Stucco: classic and modern solutions

Plaster is used for finishing works inside and outside buildings, with its help not only level the surface, but also give decorative properties. A wide range of applications is the reason for the diversity of this material. There are different classification options that take into account the peculiarities of the use of plaster, its characteristics and composition.

Main groups

By its purpose, plaster is divided into three main categories:

normal - used to level surfaces and protect load-bearing structures from negative environmental factors;
special - used as an insulating layer, thanks to special additives they can have a variety of properties. At the same time, it is used to level the surface for finishing;
decorative - differs in original visual characteristics and is used for finishing, give surfaces original decorative properties.

A simple superficial comparison allows us to divide the usual compositions into two groups - thin-layer and thick-layer. Thin layers are used for finishing leveling, they can be applied with a layer a few millimeters thick. Thick layers are used to eliminate large differences in surface geometry; the thickness of one layer can be 40-60 mm.

Composition matters

Plaster is made on the basis of various binders, in the catalogs of manufacturers you can find the following types of material:

calcareous - compositions based on river sand and lime, used in internal and external works, are distinguished by a high level of environmental friendliness and low cost;
cement-sand - based on cement, have an affordable price, form a durable coating that is resistant to high moisture;
gypsum - plasters made of gypsum are used for interior work, are distinguished by good ductility and low weight, can be used to align the ceiling, it is not recommended to use in rooms with high humidity;
magnesia - designed for internal use, characterized by a low level of dust formation;
polymer - ready-to-use compounds with high ductility, have a high cost and are used for finishing, most often sold in a ready-to-use form, which simplifies the work with these compounds.

All types of plaster have their own “lifetime” of ready-to-use mortar, which is often a determining factor when choosing a material.

Insulating plasters

Various types of additives can complement the properties of plasters, produce the following compositions:

soundproof;
heat insulating;
X-ray protective;
waterproofing.

The names of the groups of these plasters speak for themselves, they use expanded polystyrene as additives to protect against heat loss and improve sound insulation. The result is light and inexpensive plasters. Waterproofing compounds are used in the decoration of basements and basements. X-ray protective plasters are used in specialized medical offices and laboratories.

Decorative plasters

The decorative qualities of plasters have been known since ancient times, the addition of pigments allowed the ancient builders to obtain a variety of compositions. A modern overview of plasters includes a wide range of products. The following types are distinguished:

color - is made by adding natural and artificially created pigments, used for finishing works inside and outside buildings;
stone - used additives create the effect of natural stone;
fur coat - relief plaster used for indoor and outdoor use;
Venetian - one of the most spectacular plasters, the surface treated with this material resembles expensive sorts of marble in its appearance;
sgraffito - plaster with the original application technique, use compositions with different color shades, superimposing one on another;
bark beetle - small pebbles of different granularity are used as filler; when applied, they roll along the surface, leaving a characteristic mark;
silk - elastic compounds with fillers from different types of fibers, designed for interior decoration.

The appearance of the surface treated with decorative plasters, largely depends on the style of work of the master. As a result, it is difficult to find buildings similar to each other, finished with one type of decorative plaster. Especially a lot of space for creativity when working with Venetian plasters.