Gypsum or cement plaster which is better. Which plaster is better: gypsum or cement. The main advantages of gypsum compositions

Finishing work on leveling 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 better fit plaster or cement, should be decided in each case individually. Properly selected quality composition will provide long term services and aesthetic appeal plaster finish. How to choose the right solution, what are the advantages and disadvantages of different compositions, we will consider below.

Types of compositions

Plaster mortar has various applications. The most obvious are:

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

The modern construction market offers different kinds ready mixes for finishing of walls, ceilings, internal and external works. Plaster solutions are divided into 2 groups depending on the application layer:

• regular or basic coverage. It is used when carrying out rough work;
• decorative. Various mixes to create finishing.

The main way to classify plaster mixtures is the separation of 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.

Characteristics of the cement mixture

It is difficult to overestimate the convenience and optimality of cement plaster; this type of solution enjoys well-deserved popularity among both experienced craftsmen and novice builders:

1. Coating strength. This is the main quality of cement plasters, the surface is resistant to mechanical influences 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 impacts precipitation and high humidity, so they are often used in the repair of facades and surface finishing in specific wet rooms.
4. Price. This composition has a quite 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 goods: compare the material consumption and pay attention to the operational properties.

The main disadvantage of cement mortar is 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, the load on the walls of the building during finishing should be calculated.

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.

To make the plaster layer as strong as possible and serve long years, you should follow some rules in the work:

• plaster the surface at a temperature of + 5 to +30 0 С;
• be sure to treat the surface with a deep penetration primer;
• to apply an additional layer, you should wait for the previous one to dry;
• conduct plastering work on construction beacons;
• do not take on large volumes if there is no experience in this area.

Gypsum-based mixture

Gypsum plaster mixture consists of gypsum itself and plasticizers. It is applied, as a rule, in 1 layer by hand or by machine. The scope of the gypsum solution is quite extensive, although it has limitations. This type of plaster is used when finishing:

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

Finishing the surface with gypsum mortar will eliminate the need for puttying work. Quality work with plaster makes the surface absolutely suitable for decorative finishing.

The 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 impossibility of using the solution in rooms with increased level humidity.

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

Preparation of solutions

It is not enough just to choose 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.

Bulk components cement composition 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 already liquid mixture mix thoroughly.

You can also prepare cement-gypsum plaster. This solution will set much faster, 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 a mixture, see this video:

Gypsum mortars are kneaded within a short time. It takes no more than 5 minutes to prepare a working portion of the composition. Usually, a gypsum dough is first prepared, which is subsequently diluted with water to the desired consistency.

Our organization offers services for the implementation plastering works. Plastering works are performed mechanically with KNAUF gypsum mixtures. In this article, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the differences between gypsum and cement plaster.

Plasters are the closest relatives of putties. They differ in the type and size of the filler. This determines all other differences, including in the purpose and technology of work. The main difference is that putty can be sanded with abrasive sandpaper, while plaster cannot.

Observing the technology, plasters can be applied in a fairly thick layer. Therefore, traditionally they are used to eliminate significant surface irregularities (for example, plaster on brickwork) or as a necessary structural base (e.g. plaster on wooden bases). As a result, you can get a fairly even, but rough surface (the degree of roughness is determined by the size of the filler grains). Due to the roughness, the use of the plaster layer as a direct base before finishing is quite difficult, and sometimes impossible.
The most effective is the complex use of plastering technology followed by puttying of the plastered surface. In this case, obtaining a perfectly smooth (if necessary, polished) and even surface is achieved in the simplest way.

There are two types of plasters - cement and gypsum. Differences.

The two most common types of plasters are cement and gypsum. From a consumer point of view, their main difference is in the time of complete drying. As a rule, for gypsum plasters it is several days (4-7). Cement plasters require at least 24-28 days for drying and full strength gain.
It is difficult to reduce the time for complete drying of the plaster mixture. It is advisable to use special reagents, setting accelerators only for special types work under special conditions.
cement plaster It is advisable to apply in the case when it is necessary to obtain the most durable and durable coating. The service life of high-quality and properly executed cement plaster is many decades, even in conditions of temperature and humidity fluctuations.
We note here that for fine leveling of cement plaster, especially in the case of insufficient qualifications of plasterers, it is very effective to use special cement-polymer compounds - levelers. This is a cross between fine plaster and large putty. Fraction (aggregate size up to 300 microns), complete drying time (18-36 hours) and work technology for such compositions as putty (simple application with a spatula, grinding is not required), but they are poorly or not sanded with sandpaper. Such compounds are recommended for use in basements, other utility rooms and for leveling the base before laying the tiles. In a word, wherever a perfectly smooth surface is not required and a fine-grained base with a roughness of about 300 microns is quite enough.

Gypsum plasters are preferred in cases where it is necessary to perform work in as soon as possible, subject to further operation only in conditions of normal humidity and only indoors. Gypsum systems are now widely used both in Russia and in the West precisely because they can significantly reduce the time of work.
We also note that the use of gypsum compositions can significantly simplify the technology. Gypsum plaster can be applied practically in one layer, as opposed to the need to apply cement plaster in three successive layers - spraying, covering and grinding (only this plastering technology is correct).
Since the plaster layer is the basis for all subsequent layers (putty and finishing), it is the "plaster" problems that are the most common cause of cracks in the finishing layer. These problems are the result of either a poor-quality plaster composition (incorrectly selected granulometric composition of the filler, an excess content of clay or organic inclusions, and other factors), or a technology violation. Here the most important points are the prevention of excess water during mixing and the technological expectation of complete drying of the plaster compositions before applying leveling and finishing putties.

General recommendations for the application of plaster technology can be summarized as follows.

1) It is necessary to strictly observe the recipe for preparation and the technology for applying the plaster mixture. For small and medium volumes of work, it is advisable to use ready-made plaster mixes from trusted manufacturers.
2) In order to avoid the risk that the applied plaster mixture or its components will be of poor quality, it is recommended to use special modifier polymers and (or) reinforcing meshes for plaster.
Modifier polymers are special polymer components that significantly improve the consumer properties of building mortar mixtures and are intended for direct use at a construction site. The next section is devoted to reinforcing meshes in this book.
3) It is extremely important, as already noted, to ensure that the plaster is completely dry before applying subsequent layers. The simplest and most correct thing is to let the plaster stand for the necessary time until it dries completely.
Artificial acceleration of plaster drying is not very effective and unreliable. The "dryness" of the surface layer of the plaster is imaginary and does not guarantee its complete and final drying throughout the entire thickness, and, therefore, not only does not exclude, but even tends to the appearance of cracks. The use of heat guns and drafts does not provide the desired effect. The only more or less acceptable way to speed up the drying of plastered surfaces is deep heating with special infrared heaters. But even such a very expensive solution will not bring significant acceleration. And when performing a high-quality finish, any artificial acceleration is generally not desirable. The appearance of just a few cracks is enough to reduce all the applied efforts to zero.
Only correct solution to speed up technological process, is the application of gypsum plaster. Not forgetting that it is applicable only in dry rooms, with internal works. It is also important to remember that in addition to the simple, internal humidity of the room, it is impossible to prevent the formation of humidity inside the wall due to the lack of its thermal resistance (the so-called dew point). So, for example: the use of gypsum plaster inside country house for non-permanent residence with walls two bricks thick - not acceptable. That is why in each case, when applying gypsum plaster, it is necessary to take into account all the factors and consequences that can lead to an undesirable final result.
In conclusion, it can be noted that there are already gypsum plasters that have a short period of complete drying and are not afraid of changes in humidity and temperature. They can even be used for facade decoration. But these are complex multicomponent and very expensive compositions.
Modern interior systems
NIKPA

In the repair and construction process, the most interesting and crucial stage is the finishing of surfaces with plaster. From correct selection solution and the quality of its application depends on the attractiveness and durability decorative coating. Which plaster is cheaper? What is the best choice for home renovation? Answering these questions will help comparative characteristics materials and reviews of experts.

What is plaster used for?

The modern market offers wide range of binder mortars for wall and ceiling cladding. The basic components in them are gypsum, clay, lime or cement. The combination of these substances with additives forms many modifications. In spite of big variety, traditionally gypsum and cement plaster.

Depending on the main purpose, binders are divided into 2 conditional groups:

• simple plaster - used for rough work;
• decorative coating - tint mixtures for finishing surfaces.

Via plaster solutions many construction tasks are solved:

• alignment of vertical and horizontal surfaces;
• sealing of seam joints in masonry made of bricks, foam blocks, aerated concrete and other piece materials;
• insulation of walls and ceilings;
• improvement of sound insulation;
• gain fire safety premises.

Comparative review

cement plaster

Initially, the mixture was obtained by combining cement powder with sand or lime. Modern technologies make it possible to produce plasters with plasticity, low hygroscopicity, improved adhesion and other useful qualities. Such transformations became possible due to the introduction of additives. Cement mortar is mainly used as a plaster for outdoor applications, and less often for interior decoration premises:

• smoothing out irregularities;
• restoration on the old surface;
• wall and ceiling cladding in the kitchen, bathroom and other rooms with high humidity;
• plastering unheated premises(cellars, garages, entrances of houses);
• facade finishing.

Advantages:

1. Strength and durability - according to these indicators, it occupies a leading position in the list finishing materials. It withstands mechanical and atmospheric influences well, which makes it much less likely to carry out overhaul buildings.

2. Moisture resistance - the dense structure of the cement mortar significantly limits the absorption of moisture. Therefore, it is best to use plaster for slopes and facing wet rooms.

3. Reliable adhesion - cement mixture plaster does not require additional processing of the base to increase adhesion. It connects well with brick or concrete masonry. This is an ideal plaster for foam blocks and aerated concrete. Consumption on porous surfaces is minimal.

4. Accessibility - it is not difficult to make plaster at home with your own hands. If desired, you can choose a balanced dry mix in the store. For large volumes construction works it is better to order a ready-made solution at the enterprise.

5. Low price- The composition includes simple and inexpensive components. Therefore, it costs 1.5-2 times cheaper than gypsum plaster.

disadvantages

• Poor compatibility with plastic, wood and painted surfaces.
• Difficult installation - plastering works consist of several stages: irrigation; throwing a solution; rubbing seams; grinding.
• A large mass - this gives a serious load on the walls and ceilings.
• Long hardening period - depending on the thickness of the layer, the plaster dries completely after 3-4 weeks.

To prepare the plastered plane for painting, it must be well covered with putty. Additional processing lengthens the final finishing time.

Gypsum plaster

The basis of the dry mixture is gypsum powder and plasticizers different properties. By adding a little water, bring the plaster to a paste-like consistency. It is applied manually or by machine. Usually a perfectly smooth plane is obtained after the first layer.

Gypsum plaster is best chosen for interior decoration, when preparing surfaces for painting or wallpapering. It is also good to use for creating arches, columns, bas-reliefs and various art objects.

Advantages:

1. Ecological cleanliness - gypsum mortars do not contain harmful substances.

2. Vapor permeability - the porous structure does not interfere natural circulation air, thanks to which a normal microclimate is maintained in residential premises. With an increase in humidity, the walls in the room still remain dry without signs of fungus and mold.

3. High finishing speed - gypsum plaster, applied in one layer, hardens well in 2-3 days. It is easy to process, which simplifies installation and reduces the time of carrying out. finishing works.

4. No shrinkage - while drying plaster coating does not crack. The result is a smooth, even surface that does not require finishing.

5. Plasticity - when applying plaster on vertical walls reinforcing mesh is not required. The gypsum mixture is very viscous, so it adheres well to the surface without spreading and deformation.

6. Minor specific gravity- gypsum plaster gives a low load on structures, which has a positive effect on the integrity and durability of the structure. In addition, the low weight of the solution saves on consumption.

7. Thermal insulation and sound protection - the light porous structure of gypsum helps to keep the heat in the house. Such plaster absorbs acoustic vibrations well and protects from external noise.

Disadvantages:

• Weak strength.
• Low moisture resistance.
• High price.

Which plaster is better - gypsum or cement?

The composition of gypsum has twice a large number advantages over cement. This coating is easy to prepare, simple to apply, it passes moisture and speeds up the finishing process. But good qualities they don’t make plaster universal, so you shouldn’t categorically say that gypsum is better than cement in some ways. Which one to choose, in each case depends on the destination.

Cement plaster is suitable for finishing the facade, bathroom, garage or basement. It is selected in the case when the task is to create the most durable surface (evenness and smoothness do not matter). Such plaster is faced with houses made of foam blocks or aerated concrete. It should be remembered that the application of cement mortar is a complex process consisting of several stages. Therefore, it will not be easy for people without experience to cope with such work.

Gypsum mixture is best suited for interior decoration of residential premises. It is easy to deal with this material on your own, even in the absence of experience. According to construction experts, there is no definite answer to the question of which plaster is better. For some people, the quality of the coating is the decisive factor in choosing. Others are primarily concerned with the issue of cost.

Main characteristics

Finishing various surfaces plastering is one of the most critical stages. The subsequent durability and attractiveness of the decorative coating largely depends on how correctly the composition of the solution is chosen, and how well it is applied. Therefore, treat both processes carefully, carefully observing all the rules, both selection and installation. You will learn how to choose a solution and which one is better in this article.

Depending on the purpose of the solution, there are 2 main groups:

Important! Among the areas of application of plaster solutions different kind, there are several most popular solutions:

Popular types of plaster

On the modern market there are quite a lot of varieties of solutions for plastering walls and ceilings.

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

Features of gypsum plaster

The initial mass of gypsum plaster is a powdered dry mix, which includes:

Application areas of gypsum plaster

Most often, walls are plastered with gypsum plaster and ceilings in the following cases:

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 some significant advantages of this type of material:

Video

Watch the video, which clearly shows an example of wall decoration 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 required to create the most durable and durable coating.

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

The second version of the commonly used plaster has the following components:

Applications of cement mortars

The continued popularity of such solutions is ensured by the breadth of application possibilities with virtually no restrictions.

An excellent choice would be cement plaster when carrying out such work:

Advantages and disadvantages of cement plaster

We note some undeniable advantages of cement plaster, which often lead to the fact that preference is given to this particular type of mortar:

Among the shortcomings, we highlight the following factors:

Video

Watch the video instruction on the use of cement plaster in order to properly organize your workflow if you use such a solution.

Conclusion

Given all of the above, the conclusion from the above features of cement and gypsum plaster can be drawn as follows:

• gypsum plaster will ideal option in the absence of professional skills, in case of finishing living rooms in which it is planned to paint the walls or stick paper wallpaper or in a situation where repairs are required as quickly as possible;
• Cement plaster is great in almost any case where the surface quality is not in the limit category, but it will require the help of professionals when applying if your own skills are not enough to do this job.

The quality of the plaster finish depends not only on the professionalism of the master, but also on the chosen mixture. On shelves construction stores a great variety of plasters of different composition are presented - here are solutions that have been “tested for centuries”, and modern materials. Plaster differs not only in price, but also in purpose, properties, and advantages. Let's figure out what this material is generally used for and how its main varieties differ.

Purpose and main types of plaster

Regardless of the variety, plaster mixtures can perform the following functions:

• surface leveling;
• increase in noise and heat insulation performance of the structure;
• sealing seams;
• creation of fire protection.

There are a lot of options for classifying plaster, but most often the composition of the mixture is taken as the basis. Accordingly, there are types such as plaster, clay, lime, cement plaster, etc. The most popular are mixtures based on gypsum and cement, so we will talk about them in more detail.

Features of cement plaster

Over the years, the composition of cement plaster has undergone significant changes. Previously, the mixture was obtained by kneading cement with sand or lime, but gradually many modifications to this traditional composition appeared. New cement mortars have properties such as plasticity, low water absorption, improved adhesion and others.

Cement plaster can be applied to brick, concrete, aerated concrete, etc. Before starting work, the base is prepared: cleaned of dirt and dust, primed.

Cement plaster is used for both exterior and interior work:

• wall alignment;
• decoration of rooms with high humidity (kitchen, bathroom);
• decoration of unheated premises or entrances;
• preparation of surfaces that require an increase in frost resistance.

Advantages of cement plaster

Cement plaster has many advantages, due to which it does not lose popularity among builders even now, in the presence of many similar materials.

• High strength. According to this parameter, cement plaster is the undisputed leader. In cases where it is necessary to give the surface maximum strength and reliability, experienced craftsmen always choose a mixture of cement - this allows much less frequent overhaul of the premises.
• good adhesion. Cement plaster does not require the use additional funds to increase adhesion to the base. In this case, the applied solution will retain its integrity for a long time.
• Moisture resistance. This property allows the use of cement plaster when finishing rooms in which there is a permanently humid microclimate. This is due to the fact that the solution has a dense structure - it eliminates absorption, thereby perfectly protecting the base.
• Affordable cost. As noted earlier, the composition of cement plaster includes fairly cheap and affordable components.

Disadvantages of cement plaster

Cement-based mortars are not ideal - we have identified four main drawbacks that do not allow us to call this material universal.

• Cement plaster is not compatible with plastic, painted and wooden substrates.
• The large weight of the solution creates a serious load on the walls, so before applying it is necessary to accurately determine the thickness of the layer - for this, special calculations are carried out.
• The application process itself is laborious, as it takes place in several stages.
• In order for the surface to be ready for painting, the plastered walls need to be additionally putty - this increases the time for finishing as a whole.
• Many cement mixtures harden for a long time - about 3-4 weeks.

However, the last drawback today is already a thing of the past. Major manufacturers building materials modify cement mixtures with the help of various plasticizers - this allows the mortar to harden within a week.

Features of gypsum plaster

A solution of gypsum plaster is made from a dry mixture, which includes not only gypsum powder, but also various plasticizers. To obtain the desired pasty consistency, the mixture is diluted with water.

Gypsum plaster is applied manually or machine method. Usually perfect flat surface can be obtained even when applying only one layer of the solution.

Gypsum plaster is chosen when necessary:

• carry out interior decoration;
• prepare surfaces for painting (wallpapering).

For exterior finish this mixture is not suitable, as well as for use in rooms with high humidity.

Advantages of gypsum plaster

Gypsum plaster has almost twice as many advantages as cement plaster. Let's take a look at why she's so good.

• Ecological cleanliness. Gypsum mixtures do not contain components hazardous to human health. Their use in residential areas optimizes the microclimate, since gypsum plaster is not as dense as cement plaster, and therefore does not interfere with natural air exchange.
• No shrinkage. This suggests that during the hardening process, the plaster will not crack - one of the important conditions for obtaining a smooth surface.
• Small specific gravity. This characteristic hides several advantages at once. First of all, little weight reduces the load on bearing walls, which contributes to the long-term preservation of their integrity. Secondly, it allows you to reduce the consumption of the mixture.
• Plastic. When applying gypsum compositions, there is no need to use a reinforcing mesh - the mixture is already viscous enough to stick to the surface without dripping or deforming. AT individual cases you can apply plaster in several layers, without fear of any consequences.
• Vapor permeability. As noted above, gypsum mixtures are loose, porous. This not only improves the microclimate, but also prevents the formation of fungus and mold on the walls.
• Excellent sound and heat insulation. Gypsum plaster contributes to the preservation of heat in the room - the walls covered with it are never icy. In addition, the walls transmit much less noise.
• High finishing speed. Three days is the normal curing period for gypsum plaster. Only in exceptional cases, this period can be extended up to seven days (for example, if the mixture was applied in several layers).

The use of gypsum plaster can significantly reduce the time of finishing work - in comparison with cement mixture, labor costs and material consumption are reduced by at least two times.

Disadvantages of gypsum plaster

All the disadvantages of this material are rather conditional and usually do not bring significant inconvenience. We have identified two shortcomings.

• As already mentioned, gypsum plaster is used only for finishing. interior spaces, since this mixture does not tolerate excessive moisture.
• The cost of gypsum mixtures is higher than cement mixtures by about 1.5-2 times.

As a rule, these disadvantages do not play a decisive role when choosing a plaster, since the advantages fully pay off two small disadvantages.

Conclusion

At first glance, it may seem that gypsum plaster is of higher quality - it is easy to apply, allows moisture to pass through, does not disturb the microclimate, and allows you to quickly complete the finish. However, this does not make gypsum mixtures universal, which means that you need to choose plaster based on the purpose.

Cement mortar is suitable if facade, basement or bathroom finishing is required. It should also be preferred if it is necessary to ensure maximum surface strength, and perfect smoothness “for painting” is not needed. Also keep in mind that cement plaster is more difficult to apply - it will be almost impossible to cope without the appropriate experience.

Better choose gypsum mixture, if decoration of the living quarters is necessary, and if you plan to carry out the work on your own. Gypsum plaster is easy to apply and is well suited for pre-finishing.