How long does plaster dry: what does it depend on and how to speed up the process

One of the most crucial things to know when working on a plastering project is how long the plaster will take to dry. When you can proceed to the next steps, such as painting or decorating, depends on how long the drying process takes. Plaster drying, however, is not a situation that works for everyone. Plaster can dry slowly or quickly depending on a number of factors.

One of the main factors is the type of plaster you use. While some plasters dry quickly, others might take longer. Environmental factors, such as the room’s humidity and temperature, are also very important. The plaster layer’s thickness can also affect how long it takes to dry.

You may be wondering if there’s a way to expedite the drying process if you’re anxious to get your project done. Thankfully, there are a few methods you can employ to hasten the drying process of plaster without sacrificing its quality. You can save time and maintain the progress of your project by using these tips.

What factors affect the drying speed of walls

Any plaster mortar’s drying time is contingent upon the following factors.

1. The thickness of the applied layer. It is logical that a thicker layer will dry longer.
2. The level of humidity in the room. With an increase in humidity in the room, the drying process slows down.
3. The temperature of the base and air. With an increase in temperature, the evaporation process is activated and, conversely, practically stops when it drops critically.
4. The composition of the base and its humidity. The ability of the wall to absorb moisture significantly affects the intensity of the drying of the solution. For example, concrete practically does not absorb water, but foam concrete, red brick or gypsum, on the contrary, actively absorb it.
5. Features of the material used. The composition and properties of the applied plaster/putty significantly affect the final drying time.

It’s critical to realize that drying and hardening are two distinct ideas. A solid solution can withstand prolonged dampness (moisture saturation).

Plaster takes a certain amount of time to dry depending on a number of variables, including the type of plaster used, layer thickness, room temperature, and humidity. Although it usually takes a few days to a few weeks for the area to completely dry, you can expedite the process by opening up the ventilation, turning on a dehumidifier, or gradually heating the space. Plastering can go more smoothly and effectively if these factors are understood.

How long does it take for different compositions to dry

Each package has this manufacturer-provided information, although it is computed under ideal circumstances. This typically translates to a room temperature of 20 °C and a relative humidity of 50%. Let’s look at the most typical plaster composition types.

Mixtures based on gypsum. Perhaps the most widely used materials for indoor work are gypsum plasters and putties.

A 2 mm layer of plaster made primarily of gypsum dries completely in a day under ideal circumstances. This means that a 10 mm layer will require 5 days to complete. For instance, the manufacturer claims that the well-known Rotband dries for up to seven days.

Crucial! It is only possible to apply successive layers of gypsum coating to a primed and dry base. If not, peeling could occur, which could lead to surface destruction and cracking.

Unlike gypsum putties, alabaster (pure gypsum) is devoid of polymer additives that extend its shelf life. As a result, mixed alabaster sets between five and twenty minutes faster. Similar to plaster, it takes one to seven days to dry, depending on the layer’s thickness.

Sand-cement combinations. Materials with a cement base would make sense for rooms with high humidity levels. These solutions release moisture more readily, and it can take just 24 hours for a 10 mm layer to completely dry. Technologists advise wetting a thick layer of screed or plaster during the first two to three days following application. This is required for the cement to hydrate to a high quality.

Solutions where the knitting protrudes out of the cement. The cement-sand mortar without special modifiers gains 50% of its strength after 7 days of setting, and it reaches full hardness after 28 days.

Putty made of polymers. Polymer-based compositions, such as silicone, acrylic, and silicate, are categorized as quick-drying and are applied in thin layers of three to five millimeters.

Polymer putties typically dry indoors in 12 hours with a 3 mm layer under typical circumstances.

As a summary, I will respond to two commonly asked questions.

1. Before puttying, how long should the plaster on the walls dry? Within, we level the walls using 6 mm beacons and then wait three to five days for the surface to dry. It can take up to a week at times; this is mostly dependent on the weather and the availability of ventilation.

2. How long does the finishing putty take to dry before further finishing? Usually, we do nothing with the walls for a day after puttying. Rub, prime, and then paint or apply wallpaper every other day.

Ceiling and walls: is there a difference in drying?

When everything else is equal, the ceiling will dry faster. This is where air circulation functions. Warm air rises, absorbs moisture, and is replaced with new, warmer air.

However, in actuality, the ceiling and walls are composed of different materials that absorb moisture. Plaster can therefore take longer to dry on a concrete ceiling than it can on a red brick wall.

Take note that ceiling plastering is dwindling in popularity. Stretch ceilings and suspended plasterboard ceilings are taking the place of this.

How to speed up the process and is it possible to do this

You must establish the ideal drying conditions for the plastered walls in order to avoid postponing the task.

• It is important to provide high-quality ventilation so that the humidity in the room is naturally regulated. Drafts should not be allowed.
• The air temperature should be within 20-30°C. Exceeding this value will lead to uneven drying, and lowering the temperature to the minimum permissible +5°C will significantly slow down the process.
• When using heaters, it is important that there is no air flow directed at the damp surface. It is necessary that the plane dries evenly.
• Using dehumidifiers is the best option to speed up the drying of walls. But buying such equipment for a one-time repair is expensive. For example, a semi-professional dehumidifier with a capacity of 160 m3/h will cost about $600.

Plaster drying times can differ greatly based on a number of variables. How quickly the plaster sets depends greatly on the kind of plaster you use, how thick you apply it, and the surrounding circumstances. By being aware of these variables, you can better organize your project and steer clear of typical pitfalls.

You can use a dehumidifier to lower the humidity levels, heaters to raise the temperature, or better ventilation to expedite the drying process. It’s crucial to avoid hurrying the process too much, though, as this could result in uneven drying or cracking and lower the quality of your finish.

You can make sure that your plaster dries properly and provides a solid, smooth surface for painting or additional decoration by keeping these factors in mind and taking the necessary actions. You can avoid future costly repairs or rework by taking your time during the preparation and drying processes.

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