Modern polymer plaster – an abundance of durable and colorful effects

The way we approach wall finishes has been revolutionized by modern polymer plaster. Polymer-based plasters, in contrast to more conventional options, provide a special blend of strength, flexibility, and eye-catching color options. These cutting-edge materials offer a strong and aesthetically pleasing solution for any project, be it finishing a new construction or remodeling an existing house.

Polymer plaster’s versatility is one of its best qualities. It is easily customizable to create various textures and effects on a range of surfaces. The options are endless, ranging from sophisticated patterns to slick, polished finishes. This makes it a well-liked option for people wishing to give their exteriors or interiors a unique flair.

Polymer plaster is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is also resilient. Because of its resistance to UV rays, moisture, and cracks, your walls will continue to look great for many years to come. Modern polymer plaster is a top option for both professional builders and do-it-yourselfers because of its attractiveness and robustness.

Modern polymer plaster is a popular option for contemporary wall finishes because it is a flexible and inventive material that provides durability as well as a wide range of vibrant effects. Regardless of your preference for a sleek, polished surface or a textured, artistic pattern, polymer plaster offers the adaptability needed to accomplish the desired appearance while guaranteeing durable defense against deterioration and external elements. It combines practicality and visual appeal, making it a great option for both residential and commercial spaces thanks to its simplicity of application and range of color options.

Types of polymer plaster by application

The word "polymer" in everyday life is firmly associated with the concept of "plastic". How can you make a "plastic" wall covering with your own hands? Yes, exactly the same way as classic plastering work is done. The difference is that instead of mineral (inorganic) binders, known for a long time, polymer plaster solutions use dispersions of resins (organic substances – epoxy resin, polyurethane, acrylic).
Depending on the type of solvent base, polymer plaster compositions are intended for use in various conditions. Thus, compositions, the component of which is resin based on water dispersion, can be intended for internal or external plastering work or are universal. Compositions, the basis of which is resin on other solvents, are intended for facade finishing.

Plasters that are synthetic (polymer) are meant for finishing.

They are the following, per their application for plastering structural elements:

• butadiene-styrene, styrene-acrylic, polyurethane bases – for basement finishing;
• styrene-acrylic, acrylic binders – for walls;
• siloxane – for mineral wool coating;
• acrylic – for coating polystyrene foam insulation.

Reasons for the popularity of the material

Utilizing polymer compositions has shown numerous benefits, which are now the basis for their widespread use.

The primary benefits of polymer plasters are:

• high elasticity, especially pronounced when using silicone coatings;
• resistance to abrasive and impact mechanical influences (old polymer coatings are not so easy to remove, some have to be cut down);
• frost resistance;
• water resistance, water resistance;
• durability (up to 25 years or more);
• high adhesion;
• vapor permeability;
• easiness to lay;
• fast strength gain;
• monolithic plaster coating;
• new effects that are unachievable when using mineral plasters;
• rich palette.

To be fair, the drawbacks must be acknowledged as well:

• require preliminary leveling of the bases;
• the composition is purchased only in ready-made form;
• the contents of an opened package must be used up at once (not stored);
• the price of the mixtures is higher than that of ordinary mineral ones.

Not only do the benefits not exceed these drawbacks, but they also swiftly offset them.

Classification

Polymer plasters are first separated into:

• water-soluble (styrene-acrylic, PV-acetate, butadiene-styrene);
• diluted with organic solvents (polyurethane, epoxy).

As was previously mentioned, polymer plasters have various bases:

• acrylic;
• silicone;
• siloxane;
• polymer cement (complex).

• decorative;
• special.

Polymer decorative plaster

The color of the mixture, the size and shape of the filler granules, and the application techniques all work together to give the plaster surface a decorative effect.

For decorative plasters, filler options include:

• stone flour;
• sand (ordinary mountain, river, quartz, obtained by screening the stone processing industry);
• artificial granules (expanded clay, vermiculite);
• small fractionated pebbles of decorative rocks (for example, mosaic plaster);
• synthetic fibers;
• fragments or whole small shells;
• flocks;
• mica;
• metal dust.

Polymer decorative plaster comes in fine-grained (Venetian) and coarse-grained (pebble coatings with a grain diameter of 5 mm) varieties depending on the size of the filler. Plastic is the end result. Simple to use.

Acrylic

Acrylic is the most often selected polymer plaster for interior applications.

• acrylic resins;
• structural or textured fillers;
• modifiers that impart additional properties to the solution and coating;
• dyes.

It forms an elastic, waterproof coating—which is already well-known for its durability—after drying. Mineral materials are securely and effortlessly connected to the acrylic base. Nevertheless, the base must be primed as a requirement. Failure to do so will cause a disruption in the process as the pores in the walls will absorb moisture from the acrylic dispersion before the resins have finished polymerizing. It’s simple to choose a primer: brick walls work well with brick primer, and concrete primer works well with concrete.

The acrylic mixture is suitable for exterior decoration when specific modifiers (such as UV and frost resistant additives) are added to it. It also increases the acrylic mixture’s fire resistance. Since acrylic resins are combustible, it is still not advised to use these finishing materials close to an open flame.

The drawback is that dust is drawn to the static, which has a tendency to build up. Vapor permeability is worse than water resistance, so covering walls in living rooms and bedrooms is not advised. It’s useful for work because you can use water to wash away a failed stroke or a portion of a new layer.

But the plasterer faces some challenges because of its brief lifespan. More than ten-minute work breaks result in variations in color saturation between nearby areas.

Silicone

These plasters are made up of modifying additives, emulsified silicone resins, and mineral fillers like sand, flour, or stone chips. The silicone variety of decorative plaster is the priciest of all. application that is universal. Because silicone mixtures are remarkably elastic and can stretch to form a film, silicone coatings don’t mind if building precipitation or the emergence of cracks in structures occur.

The remaining characteristics of plasters are all favorable:

• frost and weather resistance (withstands aggressive urban environments);
• durability;
• vapor permeability;
• water repellent;
• increased adhesion;
• resistance to UV rays (does not fade);
• no limitation on the thickness of a single-layer finish;
• the resin does not soften when the temperature rises;
• color consistency during drying and use;
• strength (almost resistant to mechanical impact).

Complex bases include silicone-acrylic and silicate-silicone. It is especially desirable to use on weak bases, as it strengthens them.

Silicate

It is essentially a member of the mineral plasters class. Base: a glassy liquid. used outside. Quick work is encouraged by a short lifespan (work for experienced plasterers). Functional additives, pigments, and mineral fillers are additional ingredients.

Among the benefits are:

• resistance to temperature fluctuations in the environment;
• fire safety;
• resistance to aggressive effects of the urban atmosphere;
• easy to wash off dirt;
• high thermal insulation properties;
• water resistance combined with vapor permeability;
• service life is 20 years;
• the best coating for shell rock and cellular concrete;
• good adhesion to mineral wool and polystyrene foam insulation.

• low elasticity;
• poor palette of sold compounds;
• need to use silicate primers and paints;
• higher price than other mineral plasters;
• color fading from sunlight.

It is created as a dry mix or as a ready-made solution. There are also ready-made silicate-silicone solutions on the market.

Siloxane

Without the "poly," or chains of joined siloxane molecules, silicone is what siloxane is. In other words, siloxane is akin to raw silicone. A thin layer of waterproof film is formed during polymerization, or the drying of the plaster coating, and the floating of light siloxane molecules. Siloxane plasters contain more acrylic resins than siloxane itself.

If water cannot permeate the silicone coating throughout its thickness, then it can only do so at the coating’s edge. When this border film is exposed to UV light, it gradually disintegrates. The qualities of water resistance deteriorate. This occurs in three to five years.

Silloxane and acrylic still differ significantly in one key area: their resistance to alkalis. These two materials have the same remaining benefits and drawbacks.

Polymer cement composition

Polymer cement plaster was created to eliminate the drawbacks of the cement coating, such as its poor resistance to bending and stretching. When polymer fibers were added to the mixture up to 30% (by weight), the mixture’s tensile and bending strengths increased. As a result, there is now greater resistance to abrasion, adhesion to other materials, and vibration-induced cracking. Polymer cement plaster (PCP) has an elasticity modulus ten times lower than a cement coating. PCP is therefore more plastic.

The solution becomes more workable and flexible when polymers are added. There is more shrinkage when it hardens, but no cracks appear during that process. There is less coating layer.

Used to seal joints, cracks, and crevices. Suggested for plaster restoration projects.

Such a polymer solution is impossible to make on your own. Dry form of the mixture is produced. On the packaging, the manufacturer states how much of the composition is consumed. promptly ready for use. All-encompassing.

Surface preparation

When applying polymer plaster, wall preparation is a necessary step that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The general guidelines apply just as they do to mineral plasters:

• the base is inspected;
• the old unusable plaster coating is removed, as well as wallpaper, paint and varnish;
• the brick joints are expanded;
• laths are nailed to the wooden wall or a reinforcing mesh is attached;
• chips, cavities, cracks are “treated” with cement mortar;
• oil stains, rust, foci of damage by fungi, microorganisms, mold are neutralized;
• the surface is dusted;
• the base is primed;
• the wall after priming is dried for at least a day.

Tool

For use at work:

• stainless steel trowel;
• grater;
• painting tools;
• spatula;
• plumb line;
• masking tape;
• containers;
• tape measure;
• mixer;
• rags.

Application technology

Prerequisites for the application of plaster:

• temperature +5 – +30°С;
• humidity – up to 75%;
• no draft;
• protection from sunlight and precipitation.

The decorative effects are matched by the application method and technique. They are described in the relevant sections of the website.

The following is the basic algorithm:

1. Prepare and prime the wall.
2. Apply the first base layer. This layer is applied evenly, most often with a trowel.
3. Second layer. Using a trowel or spatula, the solution is applied in an even layer, the thickness of which is determined by the filler fraction.
4. After the applied plaster has dried, it is given the desired effect.
5. Finishing (for example, varnishing). This stage is performed only if required by the technology.

Depending on the polymer plaster chosen, there are differences in the method for creating the desired effects.

An illustration of how to use polymer acrylic plaster:

The only additional step required before work is to use a mixer to mix the solution because the mixtures are already premade when purchased. The coating takes 12 to 24 hours to dry.

Feature	Description
Durability	Modern polymer plasters are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring a long-lasting finish on both interior and exterior walls.
Color Variety	Available in a wide range of colors, these plasters allow for creative and vibrant designs, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any space.
Flexibility	The material"s flexibility helps prevent cracking, making it suitable for surfaces that may experience slight movements.
Application Ease	Polymer plasters are easy to apply, providing a smooth finish that can be textured or polished to meet design preferences.

Contemporary polymer plasters have completely transformed wall finishing by providing a blend of robustness and vivid aesthetics that are unmatched by conventional materials. These plasters offer countless opportunities for artistic expression, whether your goal is a delicate texture or a striking, colorful effect.

The resilience of polymer plasters is one of their best qualities. They guarantee that walls stay gorgeous for many years because they are made to resist weather and normal wear and tear. The multitude of colors and textures available in polymer plaster, along with its durability, make it an excellent option for both residential and commercial projects.

In addition, polymer plaster is easy to apply, so both pros and do-it-yourselfers can utilize it. A high-quality finish that completely changes any space can be achieved by anyone with the correct tools and techniques.

Using contemporary polymer plaster in your projects guarantees long-lasting protection in addition to improving the aesthetic appeal of your walls. It’s a wise investment in terms of both design and utility.

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