Plaster mixtures on gypsum and cement. Which plaster is better: gypsum or cement? What is the difference, which one is better to choose? What to consider in order not to be disappointed in self-preparation of the solution

If you need to level the surface of the walls in the room or update the facade of the house, wall plastering is one of the most inexpensive and popular ways. Of course, getting started, you must first familiarize yourself with the types of plaster (especially in the case when there is not enough experience in repair work), because choosing the wrong mixture can ruin the final result. In this article we will tell you how the plaster mixture is prepared on cement base and dry gypsum plaster, as well as which type is suitable for walls.

Wall plaster

Comparative characteristics of plaster mixes

Let's compare cement-sand, lime and gypsum mortar for plastering walls according to their characteristics.

Gypsum plaster

The most popular now are dry mixes for plaster on plaster base. Their main advantage is a very simple application process. Such plaster is sold ready-made, you don’t have to mix anything, you just need to dilute it with water in the required proportions.

The most popular plaster mixture is from Knauf-Rotband, Volma Sloy, Forman 10, Founding Gipswell, Prospectors. In terms of quality, they differ little from each other, but some types cannot be used in wet areas.

"Knauf Rotband"

Separately, it is worth talking about universal mixtures for wall plastering from Knauf - Rotband. The price for a bag of 30 kg is 360-390 rubles, which is more expensive than all similar options. On sale there is also packing of 5, 10, and 25 kg.

This mixture has been produced for half a century in Germany, and in Russia it appeared 20 years ago. It has become so popular that the name "Rotband" is used by some to refer to any dry gypsum plaster mixes.

There are other gypsum plasters from Knauf-Goldband and HP START, but they are not in demand, due to high density.

"Rotband" has the following characteristics:

Consumption 8.5 kg/sq. m. with a layer of 1 cm. One standard bag is enough to level 3.5 sq. m.
The maximum layer thickness is 5 cm (on the ceiling only 1.5 cm, and if the height difference is greater, then alignment is done using suspended ceilings).
The minimum layer thickness is 0.5 cm (1 cm when laying tiles).
The average drying time is 7 days, depending on humidity and thickness.
Suitable for plastering walls and ceilings made of concrete, brick, polystyrene foam surfaces.
This mixture is not suitable for sealing joints between drywall sheets. For this, gypsum-based putty is used - Knauf Uniflot. Read more about drywall puttying in our article.
It is recommended to use in rooms with normal air humidity, it can be used in the kitchen or in the bathroom.
Color - from white to gray or even pink. It depends on the amount of natural impurities, and does not affect the characteristics of the material.
Shelf life - 6 months.

You can apply a thicker layer on the walls after complete drying the first layer of maximum thickness. On the ceiling, applying more than one layer of plaster is unacceptable.

Among the main advantages of the mixture "Rotband" are the following.

Getting a smooth surface.
The absence of cracks even on a thick layer of plaster (subject to compliance with the technology).
The consumption of the mixture is two times less than that of cement-sand types.
Possibility of applying a layer up to 5 cm in one go without splashing the surface.
The solution does not lose all moisture even on porous substrates or at elevated temperatures, which ensures uniform drying without delamination and without cracking.
The composition does not contain harmful substances, it is completely safe.
Due to the addition of polymer additives to the composition, the mixture provides enhanced adhesion, which allows it to be used even on the ceiling.
The composition of the mixture includes special additives to increase the working time with gypsum mortar.

To obtain the optimal consistency, the dry mixture is mixed with water in proportions of approximately 2: 1, i.e. 15-17 liters of water should be used per 30 kg bag. For thorough mixing, use the mixer nozzle on the perforator.
The video shows an example of plastering work using Knauf Rotband:

Cement plaster mixture

The cement-sand mixture for plaster has the following composition:

1 part of cement m-400;
3-5 parts of sand (if the cement is m-500, then you can increase it to 7 parts of sand).

Usually, when cooking, all the elements are added “by eye”. You can use the following instructions.

The preparation of a solution for plastering walls begins with sifting sand. This will require a sieve with cells of about 4 mm; for dry sand, a finer mesh can be used. When the sand is ready, proceed to the manufacture of the solution. To do this, pour 2.5-3 liters of water into a 10-liter bucket.

To make the solution soft and plastic, you can add a little detergent to the water.

Put three parts of cement into the mortar container and mix it thoroughly with a mixer.
While mixing the solution with a mixer, add sand until the container is full. Start stirring the solution at low speed so that the liquid does not splash out.
As a result, the solution should turn out to be a viscous consistency, so that when the mixer is pulled out, a hole of 2-3 cm remains.

One batch is enough for approximately 1.5 square meters of plaster. m. walls. Basically, the consumption of the mixture depends on the thickness of the applied layer, so if you want to avoid overspending the material, then you need to buy the thinnest beacons, from 3 mm.

Dry mix cement based

If there are no plans to mix the solution yourself, you can buy a ready-made mixture in dry form, which is simply diluted with water.

For example, the following types are on sale:

"Vetonit TT";
"Volma Aquasloy";
"Magma";
Plaster and repair putty "CeresitCT 29";
For facades: Knauf Unterputz, Sokelputz, Grunband (with expanded polystyrene granules), IVSIL GROSS.

Cement-lime mixtures

cement mortar in pure form not used as often because it has poor adhesion and increased cracking. In addition, not everyone has the opportunity to use expensive dry mixes, so lime mortar plaster is a good alternative. This is very economical option a mixture with which it is convenient to work due to its plasticity.

Also, this option is good for use in private homes due to bactericidal properties - this is an additional protection against fungus. Lime mortar is chosen mainly for rough wall finishing in rooms with normal and low humidity. Unlike cement mortar, a lime-based mixture is well suited for plaster over shingles, as it adheres well to a wood surface.

The disadvantages of this mixture include low grade strength, in contrast to the solution based on Portland cement. But this drawback does not play a special role; for plaster, compressive strength is not so much important as good level adhesion and plasticity.

Composition of lime mortar for plaster:

1 part cement;
½ part of slaked lime;
5 parts of sand;
300 ml liquid soap.

The mixture turns out to be very elastic and keeps well on the wall; after drying, cracks do not appear on the surface. Liquid soap adds a pleasant smell and increases elasticity.

Cement-lime mortar for plaster can be prepared in another way:

1 part lime sour cream;
2.5 parts of sand;
0.12-0.25 parts of cement (depending on the amount of lime).

Best to take quicklime and extinguish it yourself. 50 kg will require 13 buckets of water. Please note that lime will increase by 2.5-3 times during slaking, so this work is done in a barrel of the appropriate volume.

This composition will adhere well and keep on the wall, level with the rule and rub well. Plastering costs 250 sq. m. such a mixture will cost about 22,200 rubles. (per material):

3 cubes of sand - 2000 rubles;
quicklime 800 kg - 19,000 rubles;
cement 150 kg - 1200 rubles.

If we compare the costs with the Rotband plaster, then the same area would take 3-4 thousand rubles more.

Dry mix based on lime-cement

You can purchase a ready-made dry mix on a lime-cement basis.
The most popular types are:

"Knauf Sevener" (universal mixture);
"BEST";
“Founding STARTWELL” and “FLYWELL”;

Facade plaster mixes

In private houses, in addition to interior decoration, it is required exterior finish walls. Many owners unknowingly or for the sake of economy plaster facades with the same mixture that was used for interior decoration. It is strongly discouraged to do this, because for external walls requires a mixture that can withstand exposure environment and yet not collapse. Below we give a list of good plaster mixes for facades.

Mineral plaster mixes

Mineral mixtures are produced on the basis of cement, therefore, there is a marking on the packaging - “Polymer-cement mixture”. Thanks to such a component as a redispersible powder, these mixtures have high adhesive qualities. sell mineral mixtures dry in bags.

mineral plaster
Specifications:

low cost;
resistance to fire;
moisture resistance;
good strength;
high vapor permeability;
long-term operation.

Acrylic-based plaster mixes

Synthetic plaster mixes are made on the basis of acrylic dispersion. Sold already in finished form in a liquid state and do not require additional preparation.

Acrylic plaster
Specifications:

increased resistance to mechanical stress;
moisture resistance;
high adhesion to various surfaces.

silicate plaster mixes

The basis of silicate mixtures is potassium liquid glass. Silicate mixtures are produced in liquid form, ready for use. This type of mixture is ideal for finishing walls insulated with mineral wool.

silicate plaster
Specifications:

excellent elasticity;
good water resistance;
good strength.

Silicone plaster mixes

As you can easily guess from the name, the composition of this type of mixture includes an expensive material - silicone. For this reason, silicone mixtures are very expensive, but the price is well compensated by the merits of this material.

silicone plaster
Specifications:

excellent resistance to moisture;
long-term operation;
excellent adhesion;
high elasticity;
easy installation.

We examined the main types of plaster for walls, ceilings and facades. We advise you to carefully study the characteristics of each of them and choose the most suitable option. You can either buy a ready-made mixture, or cook it yourself according to the proportions above.

Self-preparation of plaster mortar - good way save on building materials. After all, the ingredients for the solution are sold on any construction market. And buying them separately is cheaper than bringing a complex product to the construction site. If a small surface is to be repaired and the packaging of the mixture for solid plaster obviously cannot be used, it is easier to prepare a solution for plastering walls with your own hands. The main thing is to know in what proportions to mix.

If you yourself make a plaster mixture for finishing the entire room or for plastering the house outside, it may be worth buying or renting a concrete mixer or construction mixer to reduce labor costs.

Compositions for various surfaces

Plaster mortars consist of binders, aggregates and modifying additives. Additives are used to enhance the plasticity and strength of the solution, to give it hydro- and noise-insulating properties, or to create decorative effects.

There are special varieties of X-ray protective and acid-resistant mixtures- but the latter are prepared only in production, with strict control of technology.

The filler in most solutions is sand. The binding of the components of the mixture when water is added is provided by cement, gypsum, clay, lime, or combinations of several of these minerals.

In a wall plaster mortar, the proportions of the ingredients and theirs are determined by the intended use of the plaster. So, for plastering buildings from the side of the street, a solution is usually taken, including a higher percentage binder.

It is also useful to know which plaster is better. For finishing the facade of buildings / buildings, it is also used. When plastering fireplaces, you need to use components that can withstand high temperatures.

Plaster mortars are classified based on the name of one of the binders that make up the mixture. On this basis, there are:

cement-based mortars;
lime-based solutions;
clay-based solutions;
mortars based on gypsum or with high content plaster.

In practice, of the solutions with one binder, only cement is widely used. The remaining popular mixtures are more complex - cement and lime, lime and clay, lime and gypsum are used simultaneously.

AT decorative plaster add fillers that create relief: granite, tuff, marble, dolomite, crushed glass.

FROM decorative purpose various dyes are also used, which create a uniform and durable color of the plaster layer: thanks to dyes, the plaster does not require further finishing.

Cement mortar: an almost universal mixture of cement

This type of solution is suitable for most types of surfaces, and outside it will best protect the concrete building structure from moisture and cold.

The advantages of cement mortar are the extreme strength of the finished plaster, the relatively low price of ingredients, ease of preparation, slow setting (which allows the mortar to be prepared in advance for trouble-free operation).

The main disadvantage is the ability of cement plaster to shrink, crack during the drying process.

For more information about the preparation of cement mortar, see the video:

The proportions of cement and sand in the mortar for plaster can be different: 2-5 parts of sand are taken for one part of cement. Higher grade cement binds plaster better and requires less. But the dependence of the brand and the amount of cement in the mixture is non-linear.

Adding sand to a certain limit increases the strength of the plaster, but reduces its plasticity and ability to adhere to the surface.

There is a belief that the first number in the name of the brand of cement (from 200 to 500) means the number of parts of sand that the cement can bind. The numbers indicate the "binding force" only indirectly, but only indicate the strength of hypothetical products made of pure cement.

Namely: cement stone, which will be made of M500 cement (option - PC500), will be able to withstand a load of 500 kg per 1 cm3. Therefore, mixing a kilogram of M500 with five kilograms of sand is a bad idea: the solution will not stick to the wall and will quickly collapse.

The normal proportions of cement mortar for wall plastering are 2-3 kg of cement per kilogram of sand. Two - for cement M 300. Three - a suitable ratio for M 400 - M 500, (plaster from cement M 500 will be stronger).

As a rule, for the first layer of plaster, a leaner solution with a lower cement content is taken, and for the finishing one, a greasy one.

In almost any room, it is required to provide warmth that will not freeze and warm even in the coldest season. By clicking on, learn how to make a screed for a warm water floor.

For the correct device of the screed, knowledge of the nuances is necessary. source materials, the proportions of their mixing, as well as take into account the type of surface and its condition. find out what proportions the floor screed mortar should have.

Installation of a warm floor in a house or apartment is invariably accompanied by work on the formation of a screed. Here is all useful information about optimal underfloor heating.

To prepare the solution, sand of medium or fine (but not the smallest) fraction, purified from impurities, is used. Even stronger plaster will turn out if you use two fractions at once in approximately equal volumes: medium, which passes through a sieve with cells of 2-2.5 mm, and fine (1.5-2 mm).

A solution using coarse sand will not allow you to finally level the surface, but the use of too fine (less than 1.5 mm) sand threatens to crack the finished plaster.

How is cement-sand mortar prepared?

For cooking cement-sand mortar you need to pour the required amount of sand into the container for the mixture.
After that, pour cement on top. Next, you need to mix sand and cement to get a mixture of even gray color.

Then you should gradually pour in water, constantly stirring the solution. Stop mixing when get a mass of sour cream density, which can be held on a vertical wall.

The easiest lime mortar for wall plastering consists only of lime and sand in a ratio of 1:3 diluted to a convenient consistency with water. Sand, as for other solutions, needs clean, free from impurities, with particle sizes not exceeding 5 mm.

Suitable, like quicklime, but quicklime will still have to be paid off first, i.e. dilute with water and wait until the “boiling” stops.

The main advantages of lime plaster are low price, good adhesion to the wall material, high plasticity. However, plasters, where only lime is used as a binder, are used exclusively indoors: it is fragile and collapses in the rain.

Instability to moisture also determines the impossibility of using lime plaster in bathrooms, damp basements, and laundries. Another disadvantage of lime plaster is the setting speed: it cannot be prepared in large portions.

Most of the shortcomings of lime mortar can be smoothed out by adding cement to it.

A more durable cement-lime mortar for plaster, the proportions of which are from 0.5 to 1.5 measures of lime per measure of cement and 2-4 measures of sand.

Such plaster can be applied both to external and internal walls, including in bathrooms and laundries. The setting speed of the mortar can also be reduced by adding cement: it becomes more convenient to work.

The exact ratio of components in the mixture is chosen differently for different layers of plaster (less lime is needed for the first layer, more for the finish).

How to make lime mortar for plaster walls: proportions and technology

To prepare a lime and cement-lime mortar for plaster, dry lime should be measured immediately in the desired proportion and diluted with water - the so-called milk of lime will be obtained.

Not slaked lime at the same time, it will “boil”: you need to wait for the steam release process to complete before taking the next step. A solution of slaked lime is used immediately.

The remaining dry ingredients are added to lime milk: only sand or sand mixed with cement.

All this mass is stirred and, if necessary, diluted to the desired density. It is necessary to work out the whole batch in 1-2 hours.

Clay mortars are prepared in the same way as lime mortars: first, clay dough is diluted, then aggregate is added and the mass is leveled in density.

How to use clay for wall plastering

However, a purely clay mortar for plastering walls is not used, the proportions of 1 share of clay in the composition of clay dough for 3 mass fractions of sand are remembered only when it is necessary to make a clay "shell" for chimney. Clay-cement and clay-lime mortars are used for plastering walls and furnaces.

Clay-based plaster mixes are preferred if you need to plaster a wooden surface. The ratio of clay and cement in such a solution is 1: 0.2, clay and lime paste - 1: 0.5.

If the clay solution is prepared for finishing the furnace, then asbestos or crushed fiberglass is additionally placed in it: 0.1 parts per 1 part of clay.

This enhances the strength of the finish. As usual, you also need a filler - sand: 2-3 measures per measure of clay.

Do-it-yourself gypsum mortar

Gypsum based mixtures construction site not very common, since it is inconvenient to work with them: the gypsum mortar sets too quickly, 4-6 minutes after kneading.

Gypsum mortar is appropriate if you need to repair a deep crack in an interior wall: gypsum plaster does not shrink, so your patch will not crack. It is also desirable to know him. Such a "repair" solution is made without aggregate: it is enough to mix gypsum and water for it.

For repair wooden surfaces use arbogypsum: mix gypsum and sawdust in equal proportions, then diluted with water to the density of sour cream.

Features of a gypsum-based mixture, is sand added

Most often, gypsum can be found among the components of a lime-gypsum mortar. In this building mixture, one part of gypsum is combined with three parts of lime. The ingredients are used in a liquid state, no sand is added. A water-gypsum solution is prepared right before work, and lime dough is made in advance.

This solution also sets quickly, but still a little slower than pure gypsum. And besides, the plaster is stronger than from each of these materials separately.

The property of gypsum to accelerate the setting of building pastes can be useful if the speed of repair is fundamentally important.

A small amount of gypsum can be added to any plaster mixture to continue after an hour Finishing work over the applied layer.

Special cases: plastering of external walls and plinths

The proportions of the mortar for plaster do not differ from those used in plasters for finishing walls inside the room. However, not all types of plaster are suitable for outdoor wall application.

Lime and lime-gypsum mortars are not used, most often cement and lime-cement mortars are taken. Sometimes best choices there are plasters with the addition of clay or with gypsum in the mixture, but they definitely need an external protective layer.

In plaster mortars for outdoor use, additional "additives" are often added to give strength to the plaster layer. The most famous additive is PVA glue.

The choice of the main binder in the plaster solution is determined by the material from which the house is built.

for concrete walls, as well as from cinder block walls, a standard cement-sand plaster, ideally - with the addition of PVA;
for brick walls lime-cement plaster is preferable to prevent wall moisture;
rubble stone walls are best coated with a mixture of sawdust and clay, and then painted;
foam concrete walls are usually sealed with ready-made mixtures - gypsum-perlite or silicate. Gypsum-perlite then need additional protection;
wooden houses are covered only with clay-based mortar, sometimes mixed with sawdust.

Finishing the basement is difficult due to the fact that this part of the building is constantly exposed to moisture.

Plaster mortars for the plinth are usually made on the basis of ready mixes with hydraulic additives.

To prepare a mortar for plastering a basement, you can also use a mixture of ordinary cement with sand in proportions of 1: 3 (spray and primer layer) and 1: 1.5 (finish, finishing layer).

A hydraulic additive can be purchased additionally and combined with the prepared solution.

What to consider in order not to be disappointed in the self-preparation of the solution?

The conditions under which the solution will be applied. Both the composition and the ratio of ingredients depend on this. In most cases, plaster is applied in several layers, the proportions of binder and aggregate are selected separately for each.
The material of the walls that is covered with plaster. Miscellaneous materials adhere well to various solutions.
Ingredient Characteristics, their availability and the ability to purchase technologically necessary additives.
Affordable labor productivity and plaster setting speed. Do not prepare a volume of solution that you will not have time to use. But kneading a new portion every half hour is also not very convenient.

Plaster is used to level walls. In this case, the question often arises: which mixture is better to choose - cement or gypsum? Plastering walls is a costly process, both in terms of labor and money. Therefore, the desire of any owner is understandable to choose a material that will create a reliable grip with the base, will not crack, will not fall off, and will last for many years. It is quite difficult to unequivocally answer the question of which plaster is better - gypsum or cement - to cover the walls. Each mixture has its own advantages, disadvantages, features.

Plaster is used for work outside and inside the house. Its task is to eliminate defects in the base, to level it. In addition, it creates protective layer, which prevents the penetration of moisture, the spread of fire, heat loss. The main task that plaster must cope with is to prepare the wall for further finishing.

When choosing a mixture, it is necessary to take into account its purpose and composition. By appointment, plaster is ordinary and decorative. Ordinary mixtures are used for interior or exterior work, they can also be universal, special. Decorative compositions allow you to create a relief, structural or Venetian coating. Mixes of different composition are offered for sale. The most popular are gypsum and cement plaster. To better understand which one to choose, you need to understand their main characteristics.

Features of the gypsum mixture

The basis of gypsum plaster is gypsum with various fillers that help reduce consumption, and plasticizers that improve adhesion to the surface. A gypsum-based solution is used to level surfaces, preparing them for subsequent finishing. It is not used in wet areas. Depending on the size of the filler, fine, medium, coarse-grained mixtures are isolated. To obtain a thin layer, use a fine-grained composition. To equalize large differences, eliminate large defects, a coarse-grained mixture is required.

Apply gypsum plaster usually for internal works. For outdoor it is better to take cement. Although there are gypsum compositions that, by adding additional components to them, perfectly cope with the influence of negative factors. However, they will cost more than cement.

The solution can be applied in a sufficiently thick layer, while it does not crack when dried. Therefore, it can be used to eliminate even large defects and damage. Advantages of gypsum plaster:

Environmental friendliness. It does not contain harmful components, is not aggressive, is absolutely harmless.
Vapor permeability. Due to the porosity, gypsum regulates the humidity in the room: it absorbs excess moisture, and releases moisture if necessary.
Creates sound and heat insulating layer. This is especially true in panel houses.
Effectively removes roughness.
Plastic and easy to apply.

It is not recommended to use gypsum plaster in rooms without heating. It is convenient when working hard-to-reach places because it dries quickly. In addition, if the layer is perfectly even, then it can not be puttied.

If it is decided to use a gypsum mixture, then it is necessary to take into account its inherent disadvantages:

it sets quickly, so it is impossible to prepare a lot of solution at once;
with a large layer thickness, it can shrink;
badly "lays down" on metal;
how better quality, the higher the price.

An important advantage of the gypsum mixture is the cost-effectiveness of use. Compared to cement, it will take 1.5 times less for the same area.

Features of the cement mixture

in residential, utility rooms, for internal and facade works often used cement plaster. The binder is cement, the strength of which is determined by the brand. Sand is used as a filler. The quality of the solution largely depends on it. Sand is considered good if it contains dusty, silty, clay impurities. Therefore, river or quarry sand is usually used.

Its fineness affects the finished plaster. If the particles are large, it will be difficult to obtain a smooth surface, it will take a long time to grind it. On the contrary, too small particles lead to the fact that the cement plaster cracks after drying.

The ratio of sand and cement is affected by the required strength of the solution and the brand of cement. Usually it is 1 to 3 or 4. Polymers help improve the plasticity of the solution. Hydrated lime allows you to increase vapor permeability. Cement plaster has the following advantages:

affordable cost;
you can purchase a dry mix, and it’s also easy to cook it yourself;
suitable for work inside and outside the building;
differs in high adhesion;
creates a durable coating;
tolerates humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Cement mixture dries much longer than gypsum. Therefore, it is possible to have time to eliminate small defects on the surface. In addition, this property allows you to dilute a lot of the solution at once, reducing the preparation time. Cons of cement mortar:

The application process is very laborious and long. The classical technology provides for the implementation of 3 layers: spray, soil and grout. It also takes time for them to dry.
The cement mixture does not fit well on plastic, wood.
Due to the high density of cement, an additional load is created on the base. It must be calculated to take into account before plastering.

Gypsum or cement: what to give preference?

It is difficult to say unequivocally which plaster is better. The choice of mixture depends on the characteristics of the room, the tasks that will be solved with its help. To align the walls in a residential area, when preparing them for wallpapering, painting, creating a relief pattern, it is better to use gypsum composition. To restore the walls in the kitchen, in the bathroom, if necessary, strengthen and level them, it is recommended to take a cement mortar. Such a surface will be resistant to any influences, durable, reliable.

Regardless of which mixture is used, in order to obtain a high-quality plaster layer, it is necessary to take into account the influence of certain factors. First of all, the weather affects the plaster. Plastering should be carried out at positive temperatures, normal humidity. From draft and strong wind drying is accelerated. These factors increase the unevenness of moisture removal, as a result of which the surface cracks.

The reason for poor quality is often the heterogeneity of the mixture. Often this happens due to inaccurate proportions during self-mixing. May lead to cracking big difference in thickness: a thin layer dries faster. To improve adhesion and protect the walls from fungus, the application of a primer should be an obligatory step before plastering.

Question: which plaster is better - gypsum or cement is relevant when carrying out capital and repair construction works. These binders are a popular basis for ready-made mixtures for leveling, cladding and preparation before finishing decorative surfaces. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, choose correct option not easy. The main guidelines are: price, operating conditions, ease of installation and timing of its implementation.

Being universal, cement-sand plaster is well suited for both exterior and interior work. It is not afraid of dampness and temperature changes and is often used for leveling walls, slopes and other surfaces (up to unheated and basements), finishing in conditions of high humidity, processing concrete structures in order to increase thermal insulation properties. it perfect option masonry mortar in the construction of buildings from aerated concrete or foam block. Distinctive features cement mixture is high adhesion, durability and strength, it should be chosen when conducting capital construction or for restoration according to old surface(subject to material compatibility). This point is important: cement does not adhere well to plastic, wood or painted surfaces.

Significant application limitations include the complex application process and long term drying. The work is carried out in several stages: spraying, throwing, rubbing and grinding. It is difficult to get a perfectly flat surface through the use of cement plaster, not everyone has the necessary skills, while with gypsum such problems do not arise. It dries for a long time - up to 3 weeks, even if a thin layer is applied. The resulting surface is porous and not well suited for subsequent decorative finishes(dark, needs filling and polishing). In general, cement mixtures are not decorative, with the exception of species with special additives.

Gypsum-based plasters are more plastic and do not shrink, as a result - this is an ideal option for leveling internal walls. They dry much faster, additional puttying is not necessary, their structure is already quite smooth without it. The main color of gypsum plaster is white, it does not show through under wallpaper or paint. At the same time, it easily comes into contact with coloring pigments, it can be chosen as an independent decorative finish, in addition, it takes the desired shape, including three-dimensional patterns. Light weight allows for application gypsum mixes without the risk of overloading structures, and only poor water resistance prevents them from being called universal. Under the influence of moisture, gypsum is destroyed, so this plaster is not used for outdoor work.

Comparative overview of benefits

The advantages of cement-based mortars include:

Strength and durability. They are best suited for restoration and finishing outdoor work and withstand mechanical and other external influences well.
High quality adhesion to aerated concrete, smooth surfaces natural or artificial stone, previously plastered walls. This is an ideal plaster for foam blocks (both masonry and finishing), its consumption for porous material minimum.
Low cost, cement types of plaster are 1.5–2 times cheaper than gypsum ones. This applies to both ready building mixtures, and mixed independently.
Moisture resistance is the main advantage cement mortars. It is this property that allows them to be used as plaster for slopes, facing bathrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Gypsum under the same conditions is permissible only with subsequent protection of the surface with tiles. Also, this ability allows the use of cement compositions for outdoor work.

The advantages of gypsum plaster are:

Quick and easy installation. They dry twice as fast as cement, with the same layer thickness, and are easy to process.
No shrinkage processes. When hardening, the risk of cracking is minimal, in comparison with cement plasters.
Plasticity: the solution effortlessly takes a certain shape or is distributed over the wall with the desired layer thickness.
Environmental friendliness and vapor permeability. This is a "breathing" plaster, safe for humans and favorable for the indoor microclimate.
Sound and heat insulation abilities. The porous and lightweight structure retains heat better than others and prevents the penetration and spread of noise.

Due to the listed properties, gypsum mixtures do not need reinforcement (with the exception of layers from 50 mm), do not drain from vertical walls and keep their shape well. Their use significantly reduces the repair time, construction skills are not required for work. Reviews testify in favor of gypsum in terms of cost savings, due to its minimal consumption. Yielding in strength and moisture resistance to cement-sand compositions, they win in decorativeness and ease of application. But you can definitely choose which one is needed: gypsum or cement plaster, only when all external factors are taken into account.

Characteristics and properties

An important parameter is the consumption of material, cement mixtures are cheaper, but they are also required in a larger volume. When leveling significant surface deviations, it is desirable to calculate the thickness of the layer, in some cases it is more expedient to choose drywall. In particular, gypsum plasters are not suitable for creating layers over 50 mm (they are applied in several stages and dry for a long time), and cement plasters, in addition to complex and time-consuming casting, will make the wall heavier. To determine which mixture is better, all working properties and operating conditions should be taken into account. The main parameters of binders are given below.

Characteristics and properties	Plaster base
Characteristics and properties	Gypsum	Cement
Compound	Gypsum, plasticizers	Cement, sand, possibly a small amount of lime
Approximate consumption per 1 m2 for manual application of a layer, 10 mm thick, kg	9–11	17
The same with mechanized, kg	7,5–8,5	11–14
Curing speed	2–3 days (maximum 7, when drying a particularly thick layer)	3–4 weeks
Shrinkage	Missing	1–2 mm/m
moisture resistance	Treatment with special compounds is required, gypsum does not tolerate high humidity	high
Average cost of 1 kg of finished plaster mixture, rubles	25–30	15–20

Summing up, it can be noted that cement mixture plasters are more suitable for outdoor work and cladding of rooms with high humidity, and gypsum plasters are more suitable for interior decoration. But we should not forget about exceptions: in the market building materials There are many compositions with modifying additives. They can accelerate the drying time of cement mortars and enhance their plasticity, insulating properties and decorative effect.

In turn, dry gypsum mixes are on sale for preparing walls in the bathroom (for example, Rotband), with their help, repairs in the sanitary zone are carried out in a matter of days. It is not worth giving unambiguous preference to any one material; before purchasing, carefully study its characteristics and conditions of use.

For leveling and finishing the walls, cement or gypsum plasters are most in demand. Both types of material have their advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account before starting finishing work.

In this article, we will consider the features of materials and tell you when it is better to use a gypsum-based mortar, and when you can not do without a cement-sand mixture.

What to look for when planning a finish:

basis for plastering;
indoor humidity;
air temperature;
deadlines for work;
finishing experience;
the cost of materials;
requirements for the appearance of the finished surface.

All plasters according to their purpose are divided into two groups:

Conventional - for leveling surfaces with defects different nature and size, significant deviations from the plane.
Decorative - for finishing the facade or interior walls, ceilings.

Below we will consider the features of conventional leveling compounds.

Properties of gypsum and cement plaster

The characteristics of cement-sand and gypsum plasters are very different. This is primarily related to astringent base. Application conditions will be similar - at an air temperature indoors or outdoors from +5 to +25 C. Also, the time for complete drying of the solutions is close in value (indoors at an air humidity of no more than 70%).

The table below shows how these types of plasters differ.

Comparison of advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of cement plaster:

the solution can be prepared independently;
not afraid of moisture, does not absorb water, steam from the air, does not change properties when wet;
resistant to temperature extremes;
high adhesion (reliability of adhesion to surfaces), including natural, artificial stone, concrete, brick, cinder blocks;
strength is the highest of all types of plasters, suitability for finishing places with increased operational load;
the price is the lowest among all plasters;
universality - suitability for any surfaces, including in rooms with adverse conditions.

When choosing a mixture for outdoor work, it is necessary to pay attention to frost resistance. It is usually expressed in terms of the number of freeze-thaw cycles.

Advantages of gypsum plaster:

plastic;
gains strength faster than cement, even when applied with the thickest layer - no more than 1 week;
easy to apply, just to achieve perfect evenness, no experience in finishing work is required;
has no shrinkage;
the color is white, does not show through under the wallpaper or paint;
the surface is smoother, experienced craftsmen remove finishing layer to the level of putty;
it is possible to produce three-dimensional patterns and decorative relief;
light, there is no need to strengthen the foundation and walls;
does not need reinforcement (if the layer is up to 50 mm);
vapor permeability - walls plastered with gypsum mortar "breathe";
higher sound and heat insulation properties;
less material consumption;
faster repair times;

Let's continue the comparison finishing materials and consider their weaknesses.

Disadvantages of cement-sand plaster mortars:

poor adhesion to wood, paint, ceramics; to increase adhesion with these materials, an abrasive primer, notches or reinforcing mesh are required, but these measures do not always give the desired strength;
take a long time to gain final strength - up to 4 weeks;
the application process is relatively complex, the solution under its weight is prone to sagging; experience with such material is necessary, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve a perfectly flat surface;
the finished surface is porous, requires grouting, grinding, an additional finishing layer from another material (this does not apply to decorative plasters);
an accurate calculation of the load on the wall and foundation is necessary, since cement plaster has a high density and significantly weights the walls; it is also undesirable for finishing ceilings;
shrinkage, possibly cracking.

Most of these disadvantages can be corrected by adding modifying additives - plasticizers to the composition.

The addition of lime also improves the properties of the mortar. Read more about cement-lime plaster and its properties in our article.

The appearance of cracks is prevented by applying three layers or puttying the plastered surface. If a cement mixture used for finishing walls and ceilings for painting or wallpapering, then puttying is required.

Disadvantages of gypsum plasters:

they are afraid of high humidity, upon contact with water they swell and fall off;
low strength;
relatively high cost;
mainly used ready-made gypsum mixtures, for self-selection gypsum additives and their proportions require experience;
the solution can be prepared only in small portions due to fast setting, adding water to the frozen mixture will not restore the desired properties of the plaster, the coating will turn out to be fragile.

Where applicable

Cement plaster is used for:

internal or external work in any premises, even in unheated and damp ones, including basements, utility blocks, garages, porches, on balconies, loggias;
finishing facades, plinths, fences, especially those subjected to aggressive mechanical stress;
filling joints when laying walls from foam or gas blocks;
processing of concrete structures, in order to increase the heat-insulating properties;
restorations subject to compatibility with the previous material;
surface finishes exposed to temperature changes;
decoration of walls or ceilings where frequent repairs are impossible.

Gypsum plaster is used for:

leveling, finishing interior walls in rooms with normal humidity;
ceiling decoration;
alignment of walls with large differences, application in several layers is permissible;
surface finishes for which cement is unsuitable - wooden, painted, ceramic;
preparation of walls and ceilings for painting or wallpapering.

Important! Gypsum mortars are not suitable for finishing the facade due to low moisture resistance. Not recommended without additional waterproofing for bathrooms, showers, kitchens.

Gypsum can be protected from moisture by applying acrylic primer. And if direct contact with water is possible, then the walls are covered with waterproofing mastic or tiled.

Combination of gypsum and cement

Can gypsum plaster or putty be applied over cement plaster? Yes, this is common practice. When finishing, the walls are often removed with a cement-based composition, and a smooth finish layer with Rotband is placed on top.

Important conditions: you need to wait until the base dries, then be sure to apply a primer between different layers.

But applying cement plaster over a plaster wall is a bad idea.. Plaster simply will not withstand its weight, and the entire finish will crumble.

It is worth noting that cement-gypsum compositions are on sale., combining the advantages of both types, for example, Prospectors MIXTER / MIXTER. According to the manufacturer, this gypsum-cement plaster is designed to interior spaces with normal and high humidity. This is a moisture-resistant vapor-permeable material, plastic and easy to apply.

Technical characteristics with this mixing turned out to be average between gypsum and cement plaster:

Consumption with a layer of 10 mm - 10-11 kg / m2
Water consumption - 0.36-0.42 l / kg
Setting time - 40 min
Adhesion to the base - 0.5 MPa
Layer thickness - up to 60 mm! without the use of plaster mesh
The price is 320 r per bag of 30 kg.

In addition to the main components, this mixture includes a light filler and high-quality modifying additives.

Is it possible to mix cement and gypsum plaster on my own to get a plastic, durable and moisture resistant solution? No, that won't work. Gypsum and cement have different drying times, and if they are mixed by eye and without the addition of modifiers, then the plaster layer on the wall will become cracked. It is better not to experiment with such works, so as not to waste time and money.

Let's summarize which one is better.

When choosing one or another type of finish, consider in which room the work will take place. Materials according to their characteristics must be suitable for the surface to be plastered.
Pay attention to specifications indicated on the packaging.
If desired, you can increase the plasticity of the cement or moisture resistance of the gypsum plaster mixture.
Cement mortars are best chosen for the facade and wet rooms. But they require plastering skills. With large volumes of work, it is easier if experienced craftsmen do the finishing.
Gypsum plasters are easier to apply. Their main task is finishing inside the building.
The cost and planned timing of repairs will also affect which plaster to choose.

As you can see, the choice of plaster depends on specific goals. Choosing one type of plastering or using both is decided in each case individually.

We hope this review was helpful to you. You can leave your comments and feedback in the comments below.

Types of plaster Wall plastering with lime mortar: lime slaking, mixture proportions, application