Barite plaster – application technology

Because of its special qualities, bentonite plaster is becoming more and more popular in construction. This particular plaster is well-known for having a high density and superior radiation shielding qualities, which make it the perfect option for some construction projects. Knowing how to apply barite plaster correctly is critical for any project where radiation protection is required, such as those in laboratories or healthcare facilities.

Because barite plaster has different properties from regular plaster mixes, it must be applied carefully and precisely. Every stage, from surface preparation to layer application, is critical to the longevity and efficacy of the plaster. By using the proper techniques, you can accomplish a finish that is durable, smooth, and complies with all safety requirements.

This post will walk you through the application of barite plaster, offering step-by-step directions and advice to help you get the greatest results. Whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, this guide will give you the skills you need to handle this special material with ease.

Step Description
Surface Preparation Clean the wall from dust, dirt, and loose particles. Apply a primer to ensure better adhesion.
Mixing Mix barite plaster with water according to the manufacturer"s instructions until you achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Application Apply the plaster to the wall using a trowel, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Layering For increased thickness, apply multiple layers, allowing each to dry before adding the next.
Smoothing Use a smoothing tool to level the plaster and remove any excess material.
Drying Allow the plaster to dry completely before any further finishing or painting.

In industrial and medical contexts, barite plaster is a specialized material that is used to create radiation-shielding surfaces. In order to ensure an even, protective layer, the application process entails preparing the surface, carefully applying the plaster, and mixing it to the proper consistency. Adhering to specific steps and guidelines is imperative in order to achieve the desired protective properties through proper technique. To guarantee efficient and secure outcomes, this article will walk you through the essential elements of working with barite plaster.

Properties and application.

Such plaster practically does not differ in physical properties from conventional mixtures, with the exception of one important fact. It protects against harmful x-ray and gamma radiation. The special properties of the composition are ensured by the presence of the main component – ​​barite sand. This is a mineral ingredient whose chemical composition is barium sulfate. It is usually a coarse, insoluble salt. For plaster, a granular version is usually used with a granule cross-section of no more than 1.25 mm.
In addition to barite sand, plaster can also include its crushed version – barite dust, but since inhaling such dust is dangerous for humans, this option is used extremely rarely, so as not to cause more harm than good.

The typical river or sea sand serves as the filler, with barite sand serving as the primary ingredient. However, high-grade cement, such as M300, M400, or M500, is needed to bind it. If a different type of cement is used, the mixture won’t be as good and will crumble and break even after it’s applied. You might find tiny concentrations of regular sand.

Polymer components and plasticizers are added to barite plaster to make it suitable for application.It was previously mixed with PVA glue, and this method is still in use. The composition of barite plaster will change if magnesia powder is added to the mixture to enhance its quality.

The target market has very little purchasing power. Healthcare organizations and medical facilities are the primary buyers of these compositions. This plaster is used in radiology departments, tomography rooms, denture clinics, and other settings where X-ray machines are used to take pictures.

Institutions and research centers that use X-ray and gamma-ray emitting equipment are also possible users of these plasters. Other organizations may also utilize this type of coating when outfitting bomb shelters and other strategically significant buildings.

Barite plaster – application technology.

This plaster, in contrast to most beginning construction mixtures, is applied in a fairly thick layer. To guarantee excellent protection of the premises inside or outside, this is required. It measures roughly 25 mm. The area needs to be ready for processing before plaster is applied to the walls and ceiling. Every element that lessens the composition’s adherence to the treated surface and promotes its separation is removed.

The walls are cleaned of old decorative coating layers, stains are eliminated, and if required, degreased. Unstable fragments are removed in order to treat cracks and seams.

Using a primer is the next step in the preparation process. It is chosen according to the base, but usage is required. The primer’s main goal is to strengthen the base in order to promote adhesion.

Plaster mesh installation completes the preparation process. If a thick, multi-layer coating is to be applied, then installation is a must. As a result, a mesh needs to be inserted between each layer. By doing this, the coating will have the highest level of mechanical impact resistance. The mesh is fastened to the base with screws. Utilizing an electric drill equipped with a screwdriver attachment can optimize the process’s speed.

Any plaster layer should have a thickness of no more than 5 mm. Ten millimeters is the maximum allowed layer thickness.

This is because the composition holds moisture for an extended period of time after application; therefore, the layer should be reduced to expedite the process. Painting beacons may be used to regulate the layer’s thickness.

It is important to install plaster under ideal circumstances, which means that the air temperature shouldn’t drop below +15 degrees. The composition must be kept in the same conditions until it dries completely, which could take up to three days depending on the brand and layer thickness. Some manufacturers advise extending the time frame to one or two weeks.

It is advised to move on to applying the subsequent layer once the first one has completely dried. A primer is also applied to the dried surface. Additionally, you can draw a grid or stripes on the primary layer that is still damp to increase adhesion.

The final layer to be applied is sanded to apply a decorative coating once it has dried. This is required because the coating is typically gray in color. As you can see, barite plaster is simple to apply and works similarly to other surface coatings in terms of technology.

Barite plaster consumption and methods of calculating the amount.

In order to accurately determine the layer thickness, one must adhere to the applicable building codes that regulate the use of materials like barite plaster. Since the lead coating serves as the primary shield against X-rays, the composition’s mass and volume are recalculated using the lead equivalent.

The computation is flawed because different manufacturers may use different amounts of barite filler in the mixture even with the established guidelines. Eighty-five percent of the total composition is the maximum acceptable minimum. A manufacturer’s concentration can range from 85% to 95%. When this happens, they use the supporting documentation, which includes a table in the technical documentation for the X-ray equipment that can be used to recalculate the layer thickness to a lead equivalent. Additionally, the manufacturers include the rate of material consumption in the supporting documentation.

For initial design calculations, a rough norm of 20 kg of barite plaster with a consumption of 10 mm per m2 of coating can be used. The value must be multiplied by 1.8 if the minimum layer thickness is 18 mm.

The norm has to be increased by nine times if the layer is larger—for instance, by 90 mm. Getting the entire surface area to be coated shouldn’t be too difficult, though. Its value must be multiplied by the calculated amount. It is important to follow the ratio of 1 kg of dry mixture to 1/4 liter of water when diluting with water. However, the amount of liquid can be changed based on related factors, such as temperature or cement’s absorption capacity, and this solution formula is not required.

Market offers and price range.

Without exaggeration, Runit’s fullmix barite plaster leads the market in sales among these mixtures. It is the least expensive item in the range. Nevertheless, fullmix special X-ray protective barite plaster has a high enough quality and is made mostly of large fractions of ground barite concentrate, indicating that the composition is safe. In addition to other industry representatives, we can showcase blends from the following brands:

  • Aksit;
  • Flagman;
  • Alfapol;
  • Sorel;
  • Etalon;
  • Rosi.

This is barite plaster as well, which is even sold online. You have a few options because the cost of 1 kg of the mixture varies based on its composition.

It is quite difficult to purchase this kind of building material in a typical retail chain or on the construction market due to the low demand for it. Purchasing an entire batch from a manufacturer or distributor is considerably simpler. In addition, you can be certain that you bought barite plaster rather than a fake due to the composition’s protective qualities. It will probably be sold at wholesale.

The entire cost per square meter of coating is determined by a number of factors, including the price of raw materials, the labor of specialists, consumables like paint mesh, and the equipment’s depreciation. Furthermore, there may be significant regional differences in the price range per square meter.

For instance, in the city, they will charge between $10 and $20 per square meter of treated surface; however, the outback payment will be substantially less. Furthermore, the technology used to apply barite plaster does not call for specialized knowledge in building.

If you want to improve the radiation resistance of your walls, barite plaster is a dependable option, especially in areas where radiation is present. Because of its special qualities, it is the best material for use in labs, medical facilities, and other specialized areas.

Barite plaster application calls for meticulous attention to detail, from mixing to final surface smoothing. Adhering to the proper protocol guarantees the plaster’s efficacy as well as the finish’s longevity and durability.

It is essential for anyone wishing to take on this task to comprehend the application technology. Applying barite plaster correctly can add value to any area while ensuring safety and aesthetic appeal.

Video on the topic

Barite plastering

24 Barite

Baryte panel Abris. Radiation protection

#astana.Dental office office.finishing, barite plaster.Order services 87073568851.

Baryte plaster

What type of plaster do you prefer to use in your projects?
Share to friends
Elena Sokolova

Architect and interior designer with a deep interest in traditional and modern methods of wall finishing. On the site I share tips on choosing materials and techniques that help create a cozy and stylish space.

Rate author
Kaskad-M.com
Add a comment