Mixtures for leveling walls and ceilings. How to level very uneven walls with your own hands and which mixtures are better to use - gypsum or cement? Leveling a plaster wall with your own hands: how to do the work correctly
Plaster is used in almost any repair, and even a beginner knows about this mixture. It is used mainly for leveling walls, but is also becoming popular as a decor. In this article, we will consider which plaster is best for leveling walls and which solution to choose for finishing in the bathroom.
Types of plaster
There are such types of plaster:
- cement;
- gypsum mixture;
- clay mortar.
To level the walls, a primer and putty are also required, so you also need to choose products responsibly.
Advice! When choosing a gypsum mixture, it is not necessary to work with putty, but cement plaster is better to putty additionally.
For leveling, it is better to choose cement and gypsum mortars. Let's take a closer look at each of the types and try to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the application.
cement plaster
In addition to cement and sand, lime is also often added to the composition of this material for leveling the wall. Thanks to this component, the solution has certain properties, which we will consider. In addition to the basic materials, special additives are also added. To cook properly you need:
- pour the mixture into water, but in no case vice versa;
- mix the solution thoroughly, we recommend using a construction mixer or a drill with a special nozzle for this;
- stand the mixture for about five minutes for all additives to begin their action;
- re-mix the prepared mass.
Advice! In no case should water be added again, this will lead to a deterioration in the level of adhesion and spoil the solution.
By purchasing dry mixes, you save a lot of money in comparison with ready-made ones. However, the main thing is to prepare correctly. It is best to carefully follow all the cooking instructions on the package. Also, be sure to carefully read the composition and pay attention to the brand of cement. The strength of the coating directly depends on the quality of the cement.
Cement mortars for leveling walls are divided into two categories - cement-sand and cement-lime. Let's take a look at the benefits of each.
Cement-sand mixtures
This type of plaster is sold both ready-made and dry. Such solutions are considered universal and are suitable even for processing rooms with a high moisture index, for example, a bathroom.
The nuances of using the cladding depend on the size of the sand. So with a large grain of sand it is better suited for rough work, but fine grain can be used for fine cladding, as a result, the wall will turn out to be even and smooth.
Benefits include:
- low cost of production;
- long service life of the coating;
- the possibility of self-preparation of the mixture;
- ease of application, which does not require special skills, so even a beginner in the construction business can handle the processing of walls.
But, this choice also has its drawbacks:
- there is a possibility of cracking of the cement finish, especially if applied too thick a layer;
- low level of adhesion for concrete walls, so such a surface will need to be pre-treated with a primer;
- layer takes a long time to dry.
It is better to choose ready-made plaster, since cooking with your own hands is a rather laborious process. For storage, avoid damp rooms and frost.
Cement-lime finish
Lime is added to the composition in order to increase the plasticity of the material and the service life of the coating. If you want to get a quality finished wall and at the same time save money, this choice is for you. Both ready-made and dry versions are sold. The advantages of this wall decoration include:
- good protection against the formation of mold and fungus, which just provides lime;
- plastic. The coating will not fall off and cracks will not form;
- high level of adhesion. Such a cladding can even be applied to concrete and wooden walls;
- the wall treated with this composition is not afraid of moisture.
- the wall will not fall off, crumble. Also, the surface can be drilled without harm to the coating.
The disadvantages of such a purchase include:
- rather low compressive strength;
- the price, compared to the cement-sand option, is slightly higher.
When choosing cement plaster for leveling, we recommend choosing ready-made mixtures. Also, be sure to read the composition and pay attention to the expiration date. Now let's look at gypsum plasters to determine which wall leveling option is best.
Advantages and disadvantages of gypsum solutions
An excellent alternative to cement plaster is gypsum plaster. It is suitable for leveling the wall in rooms with a small indicator of moisture. For external processing, such a cladding is not used.
The disadvantages include a rather high price, especially in comparison with cement. Also, gypsum is afraid of water, so it is not recommended to immediately knead a large amount of plaster, it can simply dry out.
The advantages include high plasticity and ease of application. You can level the walls almost immediately after applying the plaster, which can significantly speed up the work. It has excellent sound insulation performance, and also does a good job of retaining heat in the room. The layer dries quickly enough, so you won’t have to wait long for the result.
Advice! When choosing gypsum plaster, remember that it must be applied quickly so that it does not have time to dry. Dry finishing is not suitable and is usually thrown away.
The main advantage is the ability to apply a thick layer. Therefore, it is better to choose it for the final alignment of the wall. In addition, one layer is usually enough for complete alignment, and as a result you get a smooth and even wall.
Plaster manufacturers
There are quite a few brands that produce their products for leveling walls. There are both foreign and domestic manufacturers. Here are the names of just a few of them: Knauf, Betonit, Besto, Bolars, Volma and others.
Each manufacturer produces both cement and gypsum mortars. In addition, they have other products for wall decoration: primers and putties. The quality of Russian plaster is no worse than foreign brands. We recommend that you choose slowly, having previously studied customer reviews on the Internet, because this is the only way you will understand which mixture is better.
Advice! We recommend that before you go shopping, carefully calculate the required amount of material. It is better to buy with a small margin, so that it is exactly enough to level the walls. It is better to buy primer, putty and plaster from the same manufacturer, as they are adapted to each other.
What is the best plaster for the bathroom
It is better to choose for rooms with a high rate of moisture and steam, which is the bathroom, of course, cement plaster. Gypsum is afraid of moisture and is not suitable for processing walls in the bathroom. Upon contact with water, the gypsum will crack and simply fall off. When choosing from cement mortars, it is better, of course, to stop with the addition of lime. So you will ensure the strength of the walls in the bathroom and the long life of the coating. There are special mixes made specifically for use in the bathroom, this option is also an excellent choice.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is impossible to unequivocally determine which plaster is better for leveling walls. Gypsum mixes have good performance, but, unfortunately, they are afraid of moisture, so they are not suitable for use in the bathroom or in the kitchen. Cement is sometimes subject to cracking. Our advice is to use gypsum finish for the living room, hallway and other low humidity rooms, and choose cement plaster for the kitchen and bathroom. Watch the following video to learn more about leveling walls.
It will quickly lose its original appearance, and will have to again. To save time and money, it is better to immediately align the walls with high quality. What is the best way to level the walls and how to carry out all the work?
Roughness assessment of the wall surface
All methods of leveling walls are divided into two fundamentally different groups.:
One way or another choose, taking into account the degree of unevenness of the walls so this step is especially important. How uneven the walls can be measured laser level or conventional building level.
Sequence of work looks like this:
- wall surface preparation. In order for the leveling compound to hold, the wall must be properly treated. First, all remnants of the old coating are removed, then priming is carried out for better adhesion with a layer of plaster. Under cement compositions, a mortar primer is used, and water, the so-called cement milk, it is better to use a special one for gypsum plaster;
- if the plaster layer is more than 2 cm, then at this stage it is better to use reinforcing plaster mesh, which will not allow the composition to crumble. It is worth noting that if you use a ready-made factory plaster mixture, then you should pay attention to the composition: some manufacturers use polymer additives that increase the strength and degree of adhesion of the mortar so much that the mesh may not be needed;
installation of beacons. As beacons, which become a guideline for creating a flat surface, wooden slats or a perforated metal profile are used. The latter will be more convenient for beginners, since such beacons will not have to be removed after the plaster layer has slightly hardened and then mask the recesses. First, two beacons are mounted at opposite ends of the wall, while, and the beacons are fixed with a gypsum mortar of the required height until ideal verticality is achieved. Three cords are stretched between the two beacons received: at the top, in the middle of the wall and at the bottom, and already focusing on them, intermediate beacons are installed so that they lightly touch the cord. The step between the beacons depends on the size of the tool with which the plaster mixture will be leveled (usually a rule is used for this). In any case, the distance between the beacons should be 20 cm less than the length of the instrument;
in a wide range can be found in hardware stores. At the construction site, it remains only to properly prepare the solution, following the instructions. Cement plaster mortar can be prepared independently: cement and sand are mixed in a ratio of 1:6, then water is added to a creamy consistency. Some experts recommend adhering to the ratio of components 1:2 or 1:3, the finished mixture is more plastic, and therefore easier to handle. The finished solution is used for 1-2 hours until it begins to solidify;
plastering. To do this, you can use the "falcon" and a trowel. On the first one they collect the mixture from the container, on the second they throw it on the wall in excess. The use of a “falcon”, a tool similar to a trowel, but larger than it, allows you to increase the speed of work. Now you need to evenly distribute the solution from the bottom up, relying on the beacons. If the leveling layer is thick, then you can first apply a rough outline of the plaster, and after it dries, apply the main one with alignment along the beacons. If wooden slats were used as the latter, then when the mortar dries a little, they must be carefully removed, the cavities filled with plaster and leveled with a spatula;
after the plaster has dried, we get a smooth, but rough surface. In order to make it smooth, you need to apply thin layer of putty, and then sand the surface with fine sandpaper.
The main advantage of this leveling method is the maximum preservation of the usable area of the room. The disadvantages are the laboriousness of the process, the need to prepare the base and the presence of a large amount of dust.
No. 2. Leveling the walls with putty
However, do not forget that this method of leveling the walls takes up a lot of usable space, and if it is already in short supply, then the room risks turning into a hole. Walls sheathed with drywall sheets will be able to withstand less load than those that have been lined with plaster. If we are talking about a room with high humidity, then moisture-resistant drywall sheets should be used.
Sequence of work:
frame construction. It may consist of or a metal profile. The beam does not allow to achieve the desired durability of the frame, it is subject to the influence of moisture and microorganisms, therefore, in most cases today they are used guide and rack metal profile.
The first two profiles are attached to the floor and ceiling.
On the floor, using a level, draw a straight line at a distance of 5-6 cm from the wall (more is possible if the curvature is large or communications need to be hidden).
Using a vertical plumb line, the line is transferred to the ceiling.
Guide profiles are fixed along the lines obtained with self-tapping screws, constantly checking the evenness of their level with a plumb line. Between them, perpendicular to them, load-bearing profiles are attached along the wall with the help of. The distance between them is 40-60 cm for drywall sheets 120 cm wide;
Looking to renovate and don't know where to start? More precisely, you know, but you are afraid to admit it to yourself, because you look at your walls with a shudder. Yes, their curvature in most of our apartments is simply amazing. Therefore, the question of choosing a plaster mixture is relevant for everyone who decides to do the repair with their own hands.
There are not so many options for plasters, and all of them are familiar to us:
- Cement;
- Plasters based on gypsum;
- Clay compounds.
On a note.
Primers and putties are also used to level walls, so their choice lies entirely with you. The primer is used for initial processing of the prepared basis. For gypsum compositions, finishing puttying is not required.
The surface treated with cement plaster must be puttied.
Building plaster mixtures used for leveling walls can be either cement or gypsum.
We will omit clay, so popular for lovers of ecological cleanliness, since hardly anyone will buy such a miracle in a store. In any case, the choice depends on the room in which we are going to align the walls.
We will try to consider in detail all types of plasters, identifying the positive and negative properties of each.
This is very important for making the right choice.
cement mixtures
In addition to sand of fine and larger fractions and cement of various grades, lime may be included in cement plasters. It gives the finished solution certain properties, which we will discuss below.
Building mixtures used for leveling brick, concrete and other walls, in addition to the main components, include special polymer additives. This is related to the accuracy of the preparation of the solution:
- The mixture is poured into water (but not vice versa);
- Thoroughly stir with a construction mixer;
- Let stand for three to five minutes for the polymer additives to take effect;
- Mix again.
In the future, the addition of water or a dry mixture is not allowed, as its structure changes and adhesion worsens.
However, seasoned construction masters have learned to do this without harm to the final result.
Dry mixes in their own way - a box with a surprise. Using them for alignment, you can save a lot (if you know all the nuances). For us, who are engaged in construction once or twice in our lives, compliance with the recommendations indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer is necessary.
On a note.
The quality of the plaster depends not only on the size of the sand granules or the addition of polymers. The brand of cement also plays a big role. The higher the M number indicated on the package, the stronger the final coating will be.
It is not advisable to choose super strong grades for leveling, for example, with M400 or M500, since they are more expensive, and the strength of the plaster on the walls of the house does not carry such high loads to use such strong cement.
Such a plaster mixture usually includes M150 grade material. This strength is sufficient for most residential buildings.
This type of plaster can be divided into two groups - cement-sand and cement-lime. The former contains cement with sand and polymer additives, while the latter, in addition to these components, also contains lime.
Cement-sand mixtures, properties
You can either choose such plaster in the store (ready-made dry mix), or make it yourself.
It is clear that we will not be able to add any polymers to improve its plasticity, but as an alternative, it is possible to use a small amount of dishwashing detergent. Cement-based mixtures used for leveling walls are versatile and can be used in wet areas.
Your choice depends on the size of the sand (what it is intended for).
Solutions with large grains are suitable for rough work, since it is impossible to wipe them perfectly, without stripes and shells. Plasters with smaller fractions are suitable for fine finishes, as they rub well and the surface is smooth.
The advantages of cement-sand plasters include:
- Low cost;
- The durability of the finished solution;
- The ability to choose the proportions and cook yourself;
- Applying a cement-based wall leveling mixture does not require special knowledge.
Minuses:
- Cement-based plaster mixes may crack after drying, especially if too thick a layer has been applied;
- The complexity of the process and its physical complexity;
- Poor adhesion to concrete walls (it is recommended to use special primers containing quartz sand);
- Drying time for each layer.
On a note.
When choosing components for self-compilation of cement plaster, pay attention to the quality of the sand. It should not contain impurities (≤5% clay or silt is allowed). Choose grain sizes 2/2.5 mm (for rough plaster) and 1.5/2 mm (for fine). A fraction of less than 1.5 mm will lead to cracking of the dried surface.
Therefore, the finished plaster mixture is preferable, since there is no need to independently control most of the parameters.
Dry ones are better stored, they are not afraid of frost, but packages should be protected from moisture.
Cement-lime mixtures, properties
Lime is added to cement plaster to increase its plasticity. Such compositions behave like gypsum, while the life of the finished solution is longer, the base itself can remain suitable for mashing for a long time. Choose them if you want to get a quality surface and decently save money.
Pros:
- Protection against fungi and mold (antifungal properties of lime)
- Plasticity, while the mixture does not exfoliate and does not fall off from the base;
- Cement-lime plaster has a high "stickiness".
She can work on concrete and even wood (on shingles);
- The base, leveled with such a composition, regulates the humidity in the room.
This choice is also due to the fact that it is convenient to work with walls covered with building cement-lime mixtures, because they do not fall off in layers, do not crumble, and are well drilled.
Minuses:
- Low compressive strength;
- The cost is higher than that of conventional cement-sand mixtures.
Pros and cons of gypsum mixtures
An excellent alternative to drywall and cement-lime plasters are gypsum mixes, which are great for leveling dry walls, for example, in residential areas (living room, dining room, bedroom).
They have several cons- high cost in comparison with cement-lime and, moreover, with cement-sand, they are afraid of water, since gypsum has a high water absorption, they quickly harden.
Therefore, it is impossible to immediately knead a large amount of gypsum plaster.
To pluses we attribute plasticity and ease of use. You can start leveling almost immediately after application; such mixtures have good soundproofing and heat-insulating qualities.
The layer dries fairly quickly.
When choosing a plaster, remember that it requires some skill. A dried solution is not suitable for work. He is thrown away.
The choice of gypsum mixtures is also advisable because you can simultaneously apply a layer up to 6 centimeters thick.
They can be used to level walls that are littered at the top. In addition, one layer is often enough to make the surface perfectly even and smooth.
Brands producing various plasters
Foreign and domestic companies have long mastered the production of various plaster mixtures. Here are just a few of them.
Foreign companies producing dry plasters:
- Knauf;
- Concrete;
- Ilmaks (Belarus);
- Plitonite (Russian-German).
domestic firms:
- Ceresite;
- Bolars;
- Eunice;
- Litokol;
- Besto;
- Ivsil;
- Volma;
- Founding.
As you can see, the choice is huge.
Each of the brands produces both gypsum and cement plasters. In addition to dry mixes, the product line also includes other materials necessary for the work - primers, putties.
Russian brands are represented in the majority, but the quality of their leveling compounds is no worse than that of foreign ones.
What is the best plaster for walls and ceilings
Therefore, the choice is yours.
Before going to the store, carefully calculate the estimated consumption of material for leveling the walls and buy it with a small margin.
Decide on the type of plaster (dry or ready-to-use, gypsum or cement). Also, do not forget to purchase primers and putties from the company of your choice, because they are adapted to each other. Using products from different manufacturers may not give the result you expect.
Overview of wall leveling compounds
The presence of an uneven wall shows that urgent measures must be taken to solve this problem.
A room looks ugly if the walls are uneven or curved. We'll give you some helpful tips on how to sort walls yourself without touching strangers, and talk about ways to level walls.
So, let's think about ways to level the walls.
The first method is to level the layered layer if the wall is curved. Some layers of plaster applied to the wall must be filled in the right places. This procedure is repeated several times until there is a significant improvement. The following method is offset by drywall. This method is the easiest and most convenient, drywall sheets are glued to the wall as you coordinate yourself to make the desired thickness and cavities in the wall to complete the leveling.
Another way is to reconcile the so-called lighthouses.
This method is suitable for those who have too curved walls and that other methods do not help, only with the help of beacons can a positive result be achieved.
After applying the beacons, a mixture of plaster should be used, and then a second coat of whale should be used. Let it dry and wake up again to plaster the wall, the result will be obvious.
What mixtures can you choose for wall leveling?
Today, there are many mixtures for smoothing walls.
Manufacturers and various companies offer their products, so it is important to choose not only a quality product, but also an affordable one. Together we will understand which mixture is better to choose. To level the walls, use dry mixes, which are then divided into rows. There are several types of dry mixes: base color and putty, indoor and outdoor patches, stainless floors, adhesives and special purposes like fire retardant.
All these types of mixtures must be carefully selected, specially adapted to the problem of uneven walls and strictly follow the instructions for use.
Each company that manufactures its products is unique.
On the market, you can find the most famous brands that produce dry cleaning. For example, KNAUF is a well-known German company, Vetonit is a French company, and many Russian manufacturers such as Bolars and Volma, as well as many others. Each of these companies will help you achieve certain results, if you do everything right and follow all the steps, then you will have to manage them yourself.
We will look at the three main types needed for a level wall.
These include example, whales and gypsum. The coating is necessary to attach the material to the wall, improve adhesion, keep the material tight and more stable. Plaster is needed directly for leveling, without even measuring it. Therefore, it is important to know which mixture to choose, and on which wall - brick or concrete.
And finally, the kit serves to eliminate small errors, roughness on the wall.
Tools and materials needed to work with wall alignment.
All parts require certain tools and materials.
We will look at what tools are important for leveling the walls of a house. To match the wall kit, the following tools are needed: plaster and base, small and large spatula, especially at the angle of the spatula, Rende, necessary for sanding, for undercoat, necessary cushions, for kneading the necessary utensils
If you are leveling the walls of the lighthouses, you will need tools such as a screwdriver, punch, spatula, striped line, dowels.
Here are the basic tools you may need to help you straighten and straighten your walls effectively!
How to straighten the walls yourself. Which plaster is better
(Instructions for photos and videos).
Suppose you need to build walls in a brick house, the procedure itself begins, especially by laying the powder. Spray some water on the wall to create surface moisture and use plaster mortars. It should be noted that the plaster is applied in three layers to the wall. We will discuss them in more detail. There are layers such as mites, soil and covers. The spray is a thinner solution applied to an open wall and the whole process is abruptly completed to fill in all the cracks.
The next layer is soil, the densest of the three layers, and is applied to the wall in several steps.
The last layer will be the cover, which is one of the smallest deposits on the wall as it is made of fine sand.
It should be used in a circular flex all over the wall, so you should have a perfectly flat surface.
It is very important to remember that when applying any layer of powder or plaster to the wall, each of them can be dried, it will largely depend on the material and thickness of the coating. We believe that the walls you have will not only be the same, but they will also have their own uniqueness, and your work will bring a long-awaited result.
Aligning the walls with your hands
The need to eliminate defects and irregularities on the walls is beyond doubt. High-quality preparation of premises for finishing with wallpaper is an obligatory stage in construction. The choice of materials and the technology of work depends on the degree of curvature of the walls and the wear of the old layer of plaster, the depth of the cracks, the deviation from the vertical, as well as the amount of money allocated for leveling the walls under the wallpaper, the timing of the repair.
Ways to eliminate defects and uneven walls
In accordance with the requirements of SNiP, the vertical and horizontal deviation indicator when plastering enclosing structures indoors should not exceed 3 mm per 1 m² of their area.
The technology for leveling walls for wallpaper is based on the use of drywall sheets and liquid mixtures. These include plaster or putty. A wide range of materials for performing such a procedure provides an opportunity to choose the best option and qualitatively prepare wall surfaces for wallpapering.
In the absence of experience and skill, it is not recommended to perform finishing on your own.
It is better to seek the help of professional craftsmen with experience and practical skills in eliminating defects and irregularities by ordering their services at competitive prices.
Leveling with putty
If minor defects are found and the difference between the diagonals of the walls does not exceed 10 mm, it is recommended to use putty to level the walls.
Materials are sold in the form of ready-to-use solutions or dry formulations that must be diluted with water, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The putty consumption rate is 1 kg per 1 m² of the surface to be leveled.
The technological process of high-quality preparation of walls before finishing them with wallpaper and the elimination of minor cosmetic defects using dry or liquid mixtures involves the implementation of certain stages.
These include:
- cleaning wall surfaces from dust, cobwebs and their subsequent treatment with antibacterial agents;
- wall primer;
- applying a layer of starting putty, the thickness of which is formed by the angle of the spatula to the wall;
- laying the paint grid on the first layer of leveling material;
- applying a second layer of putty in a direction perpendicular to the starting layer of the finishing material;
- washing out the final layer of a liquid mixture designed to level the surfaces of vertical enclosing structures indoors with a primer;
- grinding walls with sandpaper, a special mesh to remove roughness after the putty mixture has dried.
At each stage, after applying a layer of putty, it is necessary to give time to remove moisture from the solution.
The material dries within 24 hours. Quality control of work after each stage, carried out in accordance with the wall puttying technology, eliminates the need for further development. Surfaces will be smooth and prepared for wallpapering.
Plaster leveling
Knowing how to level the walls under the wallpaper using plaster, you can get perfectly flat surfaces in the presence of recesses, with a depth of 2 cm, and horizontal and vertical deviations up to 15 cm.
The finishing material is represented by a variety of types and can be based on a lime mixture, cement-sand or gypsum mortar.
The technology of leveling wall surfaces with plaster is one of the most complex and time-consuming process for eliminating deep flaws, which requires certain skills and professional skills. The material is distinguished by versatility, functionality, resistance to moisture, pathogenic microflora, ease of maintenance, as well as the ability to give the walls perfectly even contours.
At all stages of leveling surfaces with plaster before wallpapering, it is recommended to be careful and avoid haste. Each layer of finishing material applied to the wall must dry completely.
How to level the walls? Wall leveling materials
Otherwise, excess moisture will lead to damage to the wallpaper, and their gluing will turn into a complex, time-consuming process.
The procedure for leveling surfaces with plaster is to perform a number of activities. These include:
- detection of the depth of defects and irregularities of wall surfaces;
- thorough cleaning of vertical enclosing structures from dust, old decorative coatings, dirt;
- primer treatment;
- fixing a plaster mesh with 5 × 5 cm cells, necessary to prevent cracking of the leveling coating;
- installation of beacons along the edges of the walls using the building level and over the entire surface area in increments of 20 cm, determining their location along the cord;
- wetting of vertical enclosing structures, which must be leveled with a finishing material before decorating with wallpaper;
- applying a layer of liquid coarse-grained mixture, 3-5 mm thick;
- waiting for the plaster to dry completely;
- applying the main layer of leveling mixtures to eliminate deep flaws and uneven walls, 5-7 mm thick;
- waiting for the solution to set until it dries completely;
- creation of a finishing layer of plaster, with a thickness of 2 mm to 4 mm;
- leveling the surface of plastered walls with metal floats so that the leveled surfaces are perfectly even and smooth;
- processing with a primer for the highest quality preparation of walls for pasting them with wallpaper.
Before all stages of layer-by-layer application of coarse-grained finishing material to eliminate deep defects on the walls, quality control of the work performed is carried out.
For these purposes, the building level is used. Wallpapering the walls is allowed 1-2 weeks after the leveling mixtures have completely dried.
Alignment with GKL sheets
The use of gypsum plasterboards to eliminate defects and strong unevenness of walls before decorating with wallpaper provides an opportunity to solve problems of any level of complexity. The material is distinguished by environmental friendliness, ease of installation, the ability to minimize labor and time costs before finishing the premises.
With the help of GKL sheets, uneven walls are perfectly aligned. And their decoration with wallpaper will provide an opportunity to provide an unusual design and create an original interior in the room.
The installation technology of GKL sheets is determined by the level of curvature of the walls.
With their values exceeding 7 cm, it is recommended to install a frame made of a metal profiled corner or wooden bars and fasten drywall to it with self-tapping screws in increments of at least 30 cm. high-quality fixation to their surfaces.
The stages of leveling walls with GKL sheets include:
- definition of drywall fastening technology;
- marking the location of sockets, switches and sheets of plasterboard on the leveling surface;
- installation of drywall to the walls;
- puttying the junction of GKL sheets and fasteners, in the case of using self-tapping screws for their fastening to the frame.
When leveling drywall surfaces, it is necessary to correct the position of the sheets according to the building level.
Such methods of eliminating irregularities and defects in wall surfaces before pasting them with wallpaper provide an opportunity to choose the best option and create a unique interior style.
Properly aligned walls are the key to quality repairs!
Payment Methods
There are two main ways to level a wall:
leaf alignment
Harmonization with plaster
Lining walls with foil
The essence of this wall alignment method is the installation of profiles along vertical walls and drywall walls.
More information on the correct alignment of walls with drywall by hand can be found on the right side.
Characteristics of the wall balancing method with drywall
The wall surface must be durable and insulated from excessive moisture.
use it
Easy Installation
Relatively little time
weak sides
Reducing the living space of a dwelling
Vulnerability to mechanical damage
Video on leveling walls with drywall
Alignment of walls with wet mixtures
Despite the ease and convenience of leveling walls with sheet metal materials, the most common balancing method is with wet mixes.
Wet mixes are plaster and whales that you can buy in ready-made stores.
You don't need a high trim level for this, and you can buy wall smoothing mix from any building store.
The essence of the task is to clean the wall of old finished materials, measure the irregularities (this can be done using the level of the structure or stretch along the wall of any rope) and align them in layers.
use it
Storage of residential living space
Affordability
weak sides
- dry;
- raw.
- plaster;
- cement;
- clay;
- acrylic;
- silicate.
- high degree of elasticity;
- excellent adhesion to the treated surface.
- "Found". Plaster of this brand can remain viable for up to 90 minutes. It costs about 250-300 rubles. per bag.
- "Knauf". This manufacturer supplies the Russian market with very high-quality Rotband gypsum mix. A bag of such plaster costs about 400 rubles. Leveling the walls with Rotband is not a particularly complicated procedure. Such a mixture can keep viability for one and a half hours. In addition, it has a high degree of plasticity.
- "Eunice". Such mixtures after preparation should be worked out within 50 minutes. They cost about 300 rubles. per bag.
- cement-lime "Founding Starwell-21";
- cement-lime Polimin ShV 1;
- cement-sand "Vetonit TT".
- elasticity;
- good degree of heat and sound insulation;
- frost resistance;
- ease of use.
- elasticity and good adhesive properties;
- high degree of strength;
- resistance to various kinds of atmospheric influences.
- First, the old plaster layer is removed from the wall (if necessary).
- The surface is primed. Depending on what kind of plaster is supposed to be used in the future, a gypsum or cement-based product is used to treat the surface.
- Beacons are installed. To align the walls, a special profile is usually used, which can be purchased at any building hypermarket. Beacons are attached to the wall on a cement or gypsum mortar according to the level. The distance between them should be slightly less than the length of the rule.
- Between the beacons, the actual plaster itself is laid. The wall can be treated with a solution both manually and, for example, using a sprayer.
- The mixture is carefully leveled by means of a rule.
- cement (based on very fine sand or lime);
- plaster;
- silicate;
- acrylic.
- ordinary;
- moisture resistant.
- Lafarge.
- Rigips.
- Giproc.
- wall thickness 12.5 mm;
- ceiling - 9.5 mm;
- arched - 6.5 mm.
- gypsum;
- cement;
- lime;
- clay.
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hard and dirty
In the houses of the old Soviet construction, the walls, unfortunately, do not always differ in special evenness. In most cases, their surface is covered with bumps and pits, has cracks or chips. At the same time, their plane itself often often deviates significantly from the vertical or horizontal. Of course, rooms with such walls do not look very attractive. Before wallpapering, painting, or, for example, before finishing with decorative plaster, the surfaces of the enclosing structures in such apartments have to be adjusted. How to level the walls? The answer to this question, of course, many homeowners would like to know. Surfaces with defects can be corrected using different materials.
Two main methods
In our time, there are two main ways to align the walls in a room:
In the first case, the alignment of walls for wallpaper or decorative plaster is most often done using drywall. Also, dry correction technology may involve the use of plywood, lining or PVC boards. With a raw leveling technique, usually different types of plaster are used.
What types of mixtures exist
Such wall leveling materials are usually supplied to the market in dry bags. Before use, they must be diluted with water, in the amount determined by the instructions for use. Plaster can be used to level the walls:
Advantages and disadvantages of gypsum compositions
The initial mass of materials of this type is a very fine powdery dry mixture. The answer to the question of how to level the walls in the apartment, gypsum plaster is very good. Its composition, among other things, includes various kinds of plasticizers. And so it lays down on the walls very evenly.
With the use of such plaster, concrete walls or brick walls can be leveled. Do not use such mixtures mainly only in very damp rooms - saunas, bathrooms, swimming pools, etc. It is also not allowed to use gypsum to level the facades of buildings.
The main advantages of plasters of this type are:
Also, the masters also refer to the advantages of gypsum plaster and its fine texture. Aligning walls for wallpaper using such mixtures has the advantage that at the final stage in this case it is not necessary to apply finishing putty. Another undoubted advantage of such plasters is rapid maturation. If necessary, it is possible to start pasting the walls, leveled with a gypsum mixture, in a week.
The disadvantages of the compositions of this variety include primarily their high cost. Leveling walls with gypsum plaster is usually quite expensive. The funds of this variety cost about one and a half to two times more expensive than cement ones. Also, the disadvantages of mixtures of this type include a very short period of viability. It is necessary to use the prepared gypsum mixture within an average of 45 minutes. Of course, such a short “life” makes working with plaster of this variety not particularly convenient.
The best brands of gypsum mixtures
Of course, when choosing a plaster of this variety, like any other, you should first of all pay attention to the brand of the manufacturer. The most popular gypsum mixtures in our country are:
Pros and cons of cement compositions
It is this material that most often serves as the answer to the question of how to align the walls inside or outside the room. There are two main types of such plasters on the market today. For leveling surfaces, both a cement-lime mixture and a cement-sand mixture can be used.
On the walls, both of these types of plaster lie no worse than gypsum. At the same time, the cement leveling mixture is much cheaper. Such plaster is the best answer to the question of how to level the walls in the bathroom. It is perfect for wet areas.
The only thing in which cement plaster loses to gypsum plaster is not a very smooth texture. After using such a mixture, it is usually necessary to additionally apply a finishing material. Another disadvantage of cement plaster compared to gypsum plaster is the long maturation period. It is possible to proceed with the final finishing of walls aligned with its use only after about a month.
The best manufacturers of cement mixtures
Compositions of this type, like gypsum, are supplied to the domestic market by many companies. But the most popular plasters in our country are:
The Starwell mixture can be used to level the walls not only indoors, but also outside. Such plaster costs about $ 5.9 per bag weighing 25 kg. Polimin SHV 1 mixtures may only be used indoors. The permissible maximum thickness of the leveling layer when using both types of plaster is 20 mm. The price of a mixture of Polimin ShV 1 is approximately $ 3.6.
Compositions "Vetonit TT" can be used for leveling indoor walls and facades. They can be applied to the surface with a layer of up to 3 cm. Such a plaster costs about $ 9 per 25 kg.
How to align the walls from the outside: acrylic compounds
Building facades are thus most often leveled with cement plaster. However, sometimes acrylic mixtures are also used for this purpose. Such materials are more expensive, but at the same time they give a much stronger leveling layer. Such a finishing composition is made on the basis of an aqueous solution of acrylic. The main advantages of plasters of this type are:
The disadvantages of plasters of this variety, as well as gypsum, include a short pot life. Also, such a mixture has earned not too good consumer reviews and for a not particularly high degree of vapor permeability. Walls covered with plaster of this type, unfortunately, simply stop "breathing". They refer to the disadvantages of mixtures of this variety and the fact that after drying they can accumulate static electricity and attract all sorts of garbage to themselves.
Top Brands of Acrylic Blends
The most popular manufacturers of such plasters in Russia, as well as gypsum plasters, are Osnovit, Vetonit and Knauf. Also, Ceresit brand plasters are often used to level the facades. Such mixtures are usually supplied to the market in ready-made form. It is not necessary to dilute them with water. It is convenient to work with them, but plasters of this type are more expensive than gypsum and cement ones. Therefore, they are usually used only to correct walls that have only minor defects.
Advantages and disadvantages of silicate mixtures
Alignment of walls for painting or any other type of decorative finish using such material can be done both outside and inside the room. But most often, silicate plaster, like acrylic, is still used for finishing facades. Such materials are made on the basis of silicone resin. They also include liquid potassium glass, a water-repellent agent and mineral fillers. Like acrylic, silicate plaster is expensive. And they use it, respectively, only for leveling walls that have minor defects or as a finish after a cement-sand mixture.
The advantages of silicate plasters include primarily:
The main disadvantage of such mixtures is considered to be a short pot life.
Raw wall leveling technology: main features
Acrylic and silicate plasters, therefore, are in most cases applied to walls in a thin layer using the usual technology - with a spatula or by means of a spray gun. Cement and gypsum mixtures are usually applied to surfaces in a thick layer. Therefore, when working with them, among other things, special guides are used - beacons. The use of such additions allows you to get the most even surfaces. Work is carried out in this case in several stages:
After the composition dries, beacons are removed from the wall. To level the walls (seal the grooves remaining after the profile), a little more gypsum or cement plaster is diluted. At the final stage, the surface is treated with a paint grater and covered with a thin layer of a fine-textured mixture.
Finishing putty: varieties
Compositions of this type can be:
For wet rooms and facades, depending on the budget, cement plasters, acrylic or silicate plasters can be selected. Gypsum is usually used to decorate rooms from the inside. Also, in some cases, for this purpose, of course, cement can also be used. Putties of this variety are applied over plaster, often using a special reinforcing paint mesh.
Drywall
Plasters are, of course, just a great answer to the question of how to level the walls. However, such tools can, unfortunately, be used mainly only to remove holes and bumps from the surface. More serious defects in the form of deviation from the plane by means of a crude technique are rather difficult to correct, and sometimes even impossible. After all, it is allowed to apply plaster compositions on the surface only with a not too thick layer.
Some disadvantage of raw technology is that it can be used to level only concrete or brick walls. For wood, such materials are usually not used.
Therefore, the raw technique is not suitable for eliminating serious wall defects, as well as for leveling cobbled or chopped surfaces. In this case, another method of correction is usually used - dry. The walls with this technology are simply sheathed along the frame with some kind of sheet material. Types of finishes in this case can be used different. But most often drywall is used for this purpose.
Actually, the GKL sheets themselves for wall correction can be used in two main varieties:
The second type of GKL differs from the first primarily in color. Moisture resistant sheets have a greenish tint. They, for example, are an excellent answer to the question of how to align the walls in the bathroom. It is produced by the industry in our time and refractory GKL. Sheets of this variety can withstand not only very high temperatures, but even open fire (for an hour). Such drywall is very expensive, and therefore it is used mainly only for leveling the surfaces of stoves and fireplaces.
The best brands of drywall
The leading manufacturers of GKL in Russia are:
The quality of all these brands of drywall are quite good. But the Knauf sheets are still the most popular in our country. This company supplies the domestic market with three main types of GKL:
If desired, today you can purchase both ordinary sheets of this manufacturer 2500 x 1200 mm, and non-standard ones. The width of the latter can be 600-1500 mm, length - 1500-4000 mm, and thickness - 6.5-24 mm.
Drywall finishing technology
Any special preparation of the walls when using GKL is not required. Surfaces in this case are usually simply cleaned of dirt and dust. Next, a special aluminum or steel profile is mounted on the wall using a level. Actually, the drywall itself is attached to it with the help of dowels of a special design with plastic wide heads. GKL sheets are fixed during installation so that no cruciform seams form between them.
At the final stage, the plasterboard surface can either be wallpapered or treated with a thin layer of plaster. Of course, it is often used for finishing GKL and finishing putty.
Lining, plywood and plastic panels
Such materials are also usually used for large deviations of surfaces from the horizontal or vertical. In addition, such a finish can also be used when the walls need not only to be leveled, but also insulated.
In the latter case, timber is usually used to assemble the frame for the material. It can be wall-mounted both vertically and horizontally. Actually, for insulation between the bars of the frame, plates of mineral wool or expanded polystyrene are subsequently installed. Then a vapor barrier film is sewn on top, and the leveling material itself is installed on top of it.
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:
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.
| Property | cement plaster | Gypsum plaster |
|---|---|---|
| Vapor permeability | 0.09 mg/MhPa | 0.11-0.14 mg/MhPa |
| Average consumption per square meter with a layer of 1 cm | 12-20 kg/sq.m | 7-10 kg/sq. m |
| setting time | about 2 hours | less than 1 hour - about 40 minutes |
| Hygroscopicity | is not afraid of moisture, does not change properties when wet | wetting is undesirable, maximum humidity - 60% |
| The need for putty | needed for all types of finishes except for laying tiles | only needed for painting |
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 the 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, it 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.
| Name | Purpose | Color | Layer thickness | binder type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plaster mixture Knauf Rotband | For plastering smooth surfaces of walls and ceilings | White gray | 5-50mm | Gypsum with polymer additives |
| Plaster-Adhesive Mix Knauf Sevener | For restoration of old plaster surfaces, including facades | Grey | Portland cement with polymer additives and reinforcing fibers | |
| Plaster Bergauf Bau Interior | For plastering in rooms with normal humidity | Grey/White | 5-40mm | Cement with polymer additives and perlite filler |
| Plaster Volma-Holst | For interiors with normal humidity | 5-50mm | Based on gypsum with chemical and mineral additives |
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).
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