Plastering brick walls

One of the most important steps in producing a smooth, long-lasting surface that is prepared for painting or finishing is plastering brick walls. The way plaster is applied can have a big impact on the wall’s longevity and final appearance, whether you’re building a new structure or remodeling an old one.

Brick walls are durable and strong, but they frequently have gaps, uneven surfaces, and other flaws that need to be filled in. Plaster adds an additional layer of defense against moisture and other environmental elements in addition to masking these imperfections.

We’ll cover all the fundamentals of plastering brick walls in this article, including how to prepare the surface, apply the plaster, and guarantee a polished finish. With the correct methods and resources, even a beginner can produce remarkable outcomes.

Step	Description
1. Surface Preparation	Clean the brick wall of dust, dirt, and loose mortar. Wet the surface with water to improve adhesion.
2. Applying a Base Coat	Apply a thin layer of plaster to fill in gaps and provide a smooth surface for the next layer. Let it dry.
3. Main Plastering	Apply the main coat of plaster evenly using a trowel. Smooth it out, making sure the surface is level.
4. Finishing Touches	Once the plaster has partially dried, use a float to smooth and polish the surface. Let it dry completely.

Purpose and functions of plaster for walls

Plaster’s primary function is to level the work surface. Furthermore, the plaster mixture

1. Protects walls from moisture.
2. Provides thermal insulation of the building.
3. It has decorative functions.

Frequently, inexperienced builders inquire about the optimal technique for plastering brick walls.

Mixtures based on cement are often utilized. They are employed for both outdoor and indoor tasks. Plastering bathrooms, kitchens, and technical areas is preferable. It is crucial to realize that dry plastering mixtures are applied to a surface that has already been prepared after preparation. What should be used to plaster interior brick walls? The answer is ambiguous. Both dry plastering mixtures and solutions made of lime, gypsum, or cement are acceptable. Experts continue to advise getting ready-made dry material. The manufacturer lists the ingredients, application technique, and purpose of mixtures for plastering brick walls on the exterior of the package. Specifies the intended use of the mixture in writing.

Leveling the walls is the aim of the plaster. Furthermore:

1. It carries protective functions, preventing moisture from getting on the brick wall.
2. Increases thermal insulation and soundproofing of premises.
3. Acts as a decor.

Regarding function, there are various kinds of plaster mortar for brick walls. These include:

1. Ordinary plaster is necessary for indoor work. After drying, you can apply, for example, wallpaper to it.
2. A special mixture can give the room additional thermal insulation, as well as moisture resistance.
3. Decorative composition is mostly used for exterior finishing. It can be a variety of colors and textures. It has high plasticity and durability. The service life is up to 25 years.

Types of plaster mixes for brick walls

Plaster mixes for brick walls are categorized into simple compositions based on the types of compositions that are most frequently used, which are as follows:

1. Cement.
2. Lime.
3. Products intended for gypsum plaster.

Walls can be plastered with dry mixes that are available for purchase. They are made up of multiple ingredients:

1. Cement-sand.
2. Cement-lime.
3. Clay-lime and a number of others that can be used to process walls made of sand-lime brick.

Let us examine the plastering compositions that are applicable for brickwork applications.

Cement-sand plastering mixtures

In light of this plaster composition, we can state that it is universal. Both internal and external work is done with it. Benefits

1. Durability. Can last up to 30 years.
2. Acceptable cost of the composition for plastering brick walls compared to other materials.
3. Plasticity. The layer can be adjusted within a few hours.
4. Resistance to negative t 0 and high humidity. Plaster based on cement and sand is often used in the kitchen, bathroom and utility rooms, where there is high humidity.

Despite all of its advantages, the plaster mixture for brick walls in question has some drawbacks.

1. It is necessary to study well the technology of its application to brickwork.
2. The work requires a lot of effort.
3. The plaster solution applied to the work surface dries for quite a long time.

It is crucial to consider the subtleties:

1. For example, the thickness of the plaster layer for brick walls should not exceed 30 mm.
2. To apply a layer more than 3 cm, it is necessary to use a reinforcing material.
3. When processing the facade of a brick building, lime is added to the cement-sand plaster mixture.

Gypsum mixtures for plastering brick walls

Because gypsum-based plaster compositions have a high vapor permeability, they ensure that brick walls will breathe. The composition contains gypsum to improve plasticity and adhesion. It is feasible to improve the plaster mortar’s capacity for thermal insulation by adding gypsum. Gypsum improves the interior microclimate by absorbing excess moisture from the walls.

Decorative mixtures for plastering brick walls

The mixture appears to be beneficial for bricklaying. The surface that has been prepped is given a coat of plastering solution. The ornamental option offers several benefits.

1. Wall surfaces treated with decorative plaster look attractive and aesthetically pleasing.
2. The use of decorative mortar allows us to talk about improving water-repellent properties.
3. It is worth mentioning the antiseptic qualities of the decorative mixture when plastering.

Walls can be given relief and texture using a variety of technologies. The main ingredient is typically synthetic resin. To achieve a lovely appearance, several additives are used.

A set of tools for work

You must prepare a tool in order to prepare mixtures and plaster brickwork. Having "work assistants" ready in advance will prevent confusion and anxiety during a specific task. The required instrument, as depicted in the figure, consists of:

1. Trowel, or more simply, a trowel. It is used to mix the composition, collect a portion of the ready-made solution for plastering. The area is leveled at the initial stage of the work process.
2. Falcon. A flat rectangular object on one side. On the other side, it has a handle. The ready-made composition for plastering is placed on it, which is applied to the working area of ​​the wall.
3. Half-trowels: regular and oval. They are designed to highlight corners.
4. Smoother. This tool is used to level the applied layer.
5. Sprayer. Used to soften the dried surface. A brush can be used to moisten the working areas.
6. Level. It is necessary to determine the correct application of the solution for plastering. It is advisable to use a tool with a size of 1 meter or more.
7. The rule is a long bar for leveling the solution applied to the wall over a large area.
8. Two plumb lines.
9. You will need a pencil and a measuring tape.

Remember to keep a set of small, medium, and large spatulas on hand.

Be mindful of the tool’s quality. The work can be ruined by any unevenness on the ironing edge. Purchase the rule right away before you begin working.

Technology and stages of applying plaster to a brick wall

You have to follow current SNiP when handling brick walls manually. We are discussing plastering brick surfaces by layering on layers of ready-made mortar:

1. Splash – this is the initial layer acts as a connecting link with the working surface. The thickness should not exceed 2 mm.
2. Primer – this is a viscous layer that is applied to the splash. Layer thickness up to 5 mm.
3. Cover – this is a layer for leveling the working brick surface.

When in use, a rule with ends that extend cantilevered 100–150 mm past the beacon boundaries is employed. Without tearing, the lath is applied along the surface. waves in motion. The surplus mortar on brick walls is cleared away.

After the brick walls have been plastered, the surface can be primed, painted, etc.

Plastering follows step-by-step instructions that require a series of consecutive operations, without which quality is unachievable. We will outline what needs to be done and in what order below.

Preparatory work related to plastering brick surfaces

The surface that is going to be plastered needs to be carefully inspected first. Examine and measure the durability of old bricks. Determine which brick wall’s loose joints are. If any are discovered, polyurethane foam or cement mortar should be used to strengthen them.

Brick walls that are damaged must be repaired. Cover any chips and cracks that are visible. Priming should be used to remove sagging and outdated composition. Disperse and discard outdated seams. There is a range of 0.7 to 1 centimeters for the depression. In this instance, the primer and mortar will fortify the surface by deeply penetrating the brick walls’ fissures. Plastering the brick walls can start after the preparatory step.

Installation of reinforcing mesh when plastering brick surfaces

It is essential to install a reinforcing mesh—preferably plastic—that is fixed in metal hooks prior to plastering a brick wall. They are pressed into the spaces created by the brickwork pieces. Next:

1. Hooks are attached. The pitch should be 250 mm.
2. The mesh is mounted on the hooks. Cell – 10 mm.

The mesh is coated with red lead or a unique varnish to stop rust. Another option is to use a polymer-based mesh.

Preparation of mortar for plastering

Cement and sand make up brick plaster composition. During the preparatory stage, plastering ingredients are diluted with water and thoroughly mixed. A homogenous mass with good consistency must be achieved.

In the event that we are discussing ready-made plastering mixtures, you need to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions, which are found on the rear of the package. It is important to keep in mind that plastering mixtures based on gypsum and cement harden rapidly. They ought to be diluted in small amounts as a result.

About 15 kg/m2 is used for cement mortar consumption. The consumption is within 10 kg/m2 for gypsum with an applied layer thickness of 10 mm.

Installation of beacons during plastering

The slats are fixed to brick walls so that extra mortar can usually be removed while working.

The placement of beacons is vertical. 600/1000 mm is the step. Utilizing a plumb line is necessary when installing slats. Pitch vertically is 100 mm. The hole that needs to be drilled has a diameter of 6 mm. Dowels with screws are then put in place.

Application of the solution

One way to plaster a brick wall is:

1. Manually.
2. Or mechanically.

Using spatulas or a bucket, plastering compound is manually applied to brick walls. The thickness of the layer is within 50 mm. The layer will spread if the indicator is higher. A rule levels up the solution. zigzag motions made from the bottom up. The extra mixture is taken out.

Mechanisms can be employed if plastering a sizable portion of a brick wall is required. Regarding plastering, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when purchasing dry mixes. where it is stated that a machine can apply the solution.

Removing beacons during plastering

Beacons must be taken down from brick walls using pliers and a scraper. The following is the action algorithm:

1. Determine the location of the guides by the previously set marks. Or use a magnet.
2. A part of the plaster from the upper part of the guide is removed with a scraper and is slightly praised.
3. The open part of the beacon is taken with pliers. It is slowly pulled out. The movements should resemble twisting (winding).
4. It is better not to pull everything at once, but to remove approximately 150-200 mm.

Removing one guide requires a maximum of one minute of work. The locations of the beacons then need to be plastered with the same mixture.

Grouting the applied solution during plastering

The last step in leveling the walls is to grout the facade plaster onto the brick. The task involves the use of a float or a unique mesh covered in sandpaper. Any visible grooves or irregularities must be removed. It is preferable to rub before the mixture solidifies entirely. You’ll need to exert more effort if not.

Plastering brick walls is an essential step in producing a level, long-lasting surface that improves the look and longevity of your walls. This method creates a strong foundation for paint or other finishes in addition to hiding flaws. Knowing the fundamentals of plastering brick walls will guarantee a long-lasting, expert finish whether you’re building from scratch or renovating.

Plastering sand-lime bricks

There are unique characteristics when plastering over sand-lime bricks. Using a cement-sand mixture is advised. There are three stages to the work:

1. Splash.
2. Base coat.
3. Finish.

An installation of fiberglass reinforcing mesh is made for more dependable fastening. Better quality, but more expensive. The brick facade plaster is painted or covered in a decorative composition at the end.

Indoor plastering

The interior brickwork of the house is plastered in three steps, as mentioned above. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the solution and prepare the surface for additional plastering before applying the layer. Use the tool listed in one of this publication’s sections for the work.

Features of plastering external walls

There are several aspects to doing freelance work. You must understand the correct way to plaster a brick wall. There are various steps involved in plastering external brick walls:

1. Preparation of the base.
2. Arrangement of beacons.
3. Application of the finished solution.

The old finish must be removed before installing a brick wall. Install beacons and get to work using the previously mentioned technology. Make sure to use a primer when impregnating. Crucial: the layer thickness shouldn’t go above 30 mm in the end. Employ a reinforcing mesh to increase the plaster layer’s strength. At the finish, a decorative coating can be used.

The process of plastering brick walls is crucial for producing a surface that is sturdy and smooth. Plaster will adhere properly and provide a strong foundation for your final wall finish with the correct preparation and techniques.

Achieving professional results requires an understanding of the materials and methods involved, whether you’re working on new construction or renovations. You will avoid future problems if you take the time to do it correctly now.

Recall that a well-plastered wall increases your home’s longevity and structural integrity in addition to its aesthetic appeal. To guarantee a long-lasting finish you can be proud of, make an investment in high-quality materials and adhere to the right procedures.

Video on the topic

Plastering brick walls.

Plastering brick walls. Preparation for work.

Plastering brick walls from the outside.