When it comes to covering the exterior of a home, mineral plaster is a flexible and long-lasting material that has both practical and visual advantages. Mineral plaster is made of natural materials like cement, sand, and lime. It gives the walls a porous surface that helps control moisture. Because of this quality, it is especially well-suited to a variety of climates because temperature changes won’t damage it.
The ability of mineral plaster to shield the underlying structure from weathering and environmental damage is one of its main benefits. In contrast to artificial substitutes, mineral plaster exhibits resistance against ultraviolet light, thereby averting discoloration and guaranteeing sustained color vibrancy. For homeowners who want to preserve their home’s exterior appearance over time with little upkeep, this makes it a sustainable option.
Moreover, mineral plaster provides a variety of design options, enabling homeowners to create unique textures and finishes that go well with their home’s architectural style. Mineral plaster can be tailored to satisfy aesthetic preferences while improving the overall curb appeal, whether the desired appearance is smooth and contemporary or more textured and traditional.
Mineral plaster stands out as an eco-friendly choice for individuals who are worried about the effects on the environment. Compared to synthetic alternatives, its composition of natural ingredients lowers the carbon footprint associated with application and manufacturing. Furthermore, because of its durability, there will be fewer replacements and repairs needed, which will reduce waste over the facade’s lifetime and contribute to sustainability.
Types of facade plaster
For millennia, plaster has been utilized as a finishing material for walls and ceilings, and it is still regarded as the most versatile method of surface design. She came to see the light in the height of the Roman Empire, when the wealthy populations found great appeal in the plastered walls. But with the aid of plaster, the middle-class and impoverished Romans were able to organize housing.
It’s interesting that decorative finishing plaster even made an appearance in ancient Rome. This was because, when large stone blocks were being manufactured, a lot of small stone waste was produced. The resourceful Romans decided to use this waste to make decorative plaster. It was first applied to temple ceilings and walls as decoration.
Plaster wall décor: from classical Rome to the present
The plaster market now offers an enormous assortment of plaster; this material has come in a wide range of colors and variations. The simplest method of categorizing them is according to the materials utilized in their production.
From this vantage point, plaster occurs:
- silicate;
- acrylic;
- silicone;
- Mineral.
Every one of these varieties has unique qualities and attributes related to both the material’s look and the technology used to apply it on the work surface.
Kinds of plaster facade structures
Silicate plasters are primarily composed of mineral-based ingredients. And a glass with liquid potassium is a binder. The walls don’t need special maintenance because this material is low elasticity, has a high vapor permeability, doesn’t mind dirt, and stays clean for a long time.
Silicate plaster is frequently applied to challenging processing surfaces, such as cellular concrete and shell. It comes in a variety of shades and is pre-made when purchased. The primary drawback of silicate plaster is the possibility of minute surface cracks.
Plaster for silicate facades
Acrylic plaster is a plastic material that is resistant to abrupt temperature changes and is frequently used to decorate the facade of buildings. She finds it simple to apply the required color with the tints. It is elastic, has good vapor permeability, and is devoid of pathogens and parasites. The acrylic plasters that are currently on the market are the ones that stand out the most.
Plaster for acrylic facades
The primary drawback of using acrylic plaster is its "magnetism" when it comes to mud. Any surfaces covered with this finishing material will inevitably collect dust. Thankfully, since the dirt does not eat into the surface, it is simple to restore the plaster to its original state; simply give the wall a quick wash. Additionally, because acrylic plaster dries quickly, it can be challenging to apply and should only be done in one continuous coat, pausing only to transfer to a new wall.
Granikot Acrylic "lamb" made of acrylic plaster
Plaster of silicon It is thought to be the priciest. Since silicone serves as the foundation, any filler—such as quartz sand—can be added to it, which causes the surface to become blemished and resemble real stone. Silicone plaster is elastic, vapor permeable, and does not draw dirt.
Silicone ornamental plaster
Prices for various types of decorative plaster
The plaster is decorative
Mineral plaster
We will discuss mineral plaster separately because that is the topic of the article. Since the binder in this construction mixture is specifically high-quality Portland cement and lime, it is frequently referred to as cement. There are undoubtedly many different minerals, or filler minerals—that is, fragments of marble, quartz, or granite. This combination of ingredients results in a very dependable and superior building material that is ideal for decorating buildings on the inside as well as the outside.
Mineral-based plaster. This plaster is the most resilient of all the varieties of this material because of the cement that is a part of its composition.
Speaking of which, Although there are mineral plasters for facades made of silicates, they are very uncommon because of the high cost of the material.
The strength of mineral plaster is its primary benefit. Such a coating has been created for many years and regularly serves a person without crumbling. But this stuff is more expensive than an equivalent amount of acrylic plaster. Thankfully, this construction mixture pays for itself during operation rather quickly, meaning that new wall installation is not required. Excellent vapor permeability and resistance to moisture exposure characterize mineral plaster.
Characteristics of mineral plaster
Since there are many different types of mineral plasters available, you can select ones that are ideal for finishing the walls, the basement, and other surfaces. The size of the filler fractions can also vary in the material; the addition of larger inclusions results in a variety of textures in addition to color.
Painted plaster bark beetle
Crucial! It is crucial to consider a plastering’s compliance with international standards and GOSTs when purchasing any type of plastering. These are the primary indicators of the material’s high caliber and dependability.
Mineral plaster was used to finish the facade.
Types of mineral plaster
In turn, there are various varieties of mineral plaster. It is important to first categorize all of its varied forms into two categories: facade and decorative. Thankfully, there aren’t many differences between them. Plaster used outside the house, or facade plaster, must unquestionably resist the effects of various natural factors. In this instance, the facade type typically consists solely of stamps with significant filler fractions. One way to add relief to the walls is to apply a pebble plaster. Additionally, facade plasters are treated with additives that boost their UV resistance.
Using mineral plaster for facades
Speaking of which, Due to the fact that facade mineral plaster is typically applied in layers of at least 5 mm, consumption is always fairly high.
Generally speaking, the facade’s ornamental mineral plasters give it a lovely appearance and a distinct texture in addition to guaranteeing the surface’s alignment and protection. The type of filler will determine the latter.
Plaster filler types in a table.
| Filler | Description |
|---|---|
| Glass | Contrary to fears, such walls will not scratch, since glass inclusions of sharp edges do not have. But they look very impressive. |
| Clay | One of the cheapest options, but it is possible to easily choose a color plaster, since the variety of color variations is quite large. Often used for interior design indoors. |
| Ceramics | A rather rare type of filler, since the process of manufacturing such plasters is considered quite complicated. But from their application you can get a fairly interesting effect. |
| Anthracite | Waste of coal production allows you to create a dark shade plaster, but it is difficult to purchase this option – it gets extremely rarely on the shelves. |
| Quartz | Quite common filler type. Cheap and affordable, but plaster with its addition looks really beautiful. In addition, the mixture is easily applied. |
| Marble | The coating is very durable and looks like a natural stone. Often used not only for facade, but also for internal work. It is difficult to apply marble plaster. |
| Mica | More such plaster is called terrazite. Due to the features of the filler, the walls will look very interesting – they will gently shine. |
The size of the fractions matters
When applying mineral plaster, the size of the filler fractions also has a significant impact on the outcome; for this reason, the following composition types are identified:
- rude factory (inclusions in size 5 mm or more);
- Large -player (fractions size from 3.5 to 4 mm);
- medium -phase (from 1.5 to 3 mm);
- fine -playing (from 0.5 to 1 mm);
- Subtator (less than 0.5 mm).
The dimensions of the plaster filler on the facade
You can utilize plaster types ranging from gross-focusing to mid-playing to decorate facades. But occasionally, additional "tender" options are obtained.
How to pick plaster for a facade
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any other material, mineral facade plasters have advantages and disadvantages related to operational characteristics and application technology.
The benefits of mineral plasters include:
- excellent vapor permeability, so condensation is not formed on the surface of the wall;
- Most species are easily applied;
- high strength of the final coating;
- The coating does not crumble over time;
- plaster is not afraid of the effects of precipitation;
- can be used on absolutely any surfaces;
- This is environmentally friendly material that does not harm health and does not violate the environmental situation in the territory adjacent to the house;
- The coating is easily washed, fungi, mold do not live on it;
- plaster is not a fuel;
- relatively low cost compared to other types of plasters;
- allows you to easily achieve uniformity of wall surface coating.
Mineral coatings with quartz grain examples
Mineral facade plaster drawbacks:
- When preparing solutions, it is important to accurately observe the recipe, otherwise the result will not be what is expected;
- It is necessary to take into account the costs of labor;
- At the stage of storage for plaster, moisture should not get;
- surfaces are almost always obtained only matte.
One more instance of ornamental facade plaster
Mineral plasters can only be handled manually. Therefore, there will be significant labor costs involved in applying the material to the walls.
Aerated concrete facade plaster When choosing external wall decoration, one must take into account the significant differences in technical properties between aerated concrete and other materials. Plastering is the most popular method; however, the right composition needs to be chosen to guarantee that the coating covers as much of the base material as possible.
Usage
The application of facade mineral plasters extends beyond a residential building’s walls. Plasters are used in a variety of locations due to their exceptional strength characteristics, including stations, underground passageways, cafes, restaurants, cultural institutions, and production buildings. They can withstand nearly critical operating conditions flawlessly. Stairwells and building basements are frequently finished with mineral plaster.
Application of decorative mineral plaster
Speaking of which, It is not appropriate to use mineral plasters for draft work. They are typically applied to walls that have already been prepared and leveled. However, this kind of material completely substitutes tiles, wallpaper, and other coatings inside and outside of homes.
Because mineral plaster is easily cleaned, it can also be used to decorate buildings in big cities. It works well in a range of climates because it can tolerate variations in temperature and moisture content.
One more instance of applying this type of plaster
| Benefits | Mineral plaster is breathable, durable, and resistant to weather conditions. |
| Application | Applied in multiple layers, providing a textured finish that conceals imperfections. |
The use of mineral plaster has become more popular as a practical and long-lasting option for improving the aesthetic appeal and resilience of home facades. Compared to conventional synthetic coatings, it has various advantages because it is made of natural minerals like sand, cement, and lime. Breathability is one of its main advantages; it lets moisture in the walls escape, preventing problems like mold and dampness. By preserving a proper moisture balance, this feature also lengthens the facade’s lifespan.
The environmental friendliness of mineral plaster is another noteworthy benefit. Compared to synthetic alternatives, it usually has a smaller environmental impact because it is made of natural ingredients. Because of this, it’s a top option for environmentally conscious homeowners who want to lessen their carbon footprint without sacrificing style or quality.
Mineral plaster has a broad variety of textures and finishes that give homeowners the option to create a variety of aesthetics, from sleek and contemporary to rustic and textured. Its adaptability to various architectural styles and personal preferences allows it to be used in both new construction and renovations.
Moreover, mineral plaster is renowned for its resilience to weathering and durability. It provides a strong shield against environmental factors like rain, sun, and temperature changes, safeguarding the building’s underlying structure. Because it needs less frequent repainting or repair than other facade treatments, its durability eventually translates into lower maintenance costs.
All things considered, mineral plaster is a dependable option for enhancing and safeguarding home facades. For homeowners looking for an exterior finish that combines beauty and functionality, this blend of natural materials offers an appealing option because of its long-term durability, aesthetic versatility, and environmental benefits.
A great way to improve the resilience, visual appeal, and insulating effectiveness of home facades is with mineral plaster. This kind of plaster, which is made of natural minerals like cement, silica, and lime, offers strong weather resistance while still enabling the facade to breathe. Because of its porous structure, it is less vulnerable to damage from changes in temperature and humidity. Furthermore, mineral plaster can be designed to fit a variety of architectural styles because it comes in a broad range of textures and colors. Mineral plaster has become a sustainable option for modern building exteriors because it offers practical advantages like fire resistance and low maintenance along with aesthetic flexibility. This promotes both long-term structural integrity and visual harmony.
