Your living area can be completely transformed by plastering your walls with a mesh base, which offers a smooth, long-lasting finish. Gaining an understanding of the fundamentals of mesh plastering on your own can be a rewarding and economical project, whether you’re remodeling an old house or adding a new touch to your existing one. The process will be made approachable even for novices by this guide, which will walk you through the essentials.
A plastering project’s success depends on starting with the appropriate supplies and equipment. Plastering mesh, an appropriate adhesive, and a high-quality plaster mix are required. Additionally necessary are simple instruments like a mixing bucket, a plastering float, and a trowel. Plaster will adhere better and last longer if your workspace is prepared by keeping the walls clean and creating a dust-free atmosphere.
Applying plaster over mesh involves a few straightforward steps. First, the mesh is attached securely to the wall, providing a stable base that helps prevent cracking and increases the strength of the plaster. Next, the plaster is applied in layers, ensuring each one dries properly before the next is added. This layered approach ensures a smooth and even finish that enhances the appearance and durability of your walls.
In this process, patience and attention to detail are essential. The end result will be worth the time it takes to thoroughly mix the plaster, apply it evenly, and smooth out any imperfections. You can become proficient with this technique with practice and persistence, even though it may seem difficult at first. You’ll be confident enough to take on bigger projects soon.
Plastering with mesh not only makes your house look better, but it also gives your walls an additional layer of protection and insulation. It’s an adaptable method that works well in a variety of spaces. You can achieve professional-looking results on your own by adhering to these steps and tips.
Step | Description |
1. Prepare Surface | Clean the wall and remove loose material. Ensure the surface is dry. |
2. Attach Mesh | Fix the mesh to the wall using nails or screws. Make sure it is tight and secure. |
3. Mix Plaster | Prepare the plaster mix according to the manufacturer"s instructions. |
4. Apply Base Coat | Spread a thin layer of plaster over the mesh. Let it dry partially. |
5. Smooth Surface | Use a trowel to even out the plaster. Ensure it is level and smooth. |
6. Apply Finish Coat | Apply a second layer of plaster for a smooth finish. Let it dry completely. |
7. Final Touches | Sand the surface lightly if needed for a perfect finish. Clean up the area. |
A simple, affordable, and accessible method of creating sturdy, smooth walls in your house is DIY mesh plastering. Using this method, a base coat of plaster is applied, a fiberglass mesh is embedded for strength, and a top coat is applied last. Even novices can master this process with the right tools and a little perseverance, producing surfaces of professional quality that are resistant to wear and cracking. Mesh plastering is a dependable option that improves the strength and aesthetics of your walls, whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an old one.
- What is the function of the mesh
- Types of material
- Fiberglass
- Polymer
- Metal
- DIY mesh installation
- Reinforcement of walls with fiberglass cloth
- Coating with polymer sheets
- Metal coatings
- Preparing the wall for plastering and installing beacons
- Video on the topic
- Plastering wooden walls with your own hands #gypsum plaster #unis #unis #volmasloy #plaster mesh #house
What is the function of the mesh
- strengthening the base and increasing the reliability of fixing the plaster layer;
- preventing delamination of the decorative plaster layer;
- alignment of deformations, chips, cracks;
- long-term maintenance of the integrity of the plaster coating;
- the possibility of implementing textured plaster coatings ("Venetian", "bark beetle", under stone or wood);
- increasing the heat-insulating functions of the coating;
- increasing the resistance of walls to loads;
- improving sound insulation in the room.
Types of material
- metal;
- fiberglass;
- polymer.
Materials are also divided by purpose: for exterior decoration and for interior decoration.
Fiberglass
Plaster is applied to bases with minor flaws using fiberglass meshes. For interior finishing work and partial facade decoration, a thin sheet with cells is used. Before gypsum plaster is applied, fiberglass meshes are fixed to the bases. Their advantages include not corroding, resistance to loads, and chemical resistance.
Polymer
Polymer meshes are inexpensive, made of plastic, and do not detract from the aesthetic finish. Their cell thicknesses and sizes vary. The canvas is designed to evenly distribute drops across a surface at a rate of up to 20 mm per 1 p.m.
Polymer nets are widely used and a great way to decorate rooms and facades. A thin layer of plaster works just as well as reinforced fasteners to secure the canvas, after which the main decorative coating of the textured mixture is applied. The material is safe to use for interior decoration and friendly to the environment. Its strength is limited, though.
Metal
It is advised to use metal mesh when finishing panels with significant flaws. It is appropriate for plaster application on facades and is the strongest of the reinforcing meshes. Internal walls are reinforced with a few thin meshes.
Metal reinforcing mesh is used to reinforce the bases of structures with complex geometries that have bends greater than 20 mm per 1 p. m. utilizing cement and cement-sand to plaster walls on a metal mesh. Unevenness can be corrected by the cloth by up to 4-5 cm.
Metal mesh comes in various varieties. Wire is used to create materials with woven structures. Both interior walls and building facades can be covered with them. Weaved mesh typically has cells that measure 10 x 10 mm.
The woven reinforcement technique is used to create the chain-link. Ideal for fortifying walls and supporting expansive areas. Steel rods are spot welded together to create it.
Enhanced-extraction A metal sheet that has been previously cut with transverse notches is stretched on a specialized machine to create reinforced mesh. Such a mesh reinforcement makes load-bearing structures stronger. It can be used to apply a thick layer of plaster, resists mechanical damage, and helps conceal surface cracks.
This kind of stack is mixed with different plaster mixtures and primers. A variety of settings, including those with high humidity, can use galvanized.
Reinforcing mesh can be used to create intricate structures such as screeds, arches, floor coverings, and walls.
DIY mesh installation
A reinforcing mesh is attached to the walls prior to plastering. The type of reinforcing mesh used will determine the type of fastening technology used.
- self-tapping screws;
- mounting tape;
- construction scissors;
- dowels;
- scissors for working with metal;
- degreaser;
- solvent;
- wide washers;
- electric drill;
- hammer.
Reinforcement of walls with fiberglass cloth
Fixation of fiberglass cloth is done around the surface’s edge. Screws are used to fasten the material’s upper edge to the wall before the remaining mesh sections are attached. The joints are spaced apart by 15 to 20 centimeters. The solution is applied, and the reinforcing mesh is firmly embedded in the plaster mass.
Coating with polymer sheets
Along the sheet’s edge, plastic reinforcing meshes are fastened with dowels or screws. There may be as much as 150–200 mm of overlap between the sheets. Plaster mortar is used for subsequent fixing. In order to ensure that the reinforcing mesh is fixed firmly, the surface is completely dried before finishing.
Metal coatings
Dowels are used to fix the metal mesh. It is heavier and puts more strain on the walls, but it can tolerate thick layers of plaster.
- The reinforced fabric is cut into pieces of the required size, taking into account the overlaps at the joints. Long-term stored sheets are treated with a solvent or a material restorer after rust.
- Thin metal meshes are cut with metal cutting scissors. Expanded and welded sheets are cut with a grinder.
- Mesh is fixed with dowels. For this, holes are drilled in the wall. Plastic dowels are inserted into the holes.
- Reinforcement begins from the upper corner of the wall. The mesh is applied to the wall and screwed in with washers.
- The sheets are fixed so that there is a gap of 3-5 mm between the reinforcing mesh and the wall. This space is necessary for plastering.
- The reinforcing layer is fixed in a taut, level position to prevent the formation of voids.
Preparing the wall for plastering and installing beacons
Plastering requires the surface to be ready, even with a reinforcing mesh in place. Dust and outdated finishing materials (wallpaper, putty mixture, dyes, etc.) are removed from the wall. Areas affected by mold are cleaned using a metal-bristled brush.
In the subsequent phase, a primer mixture is applied to the wall to enhance adhesion quality and inhibit the growth of mold and corrosion.
Beacons must be placed in order to create a level surface.
- Using a building level, the profile is set up in compliance with the vertical position.
- The profile is fixed with self-tapping screws.
- The beacon is attached to the gypsum mortar.
- The beacon is installed from the opposite edge of the wall.
- The rest of the beacons are installed in compliance with the permissible distance (30-50 cm).
One useful and efficient technique for producing plastered surfaces that are resilient to cracking is mesh plastering. The addition of a mesh greatly improves the plaster’s structural integrity and increases its resistance to normal wear and tear. This method works especially well on surfaces that are prone to cracking, like walls and ceilings in busy areas.
Mesh plastering may appear difficult at first, but most do-it-yourselfers can complete the process with the correct equipment and a little perseverance. The most important stages are priming the surface, securing the mesh, and layering on the plaster. Every step is essential to achieving a seamless and durable finish.
The ability to personalize and maintain control over the caliber of your work is one of the main advantages of doing it yourself. When finished, this project can be satisfying and reasonably priced, giving you a sense of success. For the best outcomes, always remember to take your time and pay close attention to each step.
All things considered, mesh plastering is a useful method for any homeowner or do-it-yourselfer wishing to upgrade their area. Your home’s durability and beauty can be improved with professional-quality results that you can attain with a little work and attention to detail. Cheers to plastering!