For your piece on the technical features of Knauf Rotband for the website "All about wall plaster," consider the following introduction:
Knauf Rotband is a dependable option if you’re looking for high-quality plaster for your building and renovation projects. This plaster, which is well-known for its outstanding performance and adaptability, is made to satisfy the needs of both novice and expert builders. Knauf Rotband is a well-liked option in the market because it provides a combination of technical features that can be used to smooth out walls or create a stunning finish.
Knauf Rotband is distinct due to its rapid application and simplicity of use. This plaster offers a strong bond to a range of surfaces thanks to its specially blended mixture, guaranteeing a long-lasting and resilient finish. It can be used on concrete, conventional masonry, and even lightweight building materials, which makes it a great option for a variety of projects.
Knauf Rotband’s workability and flexibility are two more important qualities. It enables users to work for longer periods of time, allowing them to complete tasks more slowly and with the desired finish. This flexibility reduces the possibility of cracks and flaws while also guaranteeing a smooth and even surface. This post will examine Knauf Rotband’s technical features in more detail as well as the reasons why it’s a preferred choice for plastering projects.
Because of its special technical qualities, Knauf Rotband plaster is a dependable and adaptable option for all kinds of interior wall and ceiling projects. It provides outstanding adherence to a range of surfaces, such as brick, concrete, and gypsum boards, guaranteeing a strong and long-lasting finish. Both professional contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts will find the mixture ideal because it is simple to work with, facilitates efficient application, and produces smooth surfaces. Knauf Rotband’s high vapor permeability promotes a healthy indoor environment, and its quick setting time allows for a quicker project completion.
- Types and description of Rotband plaster
- Rotband plaster technical characteristics
- Shelf life and storage conditions
- Compound
- Application
- Layer thickness
- Release form
- Color
- Fraction size
- Drying time
- Strength
- Plasticity
- Adhesion and density
- Moisture-holding capacity
- Frost resistance, moisture resistance, vapor permeability
- Thermal conductivity
- Resistance to various factors
- Consumption
- Application area
- Video on the topic
- Using Knauf Rotband plaster mix
- Plastering work with Knauf Rotband: stages of repair, surface preparation and leveling
- Rotband plaster description, purpose, characteristics
Types and description of Rotband plaster
Knauf employed a variety of strategies to draw consumers to its products in order to establish its "empire." Thus, a red ribbon sign that represented the products of one of the lines appeared on the packaging, drawing an analogy with the paper ribbon-shaped brand marks on cigars.
This accounts for the trademark’s well-known name, Rot Band, which means red ribbon. Dry mixes of gypsum plaster with various modifications are now manufactured under the red ribbon symbol, catering to various usage scenarios and conditions.
Gypsum used to be sold in its purest form, and plasterers would use it to create building solutions on the spot. This was brought about by the "capricious" nature of gypsum, which tends to harden quickly and does not hesitate for very long. Apart from its speed, another characteristic of gypsum is its capacity to take in water from the atmosphere and transform into "crackers." As a result, you may receive raw materials that are inappropriate for your company if you store it for an extended period of time without shielding it from atmospheric moisture.
The development of a retarding material and the creation of moisture-proof packaging were prerequisites for the industrial production of SS (dry plaster mixes). Creating a recipe for a composition with specific properties based on the intended use is the only task remaining.
Gypsum plaster serves three functions, each of which has a specific mixture developed for it:
- technical (used to level the surface of the base, monolithic joints, seal cracks, chips);
- decorative (used to decorate the interior);
- protective (protects the materials of walls, ceilings, partitions from external influences, softens fluctuations in humidity or temperature, ensuring the comfort of residents).
There are also variations in the terms of usage. The use of gypsum-based mixtures inside is restricted due to its instability towards moisture. In other words, plaster mixtures containing gypsum shouldn’t be used on facades.
They are not very useful for things like restrooms, unheated buildings, and unglazed loggias. Nevertheless, Knauf experts gave it a shot and produced mixes that were more water-resistant.
Plastering stations and machines that required specific grinding quality and a unique mixture composition that did not adhere to the surface of the working equipment first appeared by the middle of the 20th century. The request stated that SS for machine-assisted plastering was part of the company’s lineup.
Rotband plaster technical characteristics
The technical properties of the content are what the user is mainly interested in. They are (in many ways) responsible for the plaster coating’s quality, dependability, and trouble-free operation.
Table 1: Properties of Rotband Plaster
Characteristic | Value | Unit. of measurement | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Density | SS | 730 | Kg/cu.m | |
Dry plaster coating | 950 | |||
Coating strength | Bending | >1 | MPa | |
Compression | >2/5 | |||
Time | Dough maturation | 10 | minutes | |
Solution life | up to 25 | |||
Layer drying 10 mm | 45-60 | |||
Achieving full strength | 7 | days | ||
The permissible layer thickness | min | 0.5 | cm | |
Recommended | 1.0 | |||
Max | walls | 5.0 | ||
ceiling | 1.5 | |||
Gypsum granularity | 0.2 – 1.2 | mm | ||
Consumption at h = 10 mm | 8.5 | kg / sq.m | ||
Yield of solution from 1 package (30 kg) | ~ 40 | l | ||
Temperature conditions for plastering | from 5 to 30 | оС (above zero) | ||
Shelf life | up to 6 | months | ||
Plaster color | white, pinkish, gray | – |
Shelf life and storage conditions
The material’s production time is indicated on the packaging. They count the expiration date beginning with it. Such suitability can only be anticipated if the packaging is undamaged and with appropriate storage, if the manufacturer promises the retention of the original qualities for at least six months.
Store for powdered compositions:
- in non -residential premises;
- with normal humidity;
- without sunlight hitting on packaging;
- away from heating devices, but at room temperature;
- in a tightly used package;
- With natural ventilation.
The same conditions apply to the storage of ready-made compositions. The receptacle is sealed tightly. Costly Rotband plaster, whose qualities were somewhat lost during the lengthy storage period, loses all of its value when used for plastering in homes or workplaces.
A test where the quality is not critical can be used to determine the fitness by diluting a small amount.
It is not recommended by experts to dilute expired plaster and mix it with high-quality, appropriate mortar. When the new (fit) plaster is mixed with the old (shelf life has come out), only the old is ever obtained.
Compound
The company does not disclose the ingredients of its finished dough or SS in order to prevent fraud. The composition is known to include a fine mixture of gypsum, several mineral components that give the mixture elasticity, and the capacity to hold moisture, which improves adhesion. Additionally, components that lessen shrinkage and cracking are added.
Application
Prior to usage, mix the completed ingredients. Apply using a trowel or spatula, depending on the intended use. Use water that is no hotter than room temperature to dilute SS. The manufacturer specifies the proportions and order of dilution.
The subtleties are worth mentioning:
- The need to use a clean container (gypsum, if even a lump of a solution that has begun to dry gets into it, can suddenly set in its entire volume ahead of time).
- Use only tap water (clean), preferably cold, since warm water shortens the life.
- Tools should be regularly cleaned from the solution by wiping with a damp cloth or washing.
- A separating barrier is needed between the gypsum mortar and the cement/concrete base.
Plaster compositions made with a rotband machine can be applied manually, but not the other way around. The Plastering section provides an explanation of both manual and machine application.
Layer thickness
What "heights" are able to reach the wall deviations from the plane overall or from the vertical are known. As a result, occasionally even the 5 cm maximum plaster layer thickness that is allowed does not help.
The following leveling technology is applied in these situations:
- apply the maximum layer (50 mm);
- let the solution dry completely;
- prime the surface twice (as required by the instructions);
- apply a layer of the missing thickness (up to 5 cm).
Moreover, the minimum thickness needs to be followed. It is 5 mm for Rotband. The maximum that can be applied varies depending on the area: walls can have a layer as thick as five centimeters, while ceiling surfaces can have a layer as thin as 1.5 cm. With a layer thickness of 10–15 mm, it is ideal to obtain the total thickness in accordance with the above scheme.
Release form
There are now two types of plaster compositions on the market: dry mix and ready-made dough. The dough is placed into plastic pails, which have a 5 liter capacity at the beginning and a 20 liter capacity at the end. When paste is ready to use, it cannot be left in an open state for very long.
The second, more widely used form uses bulk mixtures that have first been diluted with water. The packaging is done by the manufacturer using polyethylene or special paper bags. There are 5 to 30 kg in the first SS and only 5 kg in the second.
The packaging has anti-counterfeiting measures in place:
- special paper is used in the paper container for the top layer, on which protective stripes are applied by embossing;
- the production date of the plaster composition is indicated with an accuracy of up to a second;
- a hologram is placed on the front side of kraft bags weighing 5 and 10 kg;
- a stamp is applied on the front side of 25-30 kg packages stating that the quality has been checked, that the plaster mixture complies with the German standard (see. picture).
Knauf employs unadvertised protection techniques in addition to the disclosed (advertised) ones. Only representatives of the company are aware of these techniques. Thus, get in touch with Knauf representatives if you have any doubts about the goods’ authenticity.
Color
The composition of the gypsum raw materials at deposits varies in nature, and this ultimately affects the plaster mixture’s color. Knauf processing facilities close to a particular deposit generate SS that has a hint of natural raw materials. Consequently, there are three categories of transitional shades and colors:
- pink;
- white of varying degrees of purity, for example, produced in Astrakhan;
- gray.
It is unclear how color affects the functioning solution’s quality. There are those who contend that white solutions have a tendency to run down the wall more, while others link this behavior to gray or pink solutions. Since the mixture’s color is not disclosed by the manufacturer, its functioning properties shouldn’t be impacted.
Pink tint can be combined with the existing red clay particles, for instance, when making SS from Chelyabinsk deposits. Particles of clay both increase the plasticity of the solution and stabilize the form. Gray tones can be produced by organic materials; yellow tones can be added by adding iron or manganese; green tones are produced by adding silt.
For example, thin putty or wallpaper can show through the pink color of the plaster. You should purchase white mixtures in this situation. There is no distinction in other situations.
Fraction size
In its ground state, gypsum is a component of the SS. The size of the fractions determines the workability and roughness of the final surface. A maximum size of 1.2 mm is allowed. It turns out, though, that the characteristics of natural gypsum also affect the raw material’s grain size.
As a result, mixtures with 1 mm grains are produced in Kolpino, while 0.5 mm gypsum grains are produced in Chelyabinsk and Krasnogorsk. You can obtain surfaces that are appropriate for painting or plastering beneath thin wallpaper with this type of plaster. The best compositions to use for decorative plaster or tile alignment are coarser ones.
Drying time
Following mixing, the mixture undergoes chemical reactions that result in the release of ions, the creation of a solution, and crystallization. Every step of the process has a start and end point.
As a result, the following time frames are identified:
- maturation (semi-aqueous gypsum after mixing turns into the form of aqueous gypsum) – duration 10 minutes;
- being in an open container, the composition retains its plasticity and the consistency of a semi-liquid mass – lasting up to half an hour;
- rapid setting with loss of plasticity separates this phase from the previous one;
- drying of a layer of minimum thickness occurs according to the room conditions and lasts several hours;
- remaining in the thickness of the layer, the moisture is spent on the formation of additional bonds, hardening of the coating (the solution is immobile, but is easily destroyed even by a small load), it takes a week to dry completely.
After a week for drying, finishing work can be completed.
Strength
The strength characteristics determine the plaster coating’s resistance to external pressure. It is only possible to acquire specific data through laboratory testing. Knauf promises a minimum of 1 megapascal of bending strength and a minimum of 2.5 megapascals of strength increase in the plaster composition.
This is exclusive to coatings made in accordance with the directions. Stated differently, the coating is resistant to pressures up to 25.5 kg per centimeter of surface.
Plasticity
This feature makes it possible to apply distinctive decorative coatings, align objects in difficult-to-reach places, securely seal joint gaps without leaving voids, and conceal "recessed" screw heads on drywall surfaces.
In addition to the size of the composition’s component fractions, additives—both synthetic and natural mineral modifiers—affect the plaster mass’s capacity to lay down a layer of the necessary thickness, readily fill cracks, and respond to even the smallest movement of the tool. Rotband plaster stands out from its competitors thanks to its unique properties.
Adhesion and density
Gypsum’s capacity to "stick" to different bases is improved in Rotband compositions. The mass is firmly adhered to brick, concrete, metal, wood, and old plaster. Rotband mixtures are particularly advised by experts for plastering drywall. If primers are used to seal the pores, Rotband can also be used to plaster porous materials.
Moisture-holding capacity
It is necessary to seal the pores of the gypsum base when making coatings from solutions in order to prevent voids from sucking out moisture from the solution. The strength properties of the resulting coating are diminished by uneven dehydration of the drying solution. For priming, it is preferable to use company-branded goods.
Frost resistance, moisture resistance, vapor permeability
In order to create a cozy microclimate, rotband plaster forms finely porous coatings that have the ability to absorb vapors from the air and return them when the room gets dryer. Gypsum finishing permits air to flow through, allowing wall materials to breathe freely.
In heated rooms, the third characteristic—frost resistance—is not necessary. If rotband is used to plaster glazed loggias, it matters. Up to 75 (or more) freeze-thaw cycles can be performed on the composition without it breaking down.
Rotband is also utilized for plastering restrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. To that end, a number of precautions are taken to keep direct moisture from getting to the plaster. For instance, a waterproofing film is used, only a portion of the surface is plastered, and tiles are used to shield the plaster layer.
Thermal conductivity
Heat retention is facilitated by fine-pored gypsum material because of its smaller structure. Rotband’s thermal conductivity (0.25 W/m x deg) is less than cement material’s (0.9) equivalent. Heat retention rises with increasing layer thickness.
Resistance to various factors
Gypsum’s resistance to different impacts has made it valuable for a long time. For instance, gypsum coating resists temperature changes in dry conditions, is palatable to insects, does not melt in hot weather, and does not burn.
Consumption
As long as the layer thickness is 10 mm, the company’s recommended consumption of Rotband plaster per square meter is 8.5 kg. In actuality, consumption might differ somewhat. This is dependent on the level of skill of the plasterers, the evenness of the surface, and any losses incurred during the process. To ensure a "emergency" reserve, the consumption rate should be raised by 15-20% when buying raw materials.
Application area
Given that gypsum coatings are less traumatized by heated rooms, interior work is a reasonable candidate for being a significant application of Knauf plaster. However, some compositions are also utilized for outdoor finishing in specific situations.
Bases where humidity varies and reaches above-average levels are leveled using Knauf’s water-resistant plasters.
Knauf Rotband serves decorative as well as technical functions (e.g., to create beautiful bas-reliefs). It makes no sense to add color to Rotband because it fades significantly after drying, and painting a relief pattern is a fun and doable project. You can "knead" a structural dough based on Knauf plaster in accordance with your own "recipe," adding decorative and structure-forming ingredients like fibers, granules, and quartz sand.
Characteristic | Value |
Application | Interior walls and ceilings |
Layer thickness | Up to 10 mm |
Drying time | 24 hours at 20°C |
Coverage | Approximately 8-10 m² per 30 kg bag |
Water requirement | Approx. 16-17 liters per 30 kg |
Compressive strength | 3.0 N/mm² |
Thermal conductivity | 0.39 W/mK |
For your article on "Mixture of Knauf Rotband Technical Characteristics" on the website "All about plastering walls," the following is a succinct and understandable conclusion:
The Knauf Rotband plaster mix is a dependable and adaptable option for individuals looking for superior wall finishes. Because of its distinct makeup, it offers a smooth, long-lasting surface that is perfect for a variety of building and remodeling projects.
Its primary advantages—such as its quick drying time and strong adhesive capabilities—make it especially well-suited for both novice and expert builders. Its capacity to be applied in thick layers also helps to streamline workflow and save time and effort by enabling simpler corrections.
Selecting Knauf Rotband guarantees a durable and aesthetically beautiful finish that satisfies the requirements of contemporary building codes. Through comprehension of its technical attributes, users can optimize its advantages and attain exceptional outcomes in their plastering endeavors.