The period of drying the plaster on the wall – how much time

Plaster drying time is an important consideration that is often disregarded when painting walls. Everyone has experienced the excitement of painting our living areas with new paint, only to discover that the plaster takes much longer to dry than anticipated. However, what is the true duration required for plaster to solidify on the wall? Let’s investigate this frequently asked question and find some answers.

First things first, it’s important to comprehend how plaster dries. A versatile material, plaster is used to create ceiling and wall smooth surfaces. It reacts chemically with water when applied, gradually becoming harder as it dries. The type of plaster used, the surrounding conditions, and the application thickness are some of the variables that can affect the drying time.

The kind of plaster being used is one crucial factor to take into account. The drying properties of various plaster varieties, such as lime and gypsum plaster, differ. For instance, gypsum plaster usually dries more quickly than lime plaster. It’s critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying times given the particular type of plaster being used.

In addition, the environment has a big impact on the drying process. Plaster dries at different rates depending on variables like temperature, humidity, and airflow. While cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels can cause the drying process to take longer, warmer temperatures and lower humidity levels typically encourage faster drying times. Furthermore, sufficient ventilation facilitates the evaporation of moisture from the plaster surface, which can hasten the drying process.

Moreover, drying time may be impacted by the plaster application’s thickness. Plaster will naturally take longer to dry in thicker layers than in thinner ones. Plaster must be applied evenly and to a moderate thickness in order to minimize the chance of cracking or uneven drying and to ensure uniform drying.

In other words, how long does plaster take to dry on a wall? Although there isn’t a universal solution, it’s generally recommended to give plaster at least 24 to 48 hours to fully dry before painting. That being said, this period may differ based on the previously listed variables. When painting over plastered surfaces, it’s imperative to be patient and give the paint enough time to dry.

Plaster Type Drying Time
Regular Plaster 24-48 hours
Quick-setting Plaster 2-6 hours

How should the plaster dry

The terms "primary drying" and "complete hardening" are familiar to builders. Primary drying is the period of time used for one layer to dry before adding the next. Sufficient for the mixture to take hold and brighten the surface.

Using your finger to test the layer’s readiness, apply the next portion of the mixture if no dry particles are left on it.

Since water is a component of complex molecules, the idea of "complete drying" refers to a structural change in the layer that eventually causes it to become a monolith. Depending on the kind of construction solution, the temporary interval for which the maximum strength is achieved varies:

  • Cement-sand is required for at least 4 days;
  • Laiser Up to 8 days;
  • Gypsum grabs in a minute, hardens for 3 or 4 days.

When applying the plaster solution, the thickness of the layer varies from 0.5 cm for the interior to 5 cm for the facades. Conditions during drying have an impact on how quickly the plaster layer hardens. Up to 70% humidity is advised. Lower humidity causes the mixture to dry more quickly.

The ideal temperature range is +18 to +24 degrees Celsius. Severe cracking starts at +30 °C and increases dramatically below +7 °C. The plaster hardening process takes up to one month.

Water from the inner layers of the putty rises to the surface when it is applied to an unimportant surface, forming a film that prevents the putty from settling into the plaster.

When applying the plaster solution, the thickness of the layer varies from 0.5 cm for the interior to 5 cm for the facades.

Methods that accelerate the drying process

The moisture evaporates more quickly as the temperature rises. It is appropriate to use building hair dryers, heat guns, incandescent light fixtures, and home heaters in rooms with low relative humidity and temperatures below +20 °C.

You cannot open the windows or entrance doors when using the heating because doing so will cause the humidity to change and mix warm and cold air. Instead, you must make sure that air masses are circulated in a closed cycle.

Producers provide unique concoctions; for example, plasticizers and rapidly drying plaster actively structure water, cutting drying times in half. Gypsum dries more quickly than cement, so it can be added to the lime mixture to speed up the drying process. Plastering should be done during the warm months as this lowers the chance of cracks because the applied solution dries unevenly.

When the walls are primed beforehand, moisture can enter the pores of brick, concrete, wood, and other building materials more easily and the layer dries more quickly. This improves the clutch of the mixture with the surface.

How much the plaster dries before putty

It’s time to put theoretical computations into practice. The mixture is used in a number of methods. How long should the plaster dry before moving on to the next project?

  • Gypsum mixtures depending on the concentration of gypsum, the thickness of the layer set from 30 minutes to 2 hours;
  • Lime solutions are kept up to 7 hours, only after that the mixture grabs, becomes dense;
  • Cement-sand-up to 12 hours.

The hardening time is computed using the following rule: one day is needed for every millimeter of solution. However, this time frame is extremely approximate; plastering made of cement-lending is more flexible than plastering made of cement-sand, and gypsum takes far less time to harden than cement does under the same circumstances.

Drying time of plaster from gypsum

The exposure period prior to applying the poundation can be cut in half for gypsum plaster, which is made of quickly drying mixtures with gypsum under the right circumstances. The manufacturer must specify how much gypsum plaster will dry on the package.

Dry and harden gypsum should be done at a steady temperature because cracks can occur from thermal shock, which is sudden heating or cooling. The color of the dried plaster shows consistency because the gypsum brightens as it solidifies.

A thick layer of gypsum plaster—no more than three centimeters—should not be applied. Since gypsum is not as durable as cement, it is not advised for use in exterior construction.

Drying time of cement plaster

Sand and lime are the two types of cement plaster mixtures. These cement plasters have different drying times. One-centimeter thick cement sand, moderate humidity, and a comfortable temperature will allow it to harden for up to a day. The lime mixture will last for eighteen hours.

During the structuring process, a thin film or slight wetness is applied to the thick cement layer on the wall.

Duration of decorative plaster drying

The type, thickness, and composition of the mixture all affect how long the decorative plaster coating takes to fully dry. The hardening speed of rapid-drying plaster for walls is significantly faster than that of cement compositions.

Plasticizers, which are special additives, increase the viscosity of the construction solution, improve clutch with the wall, and shorten the hardening time. Depending on the finish coating type, a lot. Acrylic colors are applied solely to the wall that has fully dried. Water is used to make acrylic dyes, and after that, the paint’s polymer is hardened. Acrylic will bubble and pull away from the wall if the film forms before the cement or gypsum is structured.

Silicate paint is good at absorbing moisture from the air and holding onto damp surfaces until it eventually disappears.

Plasticizers, which are special additives, increase the viscosity of the construction solution, improve clutch with the wall, and shorten the hardening time.

How much plaster dries on the walls of various layers

The type of wall that the construction compositions are applied to determines the drying time:

    Concrete and brick in properties are largely similar, the mixture is applied to the prepared dry clean surface. The first layer is allowed to dry for a day. The term of complete drying depends on the total thickness of the applied mixture, component composition;

We address the important topic of knowing how long it takes for plaster to dry completely before painting in our article, "The period of drying the plaster on the wall – how much time." We examine a number of variables that affect drying time, including temperature, humidity, plaster type, and application thickness. Our goal is to enable readers to make well-informed decisions and attain the best possible outcomes for their painting projects, guaranteeing a smooth and long-lasting finish, by offering helpful advice and insights.

The effect of the thickness of the plaster layer on the drying time

Plastering uneven walls requires applying a layer that is thicker than the overall coating in certain areas. In these situations, the thickening putty frequently cracks. One should extend the time for full drying if the plaster layer is thicker than 2 mm.

The smooth, even walls will be aided by the plaster layer. The ornamentation serves two useful purposes: heat protection and noise absorption. The accuracy with which the applied mixture dries determines the plaster’s integrity.

Any painting project requires an understanding of the plaster’s drying time. Not only must it be allowed to dry, but you must also be able to tell when it is really ready for the next stage. A number of variables, including temperature, humidity, and plaster type, affect how long things take to dry.

Plaster typically requires a few days to several weeks to fully dry. However, based on the previously mentioned variables, this can differ greatly. Higher temperatures can hasten the drying process, but humid environments may make it take longer.

It’s critical to be patient during this time. Painting over wet plaster in a hurry can result in problems like bubbling or peeling paint. It is advised to hold off until the plaster is completely dry to the touch in order to get the best results.

Keeping an eye on the plaster’s color as it dries is one useful tip. It shows that moisture is evaporating as it goes from dark to light. The plaster is ready for painting when the color looks lighter and more consistent throughout.

In conclusion, although it may seem like a laborious step, waiting for the plaster to dry is necessary to achieve a perfect paint job. You can make sure that your walls are ready for painting and end up with a stunning and durable finish by knowing what influences drying times and being patient.

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Daria Yakovlev

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