How to properly and evenly plaster walls. How to plaster walls with your own hands for a beginner: step by step instructions, video. How to learn how to plaster at home with your own hands: detailed complete instructions for a beginner

Almost everyone knows that wall plastering is an effective way to eliminate defects and uneven surfaces. But when you need to do the work yourself for the first time, many questions often arise related to the technology of applying the solution to various surfaces. Consider how a beginner can plaster walls with his own hands: videos, photos and expert recommendations.

Before proceeding with the plastering of the surface, it is necessary to accurately represent all the features and nuances of this process. In this case, there will be no insurmountable obstacles for a novice master, and the result of the work will be close to a professional one.

In addition to theoretical knowledge in this area, it is important to gain basic practical skills that will help in further work. It's best to practice on a small, less visible area first. This will provide an opportunity to test your own capabilities and identify typical errors that arise in the process of work.

The experience of plastering is useful to any owner of an apartment or a private house who prefers to do repairs on his own. Plaster is often used to level the surface, which is necessary for the walls of almost all old houses.

It is important to choose the right plaster mixture, taking into account the features and material from which the wall is built. It is also worth considering the type of surface and environmental features. It largely depends on whether the work will be carried out outside or inside the building. Consider the technology features for each type of surface.

How to plaster a brick wall with your own hands

To plaster a brick wall with high quality, it is better to use a mixture that was made on the basis of cement. Sometimes lime is included in the composition, which gives the mixture additional plasticity. This allows the use of plaster in rooms that are characterized by high humidity. Or in the case when work is carried out outside the building.

The procedure for applying plaster on a brick wall is carried out taking into account the following recommendations:

  • the layer of the mixture that is applied to the brick wall should not be more than 30 mm. At the same time, it is important to know that if the layer thickness is more than 20 mm, it is imperative to use a chain-link mesh as a base. This will hold the mixture layer and make it more reliable, preventing the coating from falling off the wall over time. Plasterers in this way can be both external and internal walls of the building;
  • in order for the characteristics of the coating to finally meet the requirements, it is necessary to mix all the ingredients correctly, observing the following proportions: add ¾ parts of sand to 1 part of cement, having previously cleaned and sieved it. After that, water is added and all components are mixed until the solution becomes plastic, while maintaining its density;
  • another option is a cement-lime mixture. To prepare it, you need 1 part of cement, as well as 5/7 parts of sand and ½ part of lime dough. In this case, you first need to mix cement and sand, and then add lime to them, previously diluted in water to the consistency of milk.

Useful advice! If, as a result of preparing the plaster according to all the recommendations, the mixture still turned out to be too thick, a small amount of water can be added.

One of the most difficult cases is the need to plaster over facing bricks. Its surface is too smooth and this significantly impairs the adhesive properties of the plaster. In some cases, the use of a reinforcing mesh may not be effective and the plaster crumbles in pieces or simply rolls over the surface. For such complex surfaces, there is an affordable solution in the form of special primers.

Although many prefer to do everything on their own by watching a training video. For beginners, plastering walls may seem too difficult, however, the necessary skill is formed quickly, and after a few hours of training, applying the mixture evenly and beautifully will be much easier.

Note! A video can be very useful on how a beginner can plaster drywall walls with his own hands. This process has its own nuances and, if necessary, should be considered on an individual basis.

How to plaster walls: video instructions for working with a concrete surface

Working with a concrete surface has its own nuances. If the surface is smooth, preliminary preparation and application of a primer to which quartz inclusions are added will be required. This allows you to make the wall rough and provide the necessary adhesion of the surface to the plaster. To enhance the adhesion of the mixture and the wall, it is recommended to add gypsum powder to the solution at the mixing stage.

What is the best way to plaster the walls inside the house when it comes to a concrete surface? A gypsum-lime mortar is suitable for this purpose, which can be prepared using the following components: 1 part gypsum and ¾ parts lime. First of all, gypsum is mixed with water. This must be done very quickly to prevent the mixture from thickening. Then lime mortar is added and again all this is quickly mixed until a homogeneous mass.

A complex preparation process is not required if the concrete wall initially has a rough surface. In this case, it will be enough to use the traditional technology of applying plaster.

Useful advice! Experts say that regardless of the type of concrete wall to be plastered, it would be useful to first apply a layer of deep penetration primer.

How to plaster the walls in the bathroom: the advantages and disadvantages of various options

The answer to the question of how to plaster the walls in the bathroom under the tiles requires special attention. Difficult operating conditions, characterized by high humidity and constant temperature changes, can adversely affect the condition of the coating.

There are two options for choosing how to plaster the walls in the bath: cement and gypsum composition. The first option provides excellent waterproofing, which is an indisputable advantage in high humidity conditions. In addition, the material is characterized by vapor impermeability and extremely high strength.

But the use of gypsum plaster for finishing the bathroom has some nuances that will have to be taken into account. First of all, this concerns the thickness of the layer. It should not exceed 20 mm. And before you start laying tiles, you must definitely treat the surface with a primer.

Thus, in the bathroom it is better to plaster the walls with cement mortar. With your own hands, the material is easy to apply, and its characteristics show that the coating will last for many years and will be a good base for tiles.

Separately, it is worth considering the question of how a beginner can plaster the ceiling with his own hands. Video tutorials demonstrate all the complexities and subtleties of this task, so the owner can only follow the recommendations to get a good result.

How to plaster walls with your own hands: features of working with foam concrete

One of the main conditions for working with foam concrete is the use of a reinforcing mesh. In this case, the use of both gypsum and cement mortar is acceptable. The main thing is to qualitatively prepare the surface by treating it with a special impregnating primer, which is able to penetrate deep into the surface. But sometimes the use of additional measures is still required, for example, fixing a special reinforcing fiberglass mesh, which is called "serpyanka".

A responsible approach to the choice of materials for plastering walls determines the service life of the coating, as well as the level of comfort in the process. In specialized stores you can find ready-made mixtures for any type of surface. Therefore, if you do not want to mess around with mixing the components yourself, you can simply purchase a ready-made version. Such a product is simply diluted with water, after which it will be ready for use. Moreover, the recommendations of the manufacturers will make it possible to understand the better to plaster the walls in a particular case.

Important! Given the variety of dry building mixes, it is very easy to get confused in them and not get exactly what is required. Therefore, it is recommended that you carefully read all instructions and recommendations provided by the product manufacturer.

How for a beginner to plaster walls with his own hands: video instruction

Beforehand, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work aimed at cleaning the surface of various kinds of contaminants and removing old finishing materials. This stage is important, as it determines how well the plaster will hold in the future.

In order to ensure a good bond, the wall must be thoroughly cleaned, removing everything that may be between its base and the plaster. The cleaning method is selected taking into account the characteristics of the material of which the wall consists. All cracks identified during the preparatory phase must be eliminated to prevent cracking of the plaster in the future.

Cracks in the wall can be repaired in various ways, each of which is suitable for a particular size of damage. For small cracks that penetrate deep into the wall, it will need to be widened to get to the narrowest part.

Having found its base, cleaning is carried out in order to eliminate dust and dirt. The primer is then liberally applied with a brush. When everything is completely dry, the crack can be repaired with a putty prepared on the basis of gypsum or cement. Using a spatula, you need to try as best as possible to equalize the "patch" with the surface of the wall.

A shallow narrow crack may well be sealed with a sealant or silicone compound. Usually, a special nozzle with a thin nose is included with the tube, which allows you to easily carry out such operations, directing it deep into the crack.

If you need to eliminate really extensive damage, then for this purpose you can use mounting foam. Usually one coat of primer is applied, after which the space is filled.

Useful advice! If during the work the excess foam came out above the level of the wall, then they can be easily removed by cutting with a sharp knife.

How to plaster a brick wall: features of surface preparation

The better to plaster brick walls inside the house is a moot point. However, regardless of the choice, a quality surface preparation procedure must be carried out.

Often you have to deal with the fact that on the surface of a brick wall there is already a layer of old plaster. In this case, it is necessary to qualitatively get rid of it. To do this, you can use water and a sponge, wetting the surface several times and waiting until the water is absorbed. This procedure will greatly facilitate the task.

After that, using a spatula, the thickness of the working surface of which is at least 1.5-2 mm, as well as a hammer, the old plaster is knocked off. To do this neatly and at the same time effectively, you first need to carefully tap one of the sections of the wall with a hammer. As a result of this procedure, cracks will appear that will allow the spatula to pick up the coating. If necessary, the handle of the spatula can also be tapped with a hammer to facilitate the removal of the old coating.

Related article:


The main types of mesh, selection principles, applications, plastering methods, application options, tips and tricks.

After removing a layer of old plaster, you need to walk along the surface with an iron brush or grinder. After that, it is worth starting to deepen the seams between the bricks. This will ensure better adhesion between the plaster and the wall. It will be enough to deepen them by 5-7 mm.

The final step in preparing a brick wall is to clean the surface with a soft brush and a damp cloth. Then it remains only to apply a layer of deep penetration primer. Moreover, it is better to do this in two layers, after allowing the first layer to dry before applying the second.

Features of preparing the surface of a concrete wall

Compared to a brick wall, a concrete wall is much easier to clean. However, due to the smoother texture, it will be more difficult to apply the plaster in such a way that it will hold.

In order to remove a layer of whitewash from the concrete surface, it is necessary to thoroughly moisten the sponge with water and wipe the wall. Then, using an iron brush, clean off the unnecessary layer and carefully wipe the surface again.

Another way is to apply a thick layer of paste over the whitewash. After complete drying, using a conventional spatula, the entire top layer can be easily cleaned.

Having completed the cleaning, you can proceed to the application of shallow notches on the surface. This measure will ensure adhesion. Despite the fact that their application will require a lot of effort and time, this process is very important and determines the result of the work, so this step should not be neglected.

Some prefer to use a simpler method that does not require notching - priming and adding quartz sand, followed by plastering the walls with a cement-sand mortar. Due to the fine fraction, it is held on the surface, creating adhesion between the plaster and the wall. However, this method is not always effective, and in order to verify its effectiveness, it is recommended that you first test it on a small section of the wall.

Useful advice! A simple test will allow you to determine how effective the quartz sand method will be: a primer with sand is applied to the surface and left to dry completely. Then you need to run your hand along the wall. If the sand begins to crumble from touch, then you will have to attend to the creation of notches on the surface.

Features of the preparation of a wooden surface

The process of cleaning a wooden surface is the simplest of all the tasks considered. In this case, it is enough to knock on the wall with a hammer, and the plaster will simply crumble to the floor. It is recommended to lay a plastic sheet in advance to avoid contamination and facilitate the cleaning process.

To fix the plaster on a wooden surface, you will need to fill special wooden slats. In the people they are called shingles. With the help of ordinary nails, they are stuffed all over the wall, focusing diagonally. This allows you to create not only an excellent basis for laying the finishing material, but at the same time solves the problem of the need to create beacons, which are required to level the surface of the wall.

If, after removing a layer of old plaster, shingles are found under it, it must be knocked down and a new one made. Wooden elements quickly become unusable, succumbing to decay, insects and the influence of time. In addition, often the old shingles serve as a source of an unpleasant odor.

It is important not to forget about the need to apply protection to all wooden surfaces and elements. An antiseptic is needed to prevent the appearance of fungi, mold, and harmful insects in the wood. The composition is applied to each element and to the wall before filling the shingles, and then again after the installation is completed. This allows for the highest level of protection.

There are cases when, instead of wooden slats, a metal mesh netting is used for the crate. This is also a valid option, however, its thickness should be at least 3 mm, and fastening should not be carried out to the wall surface itself, but to rails specially prepared for this.

How to plaster walls with your own hands: video instructions for placing beacons

Since one of the main goals of plastering is to level the existing surface as much as possible, landmarks, which are also called beacons, will be required. To understand how to plaster walls on lighthouses, you need to understand how and why they are exposed. This is done using the building level in order to be able to make the surface as even as possible in the future.

Usually, metal guides are used for this purpose, the fastening of which is carried out using a gypsum mortar. This method is good because the gypsum dries quickly and does not allow the profile to move, keeping it in position. Such beacons should be placed at a distance of about 1.5 m from each other.

Useful advice! If the existing level is too short and its length is not enough, in order to check the evenness of the fastening of the beacons, you can use a long bar. It is attached to one of the guides until the solution is completely dry, and a level is applied to its center.

As an example, you can see the instructions on how to plaster walls with your own hands without beacons. The video will clearly demonstrate other options for leveling the surface.

Rules for applying plaster to the surface

Plastering the surface consists of three stages, in each of which a layer of mortar is applied. Each of them is different and fits according to a special technology that best suits its purpose. The first layer is the thickest. It pounces on the wall and actually serves as a draft, on top of which more even and smooth layers will be laid in the future.

The application of the first layer is carried out with a trowel or simply by hand. It is only important to remember that in case of contact of the solution with the skin, it is necessary to take care of protection in the form of rubber gloves. The thickness of the first layer depends on the base: for a brick or concrete wall, 5 mm will be enough, but for a wooden one, a layer of about 8-9 mm will be required, taking into account the crate.

The second layer should be applied more carefully, but still it is not a finish. It is applied with a wide spatula or trowel, bringing the solution to a pasty consistency. The thickness of the middle layer should be about 7-8 mm.

The final layer is prepared with the addition of fine-grained sand, which does not contain large inclusions. By consistency, the solution should resemble sour cream in order to lie down evenly and smooth out all the bumps that remain after applying the first two layers.

For beginners in this matter, the purchase of ready-made mixtures for each layer, which are in any hardware store, will help to eliminate the risk of error. Their compositions almost always promote good adhesion and provide a durable and reliable coating.

It is also worth watching a video beforehand on how to plaster the corners of the walls. Of course, a flat surface is easier to work with, but it can take some skill to align the corners, especially given how imperfect the source data can be.

How to prepare a solution for plaster with your own hands

Despite the opportunity to save yourself the hassle and purchase ready-made compositions, many prefer to try to do everything on their own and prepare the plaster for each layer with their own hands. Consider some of the most popular recipes that are widely used and have already gained confidence:

  1. Cement mortar, in which 3 parts of sand must be added to 1 part of cement.
  2. A mortar based on lime, in which 3 parts of sand are added to 1 part of lime.
  3. Cement-lime: 5 parts of sand account for 1 part of lime and 1 part of cement.
  4. Lime composition with the addition of gypsum: 1 part of dry gypsum is added to 3 parts of lime, kneaded to a doughy state.

Important! The resulting solution should be plastic and easily "disperse" over the applied surface, but at the same time it should not flow down.

Before starting to mix the mortar according to the chosen recipe, it is useful to know that the prepared amount should be used within an hour, since later the plaster tends to lose some of its qualities, for example, plasticity. In addition, such an "expired" material does not adhere well to the surface.

Particular attention should be paid to the solution prepared with the addition of gypsum, since this component significantly reduces the shelf life of the plaster before applying to the wall. Such a solution must be applied immediately, immediately after preparation. In addition, the duration of drying will be affected by the thickness of the layer: a thin one will dry almost instantly.

In order to avoid mistakes and not spoil a portion of the finished mixture, you need to carefully study the instructions, and only after that proceed to adding water, since the setting and drying period may be different.

How to mix the solution yourself: rules and recommendations

To mix a quality mixture yourself, you must adhere to the following procedure:

  • in a container designed for mixing the solution, you need to pour water. Then, according to the instructions, pour 6-8 trowels of the finished mixture and mix everything thoroughly using a construction mixer;
  • the rest of the mixture is added gradually and in the process of thorough mixing, which avoids the formation of lumps and gives the plaster plasticity and uniformity;
  • then it is advisable to wait 2-3 minutes and mix the solution again. At this stage, it can be determined whether it is necessary to add water or a dry mix to make the plaster thicker or, conversely, thinner.

Once again, it is worth paying attention that one batch should consist of such an amount of material that can be used here and now. The recommendation looks like this:

  • for a solution containing gypsum, the shelf life is limited to 25-30 minutes;
  • if a cement base was used, then this period will be 40-60 minutes.

Wanting to give the surface a finished look, many prefer to apply a layer of putty on top, which makes the surface perfectly smooth and serves as an excellent base for painting. A video on how to putty walls with your own hands tells in detail about all the nuances of this process and allows you to effectively complete the finishing work on leveling the surface.

How to putty walls with your own hands: video for a beginner

You can learn how to properly plaster walls with cement mortar or a mixture that includes gypsum by watching a thematic training video. The video on how to properly plaster walls tells in detail about the preparation and implementation of each stage.

In addition, in this way you can get answers to many questions of interest, for example, how to plaster the corners of the walls and what needs to be done in order to keep the coating in its original form in the future. Be sure to pay attention to the finishing stage - puttying the walls and their further processing.

Plastering walls is a painstaking and complex job. For its implementation, special compositions are usually used, most often on a gypsum basis. In addition, for a high-quality result, it is very important to follow the correct sequence of the process: it is performed in several stages.

Plastering walls is a matter that requires special knowledge, skills and abilities from the performer. Properly executed alignment of the walls will facilitate the process of gluing and significantly improve the appearance of the room. Such work can be done independently, but more often it is still trusted by the masters. In any case, when carrying out this procedure, you will have to take into account some nuances.

To get a high-quality result (perfectly smooth walls), you need 4 components of success:

  • experienced master plasterer;
  • high-quality plaster mixture (you need to carefully read its composition and manufacturer);
  • correct preparation of the solution;
  • proper storage conditions for the plaster mixture before starting work (no moisture ingress is allowed).

In addition, you need to clearly understand the purpose for which the walls of this room are finished with plaster. Plastering walls for wallpaper is a slightly different situation than plastering bathroom walls for tiles. In this case, you need to properly plaster the walls with gypsum plaster so that the main decor (tile or wallpaper) holds.

The better to plaster the walls depends on the wallet of the owner of the house, as well as on the characteristics of the room in which repairs are required. In addition, it is important to understand why plaster walls - for wallpaper, tiles or just painting.

What plaster is better to use? First, you need to know that the plaster is dry or wet. Secondly, both dry and wet plaster exist three types:

  • ordinary (actual composition for leveling walls);
  • decorative (color, terrasite or stone);
  • special.

The cheapest option is lime plaster. But this option, unfortunately, is short-lived and is only suitable for plastering walls inside the building. The outer part is plastered with a different composition. In addition, lime is categorically not suitable for the bathroom. The fact is that lime is afraid of moisture.

The main advantages of gypsum plasters are good sound and heat insulation. It is a ductile material that rarely cracks. Such plaster quickly dries and hardens. A few hours are enough for this.

Unfortunately, such mixtures are not sufficiently resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. Before plastering the walls with gypsum plaster, you need to study all the features of the room. At the same time, you can finish the walls with Rotband (popular gypsum plaster) even in the bathroom.

Cement is a versatile option for plastering walls both inside and out. The main advantages of the material are resistance to moisture and temperature extremes. They can also be used for plastering bathroom walls before laying tiles. It is recommended to choose it if the owners do not know which dry or wet plaster is better to finish the interior or exterior walls.

Also, many users are interested in how quickly the applied plaster dries. From this point of view, cement and gypsum mixtures are practical. In addition, on a bag or bucket with a mixture, you need to read at what temperature the mixture dries the fastest.

Varieties of dry plaster

Dry plaster may be:

  • simple;
  • improved;
  • high quality.

The quality of dry plaster is determined by differences. Normal - with drops no more than 3 mm, improved - with drops no more than 2 mm. In high quality, differences of a maximum of 1 mm are allowed.

Simple usually finish warehouses, basements and other premises for household purposes, the second is used in public institutions - hospitals and schools. But high-quality trim the walls of residential buildings.

To know how to plaster walls with your own hands, you can read a lot of tips on the Internet.

However, it all comes down to two options: plastering on beacons and without beacons. Everyone can learn how to plaster walls, although it will be more difficult for a beginner than for a professional plasterer.

When deciding how and with what to plaster the walls in the bathroom under the tiles or the walls of the living rooms before wallpapering, it is important to correctly assess the quality of the existing surface.

To plaster the walls yourself, you will need to apply the solution in three layers. The resulting excess is removed with a trapezoidal spatula. You will have to buy it before you plaster walls from any material with your own hands.

In any case, the solution must be applied very carefully.

Plastering in a plane (using a rule) is a good option if the walls are relatively even. If there are serious irregularities on the walls, the performer has no other choice but to plaster the walls on the lighthouses. Thanks to beacon profiles, irregularities are eliminated with an accuracy of 1 mm/m2.

Usually, metal beacons are used for this, although artificial plaster beacons can also be created. In the second case, you can save the plaster mixture (the layer with iron beacons will be at least 6 mm).

Before plastering aerated concrete walls, you need to make sure that the plaster mixture is ideal for them. This material is environmentally friendly, it lets in oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the room, so the choice of plaster should be taken responsibly.

The technologies of how to plaster walls made of foam block, foam concrete, as well as how to plaster concrete walls differ little from each other. It is important to choose only the right mixture here. The technology is similar to how to plaster wooden walls.

How to plaster brick walls depends on the location of the surface being trimmed. Concrete and other moisture-resistant products are suitable from the outside, and it is also permissible to plaster brick walls inside the house with gypsum mixtures.

The technique for plastering walls with a cement-sand mortar is similar to working with any other wall finishing products. The main thing is to add the required amount of water.

How to plaster walls with beacons?

Many users are looking for tips on how to plaster walls without beacons. Here it is necessary to determine the thickness of the layer and the quality of the surface by eye. This method is suitable for relatively flat surfaces. Thus, small imperfections are smoothed out.

Plastered walls are already trimmed with selected paint, wallpaper or tiles - it depends on the purpose of the room and the desire of the owner.

Mother of two children. I have been running a household for more than 7 years - this is my main job. I like to experiment, I constantly try various means, methods, techniques that can make our life easier, more modern, richer. I love my family.

Well-plastered walls are the key to a successful, high-quality and durable repair. But plastering is a very laborious process, requiring great skill from the one who deals with them. We advise entrusting this work to specialists, but if, nevertheless, you decide to take on this business yourself in order to save the budget or out of curiosity, then our today's article will try to instill in you the theoretical foundations, without which you definitely cannot count on the success of this enterprise. How to plaster walls correctly - read in our today's material.

The plaster mix, which will be used for the work, must be selected in accordance with what the walls of the building are built from. Also an important factor when choosing is the side of the wall that will be plastered - internal or external.

concrete walls

First of all, you need to pay attention to the texture of the wall. If the wall is smooth, then it should be pre-treated with a primer, which contains quartz inclusions - they will make the surface rough enough, which in turn will help the wall hold the plaster well. Gypsum powder can be added to the cement mortar, it increases the adhesive qualities of the mixture.

Another option for working with a smooth concrete wall is a lime-gypsum mortar, consisting of ¾ parts lime and 1 part gypsum. The process of preparing the solution is as follows: gypsum is added to the water and quickly kneaded, lime mortar is added to a sufficiently liquid substance and all this is kneaded to a homogeneous consistency.

With a rough wall, the situation is simpler - here you can use standard cement or gypsum mortars, but beforehand the wall should still be impregnated with a deep penetration primer - so the result will be more reliable.

brick walls

It is better to plaster such walls with mixtures based on cement with the addition of lime, the latter adding moisture-resistant qualities to the solution. The applied layer of plaster should not exceed 30 mm, and if you have chosen a layer of 20 to 30 mm, then you first need to fix a chain-link mesh on the wall, which will help hold the plaster mixture.


The mixture must be plastic, and therefore we recommend using a solution consisting of ¾ parts of sifted sand and 1 part of cement. By mixing the components with water, you will get a fairly plastic mixture that easily fits on the wall. When the lime component is included, the solution will look like this: 1 part cement, half lime and 5/7 parts sand. Diluted lime is added to a dry mixture of sand and cement, after which the solution is mixed.

If the plaster is applied to a smooth facing brick, then you will have to tinker and pre-treat the wall with a primer, as well as select a reinforcing mesh. It is better to leave the application of plaster on a wall made of facing bricks to professionals; from the first time, few people do such work with high quality.

wooden walls

If there are wooden walls in the room that you plan to plaster, then before you start work, you need to fill them with shingles. For this, thin slats or plywood trimmings are suitable, if such elements were not at hand, then you can use the usual chain-link mesh.

The distance between the grid and the wall must be at least three millimeters, otherwise the plaster may crumble.

Preparatory stage

Necessary tools and materials

Plastering walls is a laborious process, for its implementation you will need the following tools and materials:

  • Ready plaster mixture or components for its mixing;
  • In order for the walls to come out even, we need to be able to track the curvature - we need beacons 3-6-10 mm;
  • Metal scissors or grinder to cut beacons;
  • The mixture will have to be stirred, here a perforator with a special nozzle will come in handy;
  • Dowels, many dowels of different sizes;
  • The same situation with screws;
  • Crosshead screwdriver;
  • Level;
  • A hammer;
  • Primer for concrete and smooth walls, as well as acrylic primer;
  • Wide brush or roller;
  • Individual protection means.

Preparing walls for plaster

As always, before proceeding directly to the plastering process, we need to clean the wall from the previous finish and various plaque. If you have taken to plastering the walls with your own hands and skipped this step, do not be surprised when the plaster begins to slowly and inevitably crumble. If the wall consists of several types of materials, then each section must be cleaned in accordance with the recommendations for a particular surface.

After we have bare walls in front of us, they need to be carefully examined for cracks. Why plaster walls if not to repair cracks? Seeing a crack, we carefully clean it and treat it with a primer. After it dries, the crack should be sealed with putty on the same level as the remaining wall plane. Narrow and shallow cracks can be sealed with sealant, but with wide ones you will have to tinker and use mounting foam.

Further sequential actions depend on what the walls inside the house are made of. In the case of a brick base, we first remove the previous layer of plaster, if any, and then sand the walls with an iron brush. The seams between the bricks, if necessary, are deepened for better adhesion of the plaster, and the wall surface is treated with a primer.

The concrete wall must be freed from whitewash, and notches should be applied to the cleaned surface or a primer containing quartz sand should be used. After completing these works, run your hand over the surface of the wall - we need to get a rough texture.

Displaying beacons

We need a perfectly flat wall, and therefore we cannot avoid using landmarks. As beacons, metal guides are used, which are fixed on the wall surface with a plaster mortar.

Levels for beacons should be set at a distance of one and a half meters from each other.

The verticality of the profiles is controlled by a plumb line. After our walls are on alert and waiting for the plaster to be applied, we can begin to prepare the mortar.

Solution preparation

Following the rules of plastering walls, we will apply the mortar in three stages, there are no secrets here - we thickly throw the mortar with the first layer, this can be done both manually and with the help of a trowel. Brick and concrete walls should be covered just above the beacons, at a level of about 5 mm. The thickness of the layer on wooden walls should be about 8-9 mm.

The second layer, ground, has the consistency of dough, it should be applied with a spatula with a thickness of 7-8mm. The third layer has a creamy consistency and consists of fine sand.

For each of the layers, you can purchase ready-made mixtures, but it can also be produced independently, the main options have already been described above. It must be remembered that mortars have a variety of properties, for example, a gypsum-based mortar must be kneaded right before application, as it hardens extremely quickly, and cement-based plaster must be used within an hour from the moment of kneading.

wall plaster technology

Where to begin? We follow the three steps described above for preparing the solution. First, we throw a solution from the bottom of the wall, gradually rising up. Having reached a height of about a meter from the floor level, we level the plaster using the rule, there are other methods, but why reinvent the wheel.

We already know how to apply plaster on the wall with a second layer - after the first layer has set, we apply the plastic primer composition with a spatula. This layer should hide the guide strips that are still visible.

At the final stage of plastering the walls, we make the surface of the wall smooth with the help of a finishing layer. This thin layer should not exceed two millimeters in thickness. The third layer should be applied to the still wet second, if it has had time to dry, it should be moistened.

After the finish layer has dried, you need to start grouting with a grater. In a counterclockwise circular motion, smooth the surface. Putting soft felt material on the brush, we repeat the sanding, and the plastering process is completed!

Plastering walls is painstaking and complex work. For its implementation, special compositions are usually used, most often on a gypsum basis. In addition, for a high-quality result, it is very important to follow the correct sequence of the process: it is performed in several stages.

Plastering walls is a matter that requires special knowledge, skills and abilities from the performer. Properly executed alignment of the walls will facilitate the process of wallpapering and significantly improve the appearance of the room. Such work can be done independently, but more often it is still trusted by the masters. In any case, when carrying out this procedure, you will have to take into account some nuances.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PLASTERING WALLS?

To get a quality result (perfectly smooth walls), you need 4 components of success:

  • experienced master plasterer;
  • high-quality plaster mixture (you need to carefully read its composition and manufacturer);
  • correct preparation of the solution;
  • proper storage conditions for the plaster mixture before starting work (no moisture ingress is allowed).

In addition, you need to clearly understand the purpose for which the walls of this room are finished with plaster. Plastering walls under wallpaper is a slightly different situation than plastering bathroom walls under tiles. In this case, you need to properly plaster the walls with gypsum plaster so that the main decor (tile or wallpaper) holds.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PLASTER MIX CORRECTLY?
The better to plaster the walls depends on the wallet of the owner of the house, as well as on the characteristics of the room in which repairs are required. In addition, it is important to understand why plaster walls - for wallpaper, tiles or just painting.

What plaster is better to use? First, you need to know that the plaster is dry or wet. Secondly, there are three types of both dry and wet plaster:

  • ordinary (actual composition for leveling walls);
  • decorative (color, terrasite or stone);
  • special.

The cheapest option - lime plaster. But this option, unfortunately, is short-lived and is only suitable for plastering walls inside the building. The outer part is plastered with a different composition. In addition, lime is categorically not suitable for the bathroom. The fact is that lime is afraid of moisture.

Main advantages gypsum plasters- good sound and heat insulation. It is a ductile material that rarely cracks. Such plaster quickly dries and hardens. A few hours are enough for this.

Unfortunately, such mixtures are not sufficiently resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. Before plastering the walls with gypsum plaster, you need to study all the features of the room. At the same time, you can finish the walls with Rotband (popular gypsum plaster) even in the bathroom.

INTERESTING!

Cement is a versatile option for plastering walls both inside and out. The main advantages of the material are resistance to moisture and temperature extremes. They can also be used for plastering bathroom walls before laying tiles. It is recommended to choose it if the owners do not know which dry or wet plaster is better to finish the interior or exterior walls.

Also, many users are interested in how quickly the applied plaster dries. From this point of view, cement and gypsum mixtures are practical. In addition, on a bag or bucket with a mixture, you need to read at what temperature the mixture dries the fastest.

VARIETIES OF DRY PLASTER
Dry plaster can be:

  • simple;
  • improved;
  • high quality.

The quality of dry plaster is determined by differences. Normal - with drops no more than 3 mm, improved - with drops no more than 2 mm. In high quality, differences of a maximum of 1 mm are allowed.

A simple one is usually finished with warehouses, basements and other household premises, the second one is used in public institutions - hospitals and schools. But high-quality trim the walls of residential buildings.

HOW TO PLASTER THE WALLS WITH YOUR HANDS?
To know how to plaster walls with your own hands, you can read a lot of tips on the Internet.

However, it all comes down to two options:

  • lighthouse plastering
  • plastering without beacons.

Everyone can learn how to plaster walls, although it will be more difficult for a beginner than for a professional plasterer.

When deciding how and with what to plaster the walls in the bathroom under the tiles or the walls of the living rooms before wallpapering, it is important to correctly assess the quality of the existing surface.

To plaster the walls yourself, you will need to apply the solution in three layers. The resulting excess is removed with a trapezoidal spatula. You will have to buy it before you plaster walls from any material with your own hands.

In any case, the solution must be applied very carefully.

Plastering without beacons
Plastering in a plane (using a rule) is a good option if the walls are relatively even. If there are serious irregularities on the walls, the performer has no other choice but to plaster the walls on the lighthouses. Thanks to beacon profiles, irregularities are eliminated with an accuracy of 1 mm/m2.

Plastering without beacons Usually, metal beacons are used for this, although artificial gypsum beacons can also be created. In the second case, you can save the plaster mixture (the layer with iron beacons will be at least 6 mm).

Before plastering aerated concrete walls, you need to make sure that the plaster mixture is ideal for them. This material is environmentally friendly, it lets in oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the room, so the choice of plaster should be taken responsibly.

The technologies of how to plaster walls made of foam block, foam concrete, as well as how to plaster concrete walls differ little from each other. It is important to choose only the right mixture here. The technology is similar to how to plaster wooden walls.

How to plaster brick walls depends on the location of the surface being trimmed. Concrete and other moisture-resistant products are suitable from the outside, and it is also permissible to plaster brick walls inside the house with gypsum mixtures.

The technique for plastering walls with a cement-sand mortar is similar to working with any other wall finishing products. The main thing is to add the required amount of water.

How to plaster walls with beacons?
Many users are looking for tips on how to plaster walls without beacons. Here it is necessary to determine the thickness of the layer and the quality of the surface by eye. This method is suitable for relatively flat surfaces. Thus, small imperfections are smoothed out.

Plastered walls are already trimmed with selected paint, wallpaper or tiles - it depends on the purpose of the room and the desire of the owner.

During the repair process, we have to face many obstacles, and one of the most difficult is to eliminate the shortcomings of the underlying wall surface. Plastering walls is still a pleasure, but for beginners it seems like wandering through the seven circles of hell: it is sometimes so difficult to achieve the desired result, especially if you have a tendency to perfectionism in your blood and any flaw seems like a real disaster to you. However, if you know all the subtleties of scrupulous wall alignment and consistently use your knowledge in practice, then there is no trace of conditional complexity. Do-it-yourself wall plastering is a repair operation that is available to everyone, and after reading this material, you can easily see this.

What is plaster for? surface requirements


Surfaces are different, but the requirements for them are quite specific, taking into account the standards prescribed in official documents. According to them, the allowable vertical and horizontal deviations should be:

  • for non-residential premises- no more than 3 millimeters per 1 meter;
  • for facades- no more than 2 millimeters per 1 meter;
  • for living quarters- no more than 1 millimeter per 1 meter.




Plaster just helps to fit the walls to existing standards. Of course, it is difficult to achieve an ideal surface, but this mission is not impossible: if you know all the intricacies of the operation, it is quite possible to achieve a good result, even if you do everything yourself for the first time. Of course, the duration of alignment directly depends on the degree of unevenness of the wall, as well as on the presence of various defects on it. For example, cracks, mold, scraps from old material.


In addition to direct assignment, this operation also allows you to get several other advantages:

  • increasing the ability of the wall to pass through itself excess fumes, thereby regulating the level of humidity in the room;
  • improvement of the insulation characteristics of the structure;
  • protection of wooden bases from ignition;
  • strengthening the water-repellent qualities of the surface.




It is not possible to skip the stage of grueling wall plastering even in the case of using a drywall construction (read how to fix drywall to a wall). In this case, it is worth talking about a fast, so-called starting leveling with subsequent priming of the wall.



Are there any negative points? The main mistakes of beginners


In any case, negative points are inevitable, and plaster of this kind is no exception. However, they do not appear from scratch and are only the result of some common mistakes, most often characteristic of beginners. Let's focus on this.

Possible cracks

Among the main reasons for their appearance are:

  • violation of the recommended temperature regime during the operation;
  • non-compliance with the drying time.




If you are plastering walls for the first time, then the main commandment for you is do not rush . This extends not only to your spatula manipulations, but also to other seemingly secondary aspects of the work. So, when processing the facade, it should be borne in mind that the temperature should always be above zero. In the same way, it is necessary to strictly monitor the time of hardening of the solution. Usually such information is contained on the packaging, but ultimately the exact time depends on the thickness of the applied layer, the base material of the material and the humidity level in the room.

Violation of building regulations

This does not happen as often as drop-out cracks on the surface, but it does happen. Usually the reason for this is an excessive layer of plaster. Of course, it is not applied from a "good life" - in order to correct very serious wall defects, but in pursuit of a satisfactory result, sometimes you have to turn a blind eye to existing standards. Well, if there are no consequences. But what if it's the other way around?

Rapid surface contamination

Some types of finishing structural plaster have an "amazing" ability to literally attract dirt and dust. Everything would be fine, but sometimes even diligent cleaning does not help to cope with this. What to do? It is best to varnish or wax such a wall. Of course, this must be done in advance - which beginners do not even know about.

High mixture consumption

In order to achieve perfectly smooth walls, sometimes you have to spend not only a lot of time, but also a lot of material. Unnecessarily high material consumption is the result of incorrect leveling technique. Strongly smearing the plaster with a spatula on the wall is not a guarantee of success, the chosen direction and even the position of the spatula are no less important, but we will talk about this later in the section on direct technique.

4 types of plaster. How to choose the right mixture?


The choice of plaster for self-leveling walls is always associated with a number of important factors, each of which affects your final decision:

  • the internal or external nature of the work;
  • vertical and horizontal deviations in millimeters;
  • starting or finishing method of application;
  • wet or dry option for applying plaster.


All options found in hardware stores can be divided into 4 large groups (as well as 6 types of decorative plaster). The criterion for their selection is the type of base component used to create the binder base, as well as the nature of the filler.

Cement

  • based on cement, with the addition of sand;
  • high strength.
  • low cost.


If you have the task of plastering the walls outside, then you can safely mark this option. However, it is quite viable for leveling internal wall surfaces, however, in some cases it exhibits poor adhesion to concrete. In addition, using such plaster, be prepared for the dirtiest repair of your life: cement gets on the floor and is poorly washed, sometimes it settles in the air and enters the respiratory tract, which can cause allergies, a choking cough and severe irritation.

Cement-lime

  • based on cement, with the addition of limestone;
  • universal option;
  • affordable price.




A similar option, only with much higher adhesion. Works great with both facades and interior alignment. Experienced craftsmen recommend using a reinforcing mesh with a layer of more than 2 centimeters. In this way, too much shrinkage can be avoided.


One of the main disadvantages of such a mixture is the long drying time - up to several months, if we talk about the combination of start and finish leveling. We also draw your attention to the need for protective measures during the plastering of walls with your own hands: lime dust has a bad effect on the human body.



Gypsum

  • based on gypsum, with the addition of sand or lime;
  • very convenient to use;
  • not suitable for use in rooms with high humidity;
  • only initial alignment.


In the case of using a mixture based on gypsum, you get excellent adhesion to the surface. Applying gypsum plaster for walls with your own hands is a pleasure: nothing gets dirty, dries quickly enough, and then does not crack or shrink. However, due to the performance characteristics of gypsum, the use of such a mixture is undesirable for rooms with an unstable level of humidity. Accordingly, it is strictly forbidden to align the facades with it - internal work and nothing more.


Most often, gypsum plaster is used to quickly eliminate wall defects and subsequent installation of the finish. For example, pvc panels or ceramic tiles.

Clay

  • based on clay, with the addition of sand or lime;
  • inconvenient to use;
  • gives strong shrinkage.


Currently, the use of this type of plaster for leveling walls in residential premises is severely limited due to the instability of the building material, as well as the tendency to scratch and fall off.

Name Basis and purpose Consumption Price
KNAUF Rotband 8.5 kg per 1 sq. m with a layer up to 10 mm 410 rubles for 30 kg
Veber Vetonit Profi Gypsum gypsum-based leveling 8.5-10 kg per 1 sq. m with a layer up to 15 mm 390 rubles for 30 kg
Forman 61 basic cement-based, for indoor and outdoor use 14 kg per 1 sq. m with a layer up to 30 mm 230 rubles for 25 kg
Veber Vetonit TT40 cement-based leveler for indoor and outdoor use 1.7 kg per 1 sq. m with a layer up to 10 mm 290 rubles for 25 kg
M100 Besto leveling cement-lime based 18 kg per 1 sq.m with a layer up to 10 mm 120 rubles for 25 kg


Necessary tools and materials


One of the advantages of wall plastering is the absence of any surprises in the list of necessary tools and materials.

  • selected plaster mixture;
  • drill with mixer attachment (perforator with a drill);
  • a hammer;
  • dowel;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • level;
  • square;
  • container for mixing the mixture and primer;
  • primer;
  • brush;
  • putty knife;
  • gloves;
  • protective glasses;
  • protective mask;
  • work clothes.






To such a standard list, it remains only to add a good margin of patience - it will definitely not hurt you.

Surface preparation


A stage of work that many look down on - and completely in vain. In many ways, the end result depends on it. Although all failures can always be blamed on a poor-quality solution - it's always easier that way. However, the nature of surface preparation in each individual case may differ - you need to take into account the material of which it consists.



Brick

  1. removal of old material by moistening and subsequent methodical tapping with a hammer on a spatula;
  2. the cleaned surface is processed with a grinder or a conventional brush with iron bristles;
  3. deepening of seams between bricks for better absorption of plaster and optimal adhesion;
  4. completely clean the surface with a wet sponge;
  5. apply 2 coats of primer with an antiseptic effect, apply the second not earlier than the first one dries.











Concrete

  1. using an iron brush, clean the moistened surface from a layer of old material or cover it with an adhesive composition and thoroughly clean it with a spatula;
  2. make small notches on the already cleaned wall, which will significantly improve the adhesion of the plaster to the solid base;
  3. treat with a deep penetration primer - it is best if it is a concrete contact.









Wood

  1. cover the floor with a protective film;
  2. tap the entire wall surface with a hammer - some fragments of the old plaster will themselves fall to the floor;
  3. carefully pry the remaining parts with a spatula and remove them yourself;
  4. remove the old shingles - crate for better adhesion of the mixture to the surface;
  5. treat the entire wall with a deep penetration primer;
  6. diagonally fill a new shingle on the wall - it will serve as beacons during the elimination of irregularities;
  7. treat the entire wall along with the shingles with a wood preservative;
  8. proceed to the next step only when the wall is completely dry.



What are beacons for?


Beacons called metal profiles that act as landmarks during surface plastering. The purpose of their use is very clear - to achieve perfect evenness of the wall. Here's how to work with beacons to get the most out of them:

  1. take metal guide profiles and fix them on the wall with a gypsum mixture, after checking the building level - the choice of gypsum is fundamental, since this material dries very quickly and allows you to safely fix the profile at the level at which it is required;
  2. guide profiles are set at intervals of 1-1.5 meters;
  3. using a plumb line, you can control the vertical alignment of profiles.





If the surface does not have obvious defects, there are no noticeable depressions or bumps, then it is quite possible to do without placing beacons. However, in the reverse situation, their use will help you save time and nerves and achieve a good planned result.




Learn more about how to correctly set the beacons, below in the video.

Solution preparation

  1. water is poured into the prepared container;
  2. a small amount of the purchased dry mix is ​​\u200b\u200badded - 6-7 trowels - and stirred;
  3. the rest of the dry mixture is successively poured and stirred with a construction mixer;
  4. let the solution stand for five minutes and do the last kneading with a mixer to get the right consistency.










An important point is the amount of the prepared solution. It needs exactly as much as will be used in the next fifty minutes. For example, after an hour of settling, cement-based plaster loses its qualities and demonstrates depressingly low adhesion to the base. In the case of a gypsum mixture, it is worth talking about half an hour - after the solution can be safely thrown away.


Keep this information in mind so you don't waste your plaster!


About all the nuances of preparing the solution - in the next video.

main process. 3 main stages


Wall plastering is a complex process in terms of its multi-stage implementation. However, if we break the main operation into several points, then it immediately turns out that behind the seeming complexity, in general, simple manipulations are hidden.

Stage 1. splatter

Used: plastering spatula (trowel), rule.
Recommended layer thickness: from 4 to 10 mm, depending on the type of base.
Target: filling voids, eliminating noticeable defects, leveling the sketched layer

Technology

  1. using a plaster spatula, draw the mortar from the container and throw it onto the wall, trying to get into the existing voids;
  2. you should start from the bottom of the wall and gradually move to the left or right side, rising higher and higher;
  3. the solution should be thrown carefully, without unnecessary fanaticism, to a height of no more than 1.2 meters;
  4. a rule is installed on the guide profiles (beacons) and slowly rises up with a slight pressure on the wall;
  5. the plaster is distributed with smooth and confident movements to the left and right.













Stage 2. Priming

Used: wide and narrow spatula.
Recommended layer thickness: until the guide beacons are completely hidden.
Target: applying a ground layer.

Technology

  1. the second stage should begin after the starting bulk and already leveled layer has completely dried;
  2. using a narrow spatula, the solution is taken from the container and transferred to a wide one;
  3. the mixture is applied to the wall with careful alignment of all stripes remaining after contact with the tool.





Stage 3. Finishing layer (cover)

Used: narrow and wide spatula, trowel.
Recommended layer thickness: no more than 1.5-2 mm.
Target: final leveling of the wall surface, grinding.

Technology

  1. the finishing layer is superimposed on the still wet previous one - if it has time to dry, then it is allowed to moisten it with a roller soaked in water;
  2. in order not to miss the flaws on the surface, the wall is illuminated with a light bulb and each wrinkled strip is carefully leveled with a spatula;
  3. after drying with a wooden (plastic one is also suitable) trowel, rub the entire surface in a circular motion counterclockwise;
  4. to achieve the desired result, press it as tightly as possible;
  5. at the very end, you can fix the felt material on the ironing board and carry out the final mashing.








In order for you to visually imagine the whole range of work with self-plastering walls, view the proposed videos with valuable tips from professionals. They can be trusted!