Plaster on brick for external and internal work

Whether brick walls are inside or outside, plastering them is an essential step to guarantee longevity and a smooth finish. It gives the bricks weather protection and a level, smooth surface for additional painting or decorating.

In external work, the plaster protects the brick’s structural integrity by acting as a barrier against moisture, wind, and temperature changes. Plastering the interior serves as a foundation for interior design and contributes to the creation of a cozy and aesthetically pleasing space.

The main elements of plastering brick walls will be covered in this article, along with materials, methods, and considerations for both internal and external applications.

Technological nuances.

Plastering walls on brickwork requires an air humidity of no more than 70%, according to SNiP. You’re told that when it’s cloudy, you should apply plaster? Hire these subpar finishers elsewhere! Recall that the acceptable temperature range is +5 to +30 degrees. The "rule" that guest workers have developed states that the hotter, the better. It’s true that the solution dries more quickly in the heat, but this is better for the employees—not the customers. There won’t be any beauty left when the coating cracks.

Cement-sand mortar can be applied to brick walls manually or mechanically. The second option will need you to add a hardener to the solution in an amount of 1% to 2% and will require specific equipment and skill.

A common question among novice builders is whether bricks can be laid on top of gypsum plaster. This is not the proper course of action because the gypsum-based mixture’s structure differs from that of masonry mortar. Furthermore, removing outdated gypsum plaster from the wall is a simple process.

When plastering a specific area, use a cement-sand mixture and, depending on the original composition, add silent cement for added strength. Make sure the mixture is laid tightly.

Another common query is whether plaster can be used to lay regular bricks. Clearly not, as the mixture’s strength is not intended for use as a masonry mortar. This holds true for plaster made of cement and gypsum.

Applying facade plaster in layers to bricks or blocks is a common error. The mixture dries unevenly, which deteriorates the appearance and leads to the formation of cracks. Therefore, the plaster on the brick should be roughly the same thickness all the way around the wall.

How to remove old coating from the surface of a facade?

This process appears simple at first glance because it doesn’t require construction expertise and it’s always easier to destroy than to build. However, if removing plaster from brick is something you have never done before, we advise you to become acquainted with the most effective method.

The following ingredients are typically found in plaster mixtures: gypsum, cement, sand, and lime. Previously, additional ingredients were added, like sugar and eggs, to speed up the setting and increase durability, but manufacturers now accomplish this more easily. Certain kinds of brick facade plasters have inorganic materials in them, which give the material the required consumer qualities.

Check the strength of the previous layer first. It won’t be difficult to remove if it crumbles and falls off without much effort on your part. It may not need to be removed if it is strong and free of flaws. Nonetheless, the entire old coating needs to be thoroughly removed if there are any flaws, cracks, or voids—even the smallest ones that are hardly noticeable. By hammering the plaster layer, you can precisely ascertain its strength.

Prior to removing a plaster layer from a brick wall, ensure that you have ready all required supplies and equipment:

• garbage bags, a broom or a shovel, a dustpan;
• household gloves;
• goggles and a respirator to protect your face, eyes and respiratory system from dust;
• an axe and a spatula that you won’t mind ruining;
• a pickaxe, a small sledgehammer and a hammer;
• a drill with an attachment;
• a ​​small metal brush;
• a grinder (grinder), a hammer drill and a spatula-shaped attachment for it;
• a bucket and a wide brush, or a hand sprayer.

Knowing the various materials and methods that guarantee longevity, security, and a smooth finish is crucial when plastering brick surfaces for both interior and exterior projects. A well-prepared brick wall is an essential first step in any building or renovation project because it will improve the look and longevity of your plaster.

Removing plaster from a wall: work order.

Apply hot water to the facade’s surface with a brush or sprayer. This will cause the material to slightly soften, which will reduce the amount of dust. Don’t put the sprayer away because you will need to spray the wall multiple times while working on it.

Using a sledgehammer or hammer, go over the facade’s surface. The weak spots will fall off right away, allowing you to see where you’ll need to put in the most effort moving forward. Working gradually downward, begin scraping off the old plaster coating from the top of the wall with a hammer and chisel. The brick wall’s plaster will come off in layers if you pry up the layers and assist yourself with a hatchet or hammer.

If the pieces come off easily, a spatula will suffice. If not, utilize a hammer drill and activate it in the crushing mode without rotating. The drawback is that you will only be able to complete the work during the day to avoid upsetting the neighbors. Apply a grinder in the same way that you would if the coating did not peel off.

A word of advice: use a grinder to cut the old plaster into segments before attempting to remove it from the brick walls. It is easier to remove the remnants of the previous coating from each segment the smaller it is.

To get rid of the plaster coating, you can also use a specialized grinder equipped with an abrasive disc. Such equipment works on the principle of erasing the previous layer until the wall is completely clean, rather than beating it off.

If you use a grinder, you must frequently wet the base with water to prevent excessive dust. After removing all of the large and small pieces, use a metal brush to go over the wall and remove any plaster dust from the joints between the blocks or bricks. This procedure will go more quickly if a grinder or hammer drill has a brush attachment fitted.

Crucial! When working, proceed with extreme caution as there might be wires underneath the plaster.

In the event that the wiring location is unknown, it is advisable to de-energize the space and connect power tools using alternative power sources—for instance, by negotiating with nearby residents.

Final stage.

After clearing away any debris, use a brush with strong, hard bristles to wash the wall with hot water. For this use, inexpensive rags, sponges, and brushes won’t do. They are difficult to get rid of and will leave material remnants (bristles, threads, etc.) on the wall. The goal of wall washing is to get rid of all dust residue. The base is primed when it dries completely. Next, take plaster for brick exterior work, dilute it to the necessary consistency, and apply.

What to choose for external finishing: plaster or facing brick?

To determine which is superior, facing brick or plaster, one only needs to evaluate the costs and characteristics of each material. Finishing a wall with brick will cost three times more when the cost of building materials is taken into consideration. Not only will you need to purchase bricks, but also supplies for masonry mortar, metal corners, wall-fastening hardware, etc.

Compared to brick cladding, brickwork requires a substantially higher labor cost. Plaster walls are obviously a little less desirable in terms of consumer qualities, and the appearance of the wall here largely depends on the homeowner’s tastes. However, it is undeniable that plaster is less expensive than facing brick.

An important stage is installing beacons.

If the wall surface is initially beveled either vertically or horizontally, beacons must be used. In other situations, it is advised that novice craftsmen use them because plastering a brick wall with beacons is completed more quickly. Making sure they are installed correctly is crucial.

This is carried out in this manner:

• Using a plumb line, you understand how much the plane deviates from the vertical. It becomes clear where to use more mixture, and where less.
• Beacons are cut to the required length. Often these products are produced in standard sizes (L:W): 10 and 6 mm, 4 and 3 meters, respectively.

Important: Beacons 10 mm high are preferable when using cement plaster on brick, though they are less flexible. There will be a 4 mm thicker layer. This needs to be considered when estimating the cost of the materials.

Crucial! For the task, using a lengthy rule is preferable. By doing so, you can set the beacons with the highest level of accuracy possible.

• When the plaster has hardened slightly, the voids under the beacons are sealed.
• Similar actions are performed over the entire surface of the wall.

Pulling a rope between the outer guides will allow you to periodically verify that the beacons are installed correctly. You can then determine whether the beacon has been knocked down.

How to apply cement plaster on ordinary brick?

Advice: When deciding which plaster is best for plastering exterior brick walls, choose items from reputable producers like Knauf.

The plastered surface needs to be rubbed after application. Make use of a wooden, foam, or polyurethane float. Which is superior? For a long while, foam was the only option available, but it wears off, sands easily, and rounds off at the corners. It is also temporary and wooden. Unlike foam, polyurethane does not degrade as quickly; one float can cover an area of 40 to 60 square meters.

For both internal and external work, plastering brick walls provides a long-lasting and eye-catching finish. It improves the building’s overall appearance and keeps the brick from weathering.

A lasting result depends on selecting the proper plaster type and applying it correctly. A smoother finish can create a comfortable living space on internal walls, but weather-resistant plaster is essential for external walls.

A sturdy, aesthetically pleasing surface that endures over time can be achieved by following the correct procedures and utilizing high-quality materials. Plastering brick walls is a useful and satisfying process that can be used to improve the interior or exterior of your home.

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