The quality of plaster finishing depends not only on the professionalism of the master, but also on the selected mixture. On shelves construction stores there is a great variety of plasters of different compositions - here are “time-tested” solutions, and modern materials. Plaster differs not only in price, but also in purpose, properties, and advantages. Let's figure out why this material is generally used and how its main varieties differ.
Purpose and main types of plaster
Regardless of the type, plaster mixtures can perform the following functions:
- surface leveling;
- increasing the noise and heat insulation performance of the structure;
- sealing seams;
- Creation fire protection.
There are many options for classifying plaster, but most often the composition of the mixture is taken as the base. Accordingly, there are types such as gypsum, clay, lime, cement plaster, etc. The most popular are mixtures based on gypsum and cement, so we will talk about them in more detail.
Features of cement plaster
Over the years, the composition of cement plaster has undergone significant changes. Previously, the mixture was obtained by mixing cement with sand or lime, but gradually many modifications of this traditional composition appeared. New cement mortars have properties such as plasticity, low water absorption, improved adhesion and others.
Apply cement plaster it can be used on brick, concrete, aerated concrete, etc. Before starting work, the base is prepared: cleaned of dirt and dust, primed.
Cement plaster is used for both exterior and interior works:
- leveling walls;
- interior decoration with high humidity(kitchen, bathroom);
- finishing unheated premises or entrances;
- preparation of surfaces that require increased frost resistance.
Advantages of cement plaster
Cement plaster has many advantages, due to which it does not lose popularity among builders even now, with the availability of many similar materials.
- High strength. In terms of this parameter, cement plaster is the undisputed leader. In cases where it is necessary to give the surface maximum strength and reliability, experienced craftsmen always choose cement mixtures - this allows for much less frequent major repairs of the premises.
- Good adhesion. Cement plaster does not require use additional funds to increase adhesion to the base. In this case, the applied solution for a long time will maintain its integrity.
- Moisture resistance. This property allows the use of cement plaster when finishing rooms with a permanently humid microclimate. This is explained by the fact that the solution has a dense structure - it prevents absorption, thereby perfectly protecting the base.
- Affordable price. As noted earlier, cement plaster contains fairly cheap and accessible components.
Disadvantages of cement plaster
Cement-based solutions are not ideal - we have identified four main disadvantages that do not allow us to call this material universal.
- Cement plaster is incompatible with plastic, painted and wooden substrates.
- The large weight of the mortar creates a serious load on the walls, so before application it is necessary to accurately determine the thickness of the layer - for this purpose special calculations are carried out.
- The application process itself is labor-intensive, as it takes place in several stages.
- In order for the surface to be ready for painting, the plastered walls need to be additionally puttied - this increases the time required for finishing as a whole.
- Many cement mixtures take a long time to harden - about 3-4 weeks.
However, the last drawback is now a thing of the past. Large manufacturers building materials modify cement mixtures using various plasticizers - this allows the solution to harden within a week.
Features of gypsum plaster
A solution of gypsum plaster is made from a dry mixture, which contains not only gypsum powder, but also various plasticizers. To obtain the required paste-like consistency, the mixture is diluted with water.
Gypsum plaster is applied manually or by machine method. Typically ideal flat surface can be obtained even by applying just one layer of solution.
Gypsum plaster is chosen when necessary:
- carry out interior finishing;
- prepare surfaces for painting (wallpapering).
For exterior finishing This mixture is not suitable, as well as for use in rooms with high humidity.
Advantages of gypsum plaster
Gypsum plaster has almost twice as many advantages as cement plaster. Let's figure out in order why it is so good.
- Ecological cleanliness. Gypsum mixtures do not contain components hazardous to human health. Their use in residential premises optimizes the microclimate, since gypsum plaster is not as dense as cement plaster, and therefore does not interfere with natural air exchange.
- No shrinkage. This means that during the hardening process the plaster will not crack - one of important conditions obtaining a flat surface.
- Small specific gravity . There are several advantages hidden in this characteristic. Firstly, little weight reduces the load on load-bearing walls, which contributes to the long-term preservation of their integrity. Secondly, this allows you to reduce mixture consumption.
- Plastic. When applying gypsum compositions, there is no need to use a reinforcing mesh - the mixture is already viscous enough to adhere to the surface without flowing or deforming. In some cases, you can apply plaster in several layers without fear of any consequences.
- Vapor permeability. As noted above, gypsum mixtures are loose and porous. This not only improves the microclimate, but also prevents the formation of fungus and mold on the walls.
- Excellent noise and heat insulation. Gypsum plaster helps retain heat in the room - walls covered with it are never icy. In addition, the walls transmit much less noise.
- High finishing speed. Three days is the normal drying time for gypsum plaster. Only in exceptional cases can this period last up to seven days (for example, if the mixture was applied in several layers).
The use of gypsum plaster can significantly reduce the time of finishing work - compared with a cement mixture, labor costs and material consumption are reduced by at least half.
Disadvantages of gypsum plaster
All cons of this material are quite conventional and usually do not cause significant inconvenience. We have identified two shortcomings.
- As already mentioned, gypsum plaster is used only for finishing interior spaces, since this mixture does not tolerate excessive moisture.
- The cost of gypsum mixtures is approximately 1.5-2 times higher than cement mixtures.
As a rule, these disadvantages do not play a decisive role when choosing plaster, since the advantages completely compensate for the two small disadvantages.
Conclusion
At first glance, it may seem that gypsum plaster is of higher quality - it is easy to apply, allows moisture to pass through, does not disturb the microclimate, and allows you to quickly complete the finishing. However, this does not make gypsum mixtures universal, which means you need to choose plaster based on its purpose.
Cement mortar is suitable if finishing of the facade, basement or bathroom is required. It should also be preferred if it is necessary to ensure maximum surface strength, but ideal smoothness “for painting” is not needed. Also keep in mind that cement plaster is more difficult to apply - it will be almost impossible to cope without the appropriate experience.
It is better to choose a gypsum mixture if finishing of the living space is necessary, and if you plan to carry out the work yourself. Gypsum plaster is easy to apply and is well suited for pre-finishing.
Plaster finishing - the most important stage in carrying out repairs. The quality of its implementation is determined both by the professionalism of the master and the choice of mixture. A properly selected solution guarantees the durability and attractiveness of the decorative finish.
There are many types of plaster. They differ in composition, cost, and have their own characteristic advantages and disadvantages. Some are time-tested, others have appeared on the construction market recently. The choice of solution depends on many factors. The main thing is their purpose and the quality of the result.
Purpose and types
Plaster mixtures are ordinary and decorative. The first are intended for rough finishing, and the second, produced in various color solutions, are used to create finishing coatings. Regardless of the purpose, all solutions are used for:
- surface leveling;
- sealing vertical and horizontal seams;
- increasing the level of heat and noise insulation;
- creating effective fire protection.
Solutions for plastering walls and ceilings are classified according to the substance that forms the basis of the mixture:
- clay;
- lime;
- gypsum;
- cement.
There are combined solutions and formulations with various additives. Despite the variety of types, cement and gypsum plaster are the most in demand. To figure out which of these two types of plaster is better, you need to consider the features of each.
The composition of the solution obtained by mixing cement with lime or sand has undergone significant changes. Modern modifications cement plaster contains various additives that enhance adhesion, plasticity, resistance of the mixture to moisture and other properties.
Cement plaster mortars are used for both external and internal work for the purpose of:
- level the surfaces of the walls and ceiling;
- finishing of unheated or high humidity rooms;
- preparing surfaces that require increased frost resistance, for example, the base;
- creating a strong and durable coating.
Plaster on cement based, which contains no additives, can be made independently and applied to brick, aerated concrete, concrete and other surfaces. To plaster the surface, it is first cleaned of dust and dirt and primed.
Advantages of cement-based plaster
The choice in favor of this material for plastering surfaces is due to the advantages that this type of mixture has: 
- strength;
- high level of adhesion;
- low moisture absorption;
- affordable price.
In terms of strength, cement mixtures have no equal. Experienced craftsmen prefer this solution for finishing surfaces to avoid the need for frequent overhaul. High level adhesion does not require the use of means to increase adhesion to the base, allows you to obtain a layer that maintains its integrity for a long time. High resistance to moisture allows the use of cement mortars when finishing surfaces in rooms with a humid microclimate, in conditions of changing positive temperatures to negative ones. This advantage of the solution is due to its dense structure, in which there are no pores for moisture penetration.All components included in cement plaster are low cost and accessible. This was also reflected in the final price of the finished solutions.
Disadvantages of cement-based plaster
Mixtures whose main component is cement cannot claim to be universal. They, like any other types of plaster, have their disadvantages:
- cannot be used for finishing plastic, wood and painted surfaces;
- have an impressive weight, placing additional load on the surface being treated, requiring careful calculation of the required layer thickness before application;
- require large amounts of time and labor during all stages of application;
- require preliminary filling before painting;
- are seized long time, which varies from three to four weeks.
The last drawback can be attributed to the plaster, which does not contain modern modifying additives. Solutions from well-known manufacturers of building materials and mixtures on the market contain plasticizers that reduce the hardening time of the formed layer of plaster to one week.
To achieve maximum strength and long term operation when applying rough finishing, you must adhere to the following rules:
- carry out work at temperatures from +5 to +30 degrees;
- pre-prime the surface;
- apply the next layer after the previous one has dried;
- lay the mixture along the beacons;
- If you have no experience in applying plaster mixtures, it is better to start work from small areas.
It is produced in the form of a dry mixture, the main component of which is gypsum powder, and the additional components are various types plasticizers. To obtain a solution of the required consistency, the plaster is diluted required quantity water.
Gypsum plaster is used for interior finishing of ceilings and walls when:
- surfaces are made of concrete or brick;
- prepare for subsequent decorative finishing with wallpaper or painting.
Plasters with a gypsum base are not suitable for exterior finishing, in high humidity conditions. The mixture can be applied either by machine or by hand. To form a perfectly flat surface, the solution must be applied in one layer. It is permissible to apply several, but this can complicate the work and increase its final cost.
Advantages of gypsum plaster
The use of this type of finishing solution various surfaces due to many positive qualities, in which it is superior to other types of plaster mortars.
Gypsum plaster has the following types of advantages:
- environmental friendliness;
- plasticity;
- light weight;
- no shrinkage;
- finishing speed;
- vapor permeability;
- high sound and heat insulation.
The advantages of gypsum plaster are much greater than those of cement plaster. Special attention deserves cost cutting. This is achieved due to the fact that surfaces plastered with gypsum mortar do not require putty work. Surfaces are ready for finishing after the applied layer has set.
Features of gypsum plaster
The solution is absolutely harmless. Good indicator viscosity allows you to create a fairly thick applied layer that does not deform, does not flow, or peel off. Gypsum mixtures do not require the use of reinforcing mesh, which is necessary when finishing the surface with cement plasters. Plastic mesh reinforced with foam plastic and made of Chipboard surfaces. Due to its low weight, the load on structures treated with gypsum plasters remains virtually unchanged. This allows you to reduce mixture consumption, maintain the integrity of the structure, and avoid additional load on load-bearing walls. The absence of shrinkage allows you to obtain perfectly smooth surfaces that do not crack when hardening and do not require finishing.Porous structure gypsum mixture provides an excellent level of air circulation, preventing the formation of moisture and mold. Surfaces treated with the solution retain heat well and prevent noise and cold from penetrating into the room. The hardening speed is 2-3 days or a week if the layer is laid too thick.
Disadvantages of gypsum plaster
Mortars with a gypsum base are superior in many respects to both cement and clay and lime ones. These mixtures are practically devoid of disadvantages, but they do have them. The disadvantages include:
- fast setting;
- high price;
- poor adhesion to metal structures;
- Can only be used for interior decoration.
Gypsum plaster sets very quickly and it is impossible to mix large volumes. Rapid hardening can significantly complicate the work of a beginner, especially when it is necessary to correct “flaws” in the applied layer. The price of the mixture is 1.5-2 times higher than that of cement mortars. This disadvantage is compensated by the many advantages of the material when carrying out interior finishing and interior work.
The application of construction gypsum mixtures has its own characteristics, the observance of which guarantees high quality:
- the solution must be maintained at the required consistency by adding water to the frozen mixture if the need arises as the work progresses;
- It is necessary to prepare fresh batches only in clean containers, so that the remnants of hardened gypsum plaster do not lead to an acceleration of hardening of the new solution;
- Laying gypsum mixtures should only be done using tools made from of stainless steel so that there are no traces of rust left on the surface to be finished;
- walls and ceilings to be plastered must be dry, clean, and free of peeling;
- work must be carried out in rooms at a temperature of at least +5 degrees.
Which plaster is better - gypsum or cement?
Each solution can be called the best, but only in cases where it is used for its intended purpose, taking into account all recommendations and scope of application. If the solution is prepared in violation of norms and standards or is expired, it cannot be used. It is not recommended to purchase and store the mixture when there is no more than a month left before the expiration date. Gypsum plaster is an ideal option for interior decoration. It is easy to use and does not require the master to have experience when working with plaster mixtures. It is recommended for use in cases where as soon as possible it is necessary to carry out repairs followed by painting or wallpapering.
Cement-based plaster is suitable for both interior and exterior decoration, with the exception of painted, plastic or wood substrates. It allows you to level surfaces as efficiently as possible. It is preferred for external black finishing and in conditions where the use of gypsum is impossible. Apply cement plaster yourself without having necessary skills, It's hard enough. It is recommended to trust work with it to professional craftsmen.
Finishing various surfaces with plaster is one of the most critical stages. The subsequent durability and attractiveness largely depend on how correctly the composition of the solution is chosen and how well its application is carried out. decorative covering.
Therefore, treat both processes carefully, carefully following all the rules, both selection and installation. You will learn how to choose a solution and which one is better in this article.
ordinary plaster, which is used mostly for rough work;
decorative - these are colored solutions, the use of which allows you to create a finishing finishing coating.
Important! Among the areas of application of plaster solutions different types, there are several most popular solutions:
surface leveling;
sealing horizontal and vertical seams when using piece building material;
increasing the heat and sound insulation characteristics of the structure;
creation of effective fire protection.
Popular types of plaster
On modern market There are quite a lot of varieties of solutions for plastering walls and ceilings.
One of the main principles of classification is the type of main substance, which can be:
gypsum;
clay;
lime;
cement.
Important! In addition to the 4 main types of solution, there are many more modifications that are formed by combining the above components and various additives. Despite such diversity, the most popular invariably remain cement plaster and gypsum, the composition features, advantages and disadvantages of which are outlined below.
Features of gypsum plaster
The initial mass of gypsum plaster is a powdery dry mixture, which includes:
directly fine gypsum;
modified plasticizers.
Important! During the preparation process, gypsum plaster is diluted in the required proportion with water, after which it is brought to a paste-like consistency. The application procedure takes place at the choice of the owner of the premises - manually or by machine, preferably in 1 layer
Areas of application of gypsum plaster
Most often, walls and ceilings are plastered with gypsum plaster in the following cases:
structures are formed of brick or concrete;
interior decoration premises;
treatment of dry rooms;
preparing walls for painting or wallpapering.
Important! In all cases of using gypsum plaster, it is possible to reduce costs due to the absence of the need for putty work. After correct application solution surfaces are completely ready for further decorative finishing.
Advantages and disadvantages of gypsum plaster
To understand why the use of gypsum plaster for finishing various surfaces is many times better than the use of other compositions, here are several significant advantages of this type of material:
Ecological cleanliness. All indicators of this parameter exceed those of cement mortars. In addition, gypsum plaster, the price of which, although slightly higher, is not aggressive.
No shrinkage. This characteristic is quite useful, as it directly affects the possibility of obtaining ideal evenness of the walls, without cracking during the hardening of the solution. In addition, finishing work is not required when forming the coating.
Light weight. This feature affects not only maintaining the integrity of the main structure and reducing the load on load-bearing walls, but also makes it possible to save on mixture consumption.
Plastic. The excellent viscosity of gypsum-based compositions allows you to create thicker layers of plaster coating if necessary, and even in this case, deformation, peeling or runoff of the solution is excluded. So irreplaceable consumables when applying cement-sand plaster, as a reinforcing mesh, it is not necessary when installing gypsum plaster.
Vapor permeability. Porous structure finished coating plaster provides good moisture circulation and vapor permeability. Thanks to this, even when humidity increases, the walls remain dry and mold does not multiply.
High rates of heat and noise insulation. The low thermal conductivity of the material itself - gypsum - ensures that the walls always remain warm to the touch. At the same time, the coating perfectly prevents noise and cold from penetrating into the room from outside.
Finishing speed. When using gypsum plaster, everything Finishing work are completed very quickly, since it takes an average of 2-3 days to completely harden after application, and occasionally, when laying a thick layer, a week.
Important! As a disadvantage, it is worth noting that such compositions are categorically not suitable for use in rooms with consistently high humidity. More high price gypsum plaster, the difference of which, for example, when compared with cement-lime or sand plaster is 1.5-2 times, is not such a significant drawback. Since the speed of work, the ideal flatness of the surface, combined with lower proportions of consumption of all materials, completely compensate for this difference.
Video
Watch the video, which clearly shows an example of finishing walls with gypsum plaster to understand how simple the technology is and what the result of the work is.
Characteristics of cement mortars
Cement plaster is used mainly when it is necessary to create the most durable and durable coating.
One of the most popular options is the composition of cement plaster from the following components:
cement;
lime;
water.
The second version of frequently used plaster has the following components:
cement - 4 parts;
sand - 1 part;
water - until the desired consistency of the solution is obtained.
Important! Both options do not pose any difficulty in preparing the solution, and the materials necessary for preparation will always be at hand during construction.
The continued popularity of such solutions is ensured by the breadth of application possibilities with virtually no restrictions.
Cement plaster is an excellent choice when carrying out the following work:
finishing of external walls;
treatment of rooms with high humidity - bathroom, kitchen, swimming pool, basement;
preparation of surfaces that require increased frost resistance, for example, a plinth.
Important! This plaster goes well with any type of base - brick, stone, all kinds
Advantages and disadvantages of cement plaster
Let us note some undeniable advantages of cement plaster, which often lead to the fact that preference is given to this type of mortar:
Strength. In this regard, all other options for plastering mixtures are in many ways inferior to cement compositions. This, in turn, leads to increased reliability of the coating and the wall or ceiling itself. As a result, the need to carry out repair work occurs much less frequently.
High adhesion. Even when applied to monolithic base Concrete, in principle, does not require additional use of an additive or primer. Peculiarities component composition cement plaster ensures good adhesion of the mortar to the surface. Accordingly, the duration of maintaining the integrity of the plaster coating is much longer.
Moisture resistance. This indicator is quite significant for the design of many rooms. The dense structure of the finished coating eliminates the absorption of moisture and, accordingly, better protects the base of the structure from destruction.
Price. It is impossible not to note the low cost and availability of all components of the solution, which make it possible to carry out finishing work at any convenient time.
Among the disadvantages, we highlight the following factors:
inability to apply cement compositions for finishing painted, wooden or plastic bases;
the need to accurately calculate the load on the wall and the thickness of the layer, since cement plaster has a high specific gravity;
the complexity of the application process, which includes 3 mandatory stages - spraying, leveling, grouting;
long curing period - up to 3-4 weeks.
Important! Separately, we note that it is much easier today to reduce the hardening time, as well as to obtain a more even surface with less effort than a few years ago. Modern manufacturers of building materials are developing many special plasticizers-additives of artificial origin, which help increase the plasticity of cement mortars and significantly reduce the hardening period, down to 3-7 days.
Conclusion
Considering all of the above, the following conclusion can be drawn from the above features of cement and gypsum plaster:
gypsum plaster will be an ideal option in the absence of professional skills, in the case of finishing living rooms, in which it is planned to paint the walls or stick them paper wallpaper or in a situation where repairs need to be carried out as quickly as possible;
Cement plaster is perfect in almost any case if the quality of the surface is not a limitation, but it will require the help of professionals during application if your own skills are not enough to do the job.
In order to decide which plaster to choose - gypsum or cement, you need to know the characteristics of one and the other mixture, its destination, and also fully understand the purpose of such finishing. Both one and the other solution serve to level the surface, but when different conditions may behave differently.
Below we will talk in more detail about these components and how best to use them, and also watch the thematic video in this article as a supplement.
Various plasters
Note. The word “plaster” in Russian means: a) a finishing layer that is formed by a hardened liquid mass; b) the mixture itself, which is used for this purpose; c) the process of such finishing itself.
Classification
- All mixtures of this type can be classified according to their binding components, for example, it can be gypsum, cement, or polymers in the form of polystyrene or acrylic. In addition, the material is produced in dry (powder) and liquid (paste) form, packaged in bags or buckets, respectively. Also, for smoothing the surface for painting.
- Gypsum plasters are intended for finishing work in rooms with normal humidity (40%-60%) and without the possibility of flooding the surface with water. The main advantage of such plasters is that they harden very quickly, for example, the universal KNAUF ROTBAND with a layer of 40 mm can dry in 48 hours. Also, the surface finished with such material is easier to sand with sandpaper or diamond mesh.
- The most popular plaster with cement binding components, which you can use to level the wall with your own hands, is mixtures from CERESIT, which can also be fireproof (used for masonry and finishing of stoves). For exterior work, such a solution is usually used for sealing and leveling insulation (foam plastic, extruded polystyrene foam). The finish is not afraid of water, dampness and temperature changes.
- But if necessary, then cement putties should not be used; the price of such a finish will be too high. IN in this case It is more rational to use cement-sand mortar, which is not only cheaper, but also mechanically stronger.
- The most convenient for finishing work, among which there are mixtures with latex and acrylic binders. So, if the former are used exclusively for interior work, then the latter are universal, and they can be used both indoors and outdoors (instructions for use are printed on the packaging by the manufacturer).
Note. Based on the above, it is possible to determine how gypsum plaster differs from cement plaster - these are binders that dissolve or do not dissolve in water.
That is why gypsum is suitable only for interior work, and cement is used for both indoor and outdoor work.
Finishing work
To figure out which plaster is better - gypsum or cement, let's look at how the finishing work of leveling the walls occurs. Imagine that you need to level a wall with differences in plane, where you cannot do without beacon profiles and the average layer thickness will be 40 mm.
In such a situation, you can use one or another type of putty (only internal work is considered), but a cement-sand mortar will cost you much less.
As a result of this finishing, you get a very durable surface, although it takes three weeks to harden, but in most cases it is worth it. After hardening, you can use any finishing or universal putty that will lay down a layer of no more than 2 mm - you will save money and gain a durable surface. But there is a serious disadvantage here - this is the time during which the solution hardens, and this cannot be afforded in any case.
Some people wonder if it is possible to apply gypsum plaster to cement, and here the answer will be unequivocal - of course, yes, only before application it is necessary to cover the surface with a layer of primer to create optimal conditions adhesion. But if we are talking about outdoor work, then this option is unacceptable, and not because the interaction of two mixtures is required, but because gypsum is afraid of moisture, and it will deteriorate outside. The same can be said about rooms with high humidity, for example, if you plaster the ceiling in a bathroom, then that’s all right, but for the walls it’s “a waste of money” - water will ruin them.
So, gypsum plaster over a cement finish is a completely acceptable option for interior work in rooms with normal air humidity. Moreover, if you need to putty on a ceiling or wall before painting, feel free to use two mixtures and do not believe anyone who says otherwise. The fact is that cement is the most common building binder component, and it interacts with almost all building materials.
Quantity of material
In the top photo you see a wall with beacon profiles installed on it, but the surface there is relatively flat, without any significant differences, so the total thickness of the layer can be determined by one beacon. But this is not always possible, and calculations are somewhat more difficult to make - let's see how this can be done so that the price of the material is clear in advance.
Imagine that you need to level a wall 2.7m high and 4m wide. In this case, we will use the rule of 1.5 m in length, which means that the beacons will have to be placed no further than 135-140 cm apart. In this case, we will need at least 4 profiles, where we need to find out the average thickness for each of them. To do this, take the largest distance from the crest of the lighthouse to the surface and the smallest, and then find the arithmetic mean.
Imagine that on one profile the arithmetic mean is 2 cm, on another - 3 cm, on the third - 4 cm and on the fourth - 5 cm in depth. This means that the total thickness of the layer will be (2 + 3 + 4 + 5) / 4 = 3.5 cm. On average, 8.5 kg of mixture is consumed per square of putty with a layer of 10 mm, then for 1 m 2 in our case we will need 8, 5*3.5=29.75 kg or almost a bag (30 kg).
In this case, the entire wall will require 2.7 * 4 * 29.75 = 321.3 kg or 31 bags of gypsum or cement putty. But here it’s up to you to decide what is better - to level the wall with cement-sand mortar or putty mixtures.
Conclusion
At this point, you know how gypsum plaster differs from a cement mixture, so you can make the choice yourself, depending on the circumstances. The most important thing is that your choice coincides with humidity conditions, at which the surface will be exploited.
Plaster is used to level walls. At the same time, the question often arises: which mixture is better to choose – cement or gypsum? Plastering walls is a costly process, both in terms of labor intensity and money consumption. Therefore, it is understandable that any owner would want to choose a material that will create reliable adhesion to the base, will not crack, will not fall off, and will last for many years. It is quite difficult to unequivocally answer the question of which plaster is better - gypsum or cement - to cover walls. Each mixture has its own advantages, disadvantages, and features.
Plaster is used for work outside and inside the house. Its task is to eliminate defects in the base and level it. In addition, a protective layer is created that prevents the penetration of moisture, the spread of fire, and heat loss. The main task What the plaster should handle is to prepare the wall for further finishing.
When choosing a mixture, it is necessary to take into account its purpose and composition. According to its purpose, plaster can be ordinary or decorative. Regular mixtures used for interior or exterior work, they can also be universal or special. Decorative compositions allow you to create a relief, structural or Venetian coating. Mixtures of different compositions are offered for sale. The most popular are gypsum and cement plaster. To better understand which one to choose, you need to understand their main characteristics.
Features of the gypsum mixture
The basis of gypsum plaster is gypsum with various fillers that help reduce consumption and plasticizers that improve adhesion to the surface. A gypsum-based solution is used to level surfaces and prepare them for subsequent finishing. It is not used in wet areas. Depending on the size of the filler, fine-, medium-, and coarse-grained mixtures are distinguished. To obtain thin layer, use a fine-grained composition. To level out large differences and eliminate large defects, a coarse-grained mixture will be required.
Gypsum plaster is usually used for interior work. For external ones it is better to take cement. Although there are gypsum compositions that, by adding additional components to them, cope well with the influence of negative factors. However, they will cost more than cement ones.
The solution can be applied in a fairly thick layer, and it will not crack when drying. Therefore, it can be used to eliminate even large defects and damage. Advantages of gypsum plaster:
- Environmental friendliness. It does not contain harmful components, is not aggressive, and is absolutely harmless.
- Vapor permeability. Due to its porosity, gypsum regulates the humidity in the room: it absorbs excess and releases moisture when necessary.
- Creates a sound and heat insulating layer. This is especially true in panel houses.
- Effectively removes unevenness.
- Plastic and easy to apply.
It is not recommended to use gypsum plaster in rooms without heating. It is convenient when working in hard to reach places because it dries quickly. In addition, if the layer is perfectly even, then it does not need to be puttied.
If you decide to use a gypsum mixture, then you need to take into account its inherent disadvantages:
- it sets quickly, so you cannot prepare a lot of solution at once;
- with a large layer thickness it may shrink;
- does not “fit” well on metal;
- how better quality, the higher the price.
An important advantage of the gypsum mixture is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to cement, it will require 1.5 times less for the same area.
Features of the cement mixture
In residential and utility rooms, for interior and facade work, cement plaster is often used. The binding component is cement, the strength of which is determined by the brand. Sand is used as a filler. The quality of the solution largely depends on it. Sand is considered good if it contains dust, silt, and clay impurities. Therefore, river or quarry sand is usually used.
Its size affects ready-made plaster. If the particles are large, it will be difficult to obtain a smooth surface and you will have to grind it for a long time. On the contrary, particles that are too small cause the cement plaster to crack after drying.
The ratio of sand and cement is affected by the required strength of the mortar and the brand of cement. Usually it is 1 in 3 or 4. Polymers help improve the plasticity of the solution. Slaked lime allows you to increase vapor permeability. Cement plaster has the following advantages:
- affordable price;
- you can buy a dry mixture, and it’s also easy to prepare it yourself;
- suitable for work inside and outside the building;
- has high adhesion;
- creates a durable coating;
- tolerates humidity and temperature changes well.
The cement mixture takes much longer to dry than the gypsum mixture. Therefore, you can have time to eliminate small defects on the surface. In addition, this property allows you to dilute a lot of solution at once, reducing preparation time. Disadvantages of cement mortar:
- The application process is very labor-intensive and long. Classic technology involves the implementation of 3 layers: spray, primer and grout. They also take time to dry.
- The cement mixture does not adhere well to plastic or wood.
- Due to the high density of cement, additional load is created on the base. It must be calculated in order to be taken into account before plastering.
Gypsum or cement: what to choose?
It is difficult to say unequivocally which plaster is better. The choice of mixture depends on the characteristics of the room and the tasks that will be solved with its help. To level the walls in a living room, when preparing them for wallpapering, painting, or creating a relief pattern, it is better to use a gypsum composition. To restore walls in the kitchen and bathroom, if necessary, strengthen and level them, it is recommended to use cement mortar. Such a surface will be resistant to any impact, durable, and reliable.
Regardless of what mixture is used, in order to obtain a high-quality plaster layer, it is necessary to take into account the influence of certain factors. First of all, the weather affects the plaster. Plastering should be carried out at positive temperatures, normal humidity. From draft and strong wind drying is accelerated. These factors increase the unevenness of moisture removal, as a result of which the surface cracks.
The cause of poor quality is often the heterogeneity of the mixture. This often occurs due to inaccurate adherence to proportions when mixing independently. A large difference in thickness can lead to cracking: a thin layer dries faster. To improve adhesion and protect walls from fungus, applying a primer should be a mandatory step before plastering.
