Classical and modern mineral plaster is the leader in finishing works

Mineral plaster has endured and is still a common option for wall finishing in both traditional and contemporary environments. This adaptable material provides a dependable solution whether you’re remodeling a historic structure or adding a touch of elegance to a modern area. Because of its natural makeup, it is an environmentally friendly choice that meets the rising demand for sustainable building materials.

Why does mineral plaster last for so long? Though the smooth, natural finish is certainly appealing, it’s not just about looks. This kind of plaster is well-suited for a range of settings due to its resilience, breathability, and capacity to control indoor humidity. Over the years, these characteristics have kept it at the forefront of wall finishing techniques.

Mineral plaster is now available in a variety of formulations to meet various needs. There is a product for every project, ranging from contemporary pre-mixed versions to classic lime-based mixtures. Because of this adaptability, builders and homeowners can take advantage of the material’s natural qualities while still achieving the desired aesthetic.

Type of Plaster	Main Features
Classical Mineral Plaster	Made from natural materials like lime and cement; durable, breathable, and great for historical restorations.
Modern Mineral Plaster	Enhanced with additives for improved flexibility and resistance; easier to apply and more versatile for contemporary designs.

What is mineral plaster

The most basic type of mineral plaster is created by diluting cement, gypsum, or other mineral binders with water, adding sand or other mineral materials as a filler, and then blending everything together. (MS). Its name derives from the kind of binder that controls the plaster mixture’s primary attributes.

Types of mineral plaster

Mineral plasters have united into a single, large family with distinct members:

• Cinderellas for rough work – simple compositions;
• orderlies who cure chronic dampness of walls use sanitizing compounds that prevent the appearance of efflorescence;
• “jammers” – acoustic plasters that form soundproofing screens;
• “fur coats” – heat-insulating or warm compounds for thermal insulation of walls;
• border guards – waterproofing plasters 100% waterproof;
• plyushkins, collecting shiny pebbles, mica, perlite, shell fragments, glitter, are structural plasters;
• "old ladies" – craquelure dressed up as antique;
• beautiful Vasilisas – Venetians.

Furthermore, they currently manufacture mixtures, also known as mineral decorative plaster.

Complete, as intended, it is:

• decorative;
• ordinary;
• special.

By application location:

• mixtures for interior decoration;
• mineral plasters for facades (with additives that contribute to the durability of the coating);
• universal.

All of this variety is achieved by adjusting the composition’s additives, types, and proportions.

By size of fractions

Fractions are portions of the bulk filler material that are divided up according to particle size.

• up to 0.5 mm – fine-textured (in fact, this is stone flour, for Venetians, Moroccans);
• small-textured – 5-1 mm (for rooms);
• 5-3.0 – medium-textured (universal);
• large-textured (for facades) — 3.5-4.0 mm;
• > 5 mm — rough-textured.

The surface texture and workability, as well as the quantity of binder needed, are all determined by the fraction’s fineness.

By application effect

Textured and structural mixtures are the two varieties, and they accomplish the effect in different ways. The first uses color and application techniques to give the walls a decorative appearance. The second involves using different fillers with varying ganulometric compositions and applying the solution in different ways. What is easily accomplished with a structural mixture—such as a surface with a bark beetle effect—cannot be accomplished with a textured mixture. Moroccan, craquelure, and Venetian cannot be done by structural ones.

Along with ready-made decorative compositions for emulating the effects of "bark beetle," fur coats, travertine, Venetian, American, wet silk, and others, dry mixtures are also produced.

Depending on the filler

Fillers are substances that are added to the mixture to lessen the need for costly binders and to help the hardened solution form a skeleton-like structure. They prevent cracking by drastically reducing the hardening mass’s shrinkage and, in certain situations, adding new properties to the composition.

Most fillers don’t react chemically, which means they are inert.

• light (using a filler with a bulk density of < 1000 kg / m3, you get lightweight mineral plaster);
• heavy (bulk density> 1000 kg / m3).

Light filler varieties consist of:

• expanded vermiculite;
• sawdust;
• pumice;
• charcoal;
• slags;
• chopped straw, etc.

List of thickening agents:

• sand;
• rock flour;
• stone chips;
• clay.

These compositions range from coarse-grained (> 5 mm) to fine-grained (< 05 mm) depending on the size of the filler particles.

By kind of filler:

• decorative compositions may contain anthracite (a mixture of dark colors), glass beads, quartz sand, onyx chips, lapis lazuli, marble;
• mosaic (with crumbs of 2-3 types of stone);
• colored (with blue, yellow, red clay);
• terrasite (contains mica);
• asbestos-cement (fire-resistant, does not crack due to asbestos fibers, resistant to low temperatures, waterproof: in private construction for thermal insulation rarely used);
• pebble.

Composition and characteristics of mineral plasters

Fundamental elements of the composition:

1. Binder: one type in simple compositions, for example, cement; two or three types of binders – in complex compositions. Of which one is the main one, the second is auxiliary, for example, cement-lime, etc.
2. Filler (depending on the type of composition – light, structuring or insulating, or heavy).
3. Plasticizers (substances that make it easier to lay a mixture of PVA, etc.d.).
4. Modifying additives (fire retardants, biocides, anti-freeze).
5. Pigments (natural or synthetic dyes).
6. Drinking tap water or precipitation (clean, with zero acidity, without sulfates).).

A formula that expresses the proportional-volume ratio of binders and filler as 1:3 or 1:1:4 can be used to express the ratio of the solution’s constituent parts. The first digit represents the primary knitting, such as cement; the second (of three) represents additional binding, such as gypsum or lime; and the final digit represents filler. A cement-asbestic 1: 4 record, for instance, indicates that 4 parts of asbestos are taken for every 1 part of cement. For a cement-license solution, record 1: 1: 5 indicates that they take one part of cement and one part of dough (lime), and five parts of sand.

Among the traits are:

• specific (excluding pores) / volumetric weight (bulk), kg / m3;
• proportions of dilution of water;
• strength (expressed in the brand of finishing coating kg/cm2);
• time of grasping (life), min;
• maximum / minimum possible layer thickness;
• approximate expense at 1m2;
• air temperature and humidity;
• adhesion (tenacious);
• Drying/set of full strength.

Advantages and disadvantages of mineral plaster

In essence, the composition determines these properties.

• environmentally friendly;
• durable;
• vapor permeable;
• fireproof;
• inexpensive;
• unusual;
• high -adhesive;
• not afraid of moisture;
• Frost -resistant.

• afraid of vibrations, the smallest movements or deformations of the foundation;
• less resistant to ultraviolet radiation;
• The mixtures should be stored in a dry place and in sealed packaging;
• not elastic

Comparison with other plaster mixtures

Cement is typically used to make exterior mineral facade plaster. These combinations are less expensive for the homeowner than alternative kinds, stick to the base well, and are frequently used for finishing as well as rough finishing (leveling walls). However, because of increased fracturing, it is not advised to use it in areas with seismic hazard where there are nearby railway tracks. Because of their elasticity, silicone and acrylic compounds perform better in this situation. The color palette of these two kinds is richer.

The following conclusions can be drawn from a comparison with silicone, acrylic, and silicate without accounting for special mixtures:

• Due to the lack of elasticity, mineral plaster is not suitable for areas with increased seismicity, near railway lines, where it becomes covered with cracks, loses to elastic silicone or acrylic.
• Due to availability, as well as the low price of the components of the composition, mineral is cheaper to buy than other types.
• In terms of safety, comfort created, mineral is preferable in residential premises, especially lime, gypsum or clay.
• In terms of strength, MS is not inferior to others.
• Acrylic loses out to others when applied to facades, since it is not very resistant to ultraviolet radiation, quickly fades. It is also not applicable near flame sources, in places with high temperatures. It is not recommended to use it in bedrooms or living rooms due to low vapor permeability.
• Silicate is suitable for facades, not suitable for indoor use, since it releases harmful substances during application and hardening. It is more expensive, requires silicate primer, special paints (also expensive).
• Silicone is significantly ahead of all other types in terms of high cost. However, it outperforms them in terms of working quality. For facades, due to the price advantage, mineral or acrylic is used more often than silicone.

Use

Coverage: nearly all kinds of leveling work, mostly aesthetic. Lime or gypsum compositions are helpful in situations where cement compositions aren’t the best option. Gypsum mixtures are used, for instance, in walls that are weak and cannot support the weight of thick cement coatings.

Application for primary rough work

One could argue that mineral plasters are hard to replace in this situation. It is applied as a protective layer to sheet insulation, used to level the house’s facade, walls, ceilings, and floors, and covered pipes with asbestos-cement mortar. The adhesive properties of the solutions and the maximum and minimum allowable layer thickness (for clay compositions) are significant for primary work. Only smooth substrates, like plastic and smooth concrete, can withstand MSs.

Application for interior work

For interior applications, lime or gypsum are typically used to make mineral plasters. When the amount of moisture in the air is high, they take it in and release it when it is low. Mixtures of lime and gypsum are preferred in living rooms, bedrooms, and even toilets because they control and create a pleasant microclimate.

Insulation in areas directly in contact with water must be installed before using in highly humid rooms.

Application for outdoor work

Cement serves as the primary binder for mineral plaster because of the harsh outdoor environment. The walls of homes, fences, retaining walls, and gazebos are covered in mineral compositions. It’s common to find lightweight compositions used as wall insulation. Mineral waterproofing solutions are used to protect the basement and foundation from surface and ground water. Mineral winter mixtures in the winter.

Application for decorative final work

Use ornamental plaster to adorn interior walls; choose mixtures made of colored clay, gypsum, white cement, or lime. The most common types of mixtures are dry or premade. Plasters come in two primary varieties: textured and structural. Their application methods vary based on the desired outcome. The pattern can be created using specific trowel movements (like Versailles), drying techniques (like craquelure), cutting techniques (like sgrafitto), stenciling, or other makeshift methods.

Bark beetle, Venetian, and travertine are common combinations. Coarse-grained compositions and pebble or terrazzo plasters are used to cover the walls of stairwells, loggias, and basements. Combinations containing medium or fine filler in rooms. The majority of interior finishing is done by hand. The coating is painted, waxed, or varnished after it dries. These coatings are washable in a few weeks.

Consumption of mineral plaster per sq. m

This value—the average value is listed on the manufacturer’s packaging—depends on the kind of plaster used, the size of the filler grains, the finish type, and the degree of expertise. The consumption of analogs from various manufacturers can vary as well. A further factor influencing consumption is base surface quality. There will be more consumption if the base is uneven. Smooth plasters have the least amount of consumption. Venetian plaster consumption: 70–200 g/m^2. Grain of 3.5 mm in bark beetles is more readily consumed. It takes 2.5–4 kg for 1 m2.

Mineral plaster, both traditional and contemporary, is now the material of choice for finishing projects because of its strength, adaptability, and natural composition. Whether you’re going for a more modern finish or a classic appearance, mineral plaster offers a dependable, environmentally responsible option that endures. This material is a favorite among professionals and homeowners alike because it combines the best aspects of tradition and innovation.

Technique for applying mineral plaster

Plaster application can be done in a number of ways. This is dependent upon both the layer’s effect and processing technique. However, for the majority of techniques, there are general details that will be discussed below.

Preparing walls before plastering

Prepare the base before applying the plaster mixtures. The most difficult type is the Venetian, which makes all irregularities obvious. Structured and volumetric textured mixtures require less effort.

Old base with poor adhesion is eliminated. Cracks and potholes are filled in. Use a mesh if the leveling layer is thick. Take out any rusting metal objects and clean the surface to remove any paint, grease, mold, or dust stains. After that, apply a layer of leveling primer.

Beacons are positioned if the walls are level. Mark the lines of the design, apply masking tape along the edges of the sections, and make preliminary markings before adding decorative finishing. The soft insulation has a painting or plaster mesh attached to it.

Tool

For use at work:

• buckets;
• trowels;
• graters;
• trowels;
• brushes;
• spatulas;
• rollers (for priming, applying texture, painting);
• sponges;
• rule;
• level;
• mixer;
• containers;
• masking tape;
• rags, etc.

Application

The application can be either single- or multi-layered, based on the finishing method used. The decorative mixture can be applied in a variety of ways. Using a trowel, you can move it to the wall in a straight line or in arcs while holding the tool at a 15-degree angle to the wall’s surface. Certain techniques call for applying wet on dry with an output on the wet, or wet on wet (beginning a stroke on the mortar that has already been laid). There are methods that involve moving the trowel’s ends in islands or using a roller to transfer the mixture in a thin layer.

The traditional method for applying an even layer calls for using a trowel to apply the material vertically, beginning in the room’s corner and working your way toward the next corner. They make an effort to apply the solution in as thin a layer as possible. Following the targeted area’s (1–1.5 m2) filling, the layer is thinned and smoothed out. They then start applying the fix to the subsequent area. Given the brief shelf life of mineral mixtures, they operate swiftly. They start plastering the next row after they’ve reached the corner. And so forth, until the wall has been fully plastered.

If you need to take a break, masking tape is attached to the wall and plastered with a small overlap. The tape is removed. Before continuing with the layer application after a break, tape is placed over the edge of the laid layer.

For finishing walls, mineral plaster—whether classical or modern—continues to be a top option due to its strength, breathability, and adaptability. This kind of plaster has endured over time, demonstrating its value in a variety of settings, including modern and traditional residences.

Modern variations of classical mineral plaster offer new possibilities, such as improved performance and a wider variety of textures and finishes, while still maintaining its timeless appeal. Because of these developments, mineral plaster is now both fashionable and dependable, encouraging interior designers to be creative.

In the end, mineral plaster’s continuing appeal in both classical and modern forms is a testament to its unparalleled capacity to produce exquisite, long-lasting finishes that can be tailored to any taste or need. A foundation that genuinely elevates the space is provided by mineral plaster, whether you’re going for a traditional style or a modern twist.

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