Mechanized plastering or manual, which is better and more profitable

Selecting between plastering by machine and by hand can be difficult. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages specific to the task at hand. Knowing the differences can help you make the best decision, whether you’re a professional contractor or a homeowner wanting to update your walls.

Using specialized machinery, mechanized plastering applies plaster to large surfaces rapidly and uniformly. This approach is renowned for being effective and time-efficient, particularly when used on large projects. It might, however, necessitate a greater initial outlay of funds for qualified operators and equipment.

Conversely, manual plastering is the conventional method that depends on the plasterer’s practical abilities. This method gives you more control over the application, so it’s perfect for smaller areas or detailed work even though it might take longer to finish. Additionally, it’s usually more affordable for smaller projects.

We’ll weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each approach in this post to assist you in selecting the one that best fits your requirements and price range.

Which plaster is better manual or mechanized

Let us first define what is meant by the term "machine method." We don’t think about applying the solution with the most basic tools, like a cartridge gun or hopper.

We will contrast plastering, where a plastering machine prepares the solution and supplies it to the wall, with the manual method, which involves mixing the mixture and applying it by hand to the base.

There are many distinctions between the approaches as well as some overlaps; we will weigh the latter when determining which is superior.

We examine current disparities based on multiple standards.

1. When plastering the facades of one-story buildings manually, scaffolding or scaffolding is needed, which are not required for mechanized plastering if the surface of the “coat” is not smoothed.
2. Inspection of the condition of the wall, old coating and other preparatory operations are no different.
3. Beacons for manual processing can be mounted in increments of 1.2-1.5 m. For machine application of the solution, the beacon pitch is no more than 1 m.
4. The cost of dry plaster mixtures (SS) for machines is less.
5. Mechanical application productivity is 3 times higher (minimum).
6. The consumption of plastering materials during manual labor is higher.
7. The quality of the coating after mechanical plastering is higher due to achieving a uniform consistency, uniform application, pressing the solution with the force of spraying.
8. Equipment requirements. Manual plastering requires regular plasterer"s tools. Mechanized application requires a machine station (or plastering machine), compressor, feed gun, hoses.
9. Manual application is more labor intensive.
10. Work after application of the solution.
11. Level of required professionalism. Mechanical plastering requires mandatory training, special preparation.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when determining whether plastering walls by hand or by machine is preferable.

Mechanized plastering of walls: pros and cons

Let’s quickly review the steps involved in machine plastering.

1. As stated above, preliminary preparation, as well as priming the base, are performed in the same way as similar stages during manual application of the composition.
2. Prepare the "machinery" to perform the work (connect the machine, hoses, compressor, water, set up the equipment).
3. Pour the SS into the receiving bin. The machine, mixing water with the mixture, begins to produce a mortar mass.
4. The plasterer, holding the spray head, applies the mortar in rows to the wall. Operator servicing the station.
5. The laid mortar is leveled using the rule (for interior work).
6. Upon completion of application of the mixture, the “machinery” is cleaned, disassembled, and dried.
7. Beacons are removed by manually sealing the grooves.

The plaster mixtures used make the first distinction because, in machines where the solution is automatically prepared by the station’s working parts, the components’ uniform granulometric composition is crucial. In order to lessen the solution’s adherence to the interior surfaces of the plaster material’s supply paths, the manufacturer also adds additives to the dry mixture.

Builders are able to employ mixtures that aren’t meant for mechanical plastering, but they still need to take precautions against high filler or binder fractions and inferior materials seeping through.

Impressive benefits of mechanized plastering include the following:

1. Since the preparation of the working mixture is carried out in the machine, dust formation in the room is minimal.
2. SS for machine plastering is cheaper, so money is saved when purchasing factory-made compositions.
3. The consumption of the solution is several times less than with manual plastering. Again – savings.
4. The mass thrown under pressure lies more densely and holds more tenaciously to the base.
5. When applied, due to the entrained air, a coating is formed that is “saturated” with pores through which the walls breathe better, and the desired microclimate is maintained in the room.
6. Due to the increase in porosity, the ability of the coating to retain heat increases.
7. The likelihood of shrinkage of the applied layer decreases, which entails a decrease in the possibility of cracking and chipping.
8. Dense application increases the strength of the coating (the material does not crumble when screwing in screws).
9. After leveling, the layer does not require puttying (applies only to gypsum compositions).
10. Higher quality of the plaster "dough" prepared by the machine"s augers. The machine stores information about the proportions of different compositions in its memory. The operator only needs to select the mode.
11. Small number of workers (but not less than two, and more often three people).
12. Low cost of work. Please note (we are not talking about the price).
13. The coating laid by the machine lasts longer.

The drawbacks of using a machine to plaster:

1. Expensive equipment is used to perform the work, it is necessary to hire a team of specialists.
2. Some plastering machines require a three-phase connection, which is not available at every site.
3. Increased energy consumption.
4. When spraying indoors, severe pollution is possible.
5. The period of possible work is reduced due to the noise produced by the mechanisms. Plastering cannot be done at night or in the evening.
6. The machine and compressor require maintenance immediately before and after plastering. It is also necessary to wash and dry the equipment after finishing the work.
7. The method is not suitable for plastering curved surfaces (for example, columns).
8. Special corners are needed for machine plastering of internal corners.
9. Features of applying the solution lead to the creation of a coating that requires long drying. Finishing of the walls is possible only a week after the completion of plastering.
10. Also, the features of the created layer affect the possibility of tiling. Tiles do not hold well, over time they snap off.
11. With cement mixtures, the productivity of the machine decreases.
12. A lot of space is required to place the compressor, SM and hoses, which is lacking in small rooms.

Advantages and disadvantages of manual plastering

The articles in the "Plastering" section will give you a detailed introduction to plastering technology.

Let’s take a quick look at the order:

1. Preparing the base.
2. Preparing the mixture (using a mixer or mortar mixer).
3. Installing beacons.
4. Applying the solution (1 to 3 passes).
5. Grouting.
6. Removing beacon profiles, sealing grooves.
7. Puttying.
8. Drying before finishing.

1. Even a beginner, after some practice, can apply plaster mortar manually to the base with ordinary plastering tools.
2. No need for expensive equipment.
3. Possibility of step-by-step repairs (when not the entire house needs to be renovated, but individual rooms).
4. You can work at any time convenient for the owner, including at night.
5. Possibility of plastering and careful processing of hard-to-reach areas, curved surfaces.
6. Possibility of direct control and adjustment during each operation.
7. Less difficulties with the selection of components for the mixture (the composition is selected independently).
8. Easier to find contractors.
9. Since the solutions are prepared in small batches, it is easier to switch from gypsum compositions to cement ones (for example, for plastering a bathroom after a kitchen or living room rooms).

1. Manual labor is more labor-intensive than mechanized. High physical strain. When plastering large areas, more workers will be needed to speed up the work.
2. It is necessary to prepare three types of compositions (splash, base – soil, cover).
3. High consumption of plastering materials.
4. Low productivity.

What is cheaper

It will take intricate calculations to determine which plastering method—manual or machine—will cost more. In actuality, the size of the areas that need to be plastered determines how profitable machine processing is. The area is more profitable the larger it is.

When the area of the premises to be plastered (based on the size of the floor) exceeds 150-200 square meters, it is thought that mechanized plastering starts to take the place of manual plastering.

What is better to choose and in which case

A table that weighs the advantages and disadvantages of both manual and machine plastering will make the decision process easier.

Plastering can be done manually or mechanized, depending on the requirements of the project, the finish you want, and your budget. Large spaces and constrained timelines are best suited for mechanized plastering since it is faster and more reliable. But it needs skilled operators and specific equipment.

However, plastering by hand gives you greater control and flexibility—especially when working on smaller or more intricate areas. The attention to detail can result in a more polished finish, even though it might take longer.

The choice ultimately depends on your particular circumstances. Take into account your budget, the project’s scope, and the difficulty of the work. Each approach has benefits, so the optimal decision will rely on your top priorities.

The main considerations when choosing between mechanized and manual plastering are quality, cost, and time. Large projects are best suited for mechanized plastering because it is quicker and more effective at covering large areas. Nevertheless, it frequently necessitates a larger initial equipment investment. Even though it takes longer, manual plastering is more meticulous and can be more economical for smaller or more complex projects. The decision ultimately comes down to the particular requirements of the project as well as financial factors.

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