Plastering: What you should know about.

Plastering: What is it?

Plastering, as you may already know, is the building work during which a surface (usually a wall) is covered by plaster. Plastering has both aesthetic and protective reasons for the masonry as well as the whole building. In this article, we are going to discuss the benefits of plastering, the basic types of plaster and what we should pay attention on while doing the work so as to have perfect results.

Plastering: Which are the benefits?

As already mentioned, plastering is done for aesthetic as well as practical purposes. So, the advantages are listed below:

As far as aesthetic purposes are concerned, plastering covers any unevenness or flaws on the surface. Furthermore, when applying plaster, we can cover other imperfections on the wall too, e.g. pipes. Therefore, plaster leaves a smooth and even surface, ready to be painted or decorated.

When applying plaster, we enhance the insulation of the building (thermal insulation, soundproofing).

The plastering provides fire safety as it delays the deterioration of the masonry, thus preventing the fire from spreading, particularly if the frame of the building is made of metal.

Plastering: What types of plaster are there?

In the market, one can find many types of plaster, the most basic ones including the acrylic, the typical and the ready-made ones.

Typical Plaster: This type of plaster is made of three basic materials, sand, lime and cement, which are mixed with water. The final mixture is usually enriched with additional admixtures for even better mechanical strength. It is suggested this type of plaster be used by experienced builders as it demands precise proportion of the materials, otherwise we will not have the desired results.

Acrylic Plaster: The acrylic plaster is colored, with high elasticity and excellent adhesion, in paste form and is applied on a surface already plastered with typical or ready-made plaster (as finishing). This type of plaster eliminates the need for painting and is an essential element for exterior thermal insulation.

Ready-made Plaster: As its name implies, this type of plaster is a ready-made mixture of plaster thus solely needing blend with water. The ready-made plaster has obviously more advantages compared to the classic one. Initially, it meets all the necessary specifications and requires much less time of preparation. The ideal proportion and composition of its materials promises an excellent, even result, thus ruling out any flaws. Furthermore, another important feature of the ready-made plaster is its greater resistance to humidity.

Plastering: What is the process?

At first, it should be emphasized that surfaces made of plasterboard or cement board and generally speaking, the dry building do not need plastering. The plaster is applied on surfaces made of bricks, for instance.

Before we begin plastering, we should ensure that the surface is absolutely clean and free from residues of grease, dirt, salts and detached pieces.
As far as the adhesion of the plaster is concerned, several surfaces may need primer before being plastered. Moreover, for even better adhesion, apply an initial coat of plaster. That should be a relatively coarse substrate of plaster that will be the basis of the next basic thick layer. The substrate must cover the whole surface and get dry in 2-3 days.
As a second stage, we cover the surface with the basic thick layer of plaster which will smooth the substrate.
Finally, we apply the third coat of plaster. In this last stage, we apply white cement instead of grey and marble powder instead of sand.

Plastering: Tips for excellent results

First and foremost, we choose to plaster in good weather conditions. Very low as well as very high temperatures may create fissures. Ideally, choose a period when the temperatures range from 8^oC to 32^oC.

Once a layer of plaster is applied, we have to let it dry and stabilize completely before proceeding to the next application. In addition, during the summer season when the temperatures are high, it is suggested to sprinkle now and then the surface with a little water before the final roughcast.

Humidity is a notable enemy of the plastered surface. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises and to maintain the initial excellent result, it is recommended to regularly paint the plastered surface and to eliminate as much as possible the humidity from the area.

Using plaster reinforcement fiberglass will also prevent fissures, thus protecting plastered surfaces. The plaster reinforcement fiberglass is put after the application of the substrate and before applying the basic layer of plaster.

The typical plaster can be enhanced by ameliorative resin emulsions for even better adhesion and waterproofing.

If you are going to paint the plastered surface very soon, keep in mind that it has to get dry beforehand. Approximately, the time needed for the plaster to be completely dry is 3 weeks during the summer and 5 weeks during the winter.

To conclude with, we invite you at our “Best Shop” stores in Skopelos and Skiathos islands, where you will find a wide range of building materials as well as necessary tools for every building work.

Our experienced personnel is always at your disposal to advise you properly, answer any questions you have and guide you to the best possible purchase of materials and tools.

We would be glad to serve you!