Dry plaster for outdoor use. Characteristics of cement plasters for outdoor use and application technology Cement mix for outdoor use

In order for the facade of the house to be complete, it is not at all necessary to use expensive finishing materials, such as natural stone, brick or Japanese fiber cement panels. Quite a worthy option for a budget finish can be cement plaster. With the help of the material, it will be possible not only to create an aesthetic appearance of the structure, but also to improve its heat and sound insulation properties while providing reliable protection from external irritants.

The cement on the basis of which the mixtures are made is a mass of clinker and gypsum. It is the clinker that is responsible for the adhesion and rapid drying of the solution.

Cement mixture for outdoor work can be represented by two types:

• cement-sand;
• cement-lime.

The main difference between the solutions lies in the composition. If in the first case - these are classic ingredients, then in the second - with the addition of lime that enhances the effect.

Cement-sand mortar - characteristics and features

Cement-sand facade mixture leads the market of budget plasters due to excellent strength and durability. The material is moisture resistant, suitable for finishing the surfaces of the facades of houses located in conditions of high humidity.

The basis of the mixture is cement marked from M150 to M500. The numbers indicate the mass of pressure that the plaster can withstand with a volume of 1 centimeter cubic.

Most often, mixtures with the marking M 300 and above are used for outdoor work.

In addition to cement, quarry sand is included in the composition of the plaster, which directly affects the performance of the mortar. In addition to quarry, river sand can often act as a filler. Each manufacturer has its own proportions of the use of ingredients, which may vary depending on the characteristics of the latter.

In order for the plaster layer to turn out to be reliable and accurate, it is important that the grains of sand that make up the mortar are of the same size - medium. Too fine sand can lead to the formation of cracks in the coating, therefore solutions containing it are only suitable for finishing coats to achieve the effect of "gloss". Whereas large grains of sand will not leave the opportunity to form a really flat surface, therefore they are suitable for rough outdoor work.

In addition to the components listed above, the plaster for facade work may include additives to improve the plasticity of the material. It can be all kinds of polymer powders, as well as copolymers. Their inclusion in the composition allows you to improve the following qualities of the mixture:

• strength;
• elasticity;
• impact resistance;
• flexibility;
• adhesion;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• wear resistance.

It should also be noted that the right additives can improve the resistance of the plaster mixture to moisture. Cement-sand facade plaster has several subspecies and can be:

• simple;
• improved;
• elite.

Simple plaster for outdoor work is applied in two layers, does not need to install beacons and cover. The mixture is suitable for rough finishing in cases where the main goal is to level the surface with the removal of cracks and grooves.

Improved plaster for outdoor use is applied in three layers, finishing with a special trowel. This type of plaster is one of the most popular, as it allows you to create a perfectly flat and smooth surface.

Elite plaster is applied on the lighthouses in five layers with a finishing coating for outdoor work that requires the best quality.

Cement-lime mortar: characteristics and nuances of use

In contrast to the cement-sand mixture, plaster for outdoor use with the addition of lime has an increased mass. If self-preparation of the mortar at home is planned, it is recommended to extinguish the lime before use and keep it in this state for at least a week so that no blisters form on the wall during outdoor work. A really well-prepared mixture demonstrates not only improved strength characteristics, but also excellent vapor permeability, allowing the walls of the house to “breathe”.

Traditionally, the mortar includes, in addition to sand and slaked lime, Portland cement, as well as polypropylene fiber with additives that retain moisture penetration. The mixture is applied both manually and mechanically. Both dry plaster, requiring preparation, and ready-to-apply mortar are available for purchase.

The main advantages of the solution for facade work include the following points:

• versatility (used for finishing surfaces of various types);
• high adhesion;
• resistance to the formation of mold and fungi;
• plastic;
• the possibility of using the solution after a long time after preparation;
• vapor permeability;
• wear resistance.

The disadvantages of the solution include relatively low rates of reduction in compressive strength plus an overestimated cost compared to cement-sand mixtures.

Do-it-yourself cement-based plaster preparation

The basis of any cement plaster is a binder and aggregate, which are sand, cement, as well as clay or lime. To prepare the solution with your own hands, you need to dilute the dry mixture with water, bringing it to the desired consistency.

Most often, a composition is prepared at home by mixing cement with sand in a ratio of 1: 3. To improve the plasticity of the finished mixture, PVA glue can be added to it, approximately 50 ml per 10 liters of solution.

To get a cement-lime mortar at home, you should add lime dough to the mixture, which is easy to prepare with your own hands. It is recommended to prepare the dough outside, given that large-scale heat generation cannot be avoided during the lime slaking process.

Preparing lime dough is easy. Lump lime is placed in a metal container, which is poured with water at a ratio of 1: 2, after which it is filtered through a sieve and allowed to stand for 1-2 weeks. Dry ingredients are added to the finished dough, if the consistency requires it, add more water.

Lime-based cement facade plaster is not stored for as long as ready-made sand plaster, so it is better to cook it exactly as long as it is planned for use.

How to carry out plastering with cement compositions?

Before moving on to outdoor work, you should prepare the base: clean, remove old coatings, stains of grease or oil, if any. It is important that the walls of the facade are strong and do not crumble. Once the surface of the wall is ready, you can proceed to processing it with plaster. To do this, you can use a spatula and as well as a grater and trowel at the finishing stage.

Plastering begins by applying several layers of the mixture to the wall:

• splatter;
• soil;
• coverings.

The first layer is applied using a special ladle, from which the solution is sprayed onto the surface of the wall, leveling it with a rule. If concrete walls are processed, a 4-5 mm thick spray will be sufficient, for finishing a brick base, the layer thickness should be increased to 7 mm, and for wooden facades - reduced to 1 cm.

It is important to remember that concrete bases do not differ in particular adhesion with cement plasters, therefore it will be necessary to add glue to the composition in the proportion indicated above. At the stage of spraying, a reinforcing facade wall can also be attached to the walls.

The primer is the so-called base layer, which is applied with a thicker mixture than the first time. A trowel can be used to distribute the mortar over the base. After the entire facade is plastered, you can leave it for adhesion, after which you can remove the bumps and pits as a rule.

The final layer - covering is carried out with a solution that is the most liquid in consistency, compared with the two previous ones. The leveled layer will need to be moistened with water, and then processed with a grater.

External cladding is important not only for aesthetic appearance, but also as protection of the base. A simple and practical way that allows you to cope with both tasks is the application of facade plaster. It is quite versatile - options for various bases are offered. In addition, you can buy it in a wide range of prices.

In order for outdoor plaster to perform its functions, it must have the following qualities:

1. mechanical strength and durability;

2. elasticity - buildings often shrink, therefore it is important that the facade coating does not become cracked;

3. frost resistance - do not change its properties when the temperature drops, withstand the maximum number of freeze-thaw cycles;

4. biological inertness - plaster for the facade should not be susceptible to fungal, mold lesions;

5. moisture resistance and vapor permeability - to serve as protection of the base from the effects of precipitation and let air in;

6. sound and heat insulation - contribute to the preservation of heat and prevent noise from penetrating into the premises;

7. aesthetics - various design solutions are implemented with the help of external plaster;

8. versatility - there are types for application to various bases, including heaters;

9. cost-effectiveness - require small material costs both in the purchase and in the performance of facade work.

Varieties

External plaster consists of a binder and additional components. From their features and ratio depends on how the facade will look, the main properties and technology of coating, the total cost of finishing. According to the composition, 4 types are distinguished for outdoor use: mineral (cement and silicate), acrylic, silicone. By consistency, they are: dry bulk, which are to be closed, and ready-to-use pasty. Most plasters are designed for work at + 5–30 ° C, but there are also options that can be applied at low temperatures.

1. Cement.

This mineral facade plaster is a gray or white free-flowing mixture packaged in 25–30 kg bags. Its main components are: high-quality cement, sand, additives that help reduce moisture absorption, modifiers for plasticity and improve wear resistance, stone chips of different fractions. The size of the particles depends on the created texture of the facade coating: "pebble" - 1-3 mm, "bark beetle" - 2-4. Due to the naturalness of the components, mineral materials are environmentally friendly and completely safe for human health. They are suitable for various facades (concrete, brick, foam and others).

The plaster has good thermal insulation and strength characteristics, the latter only increase with time. It is vapor-permeable - moisture does not linger on the base, therefore, it will not become damp. The mineral composition causes high fire safety, resistance to chemical and biological influences, ease of application. Such plaster is spent sparingly and has a low cost.

The main disadvantages of facade mineral material include: alkaline composition, which is taken into account when choosing and working, low elasticity and intolerance to vibration exposure, which can cause it to crack. Some users note a slight color variation, but this problem is solved by additional coloring. The service life of mineral cement plaster for exterior decoration is about 10 years.

2. Silicate.

Potassium liquid glass is used as a binder for this thin-layer pasty finishing material. The composition also includes: soda, mineral fillers, water, coloring pigments. It is advisable to buy silicate plaster when it is necessary to ensure high vapor permeability and water resistance. Most often, it is applicable to bases made of shell rock, foam and aerated concrete. It has neutral electrical static, which significantly reduces the accumulation of dirt and dust on the surface.

Facade silicate plaster is completely ready for use, applied to the base manually or by machine. It allows you to hide minor irregularities. Before applying it, it is important to use a special primer. Work with a silicate mixture is carried out quickly.

3. Acrylic.

The basis of the composition (binder) is acrylic resin, sand is used as a filler. Its fractions depend on the texture: "bark beetle" - 2-3 mm, "pebble" - 1-2.5. Various modifiers are also introduced, including an emulsifier, the purpose of which is to ensure the solubility of the polymer component in water. A wide color palette is determined by the use of pigments. Manufacturers offer to buy completely ready-to-eat options.

The acrylic component of such facade plaster provides it with good adhesion to any substrate, durability and elasticity. Even if the structure shrinks, cracks do not form on the surface. Application and grouting is quick and easy. Polymeric materials for outdoor use are resistant to the formation of fungus, mold, and tolerate temperature fluctuations well. Facade acrylic plaster is characterized by water repellency, but its vapor permeability is lower than that of mineral counterparts. The static properties of the material determine the attraction of dust particles to the surface. But due to the presence of a polymer protective film, the facade washes well and does not require additional care.

4. Silicone.

Such plaster for facade work is made on the basis of silicate resins with the addition of emulsifiers and modifiers. It is offered ready-made in plastic containers, in a wide range of colors. Due to the composition, it has increased mechanical properties, vapor permeability. It is able to stretch, therefore cracks do not form on the surface. Facade silicone plaster is self-cleaning - all impurities are washed off during rain. Its only drawback is its high cost.

How to choose?

To buy the necessary material for outdoor work, it is important first of all to be guided by the type of base. With a large curvature, it would be advisable to give preference to the basic mineral facade option, since its price is lower. Also, answering the question: how to choose a plaster, one should take into account its resistance to various aggressive factors. Compositions with special additives are the least susceptible to biological damage (fungi, algae, mold). For facades, mechanical strength is very important. The maximum value of all types of plaster has acrylic, mineral. External facade surfaces are often exposed to precipitation, wind, and temperature changes. The most resistant to these phenomena are silicone and acrylic materials, less - mineral and silicate.

To ensure that colored facade decorative plaster does not change as long as possible under the influence of sunlight, a light palette should be preferred. Numerically, it is characterized by indicators close to 100. A significant influence on the durability of the surface is exerted by its texture. Smooth ones do not tolerate stress well and cracks form on them more often. The greater the surface roughness, the less such a danger. For outdoor facade work, two textures are popular: “bark beetle” or “lamb”. The first is obtained due to the presence of small pebbles in the composition, in the process of mashing they leave vertical, horizontal or circular grooves. The second - as a result of random distribution of mineral granules, which form bulges on the surface.

Consumption

To save money, it is advisable to calculate in advance the required amount of facade plaster. At the same time, it is important to take into account its type, features and technological standards of application. If the base is relatively even, then in the calculation they are guided by the consumption indicated by the manufacturer. The large curvature of the facade horizontally and vertically causes an additional layer thickness. To calculate, you need to perform the following actions:

• on the cleaned outer wall, beacons are set according to the level - the places are determined where the deviations of the wall are measured;
• the obtained values ​​are summarized and divided by the number of points;
• the result is an indicator of the average layer, it is multiplied by the consumption indicated by the manufacturer and divided by the recommended thickness;
• to determine the number of bags (buckets), the resulting number should be divided by the weight of the composition in the container and rounded up.

Manufacturers recommend applying a base mineral plaster with a layer of 10–30 mm when performing facade work. With a minimum thickness, the consumption will be 15–18 kg/m2. Decorative per 1 m2 requires from 2.4 to 4.5 kg, depending on the texture being created and the quality of the base preparation. If the application is carried out by an unskilled worker, then the expense may increase.

Price

Various manufacturers offer ready-made facade materials or loose mixes for outdoor use in buckets and bags weighing 25 kg. Their price varies widely, depending on: type, composition, characteristics, final structure of the coating. When buying large quantities, a discount is usually provided.

Plaster is intended for finishing the exterior walls of buildings. Processing of external surfaces allows you to achieve several goals at once. Exterior decoration of the house makes it possible to protect the facade from natural influences, while at the same time giving it high decorative qualities.

Due to the specifics of operation, mixtures for outdoor and indoor use differ in their technical characteristics. Special requirements are imposed on solutions for exterior wall decoration. According to the provisions of building codes, facade plaster must have the following properties:

• High moisture resistance.
• Resistant to temperature fluctuations.
• Increased mechanical strength.
• Resistance to ultraviolet solar radiation.
• Vapor permeability.

Additional qualities of solutions for external work include:

• Soundproofing.
• Thermal insulation.
• decorative qualities.
• Resistant to aggressive chemical environments.

Resistance to high humidity is necessary to protect the facade. With insufficient moisture resistance, dampness will accumulate in the plaster layer and even penetrate to the bearing surfaces. All this will sooner or later lead to the formation of mold on the walls or their defeat by fungus. Resistance to temperature fluctuations allows the decorative coating to endure heating in the summer heat and cooling in the winter. The increased strength of the mixture is necessary to protect against damage during operation - shock, physical exertion, etc. To increase the resistance, the solution contains a larger amount of Portland cement: its ratio to sand is 1 to 3, versus 1 to 4 for the option for internal work.

The vapor permeability of the coating does not prevent free gas exchange between the interior and the atmosphere. This allows you to maintain a comfortable microclimate in the building with a normal level of humidity and oxygen concentration. The composition with a heat-insulating and sound-absorbing effect additionally insulates the facade from the outside and reduces the noise level inside the premises. This is especially true if the building is located on a busy street. The resistance of the coating to aggressive chemical attack makes it possible to maintain its technical characteristics in conditions of increased air pollution by industrial emissions and automobile gases.

Varieties of facade plasters

They are classified according to several criteria:

• Composition.
• Additional technical specifications.

Mixtures for external finishing works in their composition are:

• Mineral.
• Acrylic.
• Silicone.
• silicate.
• Cement-sand

According to additional characteristics, external plaster is divided into:

• Insulated.
• Soundproof.
• Decorative.

Manufacturers

The main manufacturers of finished finishing solutions in our market are the following companies:

• Knauf. German corporation, which is one of the world leaders in the production of finishing materials. In the Russian market, the company occupies one of the leading positions in the supply of dry plasters.
• Litokol. Italian company specializing in the manufacture of cement and gypsum compounds.
• Ceresit. One of the leaders in the Russian market of plaster and putty mixtures. The products of the German company have international certification and are represented in many countries of the world.
• Volma. Another domestic manufacturer of high quality solutions.
• Prospectors. Russian production group.

Description of plasters of different types

1. Mineral.

It is made from lime and Portland cement of a strength grade of M400 and above. Sand of average and large fraction acts as a filler. To give a decorative effect, colored stone chips, colored clay particles and other mineral inclusions are sometimes added to the composition. Plasticizers, antifreeze additives, setting retarders are usually used as improving components.

A distinctive feature of mineral facade plaster for outdoor use is its high strength, achieved through the use of cement grade M400 - M500. Among other advantages is the low price, which can significantly reduce the estimated cost.

According to the size of the filler, the solutions are divided into 5 types:

• With rough texture. As mineral fillers, a fine sand-gravel mixture with a fraction size of up to 5 mm is used.
• Large-scale. The presence of solid inclusions with a diameter of up to 3.5 mm is allowed.
• Medium texture. There are fractions no larger than 2-3 mm.
• Fine textured. The allowable filler size is less than 1 mm.
• Fine textured. The diameter of the inclusions is less than 0.5 mm.

Mineral plasters are supplied to the market in the form of a dry mix, which can be bought in almost any building supermarket. To prepare the solution, the powder is diluted with clean water in the proportions indicated in the instructions for use.

Together with increased strength indicators, mineral compositions have low ductility. Therefore, they are not recommended to plaster facades in places where vibration effects on walls are possible. These are buildings located near railway lines, above metro lines or industrial workshops.

As a result of regular exposure to vibrations on the surface, the coating may crack and crumble over time. Mineral mixtures have a rather high consumption - up to 15 kg per square meter, which is associated with a large thickness of the applied layer. The service life of a plastered facade without major repairs is up to 15 years.

Specifications:

2. Acrylic.

Acrylic resin is used as a binder - a special polymer obtained by chemical means. It allows you to accelerate the setting of the treated surface. May also be present:

• Additives to increase strength.
• plasticizers.
• pigment compositions.
• structural fillers.

They go on sale in a ready-to-use form and do not require additional preparation. Compared with cement compositions, they are more plastic, so their service life of such exterior finishes reaches 20–25 years. Among the minuses, high electrostaticity should be mentioned, as a result, the facade is more susceptible to dust and dirt settling. The setting time is about 20 minutes, but it will take up to two days for the coating to dry completely.

At this time, exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation on a freshly plastered facade is undesirable, as this often leads to cracking.

The price of acrylic mixtures is slightly higher than mineral ones, but this is offset by lower material consumption per sq.m. Due to the rapid setting of the resins, it is necessary to plaster the walls in one go, avoiding the formation of joints.

3. Silicone.

Includes silicone resins as a binder. The composition of the remaining components is similar to that contained in the acrylic versions - fillers, pigments, improving additives. They are sold in the form of ready-to-use solutions. Among the positive qualities it should be noted:

• Increased moisture resistance.
• Low soiling due to antistatic silicone.
• Elasticity.
• Long service life.

It is desirable to plaster facades at one time, otherwise clearly visible joints between layers applied at different times will form on the wall surface. Technical characteristics - consumption, drying speed, strength - are almost identical to acrylic, as well as technology. The price is higher, but they are more durable - the period of maintenance-free operation is over 25 years.

4. Silicate.

High-quality plaster material for external works. In the form of a binder, in addition to cement, it contains water-soluble sodium silicate - liquid glass. You can buy only in the form of a ready-made solution. This is due to the need for strict observance of the technical regulations in the preparation, which is realistic to ensure only in the factory.

Due to the addition of liquid glass to the composition, it has increased strength and resistance to external aggressive factors, moisture resistance, antistatic qualities. Among the disadvantages is the cost, which is more than all the options discussed above.

Allows you to "ennoble" the facade of the building, make the walls outside more aesthetic. This is achieved by adding special fillers to the composition - colored stone chips, colored clay particles and other mineral elements. Another option to give the treated surface a decorative effect is to add a large amount of plasticizers. This allows you to create a texture pattern -, fur coat, rain. Cement, acrylic, silicone can be used as a binder.

To obtain a relief, the plane is plastered in the usual way, after which the solution that has not yet hardened is treated with stencils, textured rollers, a trowel or a trowel. To obtain a bark beetle pattern, a special ready-made mixture is used, with coarse inclusions. It is applied to the wall, after which it is rubbed in a circular motion. As a result, depressions remain on the surface, similar to those left by carpenter larvae.

Selection rules

1. The plaster composition and wall material should be best combined with each other:

• Brick wall - cement plaster.
• Aerated concrete - silicate or silicone.
• Wood is silicate.
• Insulation (minplate, polystyrene) - acrylic in combination with a reinforcing mesh.

2. When buying material, give preference to trusted manufacturers: Knauf, Prospectors, Ceresit.

3. If you do not have the experience of a plasterer-painter, it would be better to buy a mixture that is ready for application.

4. To optimize the estimated costs, you can prepare a solution with your own hands.

Plaster consumption

It depends on a number of factors - the type of mixture, layer, material of the load-bearing wall. It is highest in leveling, made on the basis of cement. Depending on the quality of the surface - from 12 to 18 kg per square meter with an application thickness of 1 cm.

Decorative plasters have the lowest consumption, thanks to a thin layer. The average consumption of bark beetles is 6-8 kg per m2. Silicate compounds are usually applied with an even smaller layer, which reduces this figure to 4 kg per sq.m. Due to their high cost, they are mainly used for finishing pre-aligned walls.

Price

For comparison, here are the prices for some mixtures from domestic and foreign manufacturers (a bag of 25 kg, the cost for the first half of 2017).

Plastering is one of the most popular ways of finishing facades. Its popularity is associated with ease of execution, affordability and a large selection of texture options. This type of decoration is universal - they can decorate both a private house and an office building. In this article, we will consider what types of plasters are suitable for finishing the house outside.

Advantages of facade plasters:

• ease of application technology, you can plaster the walls outside the house yourself, even without experience in such work;
• good level of heat and sound insulation;
• resistance to changes in air temperature;
• high level of strength;
• moisture resistance.

But besides the advantages, many types of decorative facade mixtures have a significant drawback compared to other finishing materials - this is a rather high price. But at the same time, they have a low consumption of 2–3.5 kg per 1 m2.

How to choose plaster for facade walls

When choosing a facade plaster, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

Compressive and bending strength. Indicators that determine the ability of a material to resist the appearance of cracks under the influence of loads and not collapse.

Colour. Many types of plaster mixes are already produced in several color options. There are also pure white compositions suitable for tinting at the time of preparation of the solution, and plaster mixes for painting. If there is a choice, it is better to prefer tinting the plaster rather than painting. This is due to the fact that the paint layer may collapse over time, while the coloring pigments in the plaster composition will retain their color.

Texture. With the help of various types decorative plasters you can create on the surface of external walls an imitation of many natural materials (stone, wood) or a relief (fur coat, bark beetle, mosaic, etc.). Usually, the manufacturer indicates on the packaging what texture the mixture is intended to create.

The basis of the plaster mix. It can be mineral, acrylic, silicate, silicone, silicate-silicone. Below we will consider them in more detail.

Drying time. For different types of mixtures, it ranges from 24 to 72 hours.

Minimum and maximum layer thickness. When finishing various surfaces (wooden, brick, concrete, etc.), a different thickness of the plaster layer is needed, which is provided by plaster mixtures of different compositions.

Viability of the solution. This indicator is important for an inexperienced master. It indicates how long the prepared mixture in the container is suitable for application.

Consumption. The amount of mortar required to cover one square. m of surface is taken into account when there is a choice between several options.

Frost resistance. This parameter is expressed in the number of freeze-thaw cycles that the plaster endures without visible damage.

Adhesion strength (adhesion). The higher this figure, the better the plaster adheres to the base.

For what method of application is the mixture intended - manual or machine.

Now let's look at how finishing solutions differ in composition. All of the following types, except for cement plaster, are ready-made decorative coatings.

mineral plaster

The composition of mineral plaster mixtures includes marble or quartz chips. Advantages of mineral facade plaster:

• high vapor permeability;
• mold resistance;
• frost and fire resistance;
• resistance to precipitation;
• the surface is easy to clean;
• ease of application.

The disadvantage of mineral plaster mixtures is the limited choice of color, but this can be corrected by painting the plastered walls with paint. In general, it is a good choice for outdoor wall decoration.

Several brands of mineral plasters: Ceresit, Quick-mix, Weber-Vetonit.

Acrylic plaster

Produced on the basis of polymeric acrylic resins. This type of finishing mixtures is not highly stable, but has many advantages:

• plasticity, no cracks;
• good adhesion to mineral substrates;
• surface hydrophobization (repel water);
• ease of application;
• a large selection of colors;
• stock service up to 25 years.

Disadvantages of acrylic plasters:

• propensity to burn out;
• unsuitability for application to metal;
• attracts dust and gets dirty easily.

Another important property is low vapor permeability. Therefore, acrylic plasters cannot be applied to aerated concrete facades. This can lead to the accumulation of moisture in the pores and cracking of the walls.

Several brands of acrylic plaster mixtures: Ceresit CT60, Farbe Akryl, TERRACO TERRACOAT.

silicate

The basis of silicate plasters is "liquid glass" - an aqueous solution of potassium and sodium silicates. Advantages of silicate plaster mixtures:

• suitable for finishing drywall, limestone, concrete, etc.;
• lack of smell;
• high degree of vapor permeability;
• does not attract dust due to antistatic properties;
• suitable for application over expanded polystyrene due to fire safety.

The disadvantage of these solutions is rapid drying. Open bucket use immediately!

Several brands of silicate plaster mixtures:

Baumit SilikatTop Rille/Kratz - with different structure (rough, scratched), for indoor and outdoor use, for manual and machine application.

TM Green Line SilikatStone has a granular texture (in the form of tightly packed pebbles)

ATLAS SILKAT N and R - ready-made decorative plaster with marble chips up to 1.5 and 2 mm thick

Silicone

The basis of silicone plaster is silicone resins, which give self-leveling properties. Advantages of plaster mixtures:

• self-cleaning during rain;
• high vapor permeability;
• dust repellent properties;
• strength;
• elasticity;
• moisture resistant surface;
• well tinted;
• high degree of adhesion to all bases on which it is applied.

The high price of silicone mixtures may determine the choice is not in their favor.

Several popular brands: Weber Pas silikon, StoSilko MP, CAPAROL AMPHISILAN FASSADENPUTZ K15.

It is necessary to allocate to a separate group silicate-silicone plasters that combine the advantages of silicate and silicone mixtures. Examples: Ceresit CT 175, Weber.Vetonit.

Cement

The simplest type of facade plasters is cement. They are mainly used for leveling walls and creating a base layer for decorative coatings. But they can also be used as a finish. For example, cement plaster can imitate rough masonry.

The advantages of this type of finish:

• Low price due to the simple composition - a mixture of cement, sand and a small amount of additives.
• Possibility of self-cooking. The composition of the plaster will depend on the brand of cement and the quality of the sand. For example, for 1 part of 400-PC II cement, 5 parts of sifted sand are taken. To increase plasticity, lime is added to the solution.
• High strength;

This type of plaster mixes is not suitable for finishing walls made of aerated concrete due to its increased vapor permeability. The disadvantages are the need for finishing and the quick drying of the finished solution.

Brands of cement plaster mixtures: Osnovit, Yunis, Knauf, Perfecta FrontPro.

Gypsum mixes

White plaster based on gypsum is not used for facade decoration due to low resistance to precipitation and mechanical damage. Gypsum mixtures can be selected for interior decoration.

Do-it-yourself technology for plastering external walls

First, let's look at how to level and prepare the exterior walls for applying decorative finishes.

Preparing the surface of the facade of the building

1. Remove old trim.
2. Clean the walls with a stiff steel brush.
3. Inspect the surface to identify cracks and dents (roughness on the tree, burr), etc. If they are, then clean them with emery.
4. Rinse the wall with a damp sponge (if necessary with soap) and dry.
5. Use a plumb or level to check the verticality of the walls.

Wooden facades are recommended to be impregnated with an antiseptic solution. If the walls are made of brick, stone, gas blocks, then laying in a wasteland is used (with incomplete filling of the seams on the front side). This will ensure better adhesion of the wall surface to the plaster. If this has not been done, then before plastering, jointing is carried out (the seams are deepened with a chisel and a hammer by 1 cm and cleaned with a brush). On concrete walls, with an ax or a perforator, notches are made 5 mm deep and 5 to 10 cm long in increments of no more than 4 cm.

jointing and notches for plaster

To improve the adhesion of the plaster to the surface of the facades, a primer is first applied. Its composition is selected taking into account the nature of the surface of the walls (concrete, wood, brick, etc.). The primed walls are left to dry for a day.

How to plaster: stages of applying a leveling layer

To obtain a good result, the plaster mixture is applied in three layers:

1. Spray (starting) - from 3 to 9 mm (depending on the nature of the surface, a thicker layer is needed on wood).
2. Ground - from 7 to 8 mm, if gypsum is included in the plaster, then 9 - 12 mm.
3. Nakryvka (finishing) - from 2 to 4 mm.

To strengthen the facades and ensure a rigid adhesion of the leveling layer, the plaster mixture is applied to the reinforcing mesh. To do this, after the primer has dried, the first layer of plaster is applied and the mesh is embedded in it. Wooden facades can be strengthened with the same mesh or shingles - narrow wooden slats nailed diagonally crosswise. If the walls are insulated with mineral wool or similar insulation, then an adhesive solution is applied to it to fix the mesh. For example, ARMIERUNGS-GEWEBEKLEBER 215, PALADIUM PalafiX 402, Glims KF and others.

The procedure for the technology of plastering facades:

1. A reinforcing mesh is installed on the street wall or on the insulation.
2. If necessary, guide beacons from a metal profile are attached. They are fixed on the wall with plaster, and the level is checked for verticality.
3. Throw the plaster mixture with a spatula or paint bucket, starting from the bottom and gradually moving up. With the machine method of plastering, a compressor and a pneumatic bucket are used for this.
4. The applied layer is leveled with a rule. When using beacons, the rule lies on two guides and rises, leveling the plaster layer.
5. The second layer begins to be applied in a day. On a fresh layer, notches or grooves should be made to ensure better adhesion to the finish. You can use a notched trowel for this.
6. After another day, apply the last layer - the covering. Dilute the plaster for it to a creamy consistency.
7. After the finish layer has dried, grout with a special grater. Press the device firmly against the surface, making circular movements clockwise. After processing the entire facade, wipe again in a straight line. If you need to achieve a perfectly flat surface, then wrap the grater with felt or felt.

If the decoration of the facade will be made on the basis of leveling plaster, then immediately after applying the last layer, without waiting for it to dry, they begin to create a pattern or relief.

To do this, use special rollers with patterns, stencil stamps or a trowel. Drawing options can be very diverse. Stamps are not very convenient, since they often have to be washed, the severity of the pattern in different places is not the same due to different pressure forces. With a trowel, you can create a stone texture on the wall by simply making chaotic movements with it. If the plaster is planned to be painted, then after creating the texture and drying it is primed again and after that the paint is applied.

Decorating the facade of the house

After the walls are leveled and the insulation is closed, you can start applying textured coatings. Consider the most common textures:

• bark beetle. With the help of plaster, the surface of a tree excavated by insects is imitated. The composition of ready-made mixes "bark beetle" includes mineral grains (for example, marble) with a size of 2 mm. When leveling the mortar on the wall, rounded grains leave grooves. The direction can be arbitrary, as you like.

• Kameshkovaya. It is created by ready-made plaster, consisting of mineral chips and a binder base. The size of the pebbles is 1.5-2.5 mm. The mixture must be applied to the wall and leveled with a trowel.

• Imitation of masonry. Here much depends on the skill of the master and the methods of work. The material can be a cement-sand mortar both in pure form and with the addition of fine mineral grains. The stone surface of the facade blends well with the smooth sections of the walls. Often, only the basement of the building is trimmed under the stone.