienced salespeople who can advise you on the types of plaster available for sale. Before purchasing, decide on the main aspects:

For what purpose is the material needed - for finishing, decorative or rough work?
How much money are you willing to pay for plaster mixtures?
Under what type of finishing will you put the plaster - under wallpaper, tiles, painting, or for a decorative coating?

So, to level out large unevenness on the walls, it is better to purchase lime or cement based plaster. For decorative application It is better to buy silicone, but it is expensive. The choice is always yours!

How to choose the right plaster: video

Even people who are far from repair know what plaster is. And if someone happens to make repairs, then you can hear a whole lecture from him on the topic “Which plaster is better.” However, in such a matter it is better to be an expert on your own than to listen to someone else’s opinion.

Which plaster is better: dry or wet?

Drywall, in fact, is nothing more than dry plaster, sheets of which are installed exclusively indoors. The ease of fastening and the absence of “wet” cases ensures significant efficiency of the process, even if a novice gets down to business. In the hands of a competent builder, dry plaster will allow you to implement the most daring multi-level structures and partitions both on the wall and on the ceiling. But the dry method also has its drawbacks - drywall is not resistant to the harmful effects of atmospheric phenomena, which significantly reduces the scope of its application; moreover, its strength still leaves much to be desired.

Monolithic plaster is the same “wet” method of applying mortar to the surface, by leveling which the builder receives a monolithic, perfectly even layer of coating, which, moreover, is resistant to weather and mechanical influences. This coating does not take up much space and has solid durability. Of course, the disadvantages include an increase in work time and a more complicated process, and a monolithic coating is more expensive than drywall.

Step by step instructions with exclusive photos and video materials.

In turn, monolithic plaster is divided into ordinary and decorative. We come across the first option most often - the main purpose of a smooth layer that smooths out all the roughness of the walls is to prepare surfaces for further painting processes or wallpapering. Decorative is used as a self-sufficient coating, sometimes playing a major role in interior design. Decorative coatings also divided by composition and appearance.

Which plaster is better to plaster walls - war of basics

The binder, as the basis of the mixture, is decisive in the classification of plasters. If there was an unambiguous answer to the question: “Which plaster is better for plastering walls,” we would have used only one for a long time, but the competition between the basics will be eternal, since the disadvantages inherent in one material are the advantages of another. This means that when choosing a mixture, you simply need to take into account how applicable this or that material is to the conditions of the room in which the work will be carried out.

Gypsum plaster is very elastic, it can be applied in a thick layer of up to 5 cm in one application and without fear of the appearance of shrinkage cracks, which are possible in cement mixtures. However, it should be borne in mind that this material sets very quickly, so craftsmen make batches in small portions. The weight of gypsum is significantly less than the same cement; accordingly, the same weight of gypsum material will allow you to cover a larger area. In addition, the low weight allows you to work with such mixtures when leveling ceilings. The advantages of gypsum mixtures include high heat and sound insulation. Plastering concrete and other smooth substrates is possible without the use of a special reinforcing mesh.

What cement plasters benefit from is their strength, which is a significant factor in their favor when plastering rooms with a high risk of mechanical damage. The moisture and frost resistance of cement-based mixtures also exceeds specifications plaster. Cement mixtures are among the cheapest, which is why they have gained high popularity.

Universal lime-based plaster is characterized by its low cost and sufficiently high qualities for finishing both indoor walls and facades. Facade mixtures are used only in combination with other components, such as gypsum and cement. Manufacturers often add to their composition synthetic fibers, which strengthen the surface. The disadvantage of a lime base is that it is afraid of moisture, so it is not used for plastering walls in a bathroom or basement.

Acrylic plasters are characterized by exceptional elasticity and adhesion, which are simply irreplaceable when applied to an inconvenient surface. They are highly wear-resistant and can be easily washed with a brush without fear of use. detergents. The disadvantages of acrylic mixtures are their relatively high cost and low vapor permeability. However, with proper calculation, both disadvantages can be reduced to zero - acrylic mixtures are usually colored, which allows you to save on the process, and a correctly calculated facade insulation system will cope with vapor permeability.

The site’s site experts have prepared a special calculator for you. Plaster consumption calculator. You can easily calculate required quantity plaster.

Silicate plasters are not inferior in cost to acrylic plasters. They are based on liquid potassium glass, which gives them special vapor permeability, so they are most often used for plastering walls insulated with mineral wool. The advantages of a silicate base include resistance to mold and mildew, as well as self-cleaning from dust. Their disadvantages are the price and the ability to change color with changes in humidity. However, when dry, they again acquire their original appearance.

There are also compositions based on silicone resins. They are not subject to rotting and are indifferent to weather conditions and mechanical damage. High vapor permeability, adhesion to any substrate, hydrophobicity - the list of advantages of silicone plasters is quite long.

A variety of colors and application techniques are also their advantages. Minus - enough high price. Talking about what facade plaster Better yet, you simply cannot categorically settle on one option - as you have seen, each composition has its own pros and cons. The wisest decision when renovating is to weigh the pros and cons and remember to consult your wallet.

Which decorative plaster to choose - consider the appearance

We've got the basics figured out, all that remains is to figure out how mixtures are qualified according to external signs, so that you can easily decide which one to choose for our renovation. Experts divide compositions into colored, stone, terrazite (mineral) and Venetian; there is also a special type decorative plaster– sgrafitto.

Colored formulations usually contain acrylic base, mixed with dye and sand. Such mixtures are ready for use - they only need to be diluted with water in correct proportion and apply to the surface. Plaster of this type is often decorated with various effects, for example, this is the well-known Bark beetle Color mixtures are used for both interior design premises and for facade work.

Stone plaster, as the name implies, imitates stone surfaces, for example, marble. It is used for finishing work various elements buildings, such as columns, plinths. In essence, this is fine-grained concrete, in which stone chips serve as a filler, and cement and lime paste serve as a binding element.

Terrasite plaster mixture is used when cladding facades to imitate rock materials. This is a rather heavy coating, so the surface is prepared for it by making a grid of shallow scratches at a distance of 3-5 cm. This is done using a hammer and chisel or any other suitable tool. The terrasite mixture is based on lime, mica and cement, as well as sand and stone chips.

Sgraffito is a special type artistic plaster, with whose help a relief patterned coating with the selected pattern is obtained. The technology for working with such a coating is to uniformly apply multi-colored layers on top of each other and then remove parts to obtain a counter-relief. The process is very labor-intensive, which makes such a coating a very rare and unique addition to the interior.

Of course, one cannot ignore Venetian plaster. This is a special material based on an acrylic binder and marble flour. However, the secret of the Venetian coating is not only in the solution itself, but also in the technology of applying plaster - there are many thinnest layers, forming the texture of a chaotic pattern. A thin application gives the coating a visual pearlescent shimmer. The disadvantage of this coating is a continuation of its advantages. To achieve such beauty, you need an experienced specialist and expensive materials.

Have you decided to renovate and don’t know where to start? More precisely, you know, but you’re afraid to admit it to yourself, because you look at your walls with a shudder. Yes, their curvature in most of our apartments is simply amazing. Therefore, the question of choosing a plaster mixture is relevant for everyone who has decided to do the repairs themselves.

What types of plasters are there (what will we choose from)

There are not so many options for plasters, and we are all familiar with them:

Cement;
Plasters based on gypsum;
Clay compositions.

On a note. Primers and putties are also used to level walls, so their choice rests entirely with you. The primer is used for the initial treatment of the prepared base. For gypsum compositions finishing putty not required. The surface treated with cement plaster must be puttied.

Construction plaster mixtures used to level walls can be either cement or gypsum. We will omit clay, which is so popular for lovers of environmental cleanliness, since hardly anyone will buy such a miracle in a store. In any case, the choice depends on the room in which we are going to level the walls.

We will try to consider in detail all types of plasters, identifying the positive and negative properties of each. This is very important for making the right choice.

Cement mixtures

In addition to fine and coarse sand and cement various brands, cement plasters may contain lime. It gives the finished solution certain properties, which we will discuss below.

Construction mixtures used for leveling brick, concrete and other walls, in addition to the main components, include special polymer additives. This is related to the accuracy of preparing the solution:

The mixture is poured into water (but not vice versa);
Stir thoroughly with a construction mixer;
Allow to stand for three to five minutes for the polymer additives to take effect;
Mix again.

In the future, adding water or a dry mixture is not allowed, as its structure changes and adhesion deteriorates.

However, seasoned construction workers We learned how to do this without harming the final result. Dry mixes are a box of surprises in their own way. Using them for leveling, you can save a lot of money (if you know all the nuances). For us, who do construction once or twice in our lives, compliance with the recommendations indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer is necessary.

On a note. The quality of plaster depends not only on the size of sand granules or the addition of polymers. The brand of cement also plays a big role. The higher the M number indicated on the packaging, the stronger the final coating will be.

It is not advisable to choose super strong grades for leveling, for example, with M400 or M500, since they are more expensive, and the strength of the plaster on the walls of the house does not bear such high loads to require the use of such strong cement. This plaster mixture usually includes M150 grade material. This strength is sufficient for most residential buildings.

This type of plasters can be divided into two groups - cement-sand and cement-lime. The former contains cement with sand and polymer additives, while the latter, in addition to these components, also contains lime.

Cement-sand mixtures, properties

You can either choose this plaster in a store (ready-made dry mixture) or make it yourself. It is clear that we will not be able to add any polymers there to improve its plasticity, but how Alternative option, it is possible to use a small amount of dishwashing detergent. Cement-based mixtures used to level walls are universal and can be used in wet areas.

Your choice (what it is intended for) depends on the size of the sand. Solutions with large grains are suitable for rough work, since it is impossible to rub them perfectly, without streaks and holes. Plasters with finer fractions are suitable for fine finishing, as they rub well and the surface is smooth.

The advantages of cement-sand plasters include:

Low cost;
Durability ready solution;
Ability to choose proportions and cook yourself;
Applying a cement-based mixture for leveling walls does not require special knowledge.

Minuses:

Cement-based plaster mixtures may crack after drying, especially if the layer was applied too thickly;
The labor intensity of the process and its physical complexity;
Poor adhesion to concrete walls (it is recommended to use special primers containing quartz sand);
Drying time for each layer.

On a note. Selecting components for self-composition cement plaster, pay attention to the quality of the sand. It should not contain impurities (≤5% clay or silt is allowed). Choose grain sizes of 2/2.5 mm (for rough plaster) and 1.5/2 mm (for finishing plaster). A fraction of less than 1.5 mm will lead to cracking of the dried surface.

Therefore, a ready-made plaster mixture is preferable, since there is no need to independently control most of the parameters. Dry ones are stored better and are not afraid of frost, but the packaging should be protected from moisture.

Cement-lime mixtures, properties

Lime is added to cement plaster to increase its plasticity. Such compositions behave like gypsum, but the life of the finished solution is longer, and the base itself can remain suitable for rubbing for a long time. Choose them if you want to get high-quality surface and save a lot of money.

Pros:

Protection against fungi and mold (antifungal properties of lime)
Plasticity, while the mixture does not flake and does not fall off from the base;
Cement-lime plaster has high “stickiness”. It can be used to work on concrete and even wood (shingles);
The base, leveled with this composition, regulates the humidity in the room.

This choice is also due to the fact that it is convenient to work with walls covered with building cement-lime mixtures, because they do not fall off in layers, do not crumble, and drill well.

Minuses:

Low compressive strength;
The cost is higher than that of conventional cement-sand mixtures.

Pros and cons of gypsum mixtures

An excellent alternative to plasterboard and cement-lime plasters - gypsum mixtures, which are excellent for leveling dry walls, for example, in residential areas (living room, dining room, bedroom).

They have several cons– high cost compared to cement-lime and, especially, cement-sand ones, they are afraid of water, since gypsum has high water absorption, they harden quickly. Therefore, you cannot immediately mix a large volume of gypsum plaster.

TO pros Let's consider plasticity and ease of use. You can begin leveling almost immediately after application; such mixtures have good sound insulation and heat insulation qualities. The layer dries quite quickly.

When choosing plaster, remember that it requires some skill. A dried solution is not suitable for use. They throw him away.

The choice of gypsum mixtures is also advisable because it is possible to simultaneously apply a layer up to 6 centimeters thick. They can be used to level walls that are piled up at the top. In addition, one layer is often enough to make the surface perfectly flat and smooth.

Brands producing various plasters

Foreign and domestic companies have long mastered the production of various plaster mixtures. Here are just a few of them.

Foreign companies producing dry plasters:

Knauf;
Concrete;
Ilmax (Belarus);
Plitonite (Russian-German).

Domestic companies:

Ceresite;
Bolars;
Eunice;
Litokol;
Besto;
Ivsil;
Volma;
Found.

As you can see, the choice is huge. Each brand produces both gypsum plasters, and cement. In addition to dry mixtures, the product line also includes other materials necessary for work - primers, putties.

Russian brands are represented in the majority, but the quality of their leveling mixtures is no worse than that of foreign ones. Therefore, the choice is yours.

Before going to the store, carefully calculate the expected consumption of material for leveling the walls and buy it with a small margin.

Decide on the type of plaster (dry or ready-to-use, gypsum or cement). Also, do not forget to purchase primers and putties from the company you have chosen, because they are adapted to each other. Using products from different manufacturers may not give the results you expect.

Not all apartments can boast of smooth walls. And while this may not be noticeable when wallpapering, when installing the ceiling plinth, all the shortcomings immediately emerge. Most often this can be found in houses built in the 50s and 60s. Depending on the degree of curvature, there are several ways to level the walls with your own hands. They will be discussed in the article.

Leveling walls with plasterboard

This is the most acceptable option for leveling walls and ceilings with your own hands. Fastening sheets of drywall does not require special skills, and the work is done quite quickly. There are 2 ways to do this. If the curvature of the walls does not exceed a level difference of 4 cm per 2 linear meters, then a faster one will do. frameless method. If it is necessary to hide communications or additionally insulate the walls during leveling, install a frame.

Before starting work, you need to select the right material:

for living room with normal humidity will do regular drywall With gray front side;
for a bathroom or any other room with high humidity, to level the walls, choose a special moisture-resistant gypsum board with a green front side. It has special impregnations, but costs a little more than usual;
for rooms that have high fire-resistant requirements, for example a kitchen, it is recommended to choose GKLVO. These sheets are moisture and fire resistant, green in color with red markings.

Technology for leveling walls with plasterboard without a frame

When the walls are almost flat and have minor differences, the stages of work will look like this:

thorough preparation of the base, including complete removal of wallpaper or paint to the plaster layer;
Next, it is recommended to tap the entire wall; if voids are found or the plaster is coming off in some places, it must be cleaned and a layer of putty applied to level it;
at the end, remove all dust from the walls using a broom or vacuum cleaner. If this is not done, the layer of dust will reduce the adhesion of the adhesive to the base;
Now the surface can be primed. Since gypsum board sheets are heavy, it is better to use special primers for concrete that contain sand. This will increase the reliability of fastening to glue;

Drywall adhesive is always sold dry. Divorced before work required amount(for the first time it is better to prepare a little) glue. The consistency should be similar to tile adhesive, that is, it should be quite thick. For kneading, use a screwdriver or drill with a mixer attachment. Before starting work, it must sit for 5 minutes;
The method of applying the glue will depend on what facing material in the future it is planned to apply it to the aligned plasterboard wall. If it is wallpaper, then glue is applied around the perimeter and in the center in small portions. But for finishing with heavy tiles or stone, the adhesive composition is distributed evenly with a notched spatula over the entire surface of the sheet, also having previously applied it to the wall itself;
The gypsum board sheet is applied to the wall, leveled and pressed tightly by gently tapping it with a rubber hammer or fist. Do not forget that this is a fragile material and can easily crack.

If there is a socket at the attachment point, then before attaching the sheet, its location is marked on it. You can cut it after fixing it directly in place;

Tip: cutting drywall evenly and accurately is quite difficult, so there are often miscalculations. It is best to immediately putty such places using serpyanka. If the hole is made in the wrong place, then it must be sealed with alabaster.

Having attached the first sheet in the corner of the room, the second one is mounted closely to it. They should be located on the same level. If, when pressed, the glue comes out beyond the sheet, it must be immediately carefully cleaned off with a spatula. There should not be even small gaps between the sheets.

Leveling walls with plasterboard with very strong unevenness

In some cases, the walls have significant differences in height, but it is not possible to make a sheathing frame. For example, if the room is very small. If you don’t want to work with putty, you can also turn to gypsum board sheets. In this case, the order of work will be as follows:

in fact, it will not be possible to do without a frame entirely, but instead of slats or a profile whose thickness is at least 3-4 cm, plasterboard will be used. To do this, a sheet 9 mm thick is cut into strips 10-12 cm wide;

they are glued vertically in increments of 40 cm. It is advisable to use glue with the greatest fixation; apply it in a thick layer. In the future, it will be he who will take on the maximum load. The composition is given time to fully set - 2-3 days;
Then the sheets themselves are glued to the finished frame. IN in this case it is better to abandon the 12.5 mm thick wall option and choose a thinner and lightweight drywall 9 mm thick, originally intended for the ceiling.

Advice: despite its apparent ease, leveling walls with plasterboard without a frame is quite labor-intensive and difficult. You not only need to choose the right adhesive composition, but also carefully seal all resulting joints with putty.

Aligning walls with plasterboard with frame

When arranging the frame, preliminary preparation of the walls is reduced to a minimum. But it is still advisable to remove all loose coating, be it peeling wallpaper or crumbling plaster. If possible, walls are treated with antiseptic primers.
Suitable for lathing as inexpensive wooden slats, and special metal profiles. The latter are recommended for use in rooms with high humidity. If wall leveling work is carried out in wooden house, then the frame is attached using self-tapping screws; in an apartment with brick or concrete walls you will need a hammer drill and dowels.
The first profile rail is mounted in the corner vertically along the entire height of the wall. All subsequent ones are arranged similarly in increments of 60 cm. This distance is due to the standard width of the plasterboard sheet of 120 cm.

On all other walls, slats are attached in the same way. Be sure to make a sheathing around each window and doorway in the form of a border. When it is finished on all the walls to be leveled, they begin to attach the sheets.
First, place whole sheets, starting from the bottom. Standard height is 250 cm, for most city apartments this is enough to make a seamless coating. When the ceiling height is higher, a patch of plasterboard cut to exact size is made on top.

Tip: GKL sheets around the perimeter have beveled edges, making them easier to putty. Therefore, when connecting small pieces of materials, you must try to ensure that these edges are at the joints.

For fixation, black 35 mm self-tapping screws are used in 15 cm increments along all slats, which are located under the sheet. They should fit into the material in such a way that the caps do not stick out, but do not go deep either, but are exactly flush with the surface. When the sheet is completely screwed, you need to check all the screws; it happens that some of them begin to stick out. In this case, they should be tightened.

Tip: special tools are sold to cut drywall, but for small scales a regular utility knife will do. First, firmly apply a guide (for example, a rail, a level) and make an even cut along it with a stationery knife, deepening it into the material as much as possible. We must try to cut through all the plaster, for this you need 2-3 passes with a knife. Then the sheet is lightly pressed in this place and the back side of the cardboard is cut through. As a result of such work, a lot of gypsum dust is generated.

Attaching all the drywall is only the first step in leveling the walls with your own hands. Then they are primed and first only the joints and places where the screws are screwed are puttied. For greater strength and to prevent subsequent cracking at the joints of individual sheets of drywall, they are glued with sickle tape. It goes deep into the putty composition so that it does not protrude beyond its limits. Having finished the work, the composition is left to dry for a day.

Next, apply a finishing layer of plaster or putty over the entire surface of the wall. This hard work, in the process which must be done absolutely flat surface the entire wall area. No sagging or depressions should be allowed. Even further sanding with a special grater will not completely hide them, and they will certainly appear not only through painting, but even through textured wallpaper.

Leveling walls with putty

One more traditional way leveling the walls - this is with the help of putty on the beacons or without them. It is used in the construction of new brick houses or when renovating apartments.
To do the job efficiently, you need to choose the right putty composition. They differ in composition depending on the intended operating conditions. There are two main types: gypsum and cement putty. Let's look at how to work with each of these compounds.

Leveling the surface of the walls with gypsum putty

This is an excellent composition if you need to level the walls of a small area. This is due to the fact that the composition hardens and sets quite quickly. For this reason, it is also recommended for repairing and sealing small cracks or chips that need to be repaired as quickly as possible and work can continue.
On sale it is sold dry or finished form. The second option is preferable for those who have little experience in working with such compositions, and therefore the application speed is low. Dry putty should be diluted with a drill at medium speed and in small quantities. After mixing the mixture, it is immediately applied to the wall. The edges are completely smoothed out, bringing them to “zero”.
The finished solution is sold in bags or buckets. There is no need to keep the entire container open during work, but it is advisable to take small portions into an additional container.
Putty is applied to the walls in a thick layer. To do this, take the mixture with a spatula and attach it to the wall using a spray. As a result, it should fill the entire wall very tightly, with virtually no gaps. And it is immediately leveled with a wide spatula. Movements are made smooth without too much pressure. It is necessary to achieve smoothness and evenness of the layer. The first layer is aligned horizontally. As a rule, it is enough, but if a second layer is required, then it is applied only after the previous one has completely hardened. Align it vertically.

Having used the entire composition in the container, it must be cleared of the remnants of the old mixture, otherwise it will turn into hard lumps and spoil the next portion.

Tip: putty has poor adhesion to painted surfaces. Therefore, if the foundation has an old paintwork, then it is completely cleared. If that doesn’t work, then use a knife to make as many cuts as possible.

Experts recommend using a simple method to achieve absolute smoothness of putty walls. To do this, it is moistened with a spray bottle or any other sprayer 15 minutes after completion of work. And immediately level with a metal spatula. In this case, a finishing layer of plaster is no longer needed and you can immediately apply paint or glue wallpaper.

Leveling the surface of the walls with cement putty

At its core, cement putty is similar to mortar. But only purified components are used for it, such as:

fine sand that has been cleaned to remove large particles;
high quality cement with polymer additives.

All this made it possible to create a solution of high quality and with the required elasticity. The setting time is longer than that of the gypsum analogue, so a larger area can be treated at a time, carefully leveling the surface.

Stages of work

Cement putty is sold in dry form. To prepare it, you need to take the required amount of clean cold water and pour the mixture into it, stirring continuously. This can be done using a drill or manually. If the composition is not made according to the instructions, then in the end it is necessary to achieve a homogeneous mass with a viscous consistency.

Tip: if you need to level a large area of walls, you can save money and prepare the solution yourself. To do this, mix cement of a grade not lower than M400 ¼ part of the mass and add fine-grained sand ¾ part of the mass.

The walls are treated with a primer, and a thick layer of putty is applied to them by spraying with a spatula. And it is immediately leveled with horizontal smooth movements. For finishing, after 20 minutes after completion of work, it is moistened with water and smoothed with a spatula.

It is recommended to check the surface of each layer using a level or a long rule.
If the thickness of the putty layer is from 2 to 4 cm, you will need to use a painting mesh to strengthen it. With a layer of 5 cm or more, you cannot do without a special reinforcing mesh made of thin metal.
The best way to level walls with plaster is to work with beacons. By setting them correctly, you can be sure of high-quality subsequent leveling with the mixture.

Leveling walls video

Aligning walls with beacons

Materials suitable for use as beacons:

metal profiles specially designed for this purpose, which are sold in all hardware stores;
To install string beacons, wire or thin cable is suitable.

Stages of work

First of all, beacons are placed. Depending on the chosen method, they are attached to cement mortar or self-tapping screws. With this method of leveling walls, it is imperative to take care of an even rule, the length of which is at least 2 m. The distance between the vertical beacons must necessarily be less than the selected length of the rule.
Dowels are attached to the top of the wall at the required pitch, and the lighthouse cable is tied to them. Having leveled it vertically using a level, a second dowel is attached from below, and the cable is pulled tightly between them. This cable will become a guide, under which a high track of cement mortar is applied so that the string is fixed on it.

When the mortar is completely dry, the cable is removed, and the remaining cement mortar becomes the future beacon for leveling the wall.
Profiles are attached in a similar way. But with the difference that they don’t have to be removed. If it is decided to remove them, then the resulting grooves are finally filled with putty.

Mixtures for leveling walls

Based on the composition of the mixture for leveling walls, they are divided into: cement, gypsum, polymer or complex. In addition, depending on what grain size is used in them: concrete, mortar or dispersed.

Before today the most popular were compositions based on lime, sand or cement. This is due to their low price, good ductility and moisture resistance. But they are increasingly being preferred to more modern polymer mixtures that have best characteristics and more versatile.

Composition of dry mixtures:

binders, functional fillers. Their function is to prevent the solution from hardening too quickly. They also reduce the hygroscopic properties of the mixture;
cellulose ethers. They must be present in the composition, as they are thickeners and prevent separation of the solution. To work with negative temperatures, antifreeze components are turned on;
modifiers. They can radically influence the characteristics of the putty. For example, increase or decrease the hardening rate. If work with putty is planned at high temperature, you need to take a composition with an extended hardening time;
aqueous inhibitors. Thanks to them, plaster compositions for leveling walls have high plasticity without adding a large amount of water. In this connection, the strength of the finished coating is significantly improved;
polymers. This is the most important component. It is thanks to him that the adhesion of plaster to any surface increases. In addition, polymer components improve resistance to mechanical damage.

Advice: when choosing a dry mixture for leveling walls, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

on the size of the sand fraction in the composition;

per brand of cement. It is designated by the letter "M" followed by a numerical value. The higher it is, the better the quality of the cement used, but also the higher its price. To level the walls in an apartment, you should not overpay for M400 or M500, which are intended for load-bearing walls. The composition marked M 150 is quite sufficient;

for the presence of polymer additives.

Cement-sand mixtures for leveling walls

In factory conditions, polymers are always present in its composition. When making it at home with your own hands, dishwashing liquid is added as a plasticizer. The cement-sand composition is universal and suitable for use in rooms with high humidity.
For rough leveling, a cheaper mixture containing coarse sand is suitable. To create a smooth surface you need to choose finishing putty with fine sand.
The main advantages are low price and the ability to do it yourself, as well as suitability for work by a person with no experience.

Disadvantages include poor adhesion to concrete base, prolonged drying, as well as a fairly high probability of cracking. The composition is viscous and heavy, which makes working with it physically labor-intensive.

Cement-lime mixtures for leveling walls

Their properties are similar to gypsum plasters. Instead of sand, it uses lime, which gives the solution elasticity, preserving its quality longer.
Lime prevents the appearance of mold and mildew on the walls and regulates the level of humidity in the room. Unlike the previous composition, it adheres well to concrete without preliminary preparation. And if necessary, drill a hole in the wall, it will not crumble.

Disadvantages: higher price than sand mortar and low compressive strength.

Gypsum mixtures for leveling walls

This great option for use on walls in residential areas with normal humidity. When applied, an environmentally friendly and vapor-permeable layer is formed.
In addition to being flexible and easy to use, it dries quickly, which reduces the time of repair work, and also has sound and thermal insulation characteristics. Suitable for leveling walls where there are differences in height up to 6 cm.

But still, the high cost, hygroscopicity and rapid setting make it less universal.

Heat-saving mixtures for leveling walls

Today you can find these on sale. This is an excellent option for apartments in panel houses, where the walls are quite thin and do not have additional insulation.

Heat-saving plaster is made on the basis of a dry cement-lime mixture with the addition of perlite or polystyrene foam beads. They are suitable for rough leveling and require application over a finishing leveling layer.
To achieve the desired effect, the layer of such plaster should be 10 cm thick. But due to low adhesion, it is recommended to spray it first. To do this, the mixture is diluted more liquidly (the consistency of sour cream) and sprayed onto the walls with a layer of 2-3 mm.

Tips for purchasing a composition for leveling walls with plaster

It is better to pay more, but buy plaster from a well-known manufacturer that has proven the high quality of its products.
For leveling walls made of foam concrete, a gypsum composition is best suited. It quickly absorbs moisture from the applied composition, so at the end of the work, water is sprayed on top so that the composition does not crack.

Although gypsum plasters are more expensive, their consumption is more economical. So, on average, to level 1m2 of wall you will need 15 kg cement composition and only 10 gk of gypsum.
You should not buy the entire volume of plaster at once (if you need a lot). First, try it out and if it’s convenient to work with, buy the rest.
Improper storage damages the plaster. Gypsum begins to set too quickly, and cement begins to slide off the wall when applied.

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 5 minutes

Everyone wants to admire in their home perfectly smooth, even walls, even geometry of lines in rooms and impeccable finishing. If getting pleasure from perfect renovation you still have ahead, then you face one of the most important issues– how to level the walls?

The walls in an apartment are usually leveled:

plaster;
drywall;
putty (for small differences up to 1 cm).

Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages. After analyzing them, you can decide for yourself which one to choose and what is best suited for your apartment.

Selection of building mixture

Today, the construction industry offers a variety of mixtures for leveling walls, ranging from sand-cement, cement-lime and ending with gypsum, which is in demand for individual housing. What is the difference between them?

To make the right choice, you need to:

take into account the amount of work to be done, room conditions (for example, humidity);
Using a plumb line and level, approximately determine the curvature and unevenness of the walls;
evaluate your financial capabilities, because the cost of plasters differs, including depending on the brand.

Cement based mixtures

The grade of cement determines the quality of the dry mixture (M300, M400): the higher it is, the stronger the coating. For walls in residential premises, it is enough to choose cement grade M150, which is optimal for plastering work.

The amount of sand in the mixture and the size of the fractions affect the purpose of the work:

Sand with larger fractions is suitable for rough rough finishing.
For fine finishing, fine-grain material is selected.

Modern sand-cement mixtures cannot do without special polymer additives, which give the material plasticity and improve adhesive properties.

Advantages of cement-sand mixtures:

Can be used for interior work in damp rooms. It is best to level the wall in the bathroom with cement-based mixtures.
A lower price, which distinguishes them favorably among all building mixtures.
Durability of the prepared solution.

Let's name some characteristics of a dry cement-based mixture:

The thickness of the layer for a concrete wall without the use of reinforcing mesh should not exceed 20 mm, for brick - 25 mm.
Consumption is approximately 1.8 kg/sq.m. m with a layer thickness of 1 mm.
The price of cement-sand plaster is from 145 rubles per 25 kg.

Cement-lime mixtures

In the range of cement mixtures there is also a place for cement-lime mixtures. Adding lime to cement increases the plasticity of the solution; its properties are similar to gypsum, but at the same time more durable.

Advantages of cement-lime leveling mixture:

Prevents the formation of fungus and mold.
The coating regulates the humidity conditions in the room.
The solution adheres firmly to the wall, including wood and concrete.
When dry, it does not crumble or crack even when drilled.

Flaws:

Low compressive strength.
The price is higher than that of cement-sand plasters, from 205 rubles per 25 kg.

Gypsum mixtures

For many, there is no longer a question of what is the best way to level walls, because gypsum mixtures occupy the first place in the popularity of plasters. They have excellent leveling properties, which means you don't have to use putty before finishing, and are very easy to apply.

Let's list other advantages of this material:

Mineral, environmentally friendly pure material, does not contain harmful components.
Does not shrink, does not crack, does not delaminate.
Maintains a comfortable indoor microclimate due to the ability to absorb and release moisture.
Consumption for the same thickness of the plaster layer is 2–3 times less than that of sand-cement mixtures.
The low density of the material allows it to be applied in a thicker layer in one go, the thickness of which can reach 60 mm.
Good adhesion and low weight of the material allow it to be used on poorly absorbed surfaces.
High plasticity and fast setting, unlike sand-cement mixtures.
Good heat and sound insulation.
The result is absolutely flat and smooth leveled surfaces.

Advantages and disadvantages of leveling with plasterboard

What do you use to line the walls in your apartment if you want to make repairs quickly? Drywall allows you to quickly get results without having to deal with long waits, debris, dust and dirt. Using this material, you can eliminate even very large differences on the walls vertically and horizontally. And most importantly, all the work can be done independently, without resorting to anyone’s help. The following methods of installing gypsum boards on walls are distinguished:

, when using which gypsum board sheets are fastened with self-tapping screws on metallic profile, mounted on the wall using guides and vertical posts fixed to the floor and ceiling.

A frameless method that involves gluing drywall to the wall using special compounds. Applicable if the wall has a slight slope.

By choosing drywall, you get:

smooth and smooth walls with less effort and time compared to plastering;

the opportunity to additionally equip sound and heat insulation, as well as carry out hidden wiring and install switches and sockets without gating.