What are the features of gypsum plaster and where to use it?
When the walls need to be perfectly smooth, plaster is used. Usually, plaster is chosen. It is the most-chosen product with such an effect, because it has many advantages. However, it is not universal. It has its limitations. It is worth knowing the properties of gypsum plaster and finding out when it is perfect.
A popular way to smooth walls
Smooth walls are now fashionable. The traditional structure of cement-lime plasters does not seem attractive anymore. A smooth wall creates an atmosphere of comfort. When you need to smooth the ceiling and walls, gypsum plaster comes to mind first . It is the most popular product for this purpose and does not cost much. A thin layer is enough to get the white and smooth effect. The finish is bought as a mixing product or ready-to-use, i.e. immediately to be used. Usually, gypsum plaster is dry sanded after application. Final wet processing is also possible, but you need to choose the version of the product that is designed for this.
The benefits of choosing a plaster finish
There are many advantages of gypsum plaster. They are so important that they made it the most popular product for smoothing walls. What matters is that it is easily accessible and inexpensive. However, if it were not for the effect of the plaster finish , these features would not be so important. The smooth is put in a thin layer. This layer is enough to get perfect smoothness and perfect whiteness. A high level of white is important if the walls will be painted a light color. Usually one coat of paint is enough, so you can save on buying it. You will buy less than when you need to paint twice. Perfect smoothness is always important, no matter which color you choose.
Does this product have any weaknesses?
If the finish coat is properly laid, there are no objections to it. However, it has its limitations, which mean that gypsum plaster may not be used everywhere. The layer it creates on the wall is not vapor-permeable. This plaster should not be used in bathrooms. It is not resistant to frost. Therefore, it should not be used in unheated rooms. May damage the metal surface. If something metal is in contact with gypsum plaster , it must have anti-corrosion protection. It is not very resistant to mechanical damage. This means you can put it in the living room. But not necessarily in a room where young children lively play.
Where to use gypsum plaster?
This product is intended for dry rooms and those that are heated in winter. It can be on the ceiling and walls . This is the finish if these surfaces are to be painted. The paint gives some color of choice, but the wall structure is still visible. With a perfect end result in mind, you can put gypsum plaster in rooms, e.g. in the living room, dining room or office. You can also choose it for an older child’s room and the hall. It can be used in the attic, if there are no plans for further modifications and you can give the walls a final look. This applies to the situation when the area is already insulated and heated in winter.
What surfaces should the plaster be applied to?
The gypsum plaster is put on cement and cement-lime plasters, because they require smoothing. Drywall is already inherently smooth. All that is required is masking the connections between one board and the other. Nevertheless, sometimes gypsum plaster is put on their entire surface, as is the case with traditional plasters. The mere masking of the joints and leaving the panels without a coat makes the joints visible. This is not always the case, but to be more sure of a good result, some choose to apply plaster. Also on gypsum plaster it is not necessary. It creates a white and smooth surface. However, when there are some imperfections on it, you can apply a plaster. An additional layer will make sure that no trace will be left behind.
Applying the plaster alone or call a professional?
You can deal with most of the finishing and renovation works on your own. This is also the case with plastering. Find out what to do in order. This is time consuming and you need to have some skill for this type of work. However, you can handle it. However, the question remains whether it is worth it, because in fact the first plastering is a lesson in such work. You can start with a less visible wall or a less important room. It is worth having someone present who has already done this job. It is even better to outsource it to someone who deals with the smoothing professionally.
If you plan to paint and the walls are not smooth, you can think about smoothing them. This will extend the work, but the effect will be great. Perfectly smooth walls are fashionable today. The purchase costs of plaster are not high. You just have to remember about the advantages of gypsum plaster and what disadvantages. There are times when it is better to think about a different smoothing product. Usually, it is the perfect choice for smoothing walls.
