Which is the best waterproof plaster for the bathroom walls?

Selecting an appropriate waterproof plaster for bathroom walls is essential to preserving a stylish and useful area. Bathrooms are especially vulnerable to moisture problems, which if left unchecked can result in structural damage, mold growth, and other problems. You can build a strong, water-resistant barrier that shields your walls and maintains the excellent appearance of your bathroom for many years by choosing the best waterproof plaster.

There are numerous varieties of waterproof plasters on the market, each with special advantages and uses. While some plasters offer extra features like improved mold resistance or beautiful finishes, others are made expressly to stop water from seeping through the walls. Knowing the features of these options will assist you in selecting one that complements the unique requirements and design of your bathroom.

When selecting waterproof plaster, it’s also critical to take application and maintenance ease into account. While some products can be installed by a professional, others may be more do-it-yourself friendly. Your choice should also take into account the plaster’s long-term maintenance, as certain materials might need more frequent reapplication or particular cleaning techniques.

You can choose the best waterproof plaster for your bathroom walls with confidence if you research your options and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each one. In addition to guaranteeing a water-resistant barrier, this also makes the surroundings healthier and more aesthetically pleasing.

Waterproof Plaster Advantages
Cement-based Plaster Durable, resistant to moisture, ideal for humid areas
Acrylic Plaster Flexible, easy to apply, good water resistance
Lime Plaster Breathable, naturally mold-resistant, eco-friendly
Gypsum Plaster with Additives Lightweight, smooth finish, added moisture resistance

It’s important to take application ease and aesthetic appeal into account in addition to durability and water resistance when selecting the best waterproof plaster for bathroom walls. A good plaster should be able to keep moisture out of the building, safeguarding the underlying framework and lowering the chance of mold and mildew growing. This post will discuss several waterproof plaster types, such as cement-, acrylic-, and lime-based alternatives, and assist you in choosing the best one for the unique requirements and design preferences of your bathroom.

Which plaster to choose for the bathroom

  • base (what the walls are made of);
  • finishing stage (painting, tiles, whitewashing, etc.).

When selecting plaster for a bathroom or toilet, it’s important to consider additional finishing material qualities besides water resistance.

  • durability;
  • plastic;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • suitability for partial repair;
  • vapor permeability;
  • resistance to the appearance of fungus;
  • decorative properties (if the plaster is finished) and.

Cement

Cement mixtures have become increasingly popular due to their high technical characteristics and reasonable cost. Although this type of bathroom plaster is waterproof, it is primarily used for surface alignment. It is made up of sand and cement. Impurities such as polymers or lime could also exist.

You can buy ready-made products or prepare cement-based plaster on your own. Paint or tile finishing can be used as the finishing coat.

Can gypsum plaster be used?

Plasters made of gypsum are widely used because they are simple to use, long-lasting, and harden quickly. This composition’s ability to absorb water well is a drawback. Because of this, professionals advise against using gypsum mixtures for finishing in rooms with high humidity.

However, you shouldn’t completely rule out the idea of plastering with this building material. The finishing material can be used in a restroom or toilet by first applying a hydrophobic coating to a gypsum mixture that contains modifying additives.

Silicone

You can consider silicone products when selecting materials to plaster the bathroom walls.

  • durability (service life of about 60 years);
  • high decorative properties;
  • Air permeability;
  • hydrophobicity;
  • strength;
  • good adhesion.

Bathroom silicone plaster is available as a ready-made blend. Plastering the surface can be done right away after the composition is opened and well mixed. The mixture’s color can be either colored or basic (white). The consumer can choose how independently to tint the putty in the first option. The construction mixture’s resistance to the growth of fungus microflora is an additional benefit.

One of the material’s drawbacks is its high price. However, if you consider how long-lasting the coating is, the expense of repairs will make sense.

Bathroom silicone waterproof stucco allows for wet cleaning, meaning that there is no need to worry about damaging the surface when washing. It is first required to leave portions if the bathroom wall plaster will be applied using a silicone composition. This product is limited to concealing small surface flaws.

Sanitizing mixture

Sanitizing compounds can be used to plaster the bathroom ceiling or walls. Using this type of finish will enable you to level the surface because… you can apply a thick layer. The putty does not break when it dries.

  • elastic;
  • prevents the deposition of salts and their release to the surface;
  • has a high level of vapor permeability;
  • ecologically friendly;
  • is a waterproofing material, etc.

One of the drawbacks is the lengthy setting time. The sanitizing plaster in the bathroom should stand for a week before any further construction is done.

Suitable types of decorative plaster for a bathroom and toilet

  • cement;
  • acrylic;
  • silicone;
  • silicate;
  • polymers.

Refusing relief finishing is advised when selecting a design because of the room’s high humidity level. Cleaning will become more difficult in the future if you disregard this advice.

The nooks and crannies will gather dirt, which is challenging to clean. High humidity rooms look great when they have smooth plaster, like Moroccan or Venetian.

What is the best way to plaster the walls in the bathroom

The base that the plaster will be applied to should also be taken into consideration when selecting a mixture.

Under the tiles

Gypsum compositions as a base are not advised by experts if the finishing calls for large tiles. However, choosing the right primer is required if this finishing method is decided to be used. Following tile installation, all joints are sealed with unique compounds to prevent moisture from penetrating beneath the finishing and destroying the base. Silicone sealant can also be used in areas where there is permission for increased moisture contact, like the area next to the sink.

Cement mixtures are frequently used in bathrooms where tile installation is planned. One drawback is that if a thick putty layer is used for surface preparation, the weight will be excessive.

Under painting

It is not appropriate to finish aerated concrete blocks with cement plaster in a bathroom that is getting ready to be painted. You should bring non-cracking mixtures to work. In the event that the aerated concrete block is processed using a cement-lime composition, extra moisture protection must be supplied. If not, there will be a swift devastation of the base.

If the finishing material can withstand moisture, then using a cement mixture to prepare the bathroom for painting is acceptable. The base will be shielded by the paint from the damaging effects of outside influences.

Acrylic plaster is acceptable as long as it’s used as a finishing coat or in conjunction with superior wall insulation.

Silicate and silicone mixtures are the most resilient and appropriate materials for the toilet and bathroom prior to painting.

Waterproofing compounds for walls

Waterproofing compounds help to further protect walls from the damaging effects of moisture. You can buy these products from a hardware store. Even though the restroom is regarded as a non-residential space, it is still necessary to select an eco-friendly mixture.

  • cement;
  • with liquid glass;
  • cement-latex;
  • polyurethane;
  • asphalt;
  • polymer.

These mixes can be applied to aerated concrete to be plastered in bathrooms or to gypsum tongue-and-groove slab bases.

Do-it-yourself solution preparation

Because they can control the component proportions, builders frequently choose to independently prepare finishing room solutions.

  • cement;
  • sand;
  • water;
  • Liquid soap or dishwashing tool (added to water in order to increase the plasticity of the working composition).

One bucket of sand is needed for every M500 cement; three buckets are needed for every M400 cement. Water is added little by little while the mass is mixed. The final product should have the consistency of thick sour cream, though the master’s experience will determine how exactly to adjust it.

If this is the first time doing the work, i.e., no practical skills, then do not knead a lot of solution.

Installation of lighthouses

Lighthouse work is required in order for the plastered surface to be level. They can use the final product or be made from the mixture that will be used to finish the wall. Both plastic and metal can be used to make the lighthouse (store). Depending on how long the current rule is, the strips are placed at a distance that works for them. One to 1.5 meters is the typical width. Flat cakes, formed of gypsum or the readily available working solution, are used to secure them.

The excess solution on the beacons is removed as soon as the flat cake starts to solidify. The upper edge of the guide strip must be made visible. The geometry of the walls is verified again once they are in place (in relation to the beacons).

Technology of leveling with plaster

Following the guidelines for completing every step of installation work is essential if you want the plaster to meet all technical specifications and last for a long time.

Preparing the walls for work

Existing bumps may need to be removed, depending on how the surface curves. It is easier to remove these protruding irregularities if there aren’t many of them rather than shrinking the room, using more putty, and making the structure heavier.

Cleaning up the damaged areas is required before plastering them. For instance, remove the portion of the material that was destroyed by widening the cracks.

It is advised to remove any substrate that has been whitewashed, painted with an oily composition, or treated in any way that compromises adhesion. If not, the putty won’t adhere. Greasy stains ought to be eliminated as well. If not, they might show up on the finishing layer’s surface.

Dowels, nails, and other components that protrude from the wall need to be taken out. They could injure people and impede the work process.

Marks or channels should be laid right away in areas where communications will take place. Masking tape is used to cover existing wires that are not meant to be buried in the wall (for protection purposes).

Applying primer to the surfaces completes the preparatory work.

Preparation of the solution

If the finishing material was previously purchased in its finished state, it must be added to the dye’s composition (if necessary) and stirred before usage. The solution is mixed separately from the addition of coloring pigment. Use a specific mixer attachment for this task.

The directions for preparing the dry mixture should be followed; these are found on the product packaging. Respect the manufacturer’s instructions at all times as doing so may result in a drop in solution quality.

Applying the splash and base layer

Tossing the solution onto the work surface is called splashing. Generally, one uses a trowel, or trowel. The purpose of splashing is to better fill in gaps and cracks. A maximum layer thickness of 5 mm is advised. The wall has to be wet before applying it.

There’s no smoothing of the splash layer. Its roughness will improve the surface’s adhesive qualities. Leveling the wall is the goal of the subsequent base layer. Each layer should be no more than 5-7 mm thick before the surface is leveled. Applying a thick layer all at once will cause the solution to slop out (move out) and become unevenly distributed.

Leveling the surface

The base is applied, and then the rule is used to align it with the beacons. Achieving the smoothest, most even surface is essential.

Three more layers of plaster are needed to cover the wall if it is going to be painted. Within 2 to 5 mm should be its thickness. Coat the established base with the coating solution. With the help of a spatula, level it. Once it has solidified, it is advised to further process using a grater. It will smooth things as much as possible. Rubber or metal can be used for the grater. Another tool has felt wrapped around its working surface. The grater should move in a circular motion first, then vertically.

Finishing

Applying the finishing material completes the plastering of the walls. Painting is the simplest solution. When the preceding layers are totally dry, the last phase starts. If you choose to apply alternative decorative finishing techniques, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, which are included with the finishing product.

The best waterproof plaster for bathroom walls will depend on a number of things, such as your preferences and the particular requirements of your area. Whether it is made of cement, lime, or polymer-modified plaster, each variety has its own benefits. For instance, cement-based plasters are a common option for high-moisture areas like bathrooms due to their reputation for longevity and water resistance. Lime-based plasters are a more environmentally friendly option and offer excellent breathability, which can help prevent mold growth. Conversely, polymer-modified plasters combine the benefits of lime and cement with extra pliability and stickiness, which makes them adaptable to a variety of surfaces.

It is important to take into account various factors when choosing a plaster, including the type of wall that currently exists, the extent of moisture exposure, and the desired finish. For the majority of bathroom applications, cement-based plasters work well because they offer a durable and waterproof solution. However, lime-based or polymer-modified plasters might be better choices if you have particular aesthetic goals or environmental concerns. Regardless of the kind you select, appropriate application and upkeep are also essential to guaranteeing the plaster’s durability and efficacy.

The waterproof plaster that best suits your needs and tastes while guaranteeing long-term moisture protection is ultimately the best choice for your bathroom walls. The durability, aesthetic appeal, and peace of mind that come with choosing the proper plaster will be rewarded whether you’re building a new bathroom or remodeling an old one. To evaluate your options and make sure your project has the best outcome possible, think about speaking with an expert.

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Andrey Ivanov

Experienced civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing in the construction of industrial and civil facilities. Author of many publications in professional journals.

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