The choice of plaster type can have a significant impact on the finished result when plastering walls. Both cement and gypsum plasters are common choices, and each has advantages of its own. You’re not alone if you’re unsure which would be best for your project. Making this decision is something that many people have to do, and they could use some help.
Gypsum plaster is renowned for having a fast drying time and a smooth finish. Because it’s simple to work with and produces a lovely, even surface, it’s frequently chosen for indoor applications. However, cement plaster is more resilient to weathering and is therefore a good option for exterior walls and damp areas.
We’ll examine the benefits and drawbacks of cement and gypsum plaster in this post. You’ll be in a better position to select the plaster that best meets your requirements and tastes if you are aware of their differences. Let’s find out which plaster would work best for your upcoming project.
Aspect | Gypsum Plaster | Cement Plaster |
Drying Time | Fast, usually within 24 hours | Slower, may take several days |
Application | Easy to apply, smooth finish | Requires more skill, rougher finish |
Durability | Less durable, can be prone to cracks | More durable and resistant to damage |
Moisture Resistance | Not suitable for damp areas | Better for high moisture environments |
Cost | Generally more expensive | Usually more affordable |
Environmental Impact | Lower environmental impact | Higher environmental impact |
- Comparison of gypsum and cement plaster
- Where are they used most often
- What bases are compatible with
- Material consumption and cost
- Working with gypsum and cement plaster: comparative analysis
- Features of operation
- Features of cement plaster
- Advantages of cement plaster
- Disadvantages of cement plaster
- Features of gypsum plaster
- Advantages of gypsum plaster
- Disadvantages of gypsum plaster
- Combination of gypsum and cement
- Video on the topic
- How to properly plaster with cement plaster.
- Gypsum or cement plaster which is better
- The secret of cement plaster without CRACKS on aerated concrete!!!
- The result is amazing: GYPSUM PLASTER WITH A HOPPER BUCKET ⭕️ Comparison of gypsum and cement plasters
- Gypsum plaster or cement? How to choose plaster for interior work?
- Plaster under wallpaper! Gypsum or cement? And why?!
- How to choose plaster, differences between gypsum plaster and cement.
- What to plaster in the bathroom? Gypsum or cement plaster
Comparison of gypsum and cement plaster
First, let’s acknowledge that the composition of plastering materials greatly influences their properties. Confusion is possible because it is challenging to recall every nuance of their application right away. You cannot determine which type of plaster is better for a given room until you have taken into account all of the qualities that are inherent in the solutions. As a result, going forward, we’ll attempt to compare the materials based on the primary parameters caused by the properties of cement and gypsum bases.
These mixes, which are mineral-based, comprise three categories of constituents:
- binding agent (gypsum or cement);
- filler (usually just sand, gypsum compositions may not contain filler);
- additives that impart additional properties to the solution (plasticity, delayed setting, antibacterial properties).
When water is added to both kinds of dry mixtures, a dough (solution) is created. The binders crystallize and give the dough strength, resulting in an artificial coating that resembles stone.
- fireproof;
- durable;
- ecologically friendly;
- unstable to vibrations and shrinkage of buildings;
- can (due to the inclusion of lightweight filler) be heat-retaining;
- require a dry room for storage.
Here, the primary parallels give way to distinctions because cement is a hydraulic binder and gypsum is an air binder. The primary distinction is how the hardened gypsum reacts to water; when wet, it becomes less potent. Along with other differences, there are differences in the strength gain time and the solution’s service life.
Where are they used most often
Let’s examine the locations and compositions that are permitted based on the application:
- The "hydrophobia" of gypsum sharply limits the scope of use of the material to interior work only, where dry conditions are provided for the coating. At the same time, being a hydraulic binder, cement both in the solution and in the created coating is favorable to moisture, gaining additional strength during hardening, without losing it when wet. Plus, cement-based compositions are frost-resistant, which is required for outdoor use. Therefore, cement is used for finishing facades, outdoor gazebos, garages, leveling wall surfaces in bathrooms, damp basements or unheated rooms.
- Gypsum material, having a lower own weight, does not overload the ceiling and walls as much as cement. Therefore, it is used for weak bases, on ceilings, partitions.
- Gypsum plaster coatings are more vapor-permeable than cement ones. Therefore, in living rooms where a good microclimate is required, this material is only welcome.
- On warm glazed balconies (loggias), low weight, tenacious adhesion and plasticity of compositions with gypsum are more valued.
- For repairing cracks in wall structures, monolithing joints, cement solutions are used, which form a more durable stone.
- Gypsum plaster, as less durable, is inferior to cement where plastered surfaces are exposed to strong mechanical stress.
- Gypsum is used for puttying under paint or wallpaper.
Plastered in gypsum in the space
In every other instance, the choice is based on other indicators and neither composition differs in the application location.
What bases are compatible with
It won’t last long if the plaster can’t adhere to the wall with tenacity. As a result, when selecting a composition, the adhesion property—strong adhesion—is crucial. Gypsum mixtures are thought to be universal because they exhibit good "stickiness" to the majority of base materials. Plaster on cement is more erratic and sticks less well to painted, plastic, and concrete surfaces. Selecting plaster for wood, precast concrete, or monolithic concrete necessitates taking extra precautions to improve adherence. Reinforcing mesh is also used to attach the layer, forcing the coating to become thicker.
Material consumption and cost
Consumption is often important when choosing a plaster composition, since this affects the overall cost of repairing or leveling walls in a new building. As a rule, gypsum mixtures are used for leveling with a small thickness of the correction layer, otherwise cement ones are chosen. Therefore, in terms of consumption per square meter of wall, the consumption of gypsum composition is less. With the same layer thickness, its consumption is also lower, since gypsum has the property of slightly increasing in volume when wet. When applied to a flat surface (due to ease of placement), gypsum gives a thinner layer, therefore, the consumption is reduced. You can use our calculator to calculate the required amount of mixture.
The composition using cement comes out on top in terms of cost. Mixtures containing the minimum amount of gypsum cost one-third more. The cost of cement-sand mortars is significantly lower when the mixture is made up of individual materials (you can find the precise quantitative values in our article on the plaster solution’s proportions), but there is essentially no savings when gypsum is used.
Working with gypsum and cement plaster: comparative analysis
Gypsum mixtures are preferred by plasterers for the following reasons:
- Gypsum-based mortar is lighter, arms and back do not get tired longer during work. This is especially important when plastering the ceiling. Sand-cement mixture is heavier.
- The mortar lays down well, is easy to form, and forms an even layer without any particular difficulties. Cement dough is more difficult to apply and form. For adhesion, it is necessary to perform the work in layers (for the main layer – the primer – to stick, a spray is applied). Sand grains in the mortar do not allow achieving a high-quality surface without additional grouting (with the application of a cover) and grinding.
But because gypsum mixtures set quickly, work with them needs to be done more quickly. This parameter states that the plasterer has more time to create a batch and fix any irregularities when using cement as a binder. This is a relief for those who are new.
Gypsum and cement are not the same when evaluating which plaster is better at speeding up repair times; gypsum dries faster and gains strength more quickly. Cement can take up to 4 weeks to dry, while gypsum finishing can take 2-7 days. Consequently, the duration of work is reduced.
See also: Myths surrounding soundproofing plaster: application techniques with and without extra sound insulation
Features of operation
The ways that cement and gypsum plasters function differently from one another. For instance, plasters made of cement can be cleaned, in contrast to gypsum. They let you to hang bulky shelves on the walls and don’t mind being hit hard or abraded.
Knowing the advantages of each type of plaster is crucial when deciding between cement and gypsum for your walls. Gypsum plaster is perfect for interior spaces because of its quick drying time and smooth finish. Conversely, cement plaster is more suitable for exterior walls and high-humidity areas due to its durability and moisture resistance. Based on the particular requirements of your project, this article will assist you in weighing these factors and selecting the plaster that best suits your needs.
Features of cement plaster
There are over a dozen different types of binders in the cement class. Portland cement is the most commonly used for plasters. Humidity is necessary for cement-based solutions to harden. Should this not be guaranteed, the resultant stone becomes weaker and eventually cracks. The construction and functional properties of solutions vary (ease of placement, strength, frost resistance, adhesiveness, etc.).
With the exception of gypsum, cement blends well with other binders. For instance, to improve the composition’s plasticity, lime is added. Cement stone gains elasticity from polymer binders, which increases its resistance to shrinkage and vibrations. Primer barrier is required because the solution "shares" moisture with the absorbent base easily.
The roundness or angularity of the sand grains influences the mixture’s properties as well (workability, shrinkage value). Sawdust, perlite sand, and other fibers are utilized as fillers (micro-reinforcement, increased heat-protective functions). Changing additives gives them new qualities or improves ones they already have. For instance, the use of anti-freeze additives has made it possible to plaster facades during the winter.
Advantages of cement plaster
Among the benefits, we highlight those that keep cement compositions popular:
- coating strength (depends on the type of solution, conditions of preparation, application, hardening);
- resistance to moisture, water resistance (solutions are used for plastering swimming pools);
- together with additional measures it is possible to achieve high adhesion strength with the base;
- relatively affordable cost and wide representation on the market.
Disadvantages of cement plaster
Drawbacks that need to be balanced:
- long gain in strength (modern mixtures contain additives that reduce the time);
- not good adhesion is possible with all materials (does not lie on plastic, painted surfaces, wood);
- "weight" does not allow use on weak bases, or forces to reduce the thickness of the coating;
- labor intensity of plastering work (multi-layer coating, special care during hardening, etc.). d.);
- it is difficult to achieve a surface smooth enough for gluing wallpaper or painting (puttying is required).
Features of gypsum plaster
The powder, which is made by dehydrating natural gypsum, crystallizes fast and solidifies when diluted with water. does not, in practice, shrink. Water has a destructive effect on hardened gypsum plaster. Like flour, the powder’s fineness makes the dough exceptionally malleable, allowing it to effortlessly fill in depressions of any shape. does not add water to the base; instead, it keeps the required liquid within.
The mixture’s plasticity makes it easy to achieve even, smooth surfaces. The dough makes plastering difficult-to-reach places "convenient." Lime is mixed with gypsum. Mixtures containing gypsum and cement are manufactured in factories; however, this process cannot be replicated at home.
The life of the solution is not the only limit imposed by characteristics of the crystal formation process. The lumps that have thickened on the spatula after being removed from the wall cannot be put back in the container containing the working solution. Furthermore, a container that hasn’t been cleaned of the leftovers of the previous solution cannot be used to combine a fresh batch. These "old lumps" turn into crystallization grains, which hasten the setting of new dough significantly. Cold water is used to mix the mass.
Advantages of gypsum plaster
Observe that the gypsum plaster
- light in weight (suitable for application to weak bases);
- creates an optimal microclimate;
- porosity promotes breathing of walls, maintaining their dryness, longevity;
- retains heat;
- does not form cracks during hardening;
- does not require puttying;
- easy to sand.
Disadvantages of gypsum plaster
Let’s examine the ways in which this particular mixture varies from cement in the negative positions:
- not waterproof (as a result – use only in interiors, without a waterproof coating it cannot be washed (it easily wears out, scratches and chips off);
- costs more (sometimes 1.5-2 times);
- has low strength.
Combination of gypsum and cement
Mentioning the cement bacillus makes it easier to understand whether it is possible to apply a gypsum mixture to a cement one (and vice versa) and to mix the compositions. Ettringite, a dangerous mineral, forms in the body of the cement stone when sulfate ions (SO) find their way into the cement mortar. The substance of "Novichok," which is created during the hardening phase, includes crystallized water. After the stone is formed, if moisture enters it, the mineral "swells," fracturing the stone.
Plastering is made easier by combining cement and gypsum solutions. These mixtures are applied to walls to create a "mine" that takes time to take effect. The bacillus "sleeps" until moisture seeps into the ettringite area. The mineral enlarges by 2.5 times its original size as soon as water enters (this occurs frequently in damp areas or during flooding), and the stone becomes covered in a web of fissures.
Consequently, it is important to rule out any potential pairing when choosing finishing solutions for gypsum and cement:
- do not apply plaster with cement on a gypsum coating and vice versa;
- avoid leaving beacon gypsum fasteners when plastering with cement mortar;
- do not use tile cement adhesive over gypsum plaster.
- select materials with the same binder for the neighborhood;
- if it is impossible to avoid the specified combination, make a layer of waterproofing between them (on a cementless basis);
- to reduce the porosity of the coating, reduce the amount of water in the dough.
One more rule. A weak material is covered with a layer of either a weaker or the same strength material. It is not necessary to apply gypsum over cement when using intermediate waterproofing.
The conditions of your project and your unique requirements will play a major role in your decision between cement and gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster is faster to apply and provides a smooth, fine finish, which makes it perfect for interior walls that need to look sleek. Moreover, it dries more quickly, which could expedite the remodeling process as a whole.
Cement plaster, on the other hand, is more resilient and appropriate for locations subjected to moisture or harsh weather. Its strength and water resistance make it a sensible option for outdoor surfaces or high humidity areas. Although it might require more time to apply and cure, its durability and toughness are important benefits.
The optimal option ultimately depends on the specifications of your project. Gypsum plaster is a good option for a speedy, visually pleasant finish in dry indoor environments. Cement plaster is probably a better choice if you’re looking for strong, durable protection in harsher environments. To ensure you make the best choice possible, consider your unique needs and circumstances.