What is improved plaster

Better plaster is a popular option for people who want to improve the wall’s finish and longevity. This kind of plaster is perfect for both residential and commercial spaces because it is made to give a smoother, more refined surface. Better plaster has several advantages over ordinary plaster applications, whether you’re finishing new construction or remodeling an existing structure.

The adaptability of enhanced plaster is one of its key benefits. It ensures a uniform and superior finish on a variety of surfaces, such as drywall, concrete, and brick. Furthermore, strengthened plaster frequently contains additives that increase its strength and resistance to cracking, extending the beauty of your walls.

Better plaster offers an ideal foundation for paint or other decorative finishes for those who value aesthetics above all else. Its smooth surface makes application more accurate and eliminates the need for thick layers or extensive sanding. You can create a faultless appearance that enhances the beauty and value of any area with the appropriate methods.

Aspect	Description
Composition	Improved plaster includes additional ingredients like polymers or fibers to enhance strength and flexibility.
Application	It"s used in areas requiring extra durability, such as high-traffic zones or exterior walls.
Finish	This type of plaster provides a smoother, more refined surface, ideal for painting or other finishes.
Durability	Improved plaster is more resistant to cracking and environmental factors, ensuring a longer-lasting finish.
Cost	While slightly more expensive than standard plaster, its benefits in durability and finish make it a worthwhile investment.

Types of plaster according to SNiP

People are realistic in any type of business. It will also be required for the challenging plastering process, where drying each layer, for example, takes time. Additionally, since garages and hotel rooms have multiple levels, it is illogical to finish them on the same level.

As a result, different levels are used for ordinary plaster—not special or decorative.

As per SNiP, the subsequent finishing is employed:

• simple;
• improved;
• high-quality.

The level of precision with which the geometric properties of the plastered object are rendered true to the ideal is what sets these plasters apart. For garages, basements, bathrooms, utility rooms, storage rooms, etc., basic plastering is sufficient. Just two plaster layers are applied "under the falcon" to create a basic coating: a splash layer and a primer layer with a maximum total thickness of 12 mm. This is sufficient to produce a monolithic, excess-free protective layer.

You can produce a finishing surface that satisfies high and medium requirements with improved plaster. Applying and leveling the solution "under the rule"

The coating is composed of three layers: splash, primer, and cover, totaling fifteen millimeters. The improved coating is then finished with decorative plastering, tiling, or wallpapering, which doesn’t need a very smooth base surface.

On beacons, superior wall plastering is produced "under the rule." The walls’ geometry is almost perfect. The smooth surface and the presence of two primer layers distinguish the improved one from the original. Because of the extra soil layer, the overall thickness is higher in this instance.

Main differences of improved plaster

Apart from the objects for which it is designed, enhanced plaster possesses the subsequent primary distinctions:

1. Unlike simple plaster, it is intended (like high-quality plaster) for leveling the surface.
2. Number of main technologically different layers – 3.
3. As indicated earlier, the total thickness of improved wall plaster is allowed up to 15 mm, that is, less than four-layer high-quality plaster (20 mm), more than two-layer simple plaster.
4. Alignment is performed according to the "rule", unlike simple plaster.
5. According to SNiP and Gesn (elemental estimate state standards), beacons can be used for plastering, with the help of which it is possible to achieve alignment of walls of a given level of quality, however, their use is not necessary, unlike what is required by high-quality plaster.
6. The magnitude of deviations of the surface from the design forms is less than for simple and more than for high-quality coatings. For example, the vertical maximum deviations are 1 m 0.5 mm (high-quality finish) and 3 mm (simple), and the permissible deviation of improved finishing is 2 mm (detailed information on tolerances is provided below).
7. During the execution, the geometric characteristics of the coating are regularly checked.
8. The material consumption is more than for simple plastering, less than for high-quality plaster. Similarly, there are differences in price, time costs, labor intensity.
9. Implementation of improved finishing (as more expensive) must be specified in the State Building Code.

What is high-quality finishing

High-quality plastering is done in rooms where the highest standards for finishing quality are established. It is accomplished by utilizing technology and superior solutions. For instance, using beacons is required when applying high-quality plaster, unlike enhanced wall plaster.

It also calls for an extra layer of dirt. Some finishing techniques might need a premium base. It is entirely impossible for the completed plastered surface to have any bumps or cracks. Grouting that is smooth and circular is necessary.

Improved plaster technology

Improved plaster in terms of surface quality can have categories K1 and K2, that is, be finished with sheet materials or tiles, decorative plaster with a filler grain size of more than 1 mm, according to SNIP (building rules and regulations) for finishing coatings.

The application technology has a third technological layer called covering, which sets it apart from simple finishing.

Wall preparation

Preparing the base for superior and superior leveling finishing is identical to that of a basic base. Remove any rust, oil stains, efflorescence, and metal products from the surface. Eliminate fungus and mold, and clean the colonies’ locations. Everything is taken down if the wall already has a finish, paint, wallpaper, or whitewash on it. If old plaster is entirely or partially inappropriate, it is removed. Chips and cracks in the material are fixed. See our articles for more information about plaster repair.

Appropriate steps are taken to increase the material’s adherence to the wall. Seams in brick and stone masonry are enlarged to a depth of one centimeter. On smooth concrete bases, notches are machined or manually made for the same purpose. Wooden walls are nailed with lath gratings. The standards do not specify reinforcement for improved plaster separately; however, it is required for metal bases, wet facades, and a substantial thickness of the plaster coating.

Dust the walls using a rag, brush, or vacuum cleaner. Make sure the wall is primed and dried. The maximum amount of air humidity in the space should be 8%.

If beacons are used, they measure the surface after priming and identify the wall’s most conspicuous point. identifying and constructing a backup vertical plane. constructing mortar beacons or mounting beacon strips. installation of beacons step-by-step.

It is forbidden to attach beacon profiles and create gypsum mortar beacons when plastering with a cement mixture.

Mixing solution ingredients

The technical requirements for the plaster mass, such as mobility, delamination, maximum particle size, etc., are standardized by GOST for mortars for improved plaster.

Size of sand grains, mm	The solution must pass the sieve (mesh size, mm)
Spray, soil	≤ 2.5	≤ 3
Covering	≤ 1.25	≤ 1.5

The same mixtures as for basic plastering are acceptable. Sand and quartz chips may be included in the composition along with binders and additives that have antibacterial, plasticizing, and modifying properties. When preparing a composition, either the technology listed in the technological map or the instructions provided apply (in the case of a dry mixture purchase). The components are mixed in a designated container. For compositions containing gypsum, use only a clean container (one free of leftovers from the prior mixture) and account for the gypsum’s swelling during mixing.

Water is added to a container containing the dry mixture. When creating cement mortar, one must first mix dry ingredients together with their hands. The Types of Plaster section lists the technologies used to prepare solutions with various binders.

When mixing the composition in a mortar mixer, the bulk materials are added to the pear after the water has been added. Add dough or lime emulsion after water for a composition of lime and cement.

For the mortar mixture to become a completely homogenous mass, mixing is required. Either a mortar mixer or a mixer is used for this. Dry mixtures are mixed, then left to sit for fifteen minutes before being mixed once more.

Splash

To improve the plaster coating’s adherence to the wall, a layer is directly applied to the base. The mixture of the solution makes it resemble semi-solid sour cream. The composition is applied by either smearing or throwing, depending on the skill. Skilled plasterers use a ladle for throwing. Beginners can make use of a spatula or trowel.

The wall is wet before cement splash is applied. This is required to prevent it from drawing moisture from the plaster’s composition and absorbing it. Devoid of moisture, a solution hardens quickly without becoming stronger.

The spray layer has a maximum thickness of 5 mm. Since it is necessary to leave uneven areas for the next layer to cling to, the top of the layer is not level. Instead, using the spatula’s corner, horizontal lines are "lined" across the spray’s surface.

Application of the primer

A more viscous solution with a similar composition makes up the main intermediate layer. Using a trowel or spatula, apply the mass in a throwing or spreading motion. The previous layer needs to set before the primer is applied.

In the event that plastering is done without beacons, the verticality and horizontality of the formed surface are examined following rule leveling. This is not necessary for using beacons because beacon strips are installed under control.

A primer layer is applied above the edges of beacon profiles if enhanced plastering is completed along them. Up to one meter long sections are plastered. Using a rule, the applied solution is leveled and its strip is placed on the beacons. The rule is moved in a zigzag pattern rather than a straight line to make the solution easier to level. The solution becomes more plastic as a result of the oscillation of the tool, which encourages the solution to temporarily liquefy.

The rule is moved twice, from floor to ceiling, and once more, from top to bottom, when leveling. The solution is attached to the wall in this manner. Using a spatula, trim off any extra composition and apply to any areas where the solution is insufficient. Extra material is thrown into a container.

Emptying surplus gypsum mixtures back into the working solution container is not advised because the airborne mass can accelerate the hardening of the fresh solution and act as a crystallization center.

The beacon profiles are eliminated once the composition has settled. A sticky substance fills the remaining grooves. Using a broad spatula or a short rule, align the filled areas along the top of the wall plane.

Final layer

The cover is the final one. The consistency of the solution for it is the same as that of the spray. The filler used is finer—up to 1.5 mm—which makes a difference. Surface pores are readily filled by such a plastic mass. Using a trowel or spatula, apply the coating in a layer as thick as 2 mm to a damp surface; level with a rule.

A float is used to rub the surface once the mass starts to solidify.

A premium plaster mixture created for improved durability, smoother finishes, and greater surface adhesion is called improved plaster. It’s perfect for laying a solid, level foundation for painting or applying other wall treatments. Improved plaster, in contrast to regular plaster, provides better resistance to moisture and cracks, making it a dependable option for both interior and external applications. This kind of plaster is especially useful for areas that need more protection from wear and tear or a more refined finish.

High-quality plastering technology

Precisely speaking, enhanced plastering and superior wall plastering are executed with the same technology. However, there are a few minor variations:

• the presence of an additional primer layer;
• plastering only on beacons;
• total thickness – up to 20 mm.

Keep in mind that minor deviations are permitted.

Scope of application of improved plastering

Improved plastering is frequently used to level external surfaces and the walls of residential buildings, depending on its intended use.

Other places plaster is used:

• finishing of columns and cornices – decorative elements made of a variety of materials;
• plastering of brickwork;
• small buildings.

Quality control of plastering works

Thus, the response to the query, "What is improved plaster?" is fairly straightforward. With this finish, minor design variations are not apparent to the naked eye. It is the outcome of applying the proper plastering techniques.

Let’s move on to the SNiP-approved deviations in order to clarify things.

1. The deviation of the surface of a plastered wall horizontally, measured with a rule or a two-meter rail, should be ≤3 mm per meter of length. For an area of ​​up to 50 m², 5 or more measurements are taken.
2. When checking the verticality with a rule or rail, the standardized deviation per 1 m of length is ≤2 mm, for the height of the room – up to 10 mm. The number of measurements is the same as in p.1.
3. If the wall surface has smooth outlines (waves), then when checking with a template, only 1-2 protrusions or depressions up to 3 mm in height/depth are allowed. At least 3 measurements are taken on one curved element.
4. Curved surfaces with a radius according to the design must not have deviations from the design values ​​by more than 7 mm per element (the number and method of measurements are similar to p.1).
5. Permissible value of slope width deviation – ≤3 mm.
6. Deviations from the horizontal and vertical of such elements as pilasters, columns, window and door slopes are standardized for areas of 4 m2. In this case, the tolerance is up to 4 mm per 1 m, and for the entire element – ​​up to 10 mm.

The specified sizes of allowable deviations are smaller for superior plaster and greater for basic plaster. For instance, the standards stipulate that the maximum vertical deviations are 0.5 mm for high-quality finishes and 3 mm for simple finishes every 1 m.

Plastering requires the fulfillment of certain technical requirements. As such, it is vital to keep an eye on the quality while working.

Control is applied gradually:

• if they are plastered along beacons, instrumentally check the spatial position of the profiles after installation.
• if the composition is prepared from individual components, ensure the absence of lumps (filtering through a sieve), ensuring that the cement (or dry mixture) is not expired, and the quality of the mixture;
• measure the temperature and humidity in the room, check the dryness and quality of the walls;
• inspect the surface of the laid layer, seal pores, depressions, grind off protrusions;
• use a metal corner to check the accuracy of plastering corners (husks, usenki);
• using a rule or a long, even strip, they control how smooth the wall is;
• tapping to check the strength of adhesion to the wall.

A workable answer to attaining superior wall finishes is enhanced plaster. It is perfect for both residential and commercial spaces because it is made to give a smoother, more resilient surface than regular plaster.

Improved plaster requires less preparatory work because it is more flexible and adheres to walls more readily, making it capable of handling small imperfections. This makes it a time-saving choice for interior designers who want to update their spaces effectively.

Investing in a more durable finish that withstands wear and cracking is what better plaster entails. With less effort and this kind of plaster, you can achieve a polished, professional look whether you’re remodeling an older space or building new.

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