Silicone plaster of the house – a win on all positions

A more and more common option for homeowners seeking both durability and aesthetic appeal is silicone plaster. This kind of plaster is a strong competitor in the market because of its many advantages, particularly in the area of exterior home finishing.

The flexibility of silicone plaster is one of its best qualities. It is resistant to the expansion and contraction of the underlying building materials, unlike other types of plaster. This translates to a longer-lasting finish and fewer cracks.

Furthermore, silicone plaster is incredibly impervious to dirt and the growth of algae, which makes it a great choice for homes located in humid or rainy regions. It requires less maintenance to keep a clean, fresh appearance thanks to its self-cleaning qualities.

The benefits of silicone plaster for your home’s exterior and how it performs better than other types of plaster in a number of important areas will be discussed in the sections that follow.

Technical characteristics and composition

The range of silicone-based ready-made compositions suggests that their technical attributes differ as well. Frost resistance, for instance, is a feature of decorative plaster intended for outdoor use that is not necessary for indoor use. Consequently, the range of possible values or the average parameter values are given below:

• density — 1.6–1.86 kg/dm3;
• grain size — 1.5– 3 mm;
• frost resistance — F100;
• adhesion to concrete —> 0.3 MPa;
• drying time before permitted contact with water — 24 hours;
• vapor permeability — ≥ 0.03 mg/(m⋅h⋅Pa);
• application temperature range — +5°C —+30°C;
• operating mode (> 25 years) — – 50°C — +70°C;
• consumption — 2.1– 5.0 kg/m² (except for "Venetian");
• packaging — usually 25 kg.

The following elements are present in plaster compositions:

• silicone emulsified resins (complex compositions also include acrylic dispersions or liquid glass);
• mineral fillers (of stone origin);
• functional additives.

For exterior home design, silicone plaster is a great option because it is low maintenance, weather resistant, and incredibly durable. Its flexibility keeps your walls dry and mold-free, and its water-repellent qualities stop cracking. Additionally, the extensive selection of colors and finishes enables you to design a stunning, long-lasting facade that improves the curb appeal of your house.

Varieties

The direct bond between silicon and carbon in molecules, known as organosilicon, is becoming more and more common in a variety of materials, including construction. Silicone plaster solutions are among the materials that have been made using silicone resins as a foundation.

Manufacturers’ technologists experimented with formulas to produce various silicone plaster types meant to be used in various environments and to produce various effects.

Initially, the compositions are separated into:

• silicone plaster for interior work;
• silicone-based solutions for exterior use (or for facades);
• universal (suitable for indoor and outdoor use).

Varieties are also available based on base and effect.

Varieties according to impact:

• bark beetle – a composition in which stone grains are intended to form grooves on the surface of the laid layer (a popular finishing finish resembling wood in which bark beetles have walked);
• lamb – a composition with a granular structure (also a popular finishing with the same name);
• pebble – the composition contains chips, for example, marble or granite, or a mosaic composition (finishing is good for large rooms and facades);
• "Venetian" on a siloxane base.

Base-specific variations:

• silicate-silicone plaster (with the addition of potassium liquid glass) is used for facades;
• acrylic-silicone (with acrylic polymers);
• siloxane (thermoplastic silicone, in which the molecules consist of silicon and oxygen).

Advantages and disadvantages

Silicone resins impart their inherent properties to the solutions in which they are dissolved. For instance, from a chemist’s perspective, resins are substances that fall somewhere between organic and mineral compounds. Resin structures are comparable to organic radicals associated with quartz structures. Since water molecules are unable to pass through the barrier of resinous molecules, this structure is the cause of hydrophobicity, or the ability to repel water. As a result, plasters made of silicone are hydrophobic, meaning they do not absorb water or become wet.

It is particularly crucial for mixtures used on building facades to have water-repellent qualities.

The following are some additional benefits of silicone-based solutions:

• the main advantage is that the coating is so durable that it is almost resistant to mechanical stress (the old coating must be cut down to remove it);
• cracks do not form on the finish, even if the walls themselves crack;
• resins provide strong adhesion of the plaster coating to insulation, wood, plasterboard, brick or concrete;
• materials containing silicone resins are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, maintaining the original color for years;
• resistant to chemicals and successfully withstand aggressive environments (which is especially valuable for facades in urban environments);
• high humidity and significant temperature variations have virtually no effect on the condition of the finish;
• it is possible to perform work at temperatures < 0°C;
• fungi and mold do not favor these compounds;
• the thickness of a single-layer coating is not limited;
• resins do not soften at elevated temperatures, the plaster retains its appearance and strength;
• The coating is neutral, does not accumulate a static charge;
• The color palette abounding with juicy tones and shades allows you to realize the classic and fantasy ideas of the designer, create any color combinations of the interior;
• Good hydrophobicity allows you to protect the walls from moisture sleep in raw rooms and rainy regions;
• self -cleaning occurring during rain (for facade coatings);
• The stability of the silicon to alkalis allows you to apply plaster even to alkaline coatings, which makes it possible to use it in industrial areas;
• The structure of the coating based on silicone passes air;
• The coating layer itself can be bent in any direction and stretched without the formation of cracks (so elastic plaster);
• 25 years – the minimum period of operation.

As a result, this kind of plastering material surpasses other compositions, which are only subpar in terms of cost.

On what walls can silicone plaster be used

Silicone emulsion-based compositions work well with nearly any base (metal structures excluded). Because of their vapor permeability, they are successfully used to cover brick (also sand-lime), wood (including fiberboard, plywood, and chipboard), and foam/aerated concrete.

The surface of asbestos-cement boards, gypsum, plasterboard, and mineral plasters (without previous dispersion or varnish coatings) are covered with silicone decorative plaster. It is especially preferable to use on weak bases, as the plaster acts as extra reinforcement in these situations.

Technique for applying silicone plaster

Applying silicone compositions to plaster is essentially the same as applying solutions on other bases: either a manual or mechanical application is utilized, which makes sense when plastering large areas and facades. The following parameters must be met in order for the machine to function properly: temperature above +5°C and below +30°C, normal humidity (not more than 80%), absence of drafts, and absence of sunlight. Ideal weather is usually more accessible in the spring or fall.

The canopy that has been built will aid in producing ideal circumstances.

Plastering requires two or three people if the amount of work is large because the solutions only last for two to three hours. Use of overexposed solutions is not advised. In order to prevent mortar fragments from sticking and scratching the layer being laid, tools are frequently cleaned while working. Tools are washed right away after work.

Before using, ready-made compositions need to be mixed. There must be homogeneity in the working mixture. Add water to dilute if needed, but don’t add more than the maximum amount allowed (refer to the packaging).

Surface preparation

Conduct an examination before applying silicone plaster to the surface. There are two possibilities: walls coated in old paint or a brand-new home.

Since the new building has no outdated coating, the following preparations have been made:

• The masonry joints between the brick rows are deepened by ~ 1 cm to improve adhesion, dusted, covered with a primer and a leveling layer of mineral plaster.
• Since silicone compounds are not afraid of cracks, then if you do not have "Venetian plaster", small cracks and irregularities comparable in size to the filler grain can not be leveled.
• A leveling plaster mortar is applied to a concrete base that is not quite even.
• First, an adhesive reinforcing layer (with a mesh) is applied to the insulation, after which, after drying, a primer is applied that is compatible with this layer and with the silicone composition.

The old wallpaper coatings, paint, and varnish are removed. Peeling sections of plaster are removed by tapping. Putty is used to fix these areas and cracks, and if needed, a mesh is used. The bases are cleared of foci of biodamage, efflorescence, soot, and grease stains. The silicone primer strengthens weak bases.

The base is dried before silicone plaster mortar is applied.

Tool

What you’ll need for manual plastering is:

• plastering tools (spatulas, floats, trowels) made of plastic or stainless steel;
• mixer to mix the settling stone chips, tint the mortar or equalize (align color shades, if there is some difference in the shades of the compositions in the buckets, then four buckets are mixed in a large container, after 3 buckets are used up, the next 3 are added to the container);
• masking tape (for pasting the borders of the drawing or area);
• container for washing tools;
• brushes, sponges, rollers;
• clean rags.

Application

The application method is appropriate for the chosen finish type. When decorating a room, silicone decorative plaster is typically used.

1. The solution is applied manually with a spatula or trowel vertically. To do this, apply a portion of the solution to the trowel with a spatula, then transfer it to the wall, spreading a layer no less than the size of the filler grains. The working surface of the tool is held at an angle of ~ 15 degrees to the base, decreasing the angle by the time the stroke is completed.
2. After applying the layer, it is leveled by moving the tool horizontally and holding it at an angle of 60 degrees. The excess is removed from the trowel into a bucket of mortar.
3. Then it is leveled by applying a float and moving it in circular motions parallel to the wall.

Work begins from the corner of the wall in the direction of the other corner (from the first vertical line to the last). Provide for stages of the process so that the freshly laid layer has time to be processed before it sets. If they do not have time to plaster the entire wall, then on one of the vertical surfaces (near the door or window opening, or where the plan is to change the color of the tinted mortar) stick a strip of masking tape. When the applied mortar sets and stops smearing, the tape strip is removed. Before continuing the plastering next time, tape tape is glued to the edge of the solution laid on the eve of the solution, which protects from a fresh solution to the already hardened and to prevent thickening at the joints.

First, apply the "bark beetle" pattern in the manner previously mentioned. To ensure that the applied layer grabs, it is given five to ten minutes. They start processing it, rolling the grains to create the pattern, when the finger stops adhering to the surface.

A cartoon gun is used to apply the solution mechanically (Hopper). The texture will appear more "fluffy" in this scenario. They make an effort to maintain the nozzle’s distance from the wall’s surface.

Is it possible to paint silicone plaster with silicone paint

Paint with a silicone base adheres firmly to plasters with any base, including silicate and silicate-silicone plaster, because this basis is tenacious, i.e., because the adhesive properties are good.

They attempt to add color to the decorative mixture itself more frequently. The paste can be purchased pre-colored or can be tinted on its own by mixing in pigments. Painting is done once the solution has dried completely. Paints and varnishes are used.

Safety precautions when working

Wear safety glasses when applying the solution manually to avoid splashes in your eyes. They might be required for plastering the ceiling if applied by hand. Regarding hand protection, there are no unique specifications. It is important to follow general safety precautions, such as using sturdy scaffolding and turning off outlets and switches on plastered surfaces.

Rinse your eyes well with cool water if any of the solution gets in them.

Keep compositions of bicarbonate of soda (0.5% solution) and a solution of acetic acid (1%) close by for neutralization if the compositions contain acid or alkali.

Consumption

Mechanized application is typically more cost-effective. The approximate amount of composition consumption per square meter of flat base is indicated on buckets made of ready-made materials. On uneven surfaces, consumption may generally exceed the value listed on the packaging. The degree of consumption is also influenced by grain size and skill.

Recommendations for selection

The more stores there are, the harder it is to decide on a plaster composition.

You must follow these key points in order to navigate:

• places of application (whether you are looking for a composition for a room or silicone plaster for a facade);
• Is it manual application?
• effect – a simple flat surface or a complex decorative finish;
• taking into account commercially available flowers;
• main required qualities (protective, decorative, winter, warm, etc.).d.);
• possibilities of your budget.

Materials intended for manual application are frequently labeled "DIY" or "easy to apply."

Manufacturers and cost

Gaining the trust of consumers requires years of flawlessly produced goods. As a result, the proprietors of businesses that have gained recognition and confidence are accountable for the caliber of their output.

The most well-known of these in our nation are:

• Ceresit, for example, compositions CT74 – pebble, CT75 – "bark beetle";
• Baumit – SilikonTop (bark beetle, pebble), Fine top or Silicon top ("fur coat");
• Caparol – mixtures on silicone and silane;
• Weber and others.

It appears that silicone plaster compositions are the priciest. However, considering

• extended service life (>25 years);
• no need for repairs (few competitors in terms of cost and tediousness of repairs);
• easy maintenance

For interior wall decoration, silicone decorative plaster is three times less expensive per square meter than mineral plaster.

Advantages	Description
Durability	Silicone plaster is resistant to weather, moisture, and UV rays, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
Low Maintenance	The surface is easy to clean, reducing the need for frequent upkeep.
Elasticity	Its flexibility prevents cracks, even on surfaces prone to movement.
Breathability	Allows moisture to escape from walls, preventing mold and damp issues.
Variety of Finishes	Available in many textures and colors, offering customization options.

For external walls, silicone plaster is a strong and adaptable option that appeals to a wide range of homeowners. Your home will remain safe and attractive for many years to come thanks to its flexibility and resistance to weather.

The broad selection of color options and simplicity of application let you personalize the look of your house without compromising functionality. Silicone plaster withstands the weather, no matter how severe the winters or how hot the summers are.

Over time, silicone plaster will save you money on upkeep and repairs while also improving the curb appeal of your house. It’s a wise decision that blends functionality and style.

Video on the topic

Silicone plaster for the facade, lamb baumit, review of the Facade Master store

Characteristics of silicone plaster

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