Selection and application of elastic plaster for facades

Choosing the correct finish is essential if you want to give your building a modern, fresh appearance. Because it combines flexibility and durability, elastic plaster is a popular choice for facades and is perfect for withstanding a variety of weather conditions. This kind of plaster can adjust to the building’s natural movements, preventing cracks and guaranteeing a durable finish.

However, how can one select the ideal elastic plaster for their facade? Aesthetic preferences, surface type, and climate are just a few of the variables to take into account during the selection process. Prior to making a choice, it’s critical to ascertain your needs because different products have varying benefits, such as improved UV resistance or waterproofing.

Another important consideration when using elastic plaster is application. A smooth, polished surface can only be achieved with proper surface preparation and application methods. Understanding the fundamentals can help guarantee that your facade looks fantastic and endures over time, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or hiring a contractor.

Description and history of appearance

A contemporary finishing material called elastic plaster mixture is created with mineral filler, acrylic resin—which was developed in the middle of the 20th century—and additional elements that improve functionality.

The elastic composition creates a protective film with a protective property that is able to stretch without deforming and does not crack when the building shrinks. When applied, the coating can withstand stretching up to 10% of its initial length.

• sand (river, quartz);
• fibers;
• granules;
• stone chips (marble, granite), etc.d.

Plastic mixtures are produced by manufacturers as dry powders or ready-made solutions that can be diluted with water. Items can be painted or used as a tinting base.

Where is it used?

1. Due to its moisture-resistant characteristics, the material prevents cracking of the outer surfaces of the building.
2. When using the mixture for interior finishing works, fragments of drawings, stencil prints of other decorative elements are created on the walls.
3. The elastic composition is effective in rooms with difficult operating conditions (corridors, halls, stairwells) and rooms with high humidity (bathrooms, toilets).
4. Plastic plaster is used in finishing new buildings that are going through a period of shrinkage.
5. The hydrophobic properties of the product allow it to be used in the design of basements, swimming pools, bath complexes.
6. Elastic mixtures are used for finishing when creating insulated wet facades.
7. The plastic composition is suitable for processing gypsum moldings, figured objects made of foam plastic, polyurethane.
8. The plaster covers walls with a large number of joints, seams to create a smooth base for decorative finishing.
9. The composition is used as an adhesive base before laying carpet, parquet, linoleum.

Advantages and disadvantages

• easy application to surfaces;
• formation of a seamless coating;
• resistance to external influences, ultraviolet radiation;
• stretching and compression of the material without damaging the finish;
• vapor permeability;
• service life with proper application is more than 10 years;
• fire resistance;
• resistance to temperature changes within -50…+60°C;
• absence of toxic fumes;
• good level of adhesion with different types of bases;
• quick drying;
• color fastness;
• antiseptic characteristics prevent the appearance of fungi, mold;
• hydrophobic property provides protection from moisture;
• wide palette of shades;
• environmentally friendly composition;
• quick drying after application;
• can be used in finishing new buildings or repair of finished buildings.

The material’s high cost is one of the drawbacks mentioned.

Technical characteristics

According to GOST, elastic plaster for facades and interior work has the following technical specifications:

• linear stretch – + 10% per 1 m²;
• fire resistance level – class "A";
• water resistance – 8 g / hour per m²;
• frost resistance – within 150 cycles;
• strength — 7 bar;
• storage temperature — not less than +5°С;
• service life — from 10 years.

Along with bases made of concrete, OSB, bricks, foam blocks, plasterboard, glass, metal, wood, plywood sheets, chipboard, SML, etc., the plastic coating should also adhere well to these materials.

Kinds

• decorative;
• acrylic.

The protective qualities of acrylic plaster mixtures shield walls, dividers, and other structures from moisture and vibration exposure. The monolithic base is retained in the material.

Elastic decorative plaster is used to decorate surfaces and embody original designs. Various effects are reproduced due to the presence of granules and other fillers (polymer threads, fibers) in the composition. Textured surfaces are created using different methods of processing the applied plaster layer.

• "fur coat";
• "lamb";
• gypsum molding;
• "bark beetle" etc..

Painted mixtures can be used to decorate walls using the sgraffito technique, the patterned coating is applied using figured rollers.

For facades, elastic plaster selection and application are essential to maintaining the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your structure. Because of its resilience and flexibility, this kind of plaster is perfect for surfaces that expand and contract in response to changing weather. While proper application techniques guarantee that the plaster adheres well and performs effectively over time, proper selection takes into account factors such as climate, surface type, and desired finish. You can increase the longevity and visual appeal of your building by being aware of these important factors.

Application conditions

In order to achieve an elastic coating that is strong, resilient, and long-lasting, the following criteria are taken into consideration when plastering:

• the workplace must be protected from sunlight, wind, precipitation;
• the air temperature is optimal within +5 … +30 ° C;
• the air humidity level is not less than 80%;
• the plastic material is not mixed with putty, unsuitable dyes.

Necessary materials and tools

• spatulas;
• stainless steel trowel;
• plastic float;
• figured rollers;
• brushes;
• container;
• construction mixer with a nozzle, etc..

In addition to plastic plaster, putty for crack sealing and inter-tile joints can be used in this project. Paint or colorant is added to the plaster solution in preparation for painting. The amount of elastic material used (1.7–3 kg per 1 m2) must be considered when calculating the mixture’s volume.

Surface priming

It is advised to prepare the area before applying the plaster. Protrusions are removed, the wall is leveled, and moldy areas are cleaned and treated with antiseptic chemicals. The previous layer is taken off. The base is then primed. This layer lengthens the repair’s service life and enhances adhesion with finishing materials.

On a uniform, smooth surface, the primer is applied once. A porous base with deformations needs two to three soil layers. Every coating has dried.

Surface reinforcement

After priming, the wall is reinforced if there are significant irregularities on the property. The best option is to use fiberglass fabric that is secured with dowels or an adhesive base. The sheet joints overlap one another. To avoid deformations, the mesh is carefully stretched prior to the procedure.

A leveling layer of plaster mortar is applied and beacon strips are installed once the reinforcement mesh has been firmly fixed. To strengthen the base’s adhesion, the mass is hurled onto the mesh. The surface is covered again with a primer solution and allowed to dry after the first layer has dried.

Applying plaster to the facade

Elastic facade plaster is applied after the base has been leveled. The manufacturer’s recommended ratios are followed when diluting the dry material with water. In a container, the finished mixture is swirled. Use of a trowel or spatula is required for the task.

Applying the composition moves from the base’s center to its edge. There should be a maximum of 5 mm and a minimum of 1.3 mm of material layer. One to two thin layers of the coating are applied. Because the solution hardens quickly, the work is completed quickly. After the mixture is applied, the surface is smoothed and cleaned. Using a spatula, irregularities are eliminated prior to the coating drying.

These sections are painted or embellished with a graphic pattern at the end. Prior to the plaster layer drying, decorations are applied using a textured roller.

Operational care

Elastic plaster does not get very dirty because it does not draw in dust. Either soap and clean water are used to wash walls. For the procedure, sponges, cloth, or a nylon brush are used. Alkaline chemicals are not advised because of the possibility of harming the monolithic surface.

Selecting the appropriate elastic plaster for your building’s facade will guarantee both long-lasting protection and visual appeal. You can choose the elastic plaster type that best fits the requirements of your project by being aware of the various varieties and their unique uses.

Applying elastic plaster is simple if you follow the suggested instructions. In order to achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish, proper surface preparation and application techniques are essential. To steer clear of typical pitfalls, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Including elastic plaster in your facade maintenance routine gives an additional layer of weather protection in addition to improving the external appearance. Your facade will last longer with regular maintenance and prompt repairs, keeping it looking great for many years to come.

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