One essential step in getting a room ready for a polished, finished look is plastering brick walls. Plastering correctly guarantees a smooth, long-lasting surface that is prepared for painting or other finishes, whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing one.
Applying mortar is not the only step in the process. Every choice you make, from knowing the right methods to choosing the appropriate materials, affects the outcome. Understanding which plaster mixtures are ideal for brick and how to apply them correctly is crucial.
We’ll walk you through the fundamentals of plastering brick walls in this guide. You will gain knowledge of the supplies, methods, and crucial elements that are crucial to attaining a high-quality finish.
Plaster or facing brick?
When laying the foundation, the type of façade finishing has to be chosen. Face bricks, after all, greatly increase the load, so its weight will have to be considered.
Furthermore, this type of brick needs its own support and connecting to load-bearing walls, so it’s best to build the walls first and the support later. The best course of action is not to top up and dig up the foundation later.
Naturally, brick cladding is extremely durable and won’t require updating for the duration of the building. If you choose a low-quality facing brick, it is not realistic to replace the facade partially; instead, it must be completely removed and replaced with a new one.
Additionally, keep in mind that brick finishing is only permitted in low-rise construction per building codes. It’s not applied to tall structures. If more rigidity is needed in the walls, it is a problem for older homes. In this instance, the foundation needs to be entirely replaced or topped off.
Plaster finishing is not without its drawbacks. Periodically, cracks will need to be sealed and paint needs to be renewed. However, shrinkage cracks can occur in brick as well as plaster.
Plaster finishing will be less expensive. The foundation and support do not need to be strengthened, and cement-sand mortar is far less expensive. Plastered walls can be readily repaired again, with minor and major flaws being easily fixed. Plastering is also a simple process that even inexperienced artisans can perform.
What can be used for plastering
The most common mixture for rough finishing brick walls is cement and sand. Its benefits include affordability, resistance to moisture, durability, and ease of self-preparation.
Only mortars based on cement are used for brick work that is done outside. You can use both gypsum and cement for work inside the house.
Gypsum mortars
Plasters made of gypsum are less likely to shrink, easier to apply, and more flexible. Because of their smaller particle size, their coatings are smooth and require less finishing—in some cases, you can get away with using no putty at all. You can work with them easily. They cost about 10-15% more than regular cement, if you do not include mixtures with additives that improve the product’s price.
However, gypsum plasters can be used in rooms with normal humidity levels because they absorb moisture well and lose strength. Bathrooms, showers, bathtubs, and swimming pools are not equipped with them without additional tiling or waterproofing.
In terms of strength, cement is superior to gypsum plaster.
Cement -based mixtures
Naturally, the kind of mixture used affects the coating’s quality. Cement M150-200 is used in the production of cement-sand mixtures for internal work. Cement grades M300 and higher serve as the foundation for more robust compositions.
A significant portion of sand is used as a filler for black plaster. The aligning finish uses small sand. It is not advised to use solutions containing it to create the primary black coating because the layer may crack if it is too thick.
The type of cement used determines how much sand is added to the mixture. In order to give the final cement-sand mixture specific qualities, such as plasticity, resistance to frost, increased surface adhesion, etc., additives are frequently added.
Gypsum can be added to the mixture to enhance its plasticity as well as the plaster’s adhesion and thermal insulation capabilities. Additionally, it can absorb surplus moisture, which enhances the interior microclimate. On the other hand, gypsum releases moisture in the event of its absence. In other words, because gypsum composition plaster has high vapor permeability, it allows walls to "breathe."
Ready-made mixtures for leveling
After making the required material purchases, it will be less expensive to prepare the plaster yourself for a large project. However, you must be certain of the caliber of the final product. It is simpler to choose ready-made dry mixes, which are widely available on the construction market, if you haven’t tried the recipe yet.
The following are some instances of well-known brands of gypsum and cement-sand mixtures:
- Ceresit CT29: based on cement with microfibers, has good hygroscopicity and resistance to temperature fluctuations;
- Knauf (Adhesive): cement with lime for rough work using a spray solution;
- Knauf (Unterputz) for rough finishing of wet rooms;
- Osnovit Flywell T-24: cement-based with lightweight filler, economical, can be used on any surface, including brick, has high heat and sound insulation;
- Starateli: highly plastic cement-sand or universal cement-sand with the addition of materials that increase its frost resistance;
- Starateli (Mixter): cement and gypsum-based for interior decoration;
- Hercules (cement-sand): very durable and moisture-resistant composition with good adhesion;
- Hercules (lime-cement): used only for interior decoration;
- Volma (Aquaplast): with lightweight filler, can be used for both facades and interior work:
- Yunis (Silin facade): with special additives that increase frost resistance;
- Yunis for interior work and wet rooms.
| Topic | Details |
| Choosing the Right Material | Select a cement-lime or gypsum-based plaster mix designed for brick surfaces. Consider the environment and moisture levels. |
| Surface Preparation | Clean the brick wall thoroughly, removing dust and old plaster. Dampen the wall slightly to help the plaster adhere better. |
| Application Process | Apply a base coat using a trowel, then smooth it out evenly. Let it dry before adding additional layers for a smoother finish. |
| Important Nuances | Always check for cracks or damage in the bricks before starting. Work in small sections to maintain consistency in the plaster application. |
A smooth, long-lasting finish on brick walls requires meticulous attention to detail. Selecting the proper plaster mixture is essential. Because cement-based plaster is strong and resistant to moisture, it’s frequently the best option for brick. But it’s equally crucial to mix it properly and apply it with the appropriate technique.
Plastering is a multi-step process that includes cleaning the surface, applying a bonding agent, and layering the plaster carefully. Exact execution of every step is necessary to prevent common problems such as uneven surfaces or cracking. Investing the necessary time now will pay off later on in terms of headaches avoided.
Recall that preparation and patience are essential. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced do-it-yourselfer, following these tips will help you give your brick walls a polished appearance. You can create a smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface out of rough brickwork by using the appropriate tools and methods.
It’s crucial to select the appropriate materials, apply them correctly, and pay attention to little details that can affect the finish’s longevity in order to plaster brick walls correctly. Your decisions will be guided by an understanding of the brick type, surface condition, and surrounding environment, which will ensure a seamless and long-lasting outcome.
