Question: which plaster is better - gypsum or cement is relevant when carrying out capital and repair construction work. These binders are a popular basis for ready-made mixtures for leveling, cladding and preparation before finishing decorative surfaces. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, choosing the right option is not easy. The main guidelines are: price, operating conditions, ease of installation and timing of its implementation.

Being universal, cement-sand plaster is well suited for both exterior and interior work. It is not afraid of dampness and temperature changes and is often used for leveling walls, slopes and other surfaces (up to unheated and basements), finishing in conditions of high humidity, processing concrete structures in order to increase thermal insulation properties. This is an ideal option for masonry mortar for the construction of buildings made of aerated concrete or foam blocks. Distinctive features of the cement mixture are high adhesion, durability and strength, it should be chosen when conducting capital construction or for restoration on an old surface (subject to compatibility of materials). This point is important: cement does not adhere well to plastic, wood or painted surfaces.

Significant application limitations include a complex application process and a long drying time. The work is carried out in several stages: spraying, throwing, rubbing and grinding. It is difficult to get a perfectly flat surface through the use of cement plaster, not everyone has the necessary skills, while with gypsum such problems do not arise. It dries for a long time - up to 3 weeks, even if a thin layer is applied. The resulting surface is porous and poorly suited for subsequent decorative finishing (dark, needs to be puttyed and sanded). In general, cement mixtures are not decorative, with the exception of species with special additives.

Plasters based on gypsum are more plastic and do not shrink, as a result - this is an ideal option for leveling interior walls. They dry much faster, additional puttying is not necessary, their structure is already quite smooth without it. The main color of gypsum plaster is white, it does not show through under wallpaper or paint. At the same time, it easily comes into contact with coloring pigments, it can be chosen as an independent decorative finish, in addition, it takes the desired shape, including three-dimensional patterns. Light weight allows applying gypsum mixtures without the risk of overloading structures, and only poor water resistance prevents them from being called universal. Under the influence of moisture, gypsum is destroyed, so this plaster is not used for outdoor work.

Comparative overview of benefits

The advantages of cement-based mortars include:

• Strength and durability. They are best suited for restoration and finishing outdoor work and withstand mechanical and other external influences well.
• High quality adhesion to aerated concrete, smooth surfaces of natural or artificial stone, previously plastered walls. This is an ideal plaster for foam blocks (both masonry and finishing), its consumption on porous material is minimal.
• Low cost, cement types of plaster are 1.5–2 times cheaper than gypsum ones. This applies to both ready-made building mixtures, and mixed independently.
• Moisture resistance is the main advantage of cement mortars. It is this property that allows them to be used as plaster for slopes, facing bathrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Gypsum under the same conditions is permissible only with subsequent protection of the surface with tiles. Also, this ability allows the use of cement compositions for outdoor work.

The advantages of gypsum plaster are:

• Quick and easy installation. They dry twice as fast as cement, with the same layer thickness, and are easy to process.
• No shrinkage processes. When hardening, the risk of cracking is minimal, in comparison with cement plasters.
• Plasticity: the solution effortlessly takes a certain shape or is distributed over the wall with the desired layer thickness.
• Environmental friendliness and vapor permeability. This is a "breathing" plaster, safe for humans and favorable for the indoor microclimate.
• Sound and heat insulation abilities. The porous and lightweight structure retains heat better than others and prevents the penetration and spread of noise.

Due to the listed properties, gypsum mixtures do not need reinforcement (with the exception of layers from 50 mm), do not drain from vertical walls and keep a given shape well. Their use significantly reduces the repair time, construction skills are not required for work. Reviews testify in favor of gypsum in terms of cost savings, due to its minimal consumption. Yielding in strength and moisture resistance to cement-sand compositions, they win in decorativeness and ease of application. But you can definitely choose which one is needed: gypsum or cement plaster, only when all external factors are taken into account.

Characteristics and properties

An important parameter is the consumption of material, cement mixtures are cheaper, but they are also required in a larger volume. When leveling significant surface deviations, it is desirable to calculate the thickness of the layer, in some cases it is more expedient to choose drywall. In particular, gypsum plasters are not suitable for creating layers over 50 mm (they are applied in several stages and dry for a long time), and cement plasters, in addition to complex and time-consuming pouring, will make the wall heavier. To determine which mixture is better, all working properties and operating conditions should be taken into account. The main parameters of binders are given below.

Summing up, it can be noted that cement mixture plasters are more suitable for outdoor work and cladding of rooms with high humidity, and gypsum plasters are more suitable for interior decoration. But we should not forget about exceptions: there are many compositions with modifying additives on the building materials market. They can accelerate the drying time of cement mortars and enhance their plasticity, insulating properties and decorative effect.

In turn, dry gypsum mixes are on sale for preparing walls in the bathroom (for example, Rotband), with their help, repairs in the sanitary zone are carried out in a matter of days. It is not worth giving unambiguous preference to any one material; before purchasing, carefully study its characteristics and conditions of use.

One of the methods of leveling walls is plastering. It is used most often. How to choose plaster for each room, which brands are better, how to make cement mixtures with your own hands - read on.

Types of plaster

Any plaster consists of a mixture of a binder, sand of different fractions and additives that give the composition specific properties. First of all, they are distinguished by the type of binder. It could be:

• gypsum;
• cement;
• lime;
• clay.

Most often, gypsum and cement plasters are used. They are the most practical, with their help it is easier to get a flat surface. Since the cement-sand mixture (CPS) is very hard and it is not very convenient to work with it, lime is added to the solution. Such plasters are called cement-lime. To choose plaster, you need to know exactly where the walls will be leveled - outside or inside the room and what conditions are in this room (more on this below).

Cement-based plaster sweeps can be done independently. This saves money but takes more time. You can buy ready-made - dry mix, packed in bags. Gypsum plaster is rarely made by hand, more often they buy it ready-made.

Plaster and putty are often confused. The processes are somewhat similar - both are used to level the walls. But the walls and ceiling are plastered with a large curvature - from 5 mm or more. After plastering, the surface is even, but grainy (less grainy when using gypsum compositions) and needs to be smoothed down. And smoothing is done with putties. They contain more finely ground components, which is what gets a smooth surface. The maximum layer of putty is 5 mm, plasters - 50-80 mm in one layer, and several of them can be applied.

Which is better - gypsum or cement plaster

It is necessary to decide which plaster is better to buy - gypsum or cement - based on their qualities. What is a plus in one room is a minus in another. Therefore, we first consider the properties of cement and gypsum plaster.

Let's start with economic feasibility. If we compare only the price per kilogram of dry composition, then cement-based compositions are cheaper by about 1/3. But since their consumption is about the same amount, the total amount spent on plastering will be approximately the same. So there are no priorities here and it will not work to choose plaster for the price.

The easier it is to work

If we compare cement and gypsum plaster in terms of ease of use, then the gypsum composition is easier to lay down. It is more elastic, better "sticks" to the base. But there is one “but” - it seizes faster. On the one hand, this is good - it dries faster to a state where you can apply the next layer and the work moves faster. On the other hand, this is bad - you need to close small portions at one time: in order to have time to put everything in 30-40 minutes. It is better not to use the seized mixtures, since the addition of water changes its state only externally. This material will no longer gain normal strength.

Cement compositions remain elastic for 2 hours, so that large volumes can be closed at a time. But such plaster also dries longer, so the process takes longer - you have to wait for the composition to dry.

Application area

When choosing between gypsum and cement plaster, everything usually depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bapplication - gypsum is not used outside because of its fear of moisture. In this case, choosing a plaster is simple: for outdoor work we use cement.

The same property determines its scope in interior spaces: for the bathroom and kitchen it is better to use cement plaster, which is not afraid of moisture. In all other, "dry" areas, they prefer to level the walls with gypsum compounds. They “lay down” better and, with some experience, you don’t need to putty the walls under the wallpaper - you just need to level the grout layer well.

Plaster is the basis of a finishing cake, so it must hold very well.

There are, of course, gypsum moisture-resistant plasters. Their moisture resistance is increased through the use of hydrophobic additives, but this is reflected in the price - it is much higher than for conventional formulations. It is also worth mentioning that in the bathroom the walls are leveled with gypsum non-moisture resistant compounds. Tiles will then be laid on it, and if the seams are carefully rubbed with moisture-resistant grout, then moisture will not reach the plaster. But this, after all, is not the best way out, since gypsum and cement are very different in characteristics, and tile adhesive is always made on the basis of cement. If tiles are laid on gypsum plaster, in most cases it lags behind the base, as they say, “bumps”, and maybe falls off.

If you choose the better to plaster the ceiling, in dry rooms the choice is clear - gypsum plaster. It is lighter, has better adhesion, and is easier to level. And even in wet rooms it is better to use a moisture-resistant gypsum composition - it is very difficult to work with cement on the ceiling. This is the case when it is better to overpay a little. So it’s easy to choose plaster for the ceiling: it’s a gypsum composition.

Do-it-yourself plaster mixture

With a limited budget for construction or repair, you have to think about saving. It’s easy to choose plaster here: you can save on finishing if you make cement-based compositions yourself. It is really cheaper, although it requires additional time and effort. But remember that additives have been added to the finished compositions that improve the properties of the plaster. For example, antifungal additives are added to wetroom formulations to prevent mold growth. In compositions for plastering external walls, an additive is added to antibacterial ones that increases frost resistance. There are also plasticizing additives that make application easier. In principle, these additives can also be added to homemade plaster. You can find them in construction markets or in specialized stores, the norms are written on the packaging. And even taking into account the cost of additives, the savings in self-production will be solid - about 30%.

It is not difficult to make cement-sand or lime-cement plaster with your own hands. The components are mixed in certain proportions in a dry form, then liquid components are added (if any, and water), brought to a certain consistency. You can knead manually with a shovel in a large basin, trough. You can mechanize the process if you have a drill - using a special nozzle. The easiest way is with a concrete mixer. With it, things go faster, but large volumes are difficult to produce, especially if there is little experience.

Cement-sand mixture: proportions

The cement-sand mixture is made up of 1 part of M400 or M500 cement and 3-5 parts of sand. Cement must be fresh, sand - dry, sifted through a fine sieve with a grain size of not more than 1.5 mm. Waters take 0.7-0.8 parts. As you can see, the proportions are approximate. Sand can be of different moisture content, the mortar can be used for plastering walls in different rooms, cement can be of different grades. When choosing the amount of water, the main guideline is the convenience of work. It is necessary to choose the composition so that it is not so thick that it falls off the wall, but not so liquid that it slides off. This is determined experimentally.

There is also a difference in composition depending on the application. For plastering walls outside, 3-4 parts of sand are taken for 1 part of cement. To level the walls inside the sand, add more - 5 parts or even more.

Although DSP is much cheaper than ready-made mixtures, it is more difficult to work with it - it does not adhere very well to the wall, dries for a long time, and almost always cracks when it dries. But she is not afraid of moisture and for this reason it is recommended for plastering walls in wet rooms, which will later be either, MDF or any others). For other types of finishing - painting, and wallpaper - it is better to use a cement-lime mortar or gypsum.

Do-it-yourself cement-lime plaster mortar

Cement-lime plaster is made with the addition of lime paste. Parts of lime are measured in the form of a dough, then diluted with water to a liquid state and added in this form to thoroughly mixed dry cement and sand.

The proportions of cement-lime plaster are as follows: for 1 part of cement, take from 1 to 2 parts of lime paste, 6-9 parts of sand. Water is added to bring the solution to the desired consistency. The sand is the same as for the CPS - with a grain of no more than 1.5 mm, the water is clean, without pollution. Lime dough is better purchased. With home extinguishing, there are still particles that have not reacted. Later, when the wall gets wet, they react, increase in volume, which causes pieces of plaster to fall out. Therefore, it is better not to save on this.

The exact selection of proportions is determined experimentally: the mass should hold well on the wall. You can plaster with cement-lime composition walls in any room. The composition is softer, it is more convenient to work with it, it does not crack when it dries. But the strength of such plaster is much lower than the DSP, and this must also be borne in mind.

Choosing ready-made compositions

Choosing the type of plaster - gypsum or cement - is just the beginning. Next, you will have to choose the manufacturer and the composition itself - there may be several products that have slight differences.

Good gypsum plasters

The most popular gypsum plaster Rotband (Rotband) company Knauf (Knauf). This is a really high-quality product that is easy to use even for beginners. The same company has other products - Goldband (Goldband) and HP Start (HP Start). They are cheaper, the quality is quite decent.

The most popular type of plaster - Rotband

HP Start is a gypsum-lime composition, Goldband is gypsum. The difference between Rotband and Golduand is in the thickness of the minimum layer. In Rotband it is 5 mm, in the second - 8 mm. Otherwise, the technical characteristics are very close - both the consumption (8.5 kg / m 3 with a layer thickness of 1 cm), and the maximum layer (50 mm), and compressive and bending strength. The density in the hardened state differs slightly: ~980 kg / m 3 for Goldband and 950 kg / m 3 for Rotbabd. Scope - any residential and non-residential heated premises, including kitchens with bathrooms.

Not bad also speak about the gypsum plaster Volma Sloy, Found Gipswell, Eunice Teplon, Prospectors. They cost less, give a good result, but it's still easier to work with Rotband and the "company". Based on the results of working with these brands, there are both positive and negative reviews, but in general, the quality is not bad.

Finished cement plasters

Cement plasters are hand and machine applied. We will talk about compositions for manual application. For interior work, Forward, Weber Vetonit, Startvell, Weber Stuk Cement are good. They adhere well to a clean, pre-moistened surface. For better adhesion, it is better to pre-prime the walls, after drying, start on your own

If you choose cement-based plaster for outdoor work (including for plastering an open loggia or balcony), you need facade compositions. They differ from ordinary ones in an increased number of freezing / thawing cycles. Facade cement plasters - Yunis Silin facade, Founded by Profi Startvell, Knauf Unterputz (Knauf Unterputz), Bergauf Bau Putz Zement. Ceresit CT 24 Light plaster is suitable for both facade and interior work.

Aerated concrete walls require a special plaster. It has increased vapor permeability to prevent moisture from being trapped inside the wall. This is Ceresit CT 24, Knauf Grundband (it contains the smallest particles of expanded polystyrene, which increases its thermal insulation properties, reduces consumption).

The quality of plaster work depends half on the skill of the master's hands, half on the right choice of material. Each type of solution has its features in work and operation.

For interior decoration of living rooms, gypsum plasters are recommended, and cement plaster is suitable for damp, unheated rooms and outdoor work. Comparing the disadvantages and advantages of different compositions, you can save a lot and get an excellent result.

They call it plaster mixture layer applied to the surface of structures from various materials. Rough finishing is also understood as plastering work. Plastering solves the following tasks:

• level, smooth surfaces;
• increase thermal insulation properties;
• protect the material from moisture and destruction;
• reduce the level of audibility of extraneous noise;
• mask the seams between the elements;
• increase fire resistance;
• give an aesthetic decorative relief.

Gypsum plasters are called powdered dry mixes of gypsum and plasticizer additives. Their main purpose is the finishing of internal surfaces.

Important! The dried plaster layer should not peel off from the surface, cracks are not allowed.

Cement plaster mixes are made, mixing sand, cement and water in different proportions. Special formulations contain additional components that give the desired qualities.

Which is better - gypsum or cement plaster?

On the shelves of building stores there is a huge selection of dry mixes ready for use. The finished composition is simply diluted with water. Focusing on the scope and technology of work, the plaster mortar choose for specific tasks. When choosing, compare the properties, the cost of the mixture.

Cement compositions 1.5-2 times cheaper than plaster. Self-mixing the solution will further reduce financial costs. Moisture-resistant gypsum plasters are much more expensive than conventional ones.

note

Gypsum plaster is not used for finishing exterior structures.

What is easier to work with?

Gypsum

Gypsum mortar easily and quickly applied to the surface, well aligned. Reinforcing mesh is not needed, the small specific gravity of the gypsum mixture significantly reduces material consumption. The cement mixture for the same volume will need much more.

The initial setting time of the solution is 0.5-1.5 hours, after 2 hours the surface can be overwritten. The plaster applied in 1 layer dries out in just 2-3 days, speeding up the finishing work. There is no shrinkage, a flat, smooth surface does not require refinement. To shortcomings gypsum mixture include rapid solidification.

Gypsum mortar retains properties on average for an hour. Material not developed during this time will go to waste.

Cement

Cement-sand plaster adheres well to different types of material, but does not adhere well to plastic, wood or previously painted surfaces.

Primary setting of the solution occurs within 3 hours, grouting begins 5 hours after application.

The period of complete drying of the plastered surfaces can take up to 28 days.

Shrinkage 1-2 mm per meter. On a porous material, such as or, the consumption of cement plaster mixture will be minimal.

Application area

Environmentally friendly, without harmful impurities, gypsum compositions are used in dry, heated rooms. The composition well covers the unevenness of walls and ceilings, light, plastic. Ability of gypsum plaster remove excess moisture through the surface pores useful in apartment buildings.

The wet spot dries up without leaving marks and streaks, mold, fungus are excluded. Gypsum provides a greater level of sound insulation and warmth than cement. Gypsum mortar trim the walls:

• living rooms, dining rooms, offices;
• hallways, corridors, dressing rooms;
• living rooms, children's rooms, bedrooms.

Note. For kitchens, baths and other wet areas moisture resistant gypsum plaster. Moisture resistant mixtures are more expensive.

Cement-sand plaster is universal. The mixture is applied both to internal and external surfaces, without making any difference in the heating and humidity conditions of the premises. Cement-sand composition plaster unheated garages, building facades.

The finished surface is gray, grainy, rough to the touch. After drying cement plaster does not react to humidity and temperature changes, reliably protecting the material of the walls from destruction.

Do-it-yourself cement plaster

All plaster compositions contain three components: binder, filler, solvent. The binder is Portland cement. For plastering the premises, cement grades M 400 -500 are chosen.

The filler will be sand, yellow quarry or river. Before kneading, the sand is sieved to remove impurities and debris. Dissolve the dry mixture with water.

The proportions of the cement-sand mixture

The usual ratio of Portland cement to sand in a plaster mortar is 1:3. Cement, sand are poured into a previously prepared container, thoroughly mixing with a trowel or trowel.

Water is added to the dry mass, intensively mixing with a drill with a nozzle. The result will be a homogeneous gray mixture with a creamy consistency.

Cement-lime plaster mortar

Cement-lime mortar is enough universal. Lime adds plasticity, the plaster mixture with increased adhesion adheres well to surfaces. Depending on the proportion of the components and the quality of Portland cement, mortar grades M10-150 are obtained.

To get a solution of the M150 brand, mix:

• 1 part Portland cement M400;
• 0.2 parts of lime;
• 3 parts sand.

There are two ways to mix cement-lime plaster mortar.

AT first case cement is mixed with sand, filtered milk of lime is introduced. The solution is stirred until a homogeneous consistency.

Second way begins with the preparation of lime dough. Then sand and water are added to the dough, mixing. The cement is added last.

Finished wall plaster

Rating of gypsum compositions

The leaders in popularity in the professional field, including for home repairs, are:

• « Rotband". Knauf has long established itself in the Russian market as a manufacturer of good quality building materials. "Rotband" is applied with a layer thickness of up to 50 mm, the time of using the mixture is 20-25 minutes;
• « Volma layer". With chemical and mineral additives, the use time of the solution is increased to 40 minutes, suitable for applying a layer up to 60 mm. The composition dries completely in a week;
• « Gipswell T-25"produces" Founds ". The plaster consists of gypsum with modified additives. Environmentally friendly coating of good quality perfectly removes excess moisture. The mixture has a small consumption.

Ready cement mixes

According to the masters, among dry cement plasters, the leader is also " Knauf", offering a choice of a product line of different purposes and colors. The range includes everything - from facade to finish decorative cement plaster.

For leveling and finishing the walls, cement or gypsum plasters are most in demand. Both types of material have their advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account before starting finishing work.

In this article, we will consider the features of materials and tell you when it is better to use a gypsum-based mortar, and when you can not do without a cement-sand mixture.

What to look for when planning a finish:

• basis for plastering;
• indoor humidity;
• air temperature;
• deadlines for work;
• finishing experience;
• the cost of materials;
• requirements for the appearance of the finished surface.

All plasters according to their purpose are divided into two groups:

1. Ordinary - for leveling surfaces that have defects of various nature and size, significant deviations from the plane.
2. Decorative - for finishing the facade or interior walls, ceilings.

Below we will consider the features of conventional leveling compounds.

Properties of gypsum and cement plaster

The characteristics of cement-sand and gypsum plasters are very different. This is primarily due to the knitting base. Application conditions will be similar - at an air temperature in the room or on the street from +5 to +25 C. Also, the time for complete drying of the solutions is close in value (indoors at air humidity not more than 70%).

The table below shows how these types of plasters differ.

Comparison of advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of cement plaster:

• the solution can be prepared independently;
• not afraid of moisture, does not absorb water, steam from the air, does not change properties when wet;
• resistant to temperature extremes;
• high adhesion (reliability of adhesion to surfaces), including natural, artificial stone, concrete, brick, cinder blocks;
• strength is the highest of all types of plasters, suitability for finishing places with increased operational load;
• the price is the lowest among all plasters;
• universality - suitability for any surfaces, including in rooms with adverse conditions.

When choosing a mixture for outdoor work, it is necessary to pay attention to frost resistance. It is usually expressed in terms of the number of freeze-thaw cycles.

Advantages of gypsum plaster:

• plastic;
• gains strength faster than cement, even when applied with the thickest layer - no more than 1 week;
• easy to apply, just to achieve perfect evenness, no experience in finishing work is required;
• has no shrinkage;
• the color is white, does not show through under the wallpaper or paint;
• the surface is smoother, experienced craftsmen bring the finish layer to the level of putty;
• it is possible to produce three-dimensional patterns and decorative relief;
• light, there is no need to strengthen the foundation and walls;
• does not need reinforcement (if the layer is up to 50 mm);
• vapor permeability - walls plastered with gypsum mortar "breathe";
• higher sound and heat insulation properties;
• less material consumption;
• faster repair times;

Let's continue the comparison of finishing materials and consider their weaknesses.

Disadvantages of cement-sand plaster mortars:

• poor adhesion to wood, paint, ceramics; to increase adhesion with these materials, an abrasive primer, notches or reinforcing mesh are required, but these measures do not always give the desired strength;
• take a long time to gain final strength - up to 4 weeks;
• the application process is relatively complex, the solution under its weight is prone to sagging; experience with such material is necessary, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve a perfectly flat surface;
• the finished surface is porous, requires grouting, grinding, an additional finishing layer from another material (this does not apply to decorative plasters);
• an accurate calculation of the load on the wall and foundation is necessary, since cement plaster has a high density and significantly weights the walls; it is also undesirable for finishing ceilings;
• shrinkage, possibly cracking.

Most of these disadvantages can be corrected by adding modifying additives - plasticizers to the composition.

The addition of lime also improves the properties of the mortar. Read more about cement-lime plaster and its properties in our article.

The appearance of cracks is prevented by applying three layers or puttying the plastered surface. If the cement mixture is used to decorate walls and ceilings for painting or wallpapering, then puttying is required.

Disadvantages of gypsum plasters:

• they are afraid of high humidity, upon contact with water they swell and fall off;
• low strength;
• relatively high cost;
• mainly ready-made gypsum mixtures are used; experience is required for self-selection of additives to gypsum and their proportions;
• it is possible to prepare the solution only in small portions due to the rapid setting, the addition of water to the solidified mixture will not restore the desired properties of the plaster, the coating will turn out to be fragile.

Where applicable

Cement plaster is used for:

• internal or external works in any premises, even in unheated and damp ones, including basements, utility blocks, garages, entrances, on balconies, loggias;
• finishing facades, plinths, fences, especially those subjected to aggressive mechanical stress;
• filling joints when laying walls from foam or gas blocks;
• processing of concrete structures, in order to increase the heat-insulating properties;
• restorations subject to compatibility with the previous material;
• surface finishes exposed to temperature changes;
• decoration of walls or ceilings where frequent repairs are impossible.

Gypsum plaster is used for:

• leveling, finishing interior walls in rooms with normal humidity;
• ceiling decoration;
• alignment of walls with large differences, application in several layers is permissible;
• surface finishes for which cement is unsuitable - wooden, painted, ceramic;
• preparation of walls and ceilings for painting or wallpapering.

Important! Gypsum mortars are not suitable for finishing the facade due to low moisture resistance. Not recommended without additional waterproofing for bathrooms, showers, kitchens.

You can protect gypsum from moisture by applying an acrylic primer. And if direct contact with water is possible, then the walls are covered with waterproofing mastic or tiled.

Combination of gypsum and cement

Can gypsum plaster or putty be applied over cement plaster? Yes, this is common practice. When finishing, the walls are often removed with a cement-based composition, and a smooth finish layer with Rotband is placed on top.

Important conditions: you need to wait until the base dries, then be sure to apply a primer between different layers.

But applying cement plaster over a plaster wall is a bad idea.. Plaster simply will not withstand its weight, and the entire finish will crumble.

It is worth noting that cement-gypsum compositions are on sale., combining the advantages of both types, for example, Prospectors MIXTER / MIXTER. According to the manufacturer, this gypsum-cement plaster is designed for interiors with normal and high humidity. This is a moisture-resistant vapor-permeable material, plastic and easy to apply.

Technical characteristics with this mixing turned out to be average between gypsum and cement plaster:

• Consumption with a layer of 10 mm - 10-11 kg / m2
• Water consumption - 0.36-0.42 l / kg
• Setting time - 40 min
• Adhesion to the base - 0.5 MPa
• Layer thickness - up to 60 mm! without the use of plaster mesh
• The price is 320 r per bag of 30 kg.

In addition to the main components, this mixture includes a light filler and high-quality modifying additives.

Is it possible to mix cement and gypsum plaster on my own to get a plastic, durable and moisture resistant solution? No, that won't work. Gypsum and cement have different drying times, and if they are mixed by eye and without the addition of modifiers, then the plaster layer on the wall will become cracked. It is better not to experiment with such works, so as not to waste time and money.

Let's summarize which one is better.

• When choosing one or another type of finish, consider in which room the work will take place. Materials according to their characteristics must be suitable for the surface to be plastered.
• Pay attention to the technical specifications indicated on the packaging.
• If desired, you can increase the plasticity of the cement or moisture resistance of the gypsum plaster mixture.
• Cement mortars are best chosen for the facade and wet rooms. But they require plastering skills. With large volumes of work, it is easier if experienced craftsmen do the finishing.
• Gypsum plasters are easier to apply. Their main task is to finish the inside of the building.
• The cost and planned timing of repairs will also affect which plaster to choose.

As you can see, the choice of plaster depends on specific goals. Choosing one type of plastering or using both is decided in each case individually.

We hope this review was helpful to you. You can leave your comments and feedback in the comments below.

Types of plaster Wall plastering with lime mortar: lime slaking, mixture proportions, application

For some, renovation is a big adventure. And at times there are people who are trying in every possible way to avoid it or delay the onset of change. And as soon as the process is launched, various questions begin to meet along the way, which need to be answered. The most common one is which one is better. After all, without it it is impossible to repair walls, floors and ceilings. Today we will look for the perfect mixture in terms of quality and price.

Gypsum or not plaster

Before sticking wallpaper or simple, they need alignment. This is especially necessary if there are large cracks or chips. Here, before many, the question arises, which plaster is better: gypsum or cement? Let's look at the first kind first.

It is worth mentioning right away that this type of mixture is used for plastering small sections of walls. This is due to the fact that it quickly freezes. If this fact does not scare you, then experts advise preparing a solution in a small amount using This process goes as follows:

1. The required amount of water is poured into the selected container.
2. The dry mix is ​​added.
3. Mix thoroughly until all lumps are completely dissolved.

1. The finished solution is sprayed onto the wall with a spatula.
2. Distribute evenly across the wall.

If you know which gypsum plaster is best for you, then you should use some recommendations:

1. Before each new mixing of the solution, the residues from the container must be removed and rinsed thoroughly. Solidified particles will adversely affect the quality of mixing the mixture.
2. Prepare the solution according to the instructions given on each package.
3. Choose the right tools for working with gypsum mix. You should have two spatulas prepared: a short one and a long one.
4. If you are going to plaster the walls with such a mixture, then make sure that they are not painted with oil paint. If it is not possible to clean the surface from it, then it is necessary to apply notches along the entire wall. They will serve as an ideal coupling between the plaster and the surface.
5. If you want to achieve a perfectly flat wall, then after applying the plaster, spray it with water from a spray bottle. After this procedure, carefully polish the surface with a long, preferably stainless steel.

Manufacturers and prices

If you have stopped your attention on gypsum, then you can safely go to the store. And here the eyes begin to diverge from the variety of manufacturers. Among them you can find the following brands:

• Henkel;
• Knauf;
• Ivsil;
• Unis.

Among well-known foreign brands, you can also meet domestic manufacturers. For example:

• "Volma";
• "Bolars";
• "found";
• "Glims".

It is worth mentioning the price of plaster. It comes from the following parameters:

• the purpose of the mixture;
• compound;
• terms of use.

Interested in which gypsum plaster is better: "Knauf" or "Volma"? It is difficult to give a definite answer. This is due to the fact that:

• Knauf has a wide range of components and quality additives, although the price will be high;
• "Volma" has the same properties as the German competitor, only at a lower cost.

The plaster is sold in dry form. Packed in bags of 25 and 50 kg. The cost of one package can be up to 400 rubles. Let's summarize all of the above. Need to treat a small surface? Gypsum plaster is selected. Which is better? See for yourself, depending on your financial capabilities and the place of alignment. All of the above manufacturers will answer your main question, which gypsum plaster is best for walls. All of them have approximately the same composition. The difference will only be in price and brand.

Gypsum versus cement

It is worth considering another representative of dry mixes. These include cement mortar. Widely used for interior and exterior wall decoration. But there is one huge downside to using it. It is not recommended to use in the decoration of residential premises. Therefore, in this case, if you are faced with the question of which plaster is better than gypsum or cement, then preference is given to the first option. Although the second applicant has a number of advantages:

1. Increased strength.
2. High service life.
3. The finished coating becomes perfectly even.
4. Can be used for finishing wet rooms.

It is worth noting that the surface can crack only if you have not prepared the solution according to the instructions. And it is worth remembering that the surface must dry on its own without using a building hair dryer.

In hardware stores can be found with various fillers. Most often, this role is played by sand of different fractions.

Manufacturers of cement mixtures

Modern technology has come a long way. Any mixture can be found in the store, and not prepared independently from improvised materials. You know which gypsum plaster is better, but here is the rating of the most popular manufacturers of cement mixtures:

1. "Knauf". Dry mix can be found in packed bags with a volume of 5 to 30 kg. The cost does not exceed 450 rubles per package. You can choose plaster with additives that are suitable for finishing both residential and exterior walls.
2. "Bergauf". Produced in bags of 25 kg. The cost of one package is about 270 rubles. Most often used indoors.
3. "Founding". Produced in bags of 25 and 30 kg. It differs from all previous types in light weight and economical consumption. The price for one bag is about 195 rubles.
4. Volma Akvaplast. The dry mixture is packaged in bags of 25 kg. The cost of one package is 220-230 rubles. The composition contains not only cement, but also mineral components.

Still, gypsum plaster is suitable for interior decoration. Which is better - you know. And now you know the brands of cement mixtures.

Still, if you are faced with a choice, then you can read the advice of experts:

• - plastic;
• cement mortar will provide surface strength;
• the gypsum mixture will dry faster, and finishing will not be needed;
• and, of course, gypsum mortar is not suitable for finishing facades.

The third is not superfluous

You know a lot about gypsum and cement mixture. Each of them deserves attention. What do you think, which plaster is better - gypsum or lime? We will try to answer this question. To begin with, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of the mixture. Let's start with the bad ones:

1. After drying, the wall may still remain uneven.
2. Dries for a long time. This takes approximately two days.
3. The plaster is not solid. If a nail is driven into the treated wall, the lime layer may crumble.

Along with all the disadvantages, there are also advantages:

1. Cheapness and availability.
2. The finished solution does not dry for a long time, so you have the opportunity to dilute it for the future.
3. It is easy and simple to overwrite lime plaster (compared to cement plaster).
4. You can use the mixture for mashing concrete, wood or brick.

But not only walls need high-quality plastering.

ceiling mix

To answer the question of which gypsum plaster is best for the ceiling, you should learn some professional tricks:

1. This blend is ideal for tops with a height difference of less than 5 cm.
2. Gypsum mixture can be used to seal joints between slabs.
3. Before applying gypsum plaster, be sure to prime the ceiling and wait until it dries.

It is worth paying attention to two well-known manufacturers of this category of goods:

1. The Knauf-Rotband brand remains the unchanging leader. Produced in paper bags of 30 kg. The cost of one package is about 370 rubles.
2. Only our domestic manufacturer, namely Prospectors, can compete with German quality. The mixture is packed in bags of 30 kg. The cost is about 300 rubles.

Now you know which gypsum plaster is best not only for walls, but also for ceilings. Among the entire range presented, you can choose a quality mixture that is right for you.