Silicate plaster characteristics and application technology

Silicate plaster, renowned for its superior breathability and resilience to environmental influences, is a flexible and long-lasting choice for wall finishes. Silicate plaster can offer a dependable and appealing surface whether you’re finishing a new construction project or remodeling an existing one.

One of silicate plaster’s main advantages is that it inhibits the growth of mold and mildew, which makes it a great option for places with high humidity. It also provides a durable finish that is resistant to weathering, so your walls will be shielded for many years.

To get the best results, applying silicate plaster calls for precise preparation and application methods. Knowing the right techniques will enable you to apply a smooth, even finish that improves the look and durability of your walls.

What is it

Since the early 1800s, glass—also known as liquid—has been understood as a material. The German chemist Fuchs was the first to obtain it when he attempted to use alkalis to react with silicic acid. Because of its external resemblance, this material is called glass. The mass becomes glassy and transparent when it solidifies. Sodium and potassium silicates that dissolve in water make up the majority of liquid glass. Various technologies are used to obtain liquid glass in modern times.

As a result, two primary groups are identified:

• Sodium is a highly adhesive substance that adheres to minerals, is resistant to temperature changes, and is not afraid of atmospheric influences.
• Potassium – has similar properties, except that it does not shine.

A new kind of plaster known as silicate was created by using liquid glass as the foundation for plaster solutions.

Types of silicate plaster

The area of application sets apart plaster compositions. Hence, silicate plaster for interior work is highly appropriate for finishing the walls of damp rooms, basements, insulated balconies, and kitchens because it keeps the walls safe from water penetration.

Compositions made of liquid glass plaster are becoming more and more popular as an exterior facade finish.

Silicate solutions that harden quickly produce a cover that is resilient to harsh conditions, long-lasting, and simple to clean after rain.

Silicate-silicone is one example of a mixture with a complex base that is produced in addition to simple compositions (with one binder).

They are intentionally used to produce decorative and finishing (painting, tiling) coatings, with different end results:

Technical characteristics and composition

Sand and liquid glass make up the classic silicate plaster composition. Mineral fillers, functional additives, plasticizers, and pigments are additional components of improved compositions. Apart from the liquid glass foundation, the mixture might also contain binders like cement or acrylic resins.

Technical specifications for silicate decorative plaster:

• density ~ 1800 kg / m3;
• operating temperatures up to + 70 ° C, at frosts – up to – 50 ° C;
• application / base surface temperature – above +5 (up to + 30), ° C;
• diluted with water;
• shelf life – 1 – 1.5 years;
• adhesion> 0.6 MPa;
• rain resistance after 1 – 2 days;
• frost resistance – 100 cycles;
• service life – about 3 hours;
• consumption – from 2.1 to 4 kg/m2;
• durability – 20 – 25 years (some – up to 50).

Nevertheless, the parameters might change depending on the mixture.

Features of silicate plaster

Because of the highly alkaline chemical composition of the mixture prior to drying, gloves and eye protection are required. After handling silicate plasters, work clothes cannot be cleaned. Ventilation is necessary when applying and drying materials indoors.

Advantages

The benefits of silicate plaster are greater than the drawbacks.

• good thermal insulators;
• high vapor permeability;
• no shrinkage when drying;
• form highly durable coatings;
• resistance to UV radiation;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• withstand temperature fluctuations;
• not "tasty" for microorganisms and microflora;
• fire resistance;
• antistatic;
• easy cleaning (dust and dirt are easily washed off by rain or watering from a hose);
• excellent protective coating for porous substrates, including mineral wool slabs, polystyrene foam insulation, cellular and aerated concrete;
• durability;
• strong adhesion to concrete, plasterboard, chipboard.

Disadvantages

• demanding on the composition of the primer and paint coating (materials must also be silicate-based);
• need to complete work in one pass;
• there is a possibility of small cracks;
• facade silicate finish darkens when wet during rain (if unevenly dried, it temporarily becomes spotty);
• work clothes have to be thrown away after finishing work is completed;
• high cost;
• poor color range of ready-made compositions.

What walls can be used on

On sand-lime or concrete bases, silicate plasters adhere well.

They are employed in wall plastering.

• made of aerated concrete, foam concrete;
• aerated concrete blocks;
• shell rock blocks;
• on chipboard;
• covered with gypsum/cement plasters;
• on plasterboard;
• insulated with polystyrene foam or mineral wool slabs.

Silicate plaster is a great option for both interior and external walls because of its reputation for strength, breathability, and resistance to mold and mildew. This post will walk you through some of its most important qualities, like how well it adheres to surfaces and how resilient it is to bad weather, and it will also give you a detailed rundown of how to apply it correctly for a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Surface preparation

The protrusions on the base need to be smaller than the size of the mixture grains in order to apply a thin layer of silicate plaster for the final finishing. In the event that the requirement is not satisfied, the protrusions are removed, the surface is leveled, and oil stains, soot, rust, and efflorescence are removed. Old paint jobs and wallpaper are taken down. Any remaining metal in the wall acts as insulation. Potholes and cracks in a surface are filled in.

The base is coated with two layers of silicate primer after the dust has been removed, and each layer must be allowed to dry completely.

Tool

The following tools are used for composition application and decoration:

• different sized spatulas;
• trowel;
• plastic float;
• brushes, rollers, other devices.

Read more about the necessary application tool in the relevant sections of the website, such as the fur coat, roller, bark beetle plaster, and others.

• masking tape;
• rags;
• containers;
• plumb line.

Remember to wear personal protection equipment. Your health will be protected by masks, gloves, and glasses. When working at a height, using scaffolding can literally save lives!

Silicate plaster is a weather-resistant and durable material that can be used for both external and interior walls. Because of its mineral-based makeup, it breathes well, preventing moisture buildup and extending the life of the walls.

To achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish, silicate plaster application calls for meticulous preparation and adherence to particular techniques. Every stage is essential to guaranteeing the caliber of the finished product, from priming the surface to evenly applying the plaster coats.

Silicate plaster is a good choice for people looking for a dependable and efficient wall finish because of its many advantages. You can build a long-lasting, aesthetically beautiful, and protective layer by applying the product according to the instructions.

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