After plastering the walls, do you need to remove the beacons or can you leave them

Plastering walls presents a dilemma for many do-it-yourselfers and pros: should the beacons be left in place or removed? Beacons, sometimes referred to as screed guides, are crucial instruments for guaranteeing a level and seamless plaster application. They serve as points of reference, directing the trowel to produce a level surface. But after the plastering is finished, the question becomes, should the beacons be removed or left in place?

There are benefits to removing the beacons after plastering. Preventing any potential rusting or corrosion that can happen if metal beacons are left embedded in the wall is one of the main advantages. Metal beacons may rust with time due to moisture from the plaster, leaving ugly stains and perhaps compromising the plaster’s structural integrity. Eliminating the beacons also guarantees a smoother, more visually appealing finish because there is no chance that they will eventually become visible.

However, some contend that leaving the beacons in their current locations can save time and effort. The possibility of rusting is removed if the beacons are composed of non-corrosive materials like plastic or stainless steel. Leaving them in can also lessen the possibility that trying to remove the beacons will disturb the freshly applied plaster. This method can be especially helpful for large surfaces where it could be difficult and time-consuming to remove beacons.

In the end, a number of variables, such as the kind of beacons being used, the surrounding environment, and personal preference, will determine whether the beacons are removed or left in place. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, and knowing these details will help you choose the one that will work best for your plastering project. Ensuring a superior finish should always come first, regardless of whether you decide to remove or leave the beacons in situ.

Why are beacons used when plastering surfaces

Leveling the walls is the majority of the finishing work. Plastering is done with high-quality beacons (slats are laid under this layer) to create a smooth surface. With the use of unique fasteners (found in many stores), they are secured to the base.

Establishing a level surface is particularly crucial when applying decorative elements to walls, such as wallpaper, diverse paints and varnishes, ornamental blends, wooden panels, and diverse tile kinds. If not, the coatings won’t be dependable and might even draw attention to the wall’s flaws.

There are goods with sizes ranging from 6 to 10 mm available on the market. The selection of components is contingent upon the wall’s inclination and additional attributes. The base is leveled using a variety of compositions, including clay, cement-lime, and lime. The choice of material is contingent upon the state of the walls.

1. Profiles help to level the foundation of the building (this is the main purpose of the product). In addition, the guides help to create a solid base.
2. Saving building material. In most cases, even professionals are mistaken in the calculations and spend more plaster mixing when performing finishing work than required. Thanks to the beacons, the master can accurately determine the thickness of the layer and save the product.

Although experts should do the work, even a novice can complete it if they closely read the instructions (which include how to apply the building mixture correctly and obtain beacons after plastering, among other things).

Factory types and their purpose

Standard perforated guides come in lengths ranging from 2.6 to 7 meters.

• aluminum;
• galvanized steel;
• plastic.

Products made of metal are most prevalent.

• relatively inexpensive price;
• easy and convenient installation;
• rails are available in various sizes;
• strength of the material.

Special scissors can be used to change the product’s size.

1. Capable of deformation (due to insufficient rigidity).
2. Non-professionals may have difficulty installing.
3. After completion of the finishing work, the beacons should be removed. If this stage of work is ignored, then over time rust may form on the decorative coatings.

Parts in sizes 3, 5, 6, and 10 mm can be purchased in malls and retail establishments. 3 mm profiles are smaller and less common. The most widely used beacon sizes are 10 and 6 mm.

The product’s dimensions are determined by the degree of wall curvature and the thickness of the plaster layer. Adjusting the parts separately requires the use of specialized scissors (made for cutting metal).

When it comes to decoration, plastic beacons are less popular than metal ones.

1. Easy installation. Plastic is easy to work with (even for an inexperienced craftsman).
2. A light weight. This makes installation less labor-intensive.
3. The elements retain their original shape well. After deformation, the plastic part regains its original appearance.
4. Unpretentiousness of the material. Plastic is not subject to oxidation and corrosion, which prevents the formation of rust and dark spots on the walls.

1. Profiles are suitable only for interior decoration. They cannot be used for exterior cladding, because.. at low temperatures, the material may break.
2. Low strength and wear resistance. Products do not withstand impacts and heavy loads.
3. If installed incorrectly, parts may bend, which will lead to deformation of the base.

Stainless steel galvanized beacons are frequently used for finishing.

1. High strength. Beacons do not deform, wear-resistant.
2. Parts can be used repeatedly.
3. Increased rigidity.

The product’s expensive price is a drawback. Certain products that aren’t galvanized are also available for purchase and rust easily.

Shapes of metal beacons and application

.. The primary benefits include high strength, which inhibits profile deformation during installation, use, and disassembly, and the ability to adjust the strips with specialized scissors. Drawbacks of the merchandise:

• beacons must be removed after applying plaster;
• have a high price;
• can be deformed during various types of installation work, which makes them unsuitable for further use.

Using homemade beacons

You can use homemade products in place of factory profiles. They are constructed from diverse materials. They are simple to use and reasonably priced.

1. Inaccurate placement of screws can negatively affect the evenness of the surface.
2. Improper removal of the plaster layer can lead to curvature of the foundation.
3. Any bending of the string will negatively affect the quality of the work performed.
4. Complex installation process.

You may be wondering if it’s better to leave the beacons in place or remove them after plastering the wall. Generally speaking, once the plaster has set but not completely hardened, it is advisable to remove the beacons. If you leave them in, the metal may eventually react with the moisture, causing rusting and possibly problems with the plaster finish. Eliminating the beacons preserves the integrity and aesthetics of your plastered walls while guaranteeing a smooth, even finish and averting future issues.

In what cases is it necessary to remove the beacons from the plaster

A common question among homeowners is if beacons need to be taken down after wall plastering. Though opinions among experts on this subject vary, most craftsmen suggest removing the profiles once the plaster mixture has set.

Corrosion

Products made of metal can corrode; this means they need to be removed. Wallpaper or ornamental paint can develop rust. In order to minimize the crumbling of the plaster layer, amateurs (and inexperienced craftsmen) should learn how to pull out the beacons before dismantling.

Formation of cracks in the plaster

Certain beacons may break (by coming away from the wall). The state of the surfaces can also be negatively impacted by a variety of operational loads, plaster types, and other factors. Experts advise removing beacons from the plaster to prevent such flaws.

How to remove beacons

Beacons on plastered walls can be removed without the need for any specialized training.

• magnet;
• stepladder;
• plaster scraper (stainless steel);
• pliers.

1. Using pliers, grab the edges of the profile and screw them.
2. Carefully separate them from the base (work is carried out slowly so that large pieces of the plaster layer do not crumble).
3. The next step is to carefully pull out the beacons (they are removed in pieces, 15-20 cm long).
4. Fill the resulting void with plaster mixture, wait until it dries completely. Seal the cracks with the same solution that was used earlier.

When you should not remove beacons from the wall

The question of whether or not to remove the beacons before applying ceramics is one that many customers are curious about. Experts unanimously agree that if you intend to install decorative stone or ceramic tiles after the plaster has set, you must leave beacons in place.

What can be done with beacons later

Once removed, beacons are not used again. An exemption would apply if the profiles were extracted without causing any mechanical harm or curvature. It is possible to place these beacons above doorways and other wall sections.

There are a few important considerations when deciding whether to remove the beacons after plastering walls. Plaster is finished level and evenly with the use of beacons, also known as guide strips. Some contend that filling in the gaps and removing the beacons after the plaster has dried can help produce a smoother finished look. If metal beacons are left in their original locations, this procedure can stop possible problems like rusting or staining.

However, leaving the beacons in place can help you save time and effort. Contemporary plastic beacons are made to remain in the wall without developing issues over time. Because of their rust and corrosion resistance, they are a viable choice for a variety of projects. Furthermore, the beacons should be invisible and the wall’s overall integrity should be preserved if the plaster is properly applied and finished.

The decision ultimately boils down to personal taste and the particulars of your project. Beacons can be removed to achieve a more polished finish, but doing so takes more work. It may be more convenient to leave them in, and the outcome will still be strong and appealing. To choose the best option for your plastering job, take into account the materials you’re using, the space’s surroundings, and the finish you want.

Video on the topic

Removing beacons from plaster

Leave the beacon in the plaster or dismantle it? I will put an end to this question.

Is it necessary to remove beacons after plastering