Choosing construction sand for plastering

The kind of construction sand you use for plastering walls has a significant impact on the outcome. Your choice of sand can affect the smoothness of the finish as well as the plaster’s long-term durability. Choosing the best option can seem overwhelming because there are so many to consider.

Achieving the best result requires an understanding of the distinctions between different types of construction sand. The performance of the sand once it is applied to the walls and how well it mixes with other materials are both influenced by factors such as grain size, purity, and source.

This post will discuss the various kinds of construction sand that are frequently used for plastering and provide advice on which kind is best for your particular job. Choosing the correct sand is essential for a successful plastering project, regardless of experience level or do-it-yourselfer status.

Types of sand

There are three types of construction sand based on its origin:

• River. It is mined in river beds. It contains practically no clay impurities, as well as large fragments. The surface of the grains is smoother than quarry sand. The solution prepared on its basis does not shrink when hardening.
• Quarry. The chemical composition and the amount of impurities contained depend on the place of extraction. For the most part, these are quartz minerals, mica and feldspar. Sharp edges of the particles provide good adhesion. Due to impurities in the composition, plaster with such sand gives a slight shrinkage. It is noticeably cheaper than river sand.
• Obtained artificially, by crushing rock. The main component is quartz. It is used to make durable and chemically resistant plaster.

The size of the sand grains distinguishes three fractions of this bulk material:

• Large. Granna 2-4 mm.
• Average. Granna 0.5-2 mm.
• Small. Granna 0.25-0.5 mm.

Which is better to use for plaster

The decision is based on the kind of work that is done. Remember the thickness of the purported plaster. Naturally, you should knead a fine-fractional aggregate if you need to create a coating that is 3–4 mm thick; otherwise, do the opposite.

Career sand works better for soil and spraying. It sticks to the wall surface better and has more sharp edges. Usually, artificial or river stone makes up the decorative finishing layer.

Very fine, dusty sand is the kind that you do not need to purchase at all. It provides incredibly poor adhesion, making it unsuitable for preparing high-quality solutions.

To achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish, it’s essential to choose the proper type and grain size of construction sand for plastering. A rougher texture can be produced by coarser sand, and cracks can result from too fine sand. For best results, use medium-grain sand that is free of silt and clay particles. It offers a consistent surface with good adhesion. Plastering will go more smoothly and expertly if you take the time to select the appropriate sand.

Technical properties according to GOST

This regulatory document categorizes construction sand into two quality-based classes. Furthermore, the grain size of this bulk material is separated into the following groups: large, medium, small, very small, fine, and very fine.

The maximum allowable proportions of grains of a specific size are specified in GOST 8736-93.

The maximum percentage of clayey and dusty particles is regulated in this document:

Note: The percentage of dusty and clayey grains in class II sand of very fine fraction can be raised to 7% with the buyer’s consent.

Construction sand producers are expected to disclose to the customer the following physical and chemical characteristics:

• mineral and petrographic composition indicating the amount of minerals related to harmful impurities;
• proportion of organic impurities;
• true density;
• void ratio.

How to sift correctly

Sand needs to be sifted before being added to the building mixture. The ideal mesh for this is thin wire woven mesh.

GOST 3826-82 sets forth the requirements for them. The standard assigns a cell accuracy ranking to two groups of grids. The first is employed to guarantee the bulk material’s precise granulometric composition. The second is for clearing out big debris and sifting. One product from the first category is selected for the sieve.

There shouldn’t be any obvious flaws in the mesh, such as kinks, diverging loops, ripped sections, etc. Dimensions in millimeters by width: 1300 mm, 1500 mm, 1800 mm, 2000 mm. Edges or no edges can be used in their production. The ends are trimmed or bent when there is no edge. The completed product is offered for sale as rolls.

A basic hand sieve will be constructed from a bar-knocked together homemade wooden frame and mesh. Additionally, the apparatus is designed as a screen onto which sand is tossed with a shovel during the sifting process.

Using a sieve screen, sort the sand as follows:

• Place the sieve screen in a convenient place for work. It is advisable to place a large trough under it where the sifted material will fall.
• Uncleaned sand is thrown onto the mesh with a shovel. The mass that does not pass through the sieve will accumulate on the front side.
• If the sand is saturated with moisture, periodically shake out the stuck lumps.

Proportions in the solution

Sand is added to dry finishing mixtures as a filler; in this instance, cement, lime, gypsum, or clay can serve as binders. The filler has a direct impact on the finish’s specific gravity, strength, particle adhesion, shrinkage, thermal insulation qualities, and appearance.

When it comes to the final two metrics, it falls far short of other materials like slag, pumice, and marble chips. Furthermore, it occasionally contains "zeolites," which cause efflorescence to form on the plaster’s surface.

For the reasons listed above, builders try to avoid using sand mixtures as finishing finishes. But in all other cases, this filler is used because it is the most readily available and, consequently, least expensive.

In our article, we went into great detail about barite sand for X-ray protective plaster.

The two primary sand-finishing techniques for plaster that are most frequently seen in practice are cement-sand and clay-sand.

The proportion of filler to binder in cement-sand finishing mixtures is as follows:

• Spray. 1 to 2.5-4
• Primer layer.1 to 2-3
• Cover. 1 to 2

Likewise for a combination made of sand and clay:

• Spray. 1 to 3-5
• Primer layer. 1 to 3-5

Because gypsum absorbs water, cement-sand plaster is used in high-humidity areas. It is also used when its use makes financial sense, such as when a significant portion of clearly curved walls needs to be leveled.

The fat content of the clay determines how much loose filler should be added. Brick ovens are often finished with clay-sand mortar because the high temperatures cause the plaster to become stronger and more akin to brick. In this instance, the mixture is frequently supplemented with asbestos and lime at a rate of roughly 10% for each ingredient.

Since clay has a high heat conductivity, using clay-sand mortar as a primer layer is not advised. This plaster works better as a covering.

Choosing the appropriate construction sand is essential to getting a smooth and long-lasting plaster finish. Your choice of sand can have a big effect on the quality of your plastering job because it affects the final surface’s texture and durability.

For plastering, fine sand with few impurities is usually the best choice. It guarantees a seamless application and aids in preventing fractures or weak areas. In certain situations, coarse sand can be utilized, especially for undercoats, but it must be sieved to get rid of bigger particles that can damage the plaster’s finish.

Consider the consistency and cleanliness of the sand you purchase. When the plaster dries, it may shrink or crack if the sand contains an excessive amount of silt or clay. Purchasing high-quality sand from a reliable supplier is worthwhile if you want to prevent problems later on.

In the end, the type of plaster you’re using and the particular requirements of your project will determine which sand is best. Knowing the characteristics of various sands will help you make an informed choice that will result in a plastering job that turns out well.

Video on the topic

This is what alluvial sand for plaster looks like .

Construction sand Types of Application How we are deceived

Fine quarry sand for construction work: characteristics | SANDBOX | Sevastopol

Where to use which sand??

Sand selection. What kind of sand should you not buy?? Everything is in your mind

Full review of River Sand. Material for construction work

What type of SAND is good for at a construction site?. River sand. Sand Gully.Quartz sand.