Mechanized or manual plastering of walls (reviews, which is better to choose)

The decision between mechanical and manual plastering techniques is one that both pros and do-it-yourselfers frequently face. Each approach has pros and cons of its own, and choosing the right one for your project can have a significant impact on the outcome.

Plastering by hand is the conventional method. Plaster must be applied by hand using instruments like trowels and hawks. This technique is very precise and controlled, making it perfect for small spaces and intricate tasks. The artistry and dexterity required for manual plastering are valued by many experts.

Conversely, mechanized plastering applies plaster to large surfaces rapidly and uniformly using machines. This approach can save a great deal of time and work, particularly for large-scale projects. Because of its effectiveness and ability to produce a smooth finish, mechanized plastering is growing in popularity.

The benefits and drawbacks of both mechanical and manual plastering will be discussed in this piece, along with firsthand accounts from practitioners. By the end, you’ll know more clearly which approach would be most appropriate for your wall plastering requirements.

The essence of machine plastering

The process of applying a solution under intense pressure from a specialized unit onto a primed and cleaned surface is known as mechanized plaster technology.

In capital construction as well as aesthetic repairs, mechanized technology is employed. The task makes use of specialized pneumatic tools with varying high performance and a reduction in plastering solution waste volume.

Device operation is simple. The method includes stirring containers, hoses, connecting parts, compressors, etc. When using mechanized equipment, a specific plaster is needed. Following equipment setup, the construction mixture is poured into the receiving hopper and, in order to prepare the solution, it is connected to water.

1. Prepare the surface, clean from dust, grind, wipe the walls to increase adhesion.
2. In the presence of cracks, putty is required, the creeps and irregularities on the surface are eliminated by the composition.
3. Special beacons are installed for smooth application of the plaster composition.
4. At the next stage, the plaster mixture is prepared, the dry material is loaded into the unit, in which the mass is mixed with water until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.
5. The plaster solution is applied to the prepared panels by spraying. The sprayer must be held at a right angle to the surface.
6. The plastered surface is leveled using a rule.
7. Hard-to-reach areas are treated with the solution using a spatula and trowel. Joints and corner areas are finished manually.
8. After the plaster solution has hardened, after 2-2.5 hours, the panels are grouted to eliminate small irregularities and make the surface smooth.
9. After the finish has dried, the final coating treatment is performed.
10. The surface is finally cleaned of dust, the unit is disassembled and dried.

Advantages and disadvantages of machine plastering

Reviews state that mechanized plastering has certain benefits.

• the means for plastering with units are not very expensive;
• the consumption of plaster mortar is reduced;
• the formation of dust in the room is reduced;
• the plaster thrown under high pressure is laid in a dense layer;
• the adhesion parameters of the plaster to the base are increased when using the unit;
• when applied by a mechanism, the porosity of the plaster increases, which improves the thermal insulation characteristics in the room;
• reduced possibility of shrinkage of the plaster layer;
• increased strength and durability of the plaster layer;
• unevenness on the surface is filled qualitatively, which improves its characteristics;
• the probability of cracks and chips is reduced.

• expensive units are used in the work, it will be necessary to pay for the work of specialists;
• increased energy consumption;
• Some machines are designed for three-phase connection, so use in residential premises is limited;
• machine plastering work in residential premises is carried out only during the daytime due to the noise of the units;
• the technology is not used for curved surfaces (columns, arches);
• the unit must be serviced and cleaned during operation;
• the use of a compressor requires additional space;
• large mass of the unit with a filled tank;
• a set of technical devices is expensive.

Manual plastering: advantages and disadvantages

Plastering by hand necessitates carefully processing the base, preparing the mixture with a construction mixer, and installing beacons. Following the preparatory phase, one to three layers of plaster mortar are applied. Once dry, grouting, puttying, sealing beacon grooves, and surface drying with a hair dryer are carried out.

• work can be carried out without preliminary preparation;
• No need for expensive equipment;
• Repair can be performed in stages;
• work is organized at a convenient time, t.To. The technique is silent;
• Plasting of complex and inaccessible areas, as well as curvilinear grounds;
• Each stage can be controlled, adjusted the number of layers, the pace of drying;
• The ingredients for a plaster solution can be selected independently;
• The composition can be prepared in small batches;
• The execution of complex textured finishes with combining layers of different shades, engraving is available.

• The complexity of work, physical activity increases;
• The method is complicated in large areas;
• the consumption of plaster increases;
• For some techniques, it will be necessary to prepare solutions of 3 types (to spray the surface, applying the base layer and finish);
• low performance.

Choosing between automated and manual plastering techniques can have a big impact on the outcome’s effectiveness and quality. While manual plastering offers more control and precision, making it ideal for smaller spaces or detailed work, mechanized plastering offers speed and consistency, making it ideal for large areas and commercial projects. Reviews show that mechanized plastering saves labor time and fatigue, but for intricate areas, manual plastering is still the preferred method for a perfect finish. The optimal option ultimately depends on the particular requirements and project size.

Which is better to choose

Considerations such as the following are made when determining whether mechanical or manual plastering is preferable:

1. The quality of the plaster solution with machine finishing is high, the consistency is uniform. The quality of manual plaster application depends on the skill of the specialist and may be inferior to machine finishing.
2. The consumption of plaster composition when using the unit is lower. For manual equipment, the amount of material spent depends on the application method, the skill of the specialist.
3. When choosing a mechanized method, the area of ​​​​plastering and the possibility of placing equipment are taken into account. In compact rooms, large units are not used, therefore, the manual method of plastering is recommended.
4. For the machine method, there are no restrictions on the temperature in the apartment or in other rooms. The manual method is not used at subzero air temperatures.
5. For spacious rooms, experts recommend choosing the machine method due to the reduction in processing time. Manual equipment is effective in small spaces. When processing large areas, labor productivity decreases.

Which is cheaper

The choice between automated and manual wall plastering is based on the materials and labor costs. It will be required to calculate the area, the quantity of material, and its price in order to assess the cost. Experts state that the plastering area determines how profitable the mechanical method is. Larger spaces can benefit from more economical and efficient machine processing orders because they can save money on labor costs and finishing materials.

The mechanical method is thought to be more cost-effective when processing an area larger than 150–200 m². Plastering an area of one meter squared costs roughly 300 rubles when done by hand; the same area can be done for as little as 250 rubles when done by machine. But keep in mind that builders in sizable areas are voicing these prices. Work in a mechanized manner per 1 m² can be approximated above in order to process the apartment. Toilets and bathrooms are not finished using the machine method.

Electricity is not included in the prices; this is necessary for machine finishing. Plaster costs are 15-20% lower for machine finishing than for manual finishing compositions.

Therefore, using equipment will be beneficial for processing large areas. Mechanical application will cost more than manual labor when plastering an apartment with a 90–100 m² surface area.

Is it possible to apply machine plaster manually

Wall panel machine plastering is done using specialty compositions that are 20–30% less expensive than standard ones. Nonetheless, it is advised to use mixtures for manual finishing while keeping in mind the compositions’ characteristics. It is hard to gauge the right amounts of liquid and powder when adding water. The plasticity of the solution varies and the curing time may alter when converting to a machine composition. You must become proficient in using this mixture without sacrificing the coating’s quality.

Therefore, in order to ensure longevity and high-quality finishing, experts advise employing compositions when applying manual plastering techniques. Certain artistic coatings (painting, aging, multicolored surfaces) can only be replicated by hand using specific mixtures.

Using machine plastering compounds of unknown quality is not advised. Using mixes whose shelf life has passed is unacceptable because. A high-quality coating has a limited lifespan. There’s a chance the plaster layer will break and look ugly.

The best course of action when choosing plastering mixtures is to speak with an expert.

The surface material (porcelain floors, brickwork, concrete bases), the room’s dimensions, the operating temperature, the color scheme, and the design solution needed for the architectural project all influence the decision.

The choice between mechanical and manual wall plastering is based on your unique requirements and situation. Because mechanized plastering is quicker and more effective, it’s perfect for big projects with short turnaround times. In the long run, it can lower labor costs and offer a consistent finish.

However, more control and accuracy can be achieved by hand plastering, which is advantageous for smaller or more complex projects. It is more detail-oriented and may work better on intricate or unusual surfaces. If done by experienced hands, the quality of the finish may be higher even though it may require more time and work.

In the end, each approach has advantages and disadvantages. Take into account your project’s scope and complexity, financial constraints, and labor availability. Making an informed choice can also be aided by consulting experts and reading reviews. Plastering can be done manually or by a machine, but the most important thing is to make sure the work is done correctly to produce a smooth, long-lasting finish.

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