Acrylic plaster – all the advantages of modern finishing at a reasonable price

Acrylic plaster is becoming more and more popular because it combines affordability with contemporary technology. This adaptable finish, which combines durability with a sleek appearance, offers a novel approach to wall treatments. With its sleek, modern finish, acrylic plaster is not only useful but also improves the aesthetics of any area.

The affordability of acrylic plaster is one of its best qualities. It produces high-quality results without breaking the bank, in contrast to some other finishes. Acrylic plaster offers an affordable solution that doesn’t sacrifice performance or style, whether you’re renovating a single room or taking on a larger project.

Furthermore, acrylic plaster is a popular option for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers because it is simple to apply and maintain. Because of its durability and adaptability, it’s a great option for a variety of settings and provides a modern look at a fair price. This makes it the preferred choice for producing stunning, long-lasting finishes with the least amount of hassle.

Composition of acrylic plaster

Polymer-mineral plaster compositions consist primarily of:

• base – aqueous dispersions of polyacrylates;
• filler – mineral materials (crushed rocks, sand);
• filler – artificial and organic materials (fibers, granules, cellulose, metal powders, shell fragments, flakes);
• dyes;
• modifying additives (biocides, anti-freeze, fire retardants).

Characteristics and types of acrylic plaster

Using compositions by Ceresit as an example, technical characteristics are demonstrated:

• density — 1.7 kg/dm³;
• adhesion —> 0.3 MPa;
• holding time before forming a pattern – 15 minutes;
• frost resistance – 100;
• application temperature +5 … +30°С;
• during operation – 50ºС … +70°С;
• shelf life of at least 12 months;
• service life> 15 years.

At first, only outdoor work was done with plaster solutions containing acrylic resins. These days, compositions have been created that, when applied by a designer, decorate a space just as well as mineral or silicone mixtures, such as acrylic decorative plasters. They are also utilized for facades, though.

Mixture types based on application conditions:

• decorative facade plaster;
• mixtures for indoor work;
• universal compositions.

Based on the finishing type, the material is separated into:

• textured (filler fractions from 0.5 to 3 mm);
• structural plasters (as fillers of fiber, granules, stone crumbs);
• Venetian;
• Cameshopian;
• Flocus (acrylic flakes and glue).

Video of Venetian acrylic plaster:

Depending on the filler, the method of application, and the outcome produced:

• Roller (to create a bark beetle);
• bark beetle;
• mosaic (stone grain of different rocks of the same fraction);
• pebble (stone crumbs of natural color or painted in large fractions);
• fur coat;
• travertine.

Sold ready to use (solutions in buckets) more frequently. There are tinted and unpainted finished compounds among them.

Pros and cons

Benefits and favorable attributes of acrylic:

• elasticity (finishing the stand for the formation of cracks in vibrations, for example, if the buildings are located near the railway lines, due to temperature jumps);
• strength (resistance to mechanical abrasion, scratches from animal claws, impacts);
• waterproof (good for damp rooms);
• long service life.

The benefits additionally comprise:

• environmental friendliness;
• abundance of colors;
• easy to lay;
• reliable adhesion;
• can be washed even with a hose;
• biocidal additives make the compositions resistant to mold.

• accumulation of electrostatics (attracts dust);
• fading (leveled out by additives);
• unstable to fire (this disadvantage is corrected by fire retardant additives, however, the composition is not used near sources of flame);
• short service life (you need to work quickly);
• does not allow the walls to breathe, so it is not suitable for bedrooms and living rooms.

Acrylic plaster is a desirable alternative for contemporary finishes since it strikes a wonderful balance between quality and cost. Acrylic plaster is a cost-effective option for both residential and commercial projects because of its durability, ease of application, and versatility in achieving different textures and colors. Long-lasting results are guaranteed by its resistance to fading and cracking, making it an affordable yet fashionable option for anyone wishing to improve their spaces.

Functional additives

The circumstances in which acrylic resin dispersions occur are crucial because they create an elastic, long-lasting film when they dry. Acrylic plasters are made with functional additives, or auxiliary substances, to control these processes and the properties of the resulting film. They are required for a number of reasons, including enhancing durability and process flow.

Additive groups according to intent:

• thickeners (improve the alignment of compositions on the surface and prevent the appearance of streaks on vertical bases);
• coalescents (film-forming components that lower the temperature at which film formation is possible to +5°C);
• dispersing or wetting;
• neutralizing;
• preservatives (biocides);
• UV absorbers;
• Defoamers.

For instance, adding titanium dioxide improves the composition’s ability to hide, brightens its whiteness, and fortifies the coating.

It is not advisable for you to try to select the additives by yourself. It is better to purchase a ready-made mixture that satisfies the requirements required for the task.

Strengthening the protective properties of acrylic plaster

There are two ways to improve the protective qualities of acrylic compositions:

• using additives;
• priming.

In order to guard against bio-damage caused by mold, fungi, and microorganisms, Russian scientists created "Kartotsid-compound B1," a complex and highly active preparation that combines the following characteristics:

• bactericidal,
• fungicidal,
• algicidal properties.

To the entire volume of the plaster solution, add 5% of this preparation and stir. The product can be added to compositions for interior work because it complies with hygienic requirements and has a quality certificate.

Water repellents can also be used to increase the water resistance of plaster coatings. These products are applied with a brush or roller over a dry plaster facade coating (two to three layers until the base material is fully saturated). The wall cannot be painted for at least two months following application.

When water repellents are used to shield a wall, efflorescence does not cover it.

Using priming improves the plaster coating’s adherence. Use primers that are appropriate for the base material because there aren’t any made especially for acrylic solutions.

When it comes to coatings based on acrylic, experts advise:

• Proacryl-contact;
• Facade-primer;
• Akrial-grunt.

Using a brush or roller, priming is done mechanically (by spraying). Walls are primed and then dried.

The putty or primer is colored to blend in with the finishing compound’s hue.

Surface preparation

The base is ready prior to the plaster coating application in order for it to be strong, not peel off, adhere to the wall, not bulge, not sag, not turn rusty, and not get covered in stains from emerging salts:

• Oil stains, efflorescence are removed, fungal and mold foci are cleaned, disinfected;
• remove old paint and varnish and wallpaper coatings;
• remove excess metal objects (nails, screws), isolate the remaining ones;
• the old plaster finish is tapped, peeling areas are removed, protrusions are knocked down, cracks and potholes are repaired;
• uneven walls are leveled with putty or cement plaster mortar;
• in brick walls, the seams are deepened by a centimeter with a chisel;
• dust is removed;
• wooden coverings are covered with a fiberglass mesh;
• primer is applied to the base, then leveling putty;
• dry.

The wall should therefore be dry, clean, even, and slightly rough.

It is imperative to apply a primer underneath acrylic plaster because the plaster composition cannot properly harden when the base material extracts water from the solution. The coating will be flawed. The pores of the walls must be consistently sealed with a primer to stop this from occurring.

Manual application technology

In plastering, the following requirements need to be fulfilled:

• air temperature within +5 … +30 °C;
• air humidity
• absence of drafts;
• direct sunlight and rain should not fall on the facade wall (a canopy is made).

Acrylic plaster for interior work is applied manually, for large areas and facades it is possible to use mechanics. Plastering is carried out without interruptions, not allowing the edges of the laid mortar to dry out, so as not to create visible joints. A large wall is divided into sections (corner – window, window – doorway, etc.d.). If this is not possible, it is better to work together to plaster the entire wall without joints. If for some reason the edge of the applied solution has dried out, it is abundantly moistened. In extreme cases, the layer is limited by sticking a tape of masking tape. The mixture is applied with a small overlap on it. After the solution begins to set, the tape is removed. After a break, a new tape is glued to the edge of the dry layer laid earlier and plastering is continued. The tape is removed after finishing processing the adjacent area.

Before plastering, the completed plaster mixture is agitated (add water if it thickens). Pigments can be added and the mixture stirred to tint it if needed. Either the tone of the desired color is present, or the color is created by combining various coloring agents.

Since the color may fade once the solution dries, a test color is made.

A drop of black color is added to the plaster solution to bring the color of the walls closer to its natural state and avoid making the eyes tire.

Tool

To perform manual labor, you’ll need:

• spatulas (stainless steel),
• graters (plastic or stainless steel),
• painting tool,
• devices for forming a relief pattern;
• mixer,
• scotch tape;
• a container with water;
• clean rags.

Additional specialized tools might be required, depending on the type of solution being used. Take textured rollers, for instance.

Application

Applying by hand is done in the same manner as other plaster composition types. There are two types of applications: thick-layer and thin-layer. After gathering some of the solution on a trowel or spatula, it is moved to the base. The tool is held at an angle (roughly 60 degrees) to the wall, with the angle decreasing as the tool’s solution content decreases.

Whether to use wet on wet or dry on wet strokes depends on the chosen decorative effect. Depending on the desired effect, the strokes are applied crosswise, arcuately, or linearly. When applying a thin layer, the layer’s thickness is marginally greater than the filler’s grain size. Using a roller or brush to apply the mixture is another method for plastering.

Following application, the solution is smoothed out (if the finishing coat is flat), a relief is formed (fur coat, rain, lamb, bark beetle – created by rolling grains), or the subsequent layers (travertine, Venetian) are applied.

It is not possible to wet the plaster solution while it is being applied, formed, or drying. Erroneously applied smears are easily removed with water.

After plastering is complete, it is advised to routinely rinse the tools with the adhering solution (do not wash!). Empty the solution into a different container.

Features of external work

The sun’s rays shield the plastered surfaces from heating. Since acrylic plaster for outdoor work needs time to dry and gain strength before it is exposed to rain, a canopy made of film and mesh is used for these purposes. Sturdy scaffolding is designed for high-altitude work.

The most common compositions for facade coatings are lamb, bark beetle, and fur coat. Only after the finishing plaster has dried are walls painted with specific paints and varnishes. Such a coating serves as both a decorative element and a safeguard for the walls and plaster. For facades, paints and varnishes are used.

Because acrylic coating attracts dust and gets dirty easily, it is recommended to paint using paints and varnishes that repel water.

In three to four weeks, acrylic facade plaster solidifies. Painting the surface before it has fully gained strength is not advised. During this time, specific coatings are applied to walls to keep out rain.

Cellular concrete walls and mineral wool bases are not coated with acrylic mixtures.

Features of interior work

The types of plaster used by fraction size are restricted by small volumes of interior space. For instance, the compositions used to make bark beetles have a fraction of no more than 2 mm.

Cover the entire surface of the door and window frames with masking tape. The door panels are taken off of their hinges. There’s film all over the floor.

Switches and sockets are disconnected from the network prior to beginning plastering. Keep the room from drafting and keep the temperature constant. Applying the solution, for example, to wall surfaces heated by the sun, is not advised.

The ceiling must be finished before moving on to the slopes in plastering. From scaffolding, work is done. Use safety glasses to shield your eyes from the solution’s particles.

Mechanized application

Plastering machines are used by construction companies to plaster large objects. Air bubbles are introduced into the plaster solution by these machines while they mix and spray it. As a result, less of the mixture is used and the coating adheres more firmly and warms up. One can use a plaster gun or hopper for private construction or repair work. If a smooth surface is needed, the laid layer is then manually processed after being applied by machine. Alternatively, relief application using a roller or matrix can be done.

Wearing eye protection is required when applying the solution mechanically. You should rinse your eyes with water if the plaster gets into them.

Consumption

The following determines how much of the compositions are consumed:

• the smoothness of the wall;
• the size of the filler fractions (when applying textured plaster, the size of the filler grain determines the minimum layer thickness);
• the type of coating effect (less plaster composition is consumed for smooth coatings, more is consumed for relief or Versailles plasters);
• the skill level of the plasterer.

• Venetian plaster – 0.5 kg / m²;
• textured plaster – 0.9-1.5 kg / m²;
• structural – 2.5 – 4.5 kg / m².

Painting the applied acrylic plaster

Materials based on acrylic have a lengthy lifespan of 15 to 25 years when plastered well. The homeowner may choose to make multiple changes to the room’s layout or the color of the front walls during this time. It is simple to paint and varnish acrylic plaster.

Using a spray gun, acrylic facade plaster can be quickly and simply painted a different color. Using paints and varnishes with acrylic bases makes sense in this situation. They have to be designed with outdoor work in mind.

Before painting, the plaster needs to be completely dry.

Painting can be done manually indoors using standard painting supplies. If there are plans to change the color or if the technology demands that the plaster be applied already painted (Venetian, for example). Bulk coloring is applied to this mixture.

Care of acrylic finishes

An operational type of coating that is relatively undemanding. Pressure is applied directly from a hose to wash facades. A vacuum cleaner is used to remove dust from the walls of the building, and a damp cloth or sponge is used to clean them. You can wash with soapy water.

Advantage	Description
Durability	Acrylic plaster is highly durable and resistant to cracking and peeling, making it a long-lasting option for walls.
Flexibility	It can adapt to minor movements in the building structure, which helps maintain its appearance over time.
Water Resistance	Acrylic plaster is resistant to moisture, which makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including humid areas.
Ease of Application	It is relatively easy to apply and can be used on various surfaces, saving time and effort during the finishing process.
Cost-Effectiveness	Despite its modern features, acrylic plaster is often available at a reasonable price compared to other high-performance finishes.

Acrylic plaster is a highly recommended option for contemporary wall finishes due to its cost-effectiveness and superior performance. Because of its durability, which guarantees that your walls will not deteriorate over time, it is an affordable choice for long-term use.

Furthermore, acrylic plaster is flexible, giving a smooth, appealing finish and fitting nicely into a variety of surfaces. Because of its adaptability, it can be used in both residential and commercial settings.

In conclusion, acrylic plaster offers you a modern, fashionable finish without breaking the bank by fusing quality and value. It is a wise choice for any renovation project because of how simple it is to apply and maintain.

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