Gypsum or lime plaster, which is better? Which plaster is better: gypsum or cement? What is the difference, which one is better to choose? Rating of gypsum compositions

Previously, to level the walls or ceiling in an apartment, one single method was used - finishing the surfaces with cement mortar.

Today, to solve such problems there are various ways, one of which is the use of gypsum plaster, which allows easily and quickly correct various shortcomings working area.

What is this type of mixture?

Gypsum plaster is produced in the form of a dry (sometimes ready-made) mixture, the basis for which is natural gypsum, containing lime and perlite additives.

Ready mix looks like a pasty mass and is used to perform interior decoration premises.

To apply the solution, both manual and machine methods are used.

Which is better - cement or gypsum?

The question often arises: which plaster to choose? Let's try to figure this out.

Cement mixture is more common used for outdoor work. Its main component is lime, which acts as a plasticizer. It makes the solution more plastic and prevents cracks from appearing on the frozen surface.

Cement mixture, unlike gypsum, has increased stability to the influence of moisture and low temperatures, and can be used for a longer time.

However, gypsum plaster superior to cement in environmental friendliness. When using a gypsum mortar, the finished surface has a smooth structure, while a cement coating requires finishing procedures.

Among main distinctive properties of both mixtures the following can be distinguished:

• cement plaster has a lower price;
• the main advantages of gypsum mortar are high adhesion and plasticity, this greatly facilitates plastering work;
• The main disadvantage of cement mortar is the need to apply a minimum layer with a thickness of 20 mm. In the case of a gypsum mixture, this figure is 5-10 mm, depending on the manufacturer.

Comparing gypsum and cement taking into account the character finishing works , we can say that for external plastering it is more suitable option- This is a cement mortar, while for interior decoration it is better to choose a gypsum mixture.

Manufacturers

Today in the production of gypsum mixtures many manufacturers compete, which offer various product options. Each type of mixture has its own technical characteristics and properties. Below will be presented short review some types of plaster.

Knauf

Rotband plaster from Knauf is used for construction and interior repair work.

Well suited for finishing bathroom walls, as well as smooth wall surfaces and ceilings in residential areas. Can be applied to walls made of any material.

Mixture composition: gypsum powder with light filler and polymer additives, improving adhesion. Consumption per 1 m2 with a layer thickness of 10 mm – 8-8.5 kg. This type mixtures has a high rating among consumers.

Advantages:

• fire resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• high-quality adhesion;
• vapor permeability.

The disadvantages include the need to use a special primer in cases where the plaster is applied in several layers, as well as the high cost of the mixture.

You might be interested to know: how to make decorative plaster with your own hands? Read in this article.

Volma

Some consider it a domestic analogue of Knauf, differing lower cost. Used for leveling surfaces when minor repairs, and for carrying out major work, when finishing procedures are carried out from scratch.

Can also be applied when creating decorative elements, arches and reliefs. The consumption rate per 1m2 is 8 kg.

Advantages:

• using this mixture, you can level the walls with one layer up to 60 mm thick. However, experts recommend applying no more than 30-40 mm for more convenient plastering work;
• the soft solution is plastic and easy to apply;
• plaster is a pure white color (some mixtures may have a pinkish, light gray or beige tint).

The disadvantage of Volma is the use of gypsum from various deposits in its production, which in some cases negatively affects the quality of the plaster.

Ceresit

Depending on the type, it can be used for applying thin decorative layers on surfaces of various types.

Be it bases made of cement, concrete, plasterboard, Chipboard boards and other materials, or for surface leveling both indoors and outdoors.

Consumption: 2.4 kg per 1 m2 with a layer thickness of 1 mm.

Advantages:

• impact resistance;
• vapor permeability;
• hydrophobicity;
• resistance to weathering and ultraviolet radiation;
• frost resistance.

Unis

Designed for leveling vertical and horizontal surfaces (ceilings, walls). Contains a special additive – perlite, due to which the setting time of the solution is reduced. Average consumption with a layer thickness of 5 mm it is 4.5 kg per 1 m2.

Advantages:

• plastic;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of use;
• lighter weight, unlike other materials.

Flaws:

• the finished mixture is suitable for use for a short time (50 minutes);
• inferior in strength to drywall and cement mortar;
• the need to use a primer when carrying out plastering work.

Founds

Used for leveling walls and ceilings inside dry rooms.

This plaster can be used to treat any type of surface.

Consumption: 9 kg per 1 m2 with a layer thickness of 10 mm.

Advantages:

• ease of use, the plaster is easy to apply and level;
• high vapor permeability;
• After rubbing, the surface acquires a smooth structure and does not require the application of putty.

Prospectors

Facade plaster is used for applying on durable and reliable surfaces not exposed to moisture. Material consumption is 9.5 kg per 1 m2 with a layer thickness of 10 mm.

Advantages: in this regard, the performance of the “Starateli” mixture is almost the same as that of previous types. To these we can only add accessibility and reasonable cost of material, which are achieved due to the fact that this product is produced by a domestic manufacturer.

Why prime walls before plastering?

This question has several answers:

1. During the priming process, dust and grains of sand are removed from the surface. In addition, the primer fills small cracks.
2. The adhesion of the surface to the plaster solution improves.
3. The likelihood that the walls will become damp in the future is reduced.
4. Correctly selected and applied primer will increase the service life of the plaster coating.
5. When choosing a primer with antifungal properties, the treated surface will be protected from the formation of mold and bacteria.

Finishing various surfaces plastering is one of the most critical stages. The subsequent durability and attractiveness largely depend on how correctly the composition of the solution is chosen and how well its application is carried out. decorative covering.
Therefore, treat both processes carefully, carefully following all the rules, both selection and installation. You will learn how to choose a solution and which one is better in this article.

ordinary plaster, which is used mostly for rough work;
decorative - these are colored solutions, the use of which allows you to create a finishing coating.
Important! Among the areas of application of plaster solutions different types, there are several most popular solutions:

surface leveling;
sealing horizontal and vertical seams when using piece building material;
increasing the heat and sound insulation characteristics of the structure;
creation of effective fire protection.
Popular types plaster
There are quite a lot of varieties of solutions for plastering walls and ceilings on the modern market.

One of the main principles of classification is the type of main substance, which can be:

gypsum;
clay;
lime;
cement.
Important! In addition to the 4 main types of solution, there are many more modifications that are formed by combining the above components and various additives. Despite such diversity, the most popular invariably remain cement plaster and gypsum, the composition features, advantages and disadvantages of which are outlined below.
Features of gypsum plaster
The initial mass of gypsum plaster is a powdery dry mixture, which includes:

directly fine gypsum;
modified plasticizers.
Important! During the preparation process, gypsum plaster is diluted in the required proportion water, after which it is brought to a paste-like consistency. The application procedure takes place at the choice of the owner of the premises - manually or by machine, preferably in 1 layer
Areas of application of gypsum plaster
Most often, walls and ceilings are plastered with gypsum plaster in the following cases:

structures are formed of brick or concrete;
interior decoration;
treatment of dry rooms;
preparing walls for painting or wallpapering.
Important! In all cases of using gypsum plaster, it is possible to reduce costs due to the absence of the need for putty work. After correct application mortar surfaces are completely ready for further decorative finishing.
Advantages and disadvantages of gypsum plaster
To understand why the use of gypsum plaster for finishing various surfaces is many times better than the use of other compositions, here are several significant advantages of this type of material:

Ecological cleanliness. All indicators of this parameter exceed the data cement mortars. In addition, gypsum plaster, the price of which, although slightly higher, is not aggressive.
No shrinkage. This characteristic is quite useful, as it directly affects the possibility of obtaining ideal evenness of the walls, without cracking during the hardening of the solution. In addition, finishing work is not required when forming the coating.
Light weight. This feature affects not only maintaining the integrity of the main structure and reducing the load on load-bearing walls, but also makes it possible to save money in the process of consuming the mixture.
Plastic. The excellent viscosity of gypsum-based compositions allows you to create thicker layers of plaster coating if necessary, and even in this case, deformation, peeling or runoff of the solution is excluded. So irreplaceable consumables when applying cement-sand plaster, as a reinforcing mesh, it is not necessary when installing gypsum plaster.
Vapor permeability. The porous structure of the finished plaster coating ensures good circulation of moisture and vapor permeability. Thanks to this, even when humidity increases, the walls remain dry and mold does not multiply.
High rates of heat and noise insulation. The low thermal conductivity of the material itself - gypsum - ensures that the walls always remain warm to the touch. At the same time, the coating perfectly prevents noise and cold from penetrating into the room from outside.
Finishing speed. When using gypsum plaster, all finishing work is completed very quickly, since its complete hardening after application requires an average of 2-3 days, occasionally, when laying a thick layer, a week.
Important! As a disadvantage, it is worth noting that such compositions are categorically not suitable for use in rooms with consistently high humidity. The higher price of gypsum plaster, the difference of which, for example, when compared with cement-lime or sand plaster is 1.5-2 times, is not such a significant disadvantage. Since the speed of work, the ideal flatness of the surface, combined with lower proportions of consumption of all materials, completely compensate for this difference.
Video
Watch the video, which clearly shows an example of finishing walls with gypsum plaster to understand how simple the technology is and what the result of the work is.

Characteristics of cement mortars
Cement plaster is used mainly when it is necessary to create the most durable and durable coating.

One of the most popular options is the composition of cement plaster from the following components:

cement;
lime;
water.
The second version of frequently used plaster has the following components:

cement - 4 parts;
sand - 1 part;
water - until the desired consistency of the solution is obtained.
Important! Both options do not pose any difficulty in preparing the solution, and the materials necessary for preparation will always be at hand during construction.
The continued popularity of such solutions is ensured by the breadth of application possibilities with virtually no restrictions.

Cement plaster is an excellent choice when carrying out the following work:

finishing of external walls;
treatment of rooms with high humidity - bathroom, kitchen, swimming pool, basement;
preparation of surfaces that require increased frost resistance, for example, a plinth.
Important! This plaster goes well with any type of base - brick, stone, all kinds
Advantages and disadvantages of cement plaster
Let us note some undeniable advantages of cement plaster, which often lead to the fact that preference is given to this type of mortar:

Strength. In this regard, all other options for plastering mixtures are in many ways inferior to cement compositions. This, in turn, leads to increased reliability of the coating and the wall or ceiling itself. As a result, the need for repair work occurs much less frequently.
High adhesion. Even when applied to a monolithic concrete base, in principle, it is not required additional use additives or primers. The peculiarities of the component composition of cement plaster ensure good adhesion of the solution to the surface. Accordingly, the duration of maintaining the integrity of the plaster coating is much longer.
Moisture resistance. This indicator is quite significant for the design of many rooms. The dense structure of the finished coating eliminates the absorption of moisture and, accordingly, better protects the base of the structure from destruction.
Price. It is impossible not to note the low cost and availability of all components of the solution, which make it possible to carry out finishing work at any convenient time.
Among the disadvantages, we highlight the following factors:

inability to use cement compositions for finishing painted, wooden or plastic bases;
the need to accurately calculate the load on the wall and the thickness of the layer, since cement plaster has a high specific gravity;
the complexity of the application process, which includes 3 mandatory stages - spraying, leveling, grouting;
long curing period - up to 3-4 weeks.
Important! Separately, we note that it is much easier today to reduce the hardening time, as well as to obtain a more even surface with less effort than a few years ago. Modern manufacturers building materials They are developing many special plasticizers-additives of artificial origin, which help to increase the plasticity of cement mortars and significantly reduce the hardening period, down to 3-7 days.

Conclusion
Considering all of the above, the following conclusion can be drawn from the above features of cement and gypsum plaster:

gypsum plaster will be an ideal option in the absence of professional skills, in the case of finishing living rooms, in which it is planned to paint the walls or stick them paper wallpaper or in a situation where repairs need to be carried out as quickly as possible;
Cement plaster is perfect in almost any case if the quality of the surface is not a limitation, but it will require the help of professionals during application if your own skills are not enough to do the job.

Plaster finishing - the most important stage in carrying out repairs. The quality of its implementation is determined both by the professionalism of the master and the choice of mixture. A properly selected solution guarantees the durability and attractiveness of the decorative finish.

There are many types of plaster. They differ in composition, cost, and have their own characteristic advantages and disadvantages. Some are time-tested, others have appeared on the construction market recently. The choice of solution depends on many factors. The main thing is their purpose and the quality of the result.

Purpose and types

Plaster mixtures are ordinary and decorative. The first are intended for rough finishing, and the second, produced in various color solutions, are used to create finishing coatings. Regardless of the purpose, all solutions are used for:

• surface leveling;
• sealing vertical and horizontal seams;
• increasing the level of heat and noise insulation;
• creating effective fire protection.

Solutions for plastering walls and ceilings are classified according to the substance that forms the basis of the mixture:

• clay;
• lime;
• gypsum;
• cement.

There are combined solutions and formulations with various additives. Despite the variety of types, cement and gypsum plaster are the most in demand. To figure out which of these two types of plaster is better, you need to consider the features of each.

The composition of the solution obtained by mixing cement with lime or sand has undergone significant changes. Modern modifications of cement plaster contain various additives that enhance adhesion, plasticity, resistance of the mixture to moisture and other properties.

Cement plaster mortars are used for both external and internal work for the purpose of:

• level the surfaces of the walls and ceiling;
• finishing of unheated or high humidity rooms;
• preparing surfaces that require increased frost resistance, for example, the base;
• creating a strong and durable coating.

Cement-based plaster, which contains no additives, can be made independently and applied to brick, aerated concrete, concrete and other surfaces. To plaster the surface, it is first cleaned of dust and dirt and primed.

Advantages of cement-based plaster

The choice in favor of this material for plastering surfaces is due to the advantages that this type of mixture has:

• strength;
• high level of adhesion;
• low moisture absorption;
• affordable price.

In terms of strength, cement mixtures have no equal. Experienced craftsmen prefer this solution for finishing surfaces to avoid the need for frequent major repairs. High level adhesion does not require the use of means to increase adhesion to the base, allows you to obtain a layer that maintains its integrity for a long time. High resistance to moisture allows the use of cement mortars when finishing surfaces in rooms with a humid microclimate, in conditions of changing positive temperatures to negative ones. This advantage of the solution is due to its dense structure, in which there are no pores for moisture penetration.All components included in cement plaster are low cost and accessible. This was also reflected in the final price of the finished solutions.

Disadvantages of cement-based plaster

Mixtures whose main component is cement cannot claim to be universal. They, like any other types of plaster, have their disadvantages:

• cannot be used for finishing plastic, wood and painted surfaces;
• have an impressive weight, placing additional load on the surface being treated, requiring careful implementation calculation required thickness layer before application;
• require a lot of time and labor costs during all stages of application;
• require preliminary filling before painting;
• are seized long time, which varies from three to four weeks.

The last drawback can be attributed to the plaster, which does not contain modern modifying additives. Solutions from well-known manufacturers of building materials and mixtures on the market contain plasticizers that reduce the hardening time of the formed layer of plaster to one week.

To achieve maximum strength and long service life when applying a rough finish, you must adhere to the following rules:

• carry out work at temperatures from +5 to +30 degrees;
• pre-prime the surface;
• apply the next layer after the previous one has dried;
• lay the mixture along the beacons;
• If you have no experience in applying plaster mixtures, it is better to start work from small areas.

It is produced in the form of a dry mixture, the main component of which is gypsum powder, and the additional components are various types of plasticizers. To obtain a solution of the required consistency, the plaster is diluted with the required amount of water.

Gypsum plaster is used for interior finishing of ceilings and walls when:

• surfaces are made of concrete or brick;
• prepare for subsequent decorative finishing wallpaper or painting.

Plasters with a gypsum base are not suitable for exterior finishing, in conditions high humidity. The mixture can be applied either by machine or by hand. To form a perfectly flat surface, the solution must be applied in one layer. It is permissible to apply several, but this can complicate the work and increase its final cost.

Advantages of gypsum plaster

The use of this type of solution for finishing various surfaces is due to many positive qualities, in which it is superior to other types of plaster mortars.

Gypsum plaster has the following types of advantages:

• environmental friendliness;
• plasticity;
• light weight;
• no shrinkage;
• finishing speed;
• vapor permeability;
• high sound and heat insulation.

The advantages of gypsum plaster are much greater than those of cement plaster. Special attention deserves cost cutting. This is achieved due to the fact that the plastered gypsum mortar surfaces do not require filling work. Surfaces are ready for finishing after the applied layer has set.

Features of gypsum plaster

The solution is absolutely harmless. A good viscosity index allows you to create a fairly thick applied layer that does not deform, does not flow, or peel off. Gypsum mixtures do not require the use of reinforcing mesh, which is necessary when finishing the surface with cement plasters. Plastic mesh reinforced with foam plastic and made of Chipboard surfaces. Due to its low weight, the load on structures treated with gypsum plasters remains virtually unchanged. This allows you to reduce mixture consumption, maintain the integrity of the structure, and avoid additional load on load-bearing walls. The absence of shrinkage allows you to obtain perfectly smooth surfaces that do not crack when hardening and do not require finishing.The porous structure of the gypsum mixture provides an excellent level of air circulation, preventing the formation of moisture and mold. Surfaces treated with the solution retain heat well and prevent noise and cold from penetrating into the room. The hardening speed is 2-3 days or a week if too much is laid thick layer.

Disadvantages of gypsum plaster

Mortars with a gypsum base are superior in many respects to both cement and clay and lime ones. These mixtures are practically devoid of disadvantages, but they do have them. The disadvantages include:

• fast setting;
• high price;
• poor adhesion to metal structures;
• Can only be used for interior decoration.

Gypsum plaster sets very quickly and it is impossible to mix large volumes. Rapid hardening can significantly complicate the work of a beginner, especially when it is necessary to correct “flaws” in the applied layer. The price of the mixture is 1.5-2 times higher than that of cement mortars. This disadvantage is compensated by the many advantages of the material when carrying out interior finishing and interior work.

The application of construction gypsum mixtures has its own characteristics, the observance of which guarantees high quality:

• the solution must be maintained at the required consistency by adding water to the frozen mixture if the need arises as the work progresses;
• It is necessary to prepare fresh batches only in clean containers, so that the remnants of hardened gypsum plaster do not lead to an acceleration of hardening of the new solution;
• Laying gypsum mixtures should only be done using tools made from of stainless steel so that there are no traces of rust left on the surface to be finished;
• walls and ceilings to be plastered must be dry, clean, and free of peeling;
• work must be carried out in rooms at a temperature of at least +5 degrees.

Which plaster is better - gypsum or cement?

Each solution can be called the best, but only in cases where it is used for its intended purpose, taking into account all recommendations and scope of application. If the solution is prepared in violation of norms and standards or is expired, it cannot be used. It is not recommended to purchase and store the mixture when there is no more than a month left before the expiration date. Gypsum plaster - perfect option for interior decoration. It is easy to use and does not require the master to have experience when working with plaster mixtures. It is recommended for use in cases where as soon as possible it is necessary to carry out repairs followed by painting or wallpapering.

Cement-based plaster is suitable for both interior and exterior decoration, with the exception of painted, plastic or wood substrates. It allows you to level surfaces as efficiently as possible. It is preferred for external black finishing and in conditions where the use of gypsum is impossible. It is quite difficult to apply cement plaster yourself without the necessary skills. It is recommended to trust work with it to professional craftsmen.

When carrying out finishing work, it is very important to choose the right materials. If it’s more or less clear with paints and wallpaper, then with plaster mixtures everything is more complicated. Modern market offers hundreds various options data of building materials differing in composition, technical characteristics and so on. To accurately determine which plaster is better: cement or gypsum, you need to learn more about each type.

Cement-based plasters are considered universal because they can be used for interior and exterior work. For the most part, such materials are not afraid high humidity, low temperatures and temperature changes, therefore suitable for facade works, finishing basements, decorating slopes and even areas around pools. Some cement plasters contain special components, such as expanded polystyrene chips, which significantly increase the thermal insulation properties of the material. Good adhesion to most materials, mechanical strength, as well as a long service life make cement compositions suitable for major repairs and restoration of coatings, subject to compatibility of materials. Cement-based plasters do not adhere well to wood, plastic and painted surfaces. After drying, they acquire a gray color, and it is very difficult to achieve ideal evenness of the wall, so further finishing is required using tiles, wallpaper or decorative plaster mixtures.

Using cement plaster it is very difficult to achieve a perfectly flat surface.

Gypsum solutions are characterized by plasticity and lack of shrinkage, therefore they are well suited for finishing walls. They are suitable for any type of substrate, as they are characterized by high adhesion rates and low weight, allowing for decoration wall structures without significant overload. Using gypsum compositions, textured and structural surfaces, but you can also do a rough leveling before painting or wallpapering. When exposed to moisture, gypsum is destroyed, so such solutions are not used for finishing facades, plinths, bathrooms, basements, and so on.

On a note! There are gypsum plasters that contain polymer components that protect against the harmful effects of water. They can be used in damp environments, but due to the high cost, only finishing is recommended.

Gypsum plaster has a wide range of applications

Advantages and disadvantages of gypsum plasters

This material has the following positive aspects:

1. Environmental Safety. All components included in such plasters do not have any negative impact to the human body. In addition, they are characterized by low acidity levels.
2. No shrinkage. This feature allows you to carry out work without the risk of subsequent cracking of the coatings. Also, the finished surface does not require another layer for the final formation of the coating.
3. Relatively small mass. Thanks to this, it is easier to work with gypsum materials, their consumption is noticeably lower than that of cement, and the walls will not be overloaded with excess weight.
4. Plastic. A good plasticity indicator ensures quick and convenient application and leveling of gypsum material. In addition, if necessary, you can make a thick layer of plaster without fear of it falling off the wall.
5. Simple preparation. In most cases, reinforcing mesh is not required to apply such materials.
6. Vapor permeability. After drying, pores form on the coating, providing normal ventilation for the walls. As a result, moisture does not accumulate under the surface, which increases its service life.
7. Insulating properties. Gypsum has a low thermal conductivity, therefore it provides comfortable temperature indoors. It should also be noted that walls finished with such plaster transmit less noise.
8. Drying speed. Conventional gypsum-based solutions begin to set 30-60 minutes after preparation; drying will only take no more than a day. The coating gains strength within a maximum of 7 days.

Gypsum plaster is a very plastic material that allows you to obtain a textured surface.

The main disadvantage of gypsum materials is their hydrophilicity, as a result of which they cannot be used for finishing wet rooms. Another disadvantage is the cost. Gypsum mixtures are 1.5 times more expensive than cement mixtures, and lime mixtures are 2 times more expensive; this must be taken into account before choosing a specific option.

Pros and cons of cement mortars

Thanks to the following characteristics Cement plasters are so highly valued among experienced and novice craftsmen:

1. Mechanical strength. This indicator is a kind business card cement plasters. Thanks to it, coatings are strong, reliable, and able to withstand direct mechanical impact.
2. High adhesion. Even if a monolithic concrete surface, no special preparatory measures are required. It is enough to use a special primer or additives.
3. Moisture resistance. Thanks to this characteristic, the materials can be used for finishing walls and ceilings in damp rooms. In addition, it is cement compositions that are most often chosen for facade work.
4. Price. The relatively low prices for cement compositions make them attractive in the eyes of buyers.

Cement plaster is highly valued by both beginners and professionals

You should know! You cannot choose between materials based on cost alone. It is recommended to find out the consumption of each of them and calculate in advance required amount mixtures.

The main disadvantage of such solutions is the inability to process plastic, painted or wooden surfaces. Their finishing requires serious preparatory activities, increasing the overall cost of work. This type of plasters has a significant specific gravity, which makes it more difficult to work with; it is practically not applied to ceilings. This same feature requires an accurate preliminary calculation of the material and layer thickness, since a large number of material can overload the walls. The application process is quite labor-intensive and takes place in several stages, after each of which it is necessary to interrupt work for a certain period of time. It is necessary for the solutions to dry; the total duration of work can reach 1 month.

Modern mixtures contain many different components that completely or partially eliminate the above disadvantages.

Work on plastering walls with cement-based mortar can take a long time

Which plaster to choose depending on the type of base

If the surfaces do not have serious defects and are not heavily littered, then it will be enough to simply apply one layer of gypsum plaster. In this case we are talking about the walls in panel houses, as well as plasterboard coverings. For such purposes, it is recommended to use solutions with polymer additives that increase the viscosity and adhesion of the material.

On a note! Walls made of light cellular concrete require pre-treatment before applying gypsum compounds. For ordinary walls it's not obligatory.

If the walls are built from brick or cinder block, then it is better to use cement-based starting mixtures. The fact is that such building materials rarely have ideal geometry; in addition, the evenness of the masonry is also rare. In addition, such coatings require preliminary priming, and if a large layer of cement plaster is used (more than 5 cm), the installation of reinforcing mesh is required.

Rough finishing brick walls it is better to perform with cement compositions

After the leveling layer dries, the surface becomes rough, porous and grainy. To smooth it, gypsum finishing solutions with fine filler are used. They will fill every crack and pore, resulting in a more uniform finish.

Specifications

To finally understand in which case the cement mixture is suitable and in which case, you need to find out the main indicators:

• The temperature range is the same for both materials – +5…+30 degrees.
• The filler fraction for gypsum is 0.5 mm, for cement - 1.25 mm.
• The approximate consumption for the first type is 9 kg, for the second - 17 per square meter.
• The minimum and maximum thicknesses of one layer are the same - 5 and 25 mm, respectively; for partial leveling, this figure increases to 35 mm.
• The setting time for gypsum mortars is 0.5-1.5 hours, for cement mortars – 3 hours.
• Grouting in the first case is possible after 2 hours, in the second - after 5 hours.
• According to the technology, the time for full strength gain for both types of material is 28 days, but in practice, gypsum takes about 9-10 days.
• Grade strength M25 and M100 respectively.
• The compressive strength of gypsum materials is 2.5 MPa, cement - 10 MPa.
• The adhesion strength of plasters to the surface is almost the same, the difference is 0.1 MPa.
• There is no shrinkage in gypsum mixtures, but in cement mixtures it is 1-2 mm/m.

Conclusion

The choice of plaster depends on the desired result, the type of base and the budget for repairs. It is recommended to finish wet rooms only with cement compounds, all others - first cement-sand mixtures, if leveling is required, and for a decorative layer they are best suited gypsum mixtures. For household, storage facilities, garages and so on - it is also recommended to purchase relatively inexpensive cement-based solutions. However, only an experienced person can say for sure which is better: gypsum or cement plaster, so it is better to consult with a specialist before purchasing.

Finishing work to level surfaces is carried out various materials. Depending on the location of the surface, the purpose of the room, environment compositions with different properties are needed.

What kind of plaster would be better suited gypsum or cement, should be decided in each case individually. Correctly chosen high-quality composition will provide long term service and aesthetic appeal of plaster finishing. How to choose suitable solution what are the advantages and disadvantages different compositions Let's look at it below.

Types of compositions

The surface leveled with plaster is ready for finishing

The plaster solution has various areas applications. The most obvious are:

• surface leveling;
• improvement of heat and sound insulation;
• fire protection.

The modern construction market offers different kinds ready-made mixtures for finishing walls, ceilings, interior and exterior works. Plaster solutions are divided into 2 groups depending on the application layer:

• regular or basic coating. Used when carrying out rough work;
• decorative Various mixtures to create a finish.

The main way to classify plaster mixtures is to separate the solutions according to the constituent substance:

• cement;
• lime;
• clay;
• gypsum.

Of course, there are various modifications of the compositions, except for the 4 main ones. They are obtained by mixing the main components and adding various additives, additives and plasticizers.

Due to their practical properties, the most popular compositions are gypsum and cement plasters.

Quality criterion	Plaster	Cement
Base material	gypsum	cement
at manual way application	10	17
with mechanized	8	12,5
Drying time	up to 7 days	up to 4 weeks
Shrinkage	No	1 - 2 mm/m

Characteristics of the cement mixture

Cement mixtures have high adhesion to the base

The convenience and optimality of cement plaster is difficult to overestimate; this type of mortar enjoys deserved popularity among both experienced craftsmen, and for novice builders:

1. Durability of the coating. This is the main quality of cement plasters; the surface is resistant to mechanical stress and reliable.
2. Excellent adhesion. Cement mortars fit perfectly on almost any base; it is enough to treat the surface with a primer.
3. Moisture resistance. Cement plaster is not afraid of the effects of precipitation and high humidity, so they are often used when repairing facades and finishing surfaces in specific wet areas.
4. Price. This composition has a completely budget price tag compared to other compositions.

Given that this a budget option, you should not choose a solution based only on the cost of the product: compare the material consumption and pay attention to the performance properties.

The main disadvantage of cement mortar is its poor adhesion to wooden, plastic or painted surfaces.

Due to the serious weight of plaster, it is rarely used on ceilings.

For the same reason, you should calculate the load on the walls of the building during finishing.

The plastering process itself is quite labor-intensive, despite the fact that it takes place in several stages, each of which requires a pause in work.

Practice plastering at positive temperatures

To ensure that the plaster layer is as durable as possible and serves long years, you should adhere to some rules in your work:

• plaster the surface at a temperature from + 5 to +30 0 C;
• be sure to treat the surface with a deep penetration primer;
• to apply an additional layer, wait until the previous one has dried;
• conduct plastering work on construction beacons;
• Do not take on large volumes if you have no experience in this area.

Gypsum based mixture

Plaster plaster mixture consists of gypsum itself and plasticizers. It is usually applied in 1 layer by hand or machine. The scope of application of gypsum mortar is quite extensive, although it has limitations. This type of plaster is used for finishing:

• brick walls and concrete slabs;
• internal dry rooms;
• for leveling the surface for gluing or painting.

Finishing the surface with gypsum mortar will eliminate the need for puttying work. High-quality work with gypsum makes the surface absolutely suitable for decorative finishing.

Advantages of working with this type of composition:

The material is warm and dries quickly, it takes a maximum of 3 days to complete the work.

The disadvantages of gypsum plaster include the inability to use the solution in rooms with high humidity levels.

The price tag is slightly higher than that of cement mortars, which counts towards the fact that there is no need to use putty.

Preparation of solutions

First the dry ingredients are mixed, then water is added.

It is not enough to just choose a cement or gypsum plaster, for use it is necessary to properly prepare the solution. Each type of plaster has its own recommendations for the mixing process.

The bulk components of the cement composition are mixed dry. Sand and cement are poured in thin layers and then mixed.

After the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, water is added to them. Now the liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed.

You can also prepare cement-gypsum plaster. This solution will set much faster and drying time will be reduced. But at the same time, the strength of the layer will also change, it will become more fragile. For more information on how to make the mixture, watch this video:

Gypsum solutions are mixed for a short time. It takes no more than 5 minutes to prepare a working portion of the composition. Typically, gypsum dough is first prepared, which is subsequently diluted with water to the required consistency.