Types of plaster for interior decoration and exterior work

Plastering is a crucial component of surface finishing for both interior and external applications. It offers a smooth, attractive appearance while safeguarding the supporting structures. Selecting the proper type of plaster can have a big impact on durability, aesthetics, and even insulation, whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an old one.

Different kinds of plaster can produce distinct textures and effects on interior walls. Popular choices include lime plaster, which has a more traditional appearance and superior breathability, and gypsum plaster, which is renowned for its smooth finish and short setting time. These materials are popular among both professionals and homeowners because they are simple to work with and can be applied to a variety of surfaces.

External plaster, also known as render, must endure more severe circumstances, such as severe weather. For external walls, cement plaster is a popular option because of its durability and moisture resistance. It offers a strong and weatherproof layer that is perfect for protecting your house from the weather. Furthermore, plasters with silicone and acrylic bases are becoming more and more well-liked due to their improved waterproofing qualities and flexibility, which provide long-lasting protection with little upkeep.

Making an informed choice that improves the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your walls can be facilitated by having a thorough understanding of the various types of plaster and their particular uses. The benefits of each type vary, so choosing the correct one will guarantee that your surfaces look fantastic and function well for many years to come.

For leveling – rough work.

If your bare wall is composed of concrete, brick, or another plasterable material. Naturally, no one will apply a decorative coating to something that has chips, unevenness, or other flaws. This is foolish. First, large-fraction, low-cost mixtures are used to level the wall. Among them are:

  • Cement-sand – the most popular option for leveling, from the name it is clear that its components are cement, sand. The proportions can be different, it all depends on the task. After its application, mandatory leveling with putty is necessary, since it is difficult to achieve a smooth surface with it.
  • Lime – similar to the previous option, lime is added to the composition, while the cement can be only 5-10%. Lime gives plasticity and lightness, which has a positive effect on the speed of work. But, it should be remembered that in terms of strength it is inferior to the previous option.
  • Gypsum – used only for interior decoration. This is due to the high absorbent properties of gypsum. On the outside, it will simply fall off when soaked in water. Its main advantage, of all leveling mixtures, is that decorative coatings can be applied to it immediately. It has quick drying properties, so when working with it, you need to dilute the material in small portions.

Other solutions, such as silicone, acrylic, mineral, polymer, and silicate, can also be used for alignment. When extra qualities are required for strengthening, they are employed. Naturally, the costs of these options vary.

What is a coating and finishing mixture.

Leveling and coating options. Its goal is to get the surface ready for applying different kinds of wallpaper, tiles, or decorative plaster. Among them is gypsum. The composition of the coating serves as a mediator between the final finishing coating and leveling, or a wall that is relatively even.

The finishing coat is the priciest of all, but it is also the most exquisite. It is made up of different minerals and fillers and has a unique texture and structure. Plaster finishing techniques are more frequently utilized for interior work than for exterior work. This is because finishing room décor comes in a much wider range of options. For instance, Venetian plaster is suitable there but not outside.

Advice: If you’re having trouble selecting a finishing plaster, go for the mid-priced option. Price-quality is a segment that satisfies the requirement.

Bark beetle, fur coat, and lamb are some of the decorative plaster types that can be used to decorate exterior walls and interior spaces. This is but one of the numerous variations.

By binding base.

Mineral plaster that is bound together with gypsum, cement, or lime. 30 kg bags are used to sell dry composition; occasionally, 50 kg bags are available. used with most minerals after being diluted with plain water. does not burn and exhibits good vapor permeability.

A great choice for insulating a building’s exterior. These kinds of plaster are utilized for both external and interior projects. It is used for rough work, as previously mentioned, but it is also frequently seen painted or as a decorative coating with pieces of colored marble chips.

Fascinating fact: The "Armenian" facade plaster, which is a mixture of fine sawdust that is soaked and applied to the wall, was popular during the Soviet era due to the scarcity of other types of facade plaster on the market. It was covered with gypsum after drying.

Acrylic, containing polymers made of acrylic resins. Vapor permeability is much lower than with the previous option, but there are several other noteworthy benefits as well. It is more resilient to moisture and climatic changes. applies to all mineral bases, even those that are ancient. There is a huge range of plaster types available on the market for use in interior decoration. It includes nearly every possible application effect option.

Silicate, founded on glass made of "liquid" potassium. It is readily diluted and typically sold in buckets. used with silicate and mineral bases. It is more expensive and has a narrower color line than polymer. possesses a higher permeability to vapor. Used exclusively with specific silicate primers. Because of its increased toxicity, its use is prohibited in certain countries. Only with it or silicone is defect elimination possible. There are no decor restrictions when using types of decorative plaster with a silicate base because they come in a wide range of colors.

Silicone with a base composed of silicone resins. This material actually excels over all other binders. It "breathes," does not get dirty, and has good vapor permeability with a wide range of colors. It has the longest service life. The cost is the only item that many people find confusing. However, a lot of people will dispute this and say that in the end, it ends up being the most affordable. because it doesn’t need to be attended to continuously for an extended amount of time.

Differences in the method of application.

In hardware stores and markets, you’ll notice that the packaging is labeled "for machine application." I use them with special automatic equipment (mechanical stations) to process large areas. This technique enables you to coat objects at a much faster rate, which surely shortens the object’s completion time.

Due to the lower cost of consumables and the need for fewer service personnel, this method is frequently less expensive. It might just take two or three carloads of people to move big objects. Application is possible on ceilings as well as walls. The majority of machines are also suitable for floor work. These plaster types are much more practical for outdoor work because there is room and the surrounding walls don’t get in the way.

As you can see, the manual method involves using a spatula to apply the material to the wall by smearing or throwing it. A common set of instruments is used for the task, including:

  • Float;
  • Level;
  • Falcon.

Types of decorative application of plaster.

The division primarily pertains to the emergence of ornamental plasters. We’ll discuss a tactile and visual difference. This is undoubtedly the most clear-cut and approachable classification scheme for the majority of people.

The decorative coating’s name, "fur coat," speaks for itself. It truly does have a fur coat-like appearance, and its thermal conductivity is enhanced. Building facades frequently feature these kinds of plaster. It appears stunning and impressive.

Cement and fine quartz sand make up its components. The application technique itself produces the effect. However, there are other options for this application besides the mineral base. Furthermore, there are varieties of ornamental plaster known as "Shuba" that are based on acrylic and acrylic-silicone. In particular, extra components broaden each composition’s potential. The article about applying a fur coat has more information. Let’s look at a few of them:

The De Luxe brand’s "Shuba" mineral has a 2 mm fraction size.

The De Luxe brand’s "Shuba" acrylic is fractionally sized between 1.5 and 3 mm.

The De Luxe brand’s acrylic-silicone "Shuba" has a fraction size ranging from 1.5 to 3 mm.

"Bark beetle"—the name itself says it all. Whether we were young or old, many of us have witnessed the labor of these incredible insects, bark beetles. They quickly carve out tiny grooves in wood, frequently producing incredible drawing compositions.

It mimics, as a result of their labor. It is used in a rather strange way. Grators, semi-terraces, falcons, and mechanical tools that make grooves are used to set the desired effect. See how these textured and ornamental plastering styles are disassembled in the bark beetle application article. He connects with every kind of connecting base. Take a look at the attributes of one of the brands as an example.

Ceresit CT 35 Mineral. • Use: for both internal and external projects. It is installed using various foundations (GVL, gypsum, cement application, and concrete wall). • External effect: simulates grooves made by barking • Layer thickness: up to 2-3.5 mm. 2.8 kg/m2 of granules with a diameter of 2 mm are consumed. • 0.5 MPa is the adhesive strength. • Benefits include enhanced vapor permeability, resistance to moisture and changes in climate, impact resistance, and frost resistance. environmentally friendly.

Ceresit CT 64 acrylic. • Use: Both indoor and outdoor projects. arranged according to different criteria (gypsum wall, plastered, concrete application, and gypsum fiber board). not put to use in the basement. • External effect: mimics the grooves of bark beetles Layer: between two and three millimeters. • With a 2 mm granule diameter, consumption is 3 kg/m^. • Benefits include normal vapor permeability, resistance to impacts and frost, and adaptability to climate fluctuations. Durable and safe for the environment.

"Venetian" is among the most unpredictable and labor-intensive kinds of applications. Naturally, the outcome justifies the effort. It does, after all, appear incredibly elegant and costly.

Every kind of "Venetian" decorative plaster is waterproof by nature and can be cleaned with damp cloths. This kind of décor is reserved for interior use. Using tiny spatula screeds and various colors, it is applied in several layers. It is important to remember that your only restriction when selecting a color is your creativity.

This kind includes Moroccan plaster and is incredibly varied, unique in every version.

For both indoor and outdoor projects, the durability and aesthetic of your walls can be significantly impacted by the plaster you choose. Interior options such as lime plaster offer a breathable solution that helps control indoor humidity, while gypsum plaster offers a smooth finish that’s ideal for painting or wallpapering. Cement plaster is preferred for external walls due to its durability and ability to withstand weather, making your house weatherproof. Making an informed decision that meets your unique needs and extends the life and beauty of your spaces is made easier when you are aware of the features and advantages of each type.

Types of special plasters.

Extra qualities that will withstand threats are added to the surface by applying special plasters, which are typically rough. They can be distinguished in this way:

Acoustic.

Used to lessen sound waves entering and leaving a space. frequent locations include clubs, eateries, gyms, movie theaters, and workshops. Naturally, a lot of people use them in daily life to avoid disturbing their neighbors—rather, they use them to shield themselves from their noise.

The reason for its soundproof qualities is that it contains materials like slag, pumice, and perlite, which also acts as a heat insulator. Its density will rise with painting, increasing the sound’s permeability.

Waterproofing.

It is mostly utilized in spaces with high humidity, like bathrooms, basements, balconies, and garages. This composition has surfactants that are repulsive and hydrophobic elements that do not interact with water. Swimming pools also contain it, as their composition is reinforced even more to support large weights. Its components made of acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane resin are water-repellent.

Acidic.

Application range: chemical industry. The truth is that not many materials can withstand acid. As such, it is frequently impossible to function without it. Although it is mostly composed of sand and cement, fillers such as quartzite, stone flour, and liquid glass play a significant role.

Barite (X-ray protective).

A separate article is devoted to it – application of barite. The name – X-ray protective speaks for itself. You can meet it only in X-ray rooms. It absorbs harmful rays, protecting surrounding doctors and patients from the threat of radiation.
It is a replacement for lead plates or complements them under heavy loads.
Warm.
In most cases, it is applied to external walls. These types of facade plaster, of course, are not responsible for beauty, they only play the role of an intermediate coating.
It appeared not very long ago, but quickly became in demand. The components are cement-sand mortar with additional elements (foam granules or perlite). The solution is easy to make and can be made with your own hands.

You should be aware that it is far less effective than basic wall insulation composed of foam or mineral wool, so you shouldn’t rely just on it. Use it with insulation underneath the plaster or in colder climates.

Naturally, because of the porous components, the solution has low impact resistance, but this is not a major issue. You can improve its qualities by incorporating unique components.

Type of Plaster Application
Cement Plaster Durable and suitable for exterior walls
Gypsum Plaster Ideal for smooth interior walls and ceilings
Lime Plaster Good for both interior and exterior; breathable
Clay Plaster Natural finish for interior walls
Acrylic Plaster Flexible and weather-resistant for exterior use

For both interior and exterior projects, selecting the appropriate plaster type is essential to attaining the intended visual and practical results. With so many options available, it’s critical to comprehend the traits and advantages of each kind. For interior walls, for example, gypsum plaster works well because of its fast drying time and smooth finish. Conversely, cement plaster is a well-liked option for external surfaces due to its extreme durability and resistance to weathering.

Decorative plasters can turn plain walls into eye-catching design elements. Examples of decorative plasters are Venetian and textured plasters. These plasters are adaptable and, depending on the particular product and application method, can be used both indoors and outdoors. Another great choice for individuals looking for environmentally friendly building materials is lime plaster, which is well-known for its natural qualities and ability to breathe.

Think about the application location, the desired finish, and the surrounding conditions when choosing plaster. Speak with an expert to get helpful advice and make sure you select the best plaster for your project. Achieving stunning and long-lasting results also requires careful application and preparation.

Video on the topic

Top 10 options for interior wall decoration, the most popular finishing materials, pros and cons

Ideal plaster for aerated concrete. Spadar. Part 1. Review. Everything is smart.

Bark beetle. Which is better.

What type of plaster do you prefer to use in your projects?
Share to friends
Andrey Ivanov

An experienced builder with more than 15 years of experience. I specialize in plastering and decorative finishing. I started my career as an ordinary worker, gradually accumulating knowledge and skills in various finishing techniques. Now I share my experience to help beginners master the craft and avoid common mistakes.

Rate author
Kaskad-M.com
Add a comment