Silicate plaster for interior and exterior work

For a range of construction projects, silicate plaster is an adaptable material that provides both durability and aesthetic appeal. If you’re working on a building’s exterior or interior, silicate plaster offers a durable finish that will hold up against inclement weather without losing its aesthetic appeal.

Breathability is a major advantage of silicate plaster since it lets moisture out of walls without jeopardizing the structure. Because of this, it’s a great option for both new construction and renovation projects where it’s important to preserve the building’s integrity.

Silicate plaster has many practical benefits, but it also comes in a variety of colors and textures that let you create the exact look you want. The options are almost infinite, ranging from sleek, contemporary finishes to more textured, classic styles.

Feature	Description
Usage	For both interior and exterior walls
Durability	Long-lasting and weather-resistant
Finish	Creates a smooth, clean surface
Application	Requires professional skill for best results
Maintenance	Easy to clean and maintain

Composition of silicate plaster

You should think about the composition of this coating before attempting to comprehend its physical and chemical characteristics. Since it is the one who offers specific parameters.

Silicate plaster is primarily composed of the following elements:

1. Liquid glass.
2. Sand as a filler.
3. Some mixtures contain plasticizers, mineral-based fillers, functional additives and coloring pigments.

Silicate plaster is a strong and adaptable choice for both external and interior surfaces. It has exceptional weather resistance and breathability, which makes it perfect for long-lasting finishes in a variety of settings.

Technical characteristics

The silicate composition of plaster has the following properties because of the two primary ingredients and extra additives:

• High density of the formed layer.
• Wide range of operating temperatures. The surface retains its main characteristics in the range from -50° to +70°C.
• The surface withstands up to 100 freeze-thaw cycles.
• When the composition thickens, it is quite easy to bring it to the desired concentration by diluting it with water.
• The service life of most mixtures is on average 25 years. Although, for some varieties it is increased to 50 years.
• The surface exhibits resistance to contamination, due to which it retains an attractive appearance for a long time.

These are the primary technical features, which might vary slightly depending on the kind of plaster.

Types of silicate plasters

Silicate plasters are classified according to the areas in which they are used, namely:

1. for external work;
2. for internal work.

Because silicate plaster is resistant to outside influences, facade work typically uses it. Keep in mind that ventilation is important when using indoors.

Silicate-silicone plaster is another option. It is more elastic but still possesses the same qualities.

Silicate decorative plaster

Plasters are classified into the following types based on decorative parameters, based on the details of the outer layer that forms after applying the mixture:

• Bark beetle.
• "Fur coat" effect.
• "Lamb" type.
• Pebble variety.

Application area

Silicate-based finishing mixtures are resistant to a range of temperatures. It is therefore utilized everywhere:

• For facade work. In this case, it is possible to achieve not only an attractive appearance, but also to maintain the integrity of the surface throughout the entire long service life.
• For interior decoration. It is capable of effectively protecting the surface from moisture.

Requirements for the base

In addition to leveling and rubbing the surface, make sure the wall material is appropriate for silicate plaster before applying the solution. This is a crucial requirement that will guarantee the necessary degree of adherence.

In case the wall material is unsuitable for silicate plaster, the composition might not keep up and eventually break or develop bulging areas.

All of this not only deteriorates the visual qualities but also calls for both a thorough overhaul and reasonably rapid repair work.

On what walls can it be used

It is acceptable to use silicate plaster to finish walls if the surface is composed of:

• Aerated concrete or foam concrete blocks.
• Concrete and aerated concrete blocks.
• Shell rock.
• Particle board.
• Any material that is covered with cement or gypsum plaster.
• Gypsum plasterboards.
• In the case where the surface is insulated with polystyrene foam or mineral wool sheets.

It is not possible to complete silicate plaster facade work if:

• rain;
• direct sunlight;
• strong wind.

Technology of applying silicate plaster

In order to prolong the life of silicate plaster and preserve its external appeal, wall finishing must be done properly.

Surface preparation

It is essential to ensure that the wall is free of cracks, chips, and other imperfections before applying decorative silicate plaster.

1. First, remove the old coating. This can be stripping the paint layer or removing wallpaper. It is important to remove everything so that the wall remains smooth.
2. The surface is cleaned of dust.
3. A silicate primer must be applied to the surface. It allows you to ensure the required level of adhesion.

Two layers of silicate primer are used. Before applying the next layer, the previous one needs to dry completely.

Tool

The following kinds of tools must be ready in order to work with silicate plaster:

• Several trowels of different sizes.
• Spatulas, which will also have different shapes and sizes, for ease of work.
• Floats made of plastic.
• Rollers or brushes, with which the composition will be applied or a special textured pattern will be made on it. In this case, you can use other devices that correspond to the composition.
• Additionally, you should prepare masking tape, which will allow you to keep clean the places where the plaster should not get.
• Also take containers where you can dilute the compositions.
• Plumb lines will ensure even application.
• Rags are needed for cleaning.

Application

To achieve an even distribution of the components, the composition must be mixed according to the directions on the package.

Air balloons may form in the mixture when there is active mixing. The balloons burst, leaving little indentations on the wall.

There is pre-moistened wall.

Manual application

1. The composition is applied to the surface in an even thin layer.
2. Level it and let it dry slightly.
3. At the moment when the mixture has dried slightly, but has not had time to fully set, it is necessary to give it a decorative texture using a special tool. For example, you can use a grater to achieve a fur coat texture.

Once the surface has completely dried, remove any excess or material that sticks out in the form of sharp peaks by rubbing it with a grater.

After that, you can paint the plaster in various ways if needed.

Mechanized application

Special construction teams typically select this application method because it requires the use of pricey specialized equipment. For instance, silicate plasters are applied mechanically when finishing multi-story buildings.

Is it possible to paint or tint

The fact that decorative silicate mixtures are already sold tinted is one of their distinguishing qualities.

Using computer color selection software, one can tint to the desired tone prior to purchase.

You have the option to add pigment yourself if you purchase an uncolored mixture. The important thing is to color the necessary quantity of material all at once. It is not going to be possible to tint it precisely the same color twice.

Paint the plaster with silicate paint once it has completely dried if you don’t want to deal with pigments and colors.

Safety precautions when working

When handling silicate mixtures, it is advised to wear all required safety gear. This is crucial to do, just like when making the composition, to prevent the dry ingredients from getting into the lungs. additionally at the application stage. If the automated spraying of the mixture on the wall is utilized, the respiratory system needs to be used with extra protection.

For walls both inside and outside, silicate plaster is a dependable and adaptable choice. It is a good option for long-lasting finishes due to its resilience to environmental changes and durability.

Additionally breathable, this kind of plaster lets moisture out, preserving the structural integrity of your walls over time. Its adaptability to various surfaces and environments adds even more allure.

Whether you’re building a new structure or remodeling an old one, silicate plaster offers a durable finish that can improve the appearance and security of your walls. It’s a sensible option that blends strong performance and visual appeal.

Video on the topic

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