Plastering the walls before tiling them is one of the most important decisions that homeowners have to make when remodeling a bathroom. Plastering ensures a professional finish that improves the bathroom’s appearance and durability by providing a smooth and even surface for tiles to stick to. Inadequate plastering can cause tiles to stick loosely over time or to tack together unevenly, among other possible problems.
Additionally, plastering aids in the creation of a moisture barrier, which is particularly important in a bathroom setting where moisture exposure and humidity are common. If walls are not adequately sealed, moisture may seep in and eventually cause damage like the growth of mold or deterioration of the wall material. You can greatly lower these risks and increase the longevity of your bathroom walls by adding a layer of plaster.
Plastering prior to tiling also has the advantage of making adjustments and corrections easier. It is easier to guarantee that tiles are laid securely and uniformly when there is a solid foundation for tile installation created by a smooth and level plastered surface. This lessens the possibility that tiles will shift or crack after installation, which can happen if the surface underneath is rough or uneven.
Plastering can also enhance your bathroom’s overall aesthetic appeal. A smooth and well-plastered wall accentuates the visual impact of the tiles with a clean, polished appearance. Whether you go for glossy subway tiles, rustic stone tiles, or vibrant mosaic tiles, a well plastered wall brings out the best in the tiles and produces a finished look that is both attractive and cohesive.
The long-term advantages of correctly priming your walls before tiling exceed the initial effort, even though some people might think to forego plastering in order to save time or money. Plastering is an investment that will guarantee your bathroom renovation will withstand wear and moisture over time, in addition to looking fantastic. In the end, plastering offers a base for a skilled and long-lasting tile installation that improves your bathroom’s appearance and usability.
- The choice of moisture -resistant composition for aligning walls before laying tiles
- Gypsum plasters for wet rooms
- Cement plasters for rooms with high humidity
- Suitable types of waterproof decorative plaster
- Remedial plasters in the bathroom under the tiles
- Technology of leveling with plaster under tiles
- Preparatory stage
- Calculation of material for walls in the bathroom under the tiles
- Preparation of the tile plaster mix solution
- Application of the first layer
- Base layer for the plastered surface
- Finishing layer
- Control inspection before applying tiles to the plastered surface
- Recommendations from specialists on plastering walls in the bathroom
- Than to plaster if the walls made of concrete
- Wall plaster in the bathroom made of brick (which plaster is better to use)
- How to plaster foam concrete and what is better
- Is it necessary to plaster walls made of gypsum and gypsum blocks (which plaster is better)
- Video on the topic
- Plastering a bathroom from A to Z. All stages. 90 degree angle.
- How to plaster bathroom walls under tiles and make a right angle of 90 degrees
- Plaster under tiles. Which plaster to choose and why primer is evil.
- What to plaster the walls in the bathroom with. Bathroom plaster under tiles
- Gypsum plaster in the bathroom and toilet. Can it be used or not?
- What to plaster in the bathroom with? Gypsum or cement plaster
The choice of moisture -resistant composition for aligning walls before laying tiles
- gypsum;
- Cement.
Consider the material’s strength against mechanical stress, resistance to moisture, and the coupling quality with the black base when making your selection. Cracking propensity and shrinkage susceptibility also play a part. Check the surface’s condition before making a purchase; if the bathroom walls are very humid, apply sanitizing plasters. The use of ornamental mixtures is also permitted.
Gypsum plasters for wet rooms
Compositions made of gypsum are hygroscopic. It is therefore advised to choose gypsum plaster for the bathroom that is designated as "For rooms with high humidity." Although this type of material is far more water resistant, it is still advised to use it to finish the walls of a large room in order to extend the distance from the water source.
There are also specific primers used. Additionally, tiles prevent moisture from penetrating into the leveling layer; however, even the smallest distortion of the coating or the joints between tiles will start an irreversible process that will destroy the base. Gypsum mixtures are also known for their poor strength.
- resistance to shrinkage;
- plastic;
- high setting speed after application;
- low consumption.
Cement plasters for rooms with high humidity
After hardening, the layer of leveling mixture is distinguished by its high strength. As a result, there is no longer any chance of the cement plaster collapsing in the future when the finishing material (tiles) is applied.
- roughness of the coating after hardening, which increases the adhesion of materials (plaster with tile adhesive);
- long service life;
- increased resistance to moisture;
- low cost.
Consider the elasticity of the plaster material when choosing what to use under tiles on bathroom walls. There is no resistance to shrinkage in the cement mixture. Cracks can occur in the coating. Utilizing compositions with additives that boost plasticity is essential.
- significant weight of the coating;
- cement plaster takes a long time to gain strength;
- high material consumption.
Suitable types of waterproof decorative plaster
- mineral plaster;
- polymer.
The first option is available for purchase as a dry mixture, and the second is available as a ready-to-use paste-like substance. Although polymer mixtures are plastic, you can make a more robust base with cement compositions. Consider the kinds of mineral plasters with additives that boost plasticity when choosing what to use on the bathroom walls beneath the tiles.
You cannot use decorative plaster for leveling. Its primary duty is to finalize and remove small flaws.
Remedial plasters in the bathroom under the tiles
The coating is intended to be protected from the damaging effects of water. The best solution for sanitizing plaster mixtures in bathrooms. The substance shields the walls from the inside by penetrating the rough foundation’s structure (brick, concrete). Plaster also encourages moisture to evaporate more quickly. It helps to prevent salts from building up on the rough base’s surface. This extends the finished coating’s service life even further.
Technology of leveling with plaster under tiles
Suggestions are made with consideration for the kind of wall material. However, when working with various types of rough foundation, there are a few common stages. If you intend to use tongue-and-groove slabs or regular sheets of plasterboard in the bathroom, use reinforcing mesh to strengthen the plaster coating after applying a thin layer of plaster to the surface.
Preparatory stage
It is advised to take several steps prior to plastering in order to prevent the bathroom tiles from collapsing later on:
- Check the quality of the rough base: tap it, if the sound is dull, you need to remove the old coating completely or partially, when it is ringing, you can continue work.
- If the walls are covered with paint, it must be removed (at least most of it). Use special compounds to remove paint and varnish materials, make notches, and also consider applying a layer of plaster.
- A rough base made of brick or concrete without a leveling layer is prepared: remove the mortar from the seams (to a depth of 1.5 cm).
- Remove greasy stains from the concrete wall (degrease), remove the build-up (with a chisel, hammer).
Cover the surface with dust. Next, prime using a compound meant for highly humid rooms.
- choose a deep penetration compound for a concrete wall;
- the brick wall is protected with an acrylic-based primer if you plan to use a gypsum compound;
- the brick must be moistened with water before starting work with a cement plaster mixture, you can not use a primer.
Calculation of material for walls in the bathroom under the tiles
- thickness of the plaster mix layer;
- material consumption (indicated on the packaging);
- area covered by the leveling compound.
The area of the walls that the plaster will protect is multiplied by the amount of material consumed (accounting for layer thickness). Ten to twenty bags of dry mix can be the total amount of material.
Preparation of the tile plaster mix solution
The manufacturer’s recommended proportions serve as a guide; however, they are subject to variation due to variations in the composition of the constituent materials. After mixing with water, the dry mix is ready. When the ingredients are properly prepared, the resulting plaster composition will have a viscous consistency that is somewhat fluid rather than excessively thick.
Use an electric drill fitted with a "construction mixer" attachment, or an instrument for manually preparing the solution. Preparing a big batch of plaster mix right away is not advised, particularly if it contains gypsum.
Application of the first layer
- trowel;
- building level;
- beacons (if the wall is leveled with a difference in levels of more than 10 cm);
- plumb line;
- rule;
- grater and half-grater;
- spatulas of different types and sizes (rubber, serrated, with a smooth edge);
- trowel.
In the bathroom, plaster is applied multiple times (the number of layers varies depending on the type of rough base).
In the event that the wall is constructed of brick, the subsequent material layers will require extra reinforcement. Apply a thin layer of plaster composition (over the primer) to achieve this; it will improve adhesion.
Base layer for the plastered surface
The subsequent layer exhibits a notably greater thickness. It is leveled using a rule and control cords along the beacons. Little flaws like unevenness or cracks may show up after drying, but this is normal since the plaster mixture will be applied a third time.
Finishing layer
Think about the leveling compositions (you must look for a material designated as such on the packaging). You can fix small flaws with the finishing layer. The composition’s plasticity and the presence of equal-sized sand fractions are the material’s advantages. Water must be sprayed on the material during the drying phase to stop the coating from cracking.
Control inspection before applying tiles to the plastered surface
To identify distortions in various areas, use a level. This is necessary to remove the possibility of the bathroom tiles becoming misaligned when there are drips or indentations on nearby walls. A maximum of 0.5 mm can be allowed as a level difference between different sections of vertical structures. Tile adhesive consumption will rise in the event that this value rises.
Plastering the walls before tiling is an important decision in bathroom renovations because it adds durability and aesthetic appeal. Plastering creates an even, smooth surface that improves tile adhesion and keeps moisture from penetrating. By taking this extra precaution, you can extend the life of your bathroom walls and lower the possibility of mold growth or loose tiles over time. Plastering increases initial costs and labor, but its advantages outweigh its disadvantages in providing a strong base for a bathroom that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Recommendations from specialists on plastering walls in the bathroom
When using leveling mixtures, you want a high-strength coating that is free of major flaws. The characteristics of the rough base and the finishing details are taken into consideration in order to extend the service life of the plaster on the walls beneath the tiles once they have hardened.
Than to plaster if the walls made of concrete
The rough surface of the concrete wall improves adhesion when leveling compounds are applied. Additionally, using a cement plaster mixture will increase the coating’s strength. It is also appropriate to use polymer plaster to build the bathroom’s tile base over the concrete framework. Its resistance to cracking is an advantage.
Wall plaster in the bathroom made of brick (which plaster is better to use)
Cement compositions provide effective protection for the brick wall. If you grind the black base, you can extend the coating’s lifespan in the bathroom. Lime is also suggested as an addition. It is possible to buy a ready-made dry mixture. Lime and cement are the two active ingredients in the mixture. The final composition’s flexibility is increased by this combination.
This lowers the possibility of flaws arising from shrinkage when the plaster dries in the restroom. Before beginning any tile work, coat the surfaces again with primer.
How to plaster foam concrete and what is better
The primary guideline for working with such a wall is moisture protection because foam concrete has a porous structure that makes it more hygroscopic. Thus, you must apply a deep penetration primer to all surfaces in the bathroom before beginning to apply plaster beneath the tiles. The degree of adhesion determines which plaster is best for foam concrete; a composition with the highest indicator of this parameter is appropriate because the wall is smooth.
- Ceresit CT 24;
- Kaverpliks TS117;
- Atlas KB-TYNK.
Cement milk cannot be applied to foam concrete walls in order to facilitate tile work. As a result, the rough base will take up the majority of the moisture and start to break down. For bathroom renovations, an alternative is a cement-lime mixture. The components (lime, cement, and sand) are matched 3:1:1. Chalk, which makes up 5% of the total mass, can be added to increase plasticity.
Is it necessary to plaster walls made of gypsum and gypsum blocks (which plaster is better)
Because gypsum coatings are hygroscopic, you cannot omit the primer mixture application step. As a base, you can use tongue-and-groove sheets or gypsum plasterboard, but you should select moisture-resistant types. Materials like gypsum blocks also need to be kept dry. Plaster is used in the bathroom to fill the seams in order to work with it.
If there are any irregularities, you only need to level the entire surface when the gypsum blocks are being laid. A solution based on gypsum is appropriate. However, in this instance, you will have to contend with the drawbacks of this type of plaster.
It’s common practice in bathrooms to plaster the walls before tiling for a few reasons. In the first place, it gives the tiles a level, smooth surface to stick to, guaranteeing a firmly fixed installation. Tiles may not sit evenly on an improperly plastered surface, which could result in problems with water pooling or uneven grout lines.
Plaster also aids in the formation of a barrier that is resistant to moisture. Plastering reduces the possibility of moisture leaking into the walls behind the tiles, which is helpful because bathrooms are usually humid spaces. This is particularly crucial to avoid moisture and the growth of mold, which can eventually harm the tiles as well as the walls.
Enhancing the general aesthetics of your bathroom is another advantage of plastering. An immaculate and polished plastered wall gives the tiled surface a more appealing appearance. Additionally, it makes it possible to apply grout more evenly, which improves appearance and aids in properly sealing the spaces between tiles.
It is usually not advised to skip the plastering step, though some people might do so in order to save time or money. Plastering is one step in the proper preparation process that will guarantee longer-lasting and better-looking bathroom tiles. It also lessens the possibility of subsequent maintenance problems, like loose tiles or premature grout deterioration.
In conclusion, plastering the walls in your bathroom prior to tiling is advantageous in addition to being required to guarantee a long-lasting, well-looking, and useful tiled surface. It gives your tiles a sturdy base, guards against moisture damage, and enhances the appearance of your bathroom as a whole. You can have a bathroom that not only looks amazing but also endures over time by making the necessary preparations.