Which plaster for walls to choose – rating of gypsum, cement and lime mixtures

Selecting the ideal plaster for your walls is a crucial choice that will affect the interior spaces’ longevity and appearance. The type of plaster you choose will have a significant impact on the project’s outcome, whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an older one.

There are numerous varieties of plaster on the market, each with a unique set of benefits and recommended uses. Among the most common choices are lime, cement, and gypsum plasters; each has special advantages based on the requirements of your project. Making an informed decision will be made easier if you are aware of how these materials differ from one another.

This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of lime, cement, and gypsum plasters in an easy-to-read manner. By the end, you’ll know more clearly what kind of plaster is ideal for your walls and can achieve the smooth, high-quality finish you want.

Rating of plaster mixes

When planning a renovation or construction project, it’s important to consider ahead of time what supplies you’ll need for plastering walls. This primarily relates to leveling compounds, which are more necessary than decorative ones.

If you are familiar with the proportions, you can make your own leveling plaster mixes or purchase pre-made dry powders (referred to as "just add water" series) (henceforth CP). The challenge in selecting comes not only from the base (binder), but also from the variety of compositions that can be made from a single base, such as gypsum or cement binder.

What factors do artists consider when selecting plaster? What factors ought to a novice be guided by? Which kind of plaster should I use in a high-humidity room? What works well for leveling walls so that puttying is not needed afterwards?

A brief explanation of the various plaster compositions based on the base (binder).

Traditional mineral plaster materials that are used as binders are:

• gypsum (dehydrated natural mineral);
• lime (slaked or quicklime);
• cement.

Their distinctions, which primarily affect the plaster selection, are:

• strength of the formed coating;
• resistance to humid conditions;
• workability and other working qualities;
• timeframe of plastering works, including drying time;
• price.

Plaster materials are primarily used in areas determined by their strength and moisture resistance. Cement compositions work best for facade works, while gypsum compositions are completely inappropriate. The ability to maintain a comfortable microclimate for residents and workability are the most important factors to consider when selecting CC for interior works (if wallpaper or painting is planned for interior decoration).

Except in spaces like bathrooms that have a temporary increase in humidity, gypsum is unmatched in this regard. Moreover to being warmer to the touch and allowing the walls to "breathe," gypsum also contributes significantly to heat conservation due to the thickness of its coating.

About "working" qualities, gypsum materials are easier to work with. They set faster, are more flexible, and have a lower weight—all of which are beneficial for both walls and workers. The property that keeps gypsum from shrinking during hardening in the event of a weak foundation sets it apart from the competition.

There are now gypsum plasters available that don’t need to be puttied. Gypsum offers the ability to create a coating from one layer if a thick layer is required to level the walls in an apartment, saving plasterers’ time and effort. For instance, most gypsum mortars have a maximum thickness of 5 cm when laid.

The article presents a comparison of plaster mixtures on gypsum and cement bases (as a beginner’s guide). Selecting a plaster that has gypsum as its primary ingredient is likely more challenging than selecting another.

Novices with limited experience ask more seasoned members of the forum for advice. The topic of branded materials like Knauf and Volma products comes up more frequently in conversations, which makes sense given their long history in the Russian construction industry.

The fact that some SS are well-liked does not imply that other SS are inferior. Popularity frequently has a negative effect on prices, as goods manufactured elsewhere become more expensive.

This incites the user to search for a substitute for "celebrities," along with the potential for "running into" a fraudulent brand. Ratings determined by the following criteria are helpful in this situation:

• area of ​​application (or purpose), which includes the possibility of use on facades or in the interior, but also applicability for machine plastering;
• the composition or components of the product, thanks to which the mixture is distinguished by special properties, for example, with increased heat hold;
• price (not only per kg, but also the final cost of the coating);
• expert opinion (based on the "working qualities" of the solution, the quality of the final product);
• consumer reviews (experienced plasterers, beginners, homeowners).

Novices can also find their way around by looking up the names of businesses that make plaster in various building mixes. Respected Russian businesses (and foreign ones with global authority) have all become more well-known as a result of their stance on product quality, which they uphold and bolster in every manner.

In addition to being registered and well-known among consumers, the brand is shielded from imitation. Manufacturers promise that the materials match the details and attributes listed on the packaging.

Businesses whose goods are most in demand in Russia:

Name	Country (head office), founded
Knauf	Germany, 1932
Weber	France
Volma	Russia
Unis	Russia
Henkel	Germany
Rusean	Russia (at the turn of the century)
Starateli	Russia, 1990s
Glims	Russia, 1994
Etalon-stroy	Russia, 1968
Litokol 1970s	Italy
Perel	Russia
Osnovit	Russia, 2005.

It’s critical to comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of various gypsum, cement, and lime mixtures when selecting the best plaster for your walls. While cement plaster is sturdy and best suited for areas exposed to moisture, gypsum plaster has a smoother finish and is best used indoors. Because of its natural qualities and breathability, lime plaster is a great choice for eco-friendly projects or older buildings. This guide will assist you in choosing the ideal plaster for your particular requirements by rating these options according to how well they fit into various environments.

Rating of gypsum plasters

The best gypsum plasters are Volma and Knauf, as was previously mentioned. Weber and other dehydrated gypsum-based compositions are also acceptable here and have comparable merits to the "famous champions." Since gypsum does not shrink after drying, it essentially never develops cracks.

Knauf rotband

Experts state that the product with "German quality," identified by a red ribbon on the packaging, consistently wins the ratings. According to the company’s recipe, Knauf Rotband is made at a number of plants in Russia that are close to mineral resources. The color of the powder is impacted by variations in the natural raw materials, but the quality remains unaffected.

The mixture also includes polymer components and plasticizers in addition to the binder. The mixture can be used in bathrooms or other areas where moisture resistance is required thanks to hidden additives. The plaster still needs to be shielded from direct water contact, according to the manufacturer.

Technically speaking, the plaster material is comparable to other SS:

• consumption – 8.5 (hereinafter the consumption value is given in kg to create a layer 10 mm thick over an area of ​​1 m2);
• layer thickness limits – 5-50 mm (hereinafter designated – PTS);
• despite the size of the granular filler (up to 1.2 mm), smooth surface possible.

Plaster mass is plastic, applied manually, and easy to work with—a quality that plasterers particularly value. When leveling, it "adheres" to mineral substrates well and doesn’t roll off. dries up fast. Beginners first encounter difficulties when laying mortar due to its short lifespan (mixture must be worked out in the remaining 25 minutes from the moment of readiness).

The ability to avoid extra puttying is a big benefit because the second scenario involves higher labor and material costs as well as time expenditures. Consequently, the cost of finishing with Rotband and cement-sand coating are the same.

The drawbacks consist of:

• high cost;
• the presence of fakes;
• the fact that the manufacturer guarantees the declared qualities only if the primers specified by him are used (that is, where our beginners like to experiment).

We won’t reiterate the drawbacks since they are present in other Knauf SS.

Knauf goldband

It shares characteristics with Rotband, albeit slightly different:

• Rotband has higher adhesion, therefore it is intended for smooth surfaces;
• for the same reason, goldband is not intended for plastering ceilings;
• the minimum application layer of Goldband is 8 mm (Rotband – 5 mm);
• The density of the Goldband coating is higher (980 versus 950 kg/m3).

Significantly less expensive than goldband by a third or a quarter.

Knauf mp 75

Unlike Rotband, CC is a German invention meant for machine use; it is composed of plasticizers, hardening retarders, and defoamers.

It is also possible to work with the solution by hand. Users comment on the solution’s unusually long shelf life (up to two hours), ease of use, and ease of smoothing to a gloss. 8–50 mm PTS and 8–9 kg consumption. The mixture can be used in bathrooms (with extra protection) and is intended for walls and ceiling slabs.

Volma layer

The Volma and Weber brands of gypsum plasters share the second place in the ranking. These plasters are more affordable and easier to work with, which is why some craftsmen prefer them. The purpose of Volma Layer is to manually level walls and ceilings with plaster. PTS: 5-to-30 mm; consumption: 8–9 kg/sq.

The mineral makeup of the raw material affects the powder’s color as well.

• white;
• pinkish;
• yellowish;
• with a shade of gray.

It "sticks" to a variety of bases nicely. Because it’s simple to "sculpt," a glossy finish can be achieved without puttying. It can be used in bathrooms just like Rotbnd, but it needs to be shielded from direct moisture.

Volma gypsum active

It is designed to use machine stations to level ceilings and walls. Practice, however, has demonstrated that plasterers’ manual application—as long as it complies with technological limitations—can also produce excellent results.

As long as the initial priming is done correctly, the hardening solution is smooth to work with, holds firmly, and doesn’t crack. The mixture used for manual application is more expensive than the composition used for machine plastering. The plasterer has one and a half hours for application and leveling (prior to the start of setting).

Weber vetonit profi gyps

The French company Weber-Vetonit’smaterial,which falls into the category of enhanced comfort, is designed for machine plastering. Forty minutes is the setting time. PTS 5–50 mm is permitted; 8.5–10.0 kg is the consumption limit. You have forty minutes to work with the solution.

EK TG 40

Grain fraction of sand up to 2 mm causes the wall to appear grainy; puttying is required before painting. In terms of cost, the plaster is reasonable but not luxurious. Life time is 90 minutes, PTS is 5–50 mm, and 10–11 kg is an excessive amount of consumption.

Unis teplon

Designed to be plastered by hand and with machine stations; hence, the lifespan has been extended to fifty minutes. Teplon from Unis is comparable to Rotband (8–9 kg/sq.m.) and TPS (5–50) in terms of consumption. Benefit in the final coating’s snow-white appearance. Reasonably priced, but not very adherent.

Based on gypsum board PG25 W

Displays a record PTS of 3-80 mm, a long viability of 90 minutes, and good adhesion, making it suitable for leveling aerated concrete walls, ceilings, and plasterboard. Not at all appropriate for moist rooms. The manufacturer promises a maximum grain size of 0.63, so you can attain a smooth surface. The affordable price is also pleasing, but the inconsistent quality is concerning.

Axton gypsum

Good layability, good plasticity, and a cement-gray color. It may curl up during grouting, so you’ll need to paint and putty underneath the wallpaper. Many pellets remain after smoothing under pressure; these must be removed after drying. Grain size up to 1.2 mm, consumption 8.5, life time of 1 hour, and TPS of 2–50. manual and machine application.

Bergauf Bau Putz Gips

Mix mortar for hand labor. includes filler made of perlite with a maximum fraction of 0.63. Puttying is necessary. marked by a high consumption of 11–13 kg and a 60-minute processing time. PTS: 5–30 mm (similar to analogs). Some of the moisture separates during repeated mixing if you use too much water.

Starateli gypsum

The composition contains a unique filler that aids in lowering the solution’s consumption (8–9 kg per square). The product can be used to cover aerated concrete and exhibits good adhesion to mineral bases. The plastering area is restricted to dry rooms due to low water resistance. PTS: 5–50 mm; 20 minutes (from the point of readiness) is the service life.

Rusean plaster

Plaster is readily distributed and applied by hand with ease. Without puttying, a smooth surface is appropriate for textured paint or thick wallpaper.

Glims ts 70

One of the Moscow-based materials developed by the Russian company is meant to be used for machine plastering (service life: 1.5 hours). A warm mixture is added to the perlite. Grain size is up to 1.25, but the material is plastic and smooth. White is the color. 9–10 kg per square is slightly more than the average consumption. One drawback is that the Glims ts 70 costs more than its equivalents.

Etalon ClimLife

The choice of Etalon’s gypsum product fractions not only produces a thin coating layer but also, because of the fractions’ "layability," a dense structure with a light gray color that doesn’t require puttying (mirror gloss). Finishing paint is preserved in this way.

The natural filler, penostek, helps the plaster insulate the space. The material’s life is extended to 1.5 hours, making it easier for beginners to work with. Following this, the material hardens quickly. Adhesion: 0.5 MPa, PTS: 2–50, and cost: an affordable choice.

The best cement plasters

When determining which type of plaster is more appropriate for use in damp rooms or outdoors, cement SS are typically chosen. In this section, frost resistance and strength attributes are also taken into consideration when selecting plaster.

Sturdy cement is more dense than gypsum, doesn’t react to water, and keeps the walls from getting wet. The drawbacks of cement mortars are shrinkage during the curing process and cracking vulnerability if gypsum shrinks very little.

Sand filler gives the surface granularity, so puttying the coating is done before painting. Cement mortars are less malleable than gypsum mortars. This also holds true for vapor permeability. Cement mortars typically have a longer "life." Low cost is an advantage.

Based on plaster ratings, Plitonit T1 (which many reviews claim is the highest quality composition) and KnaufGrunband are the best cement plaster mixes.

Knauf Grunband

Both machine stations and manual plastering can be done with this material. PST: 10–30 mm, grain size up to 1.5 mm (thicker layer held by heavier cement mortars than by gypsum mortars). KnaufGrunband has one of the lowest consumption rates (12 kg per square). Ideal for applying plaster to ceilings. Perlite and the polystyrene foam component provide thermal insulation qualities, but they also weaken the material.

Ceresit ct 24 light

Plastering ceilings, corners, and slopes, as well as leveling walls, are all appropriate uses for premium plaster. 60 minutes is a relatively short service life; consumption is 14 kg/square; PTS is 3-30. Experts and artisans recognize Ceresit’s superior quality and technological efficacy.

Reinforcing fibers and polymer additives are some of the constituents. Possibility of machine or manual application. The option’s cost exceeds the budgeted amount (minus). Suitability for delicate, weak bases, such as cellular concrete, is a brave bonus when making a decision.

Weber vetonit tt40

Both manually and mechanically applied. Two hours will pass before setting starts, and PTS of 5–40 mm is permitted. Grain size of up to 1.2 mm; 17 kg consumed. High "stickiness" and obedience during application are noted by masters. It has a long-lasting coating. Qualities match what has been declared.

Axton cement

This mixture works well with both manual and machine plastering. Short set time (2–3 hours), PTS (5–40 mm), and consumption (11.2–12 / square).

Bergauf Bau Putz Zement

It is mentioned that novices may find it challenging to master the composition. High consumption: 16–18 kg/square; solution life: 3 hours; PTS: 5–30 mm. Plaster is categorized as smooth because the grain size is up to 0.63.

Osnovit Pro cement

More than two hours, PTS: 5–30, 16–17 kg of consumption. The mixture is meant to be applied by hand for both interior decoration and facade plastering. For a fair price, plaster is frequently selected.

Glims VeluR cement with perlite

PTS – 5-35 mm universal material for interior and facade decoration. Because of the perlite, this mass is warm, lightweight, and extremely resistant to cracking.

A highly adhesive mixture is intended to cover weak bases, such as gas silicate blocks and foam concrete, to allow for breathing. Plastic that resembles gypsum plasters and is simple to level. The product is unique because of its focus on porous weak bases. Winner in the pot life (four hours or less is a drawback).

The best cement-lime plasters

Cement’s hardness is "softened" by adding lime to cement-sand plasters, giving the compositions flexibility. Showers, kitchens, and bathrooms can all benefit from these plasters. These plasters have a weaker strength than cement. need to be puttied.

Perel Robust-M

This machine station is intended for plastering walls and is versatile in its application. A smooth surface that is ready to be painted with textured paints is obtained through smoothing. Grain size up to 0.63, pot life of 1.5 hours, PTS of 20, and consumption of 15–16 kg/square.

Quick-mix MKE

The mixture works well in both wet and dry environments. applied manually or mechanically to partitions, walls, and ceilings. Sand with grain sizes up to 1.25 is used as filler. Long service life of two hours, small PST of 10–20 mm, and low consumption of 12 kg per square meter.

EK TT 50

Grain size of 1.25, PTS of 8-30 mm, service life of 3 hours, and consumption of 13-15 kg/square are characteristics of manually applied plaster.

Perel teplorob

The amount of SS used for walls is minimal—11–12 kg; layers can be as thick as 3 cm; and the curing period is 90 minutes.

Type of Plaster	Pros	Cons
Gypsum Plaster	Fast-drying, smooth finish, easy to work with	Not suitable for damp areas, more expensive
Cement Plaster	Durable, moisture-resistant, good for exteriors	Long drying time, requires skilled application
Lime Plaster	Breathable, eco-friendly, prevents mold	Slow drying, less durable, requires multiple coats

Selecting the appropriate plaster for your walls is essential to attaining the intended appearance and guaranteeing longevity. Because of its smooth finish and short drying time, gypsum plaster is a popular option for interior spaces. It’s not the greatest choice, though, for damp spaces, such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Conversely, cement plaster is renowned for its durability and water resistance, which makes it appropriate for walls on the inside as well as the outside. Although handling it can be a little more difficult, its longevity makes the effort worthwhile, particularly in high-moisture environments.

For homes with particular aesthetic requirements or older buildings, lime plaster offers a more traditional, breathable finish. Though it takes more time to apply and requires skill to get the best results, it is long-lasting and versatile.

The decision between lime plaster, cement, and gypsum plaster ultimately comes down to the particular requirements of your project. Whether moisture resistance, simplicity of application, or a traditional finish are your top priorities, knowing the advantages of each type will help you make a choice that will improve the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your walls.

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