Varieties, properties and rules for applying polymer plasters

Welcome to our in-depth guide to polymer plasters, where we explore the fascinating realm of these adaptable substances. Because of their long-lasting nature, attractive appearance, and simplicity of application, polymer plasters are becoming more and more popular in the building and interior design industries. This post will discuss the different kinds of polymer plasters that are available, their special qualities, and crucial application advice.

Initially, let us clarify what polymer plasters are. These plasters are composite materials, meaning that polymers are mixed with other ingredients such as acrylic resins, cement, or lime. The performance properties of conventional plasters are improved by the addition of polymers; they become more flexible, resilient, and weather- and crack-resistant.

The versatility of polymer plasters is one of their most noteworthy features. They are available in many varieties, each designed to accommodate various uses and aesthetic tastes. Polymer plasters come in an endless array of textures and finishes, matte and glossy appearances—there are countless ways to improve the visual appeal of both interior and outdoor spaces.

Polymer plasters have a number of advantages over traditional plasters in terms of properties. Their exceptional adherence ensures durable bonds to a variety of substrates, including drywall, brick, and concrete. Furthermore, polymer plasters have a high level of moisture resistance, which makes them appropriate for use in moist spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

To get the best results, applying polymer plasters requires paying close attention to specifics and following rules. For excellent adhesion and a smooth finish, proper surface preparation is essential. This include giving the substrate a thorough cleaning, fixing any cracks or flaws, and, if required, applying an appropriate primer.

To sum up, polymer plasters provide a stylish and long-lasting option for both functional and ornamental uses in building and design. Achieving the intended results requires an understanding of the various types, properties, and application techniques. To improve the beauty and durability of your surfaces, think about using polymer plasters when starting a renovation project or creating a new area.

Varieties	Properties and Application Rules
Acrylic Polymer Plaster	Durable, water-resistant, suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces. Apply with a trowel in thin coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
Silicone Polymer Plaster	Highly flexible, excellent for areas prone to movement or cracking. Resistant to weather conditions and UV rays. Apply using a roller or spray gun, ensuring a uniform thickness.

What is polymer plaster

The primary distinction between polymer stucco mixtures and minerals is that the former are based on the dispersion of resins (acrylic, Uretan, and others) rather than inorganic binders. Since plasticizers, modifiers, and special fillers are added to the composition of these plasters in strictly regulated proportions to assure proper properties, they cannot be made by hand on a construction site. As a result, every polymer material is used in factory packaging in its completed or dry form.

The conditions under which polymer plasters are used vary depending on the type of solvent used. Water distorts many compounds, meaning that water dispersion is their foundation. These funds are universal or meant for use internally. Plasters on organic and other solvents are primarily intended for use on facades, and they are only applied to street surfaces.

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Types of polymer plaster

The basic components of polymers are what give each synthetic plaster its unique properties. Plasters consisting of acrylic, silicone, silicate, silica, and various other materials are categorized based on the composition.

Acrylic plaster

It is the most widely used material among polymer plasters. Polyacryl resins are the main ingredient in acrylic construction mixture, along with fillers, dyes, and modifying agents. Following application, the water evaporates and the resins polymerize to form a robust structure that is permeable to vapor and resistant to moisture. In other words, rather than being afraid of water, the frozen layer of acrylic plaster partially allows gases to pass through, maintaining the room’s microclimate and preventing dampness on the walls.

There are additional benefits to acrylic plaster.

• easily connected to concrete and other mineral bases;
• suitable for internal and outdoor decoration, most often contains frost -resistant additives;
• does not deteriorate from the effects of ultraviolet radiation, almost does not burn out in the sun;
• includes substances that increase fire resistance;
• makes it possible to wash off an unsuccessfully applied area with water and perform a new layer;
• has sufficient elasticity, so it does not crack from vibration, shifts of the base.

Additionally, acrylic plasters have a lot of drawbacks. Therefore, if the porous base is not primed, moisture from the plaster will be stretched even before the resin polymerizes, disrupting the natural drying process. When applying deep penetration primers to surfaces made of brick and concrete, it is recommended to apply at least two layers.

As a result, producers of acrylic resins add unique ingredients to plaster mixtures to lower the possibility of fire. Applying the mixtures to the area next to the open fire is not advised, though. Due to a propensity for strong static, the dried layer of acrylic plaster attracts a lot of dust, necessitating more frequent surface cleaning. The requirement to apply material without taking extended breaks from work is another unfavorable feature. If not, there will be unsightly borders separating the various sections.

Silicone plaster

This material is composed of silicone resins, emulsifiers, modifiers, and structural fillers, such as quartz sand, mineral flour, and stone crumbs. Although silicone mixtures are orders of magnitude more expensive than acrylic, they also have the best quality.

Plasters made of silicone are very elastic. The coating they created is extremely stretchable, so even if structures significantly shrink or shift—both of which are typical of seismic zones—it won’t crack. There are numerous additional advantages to silicone mixtures:

• Universal in use – suitable for street and internal work;
• Frost -resistant, atmospheric, withstand the regular effect of precipitation, wind;
• They have been serving for decades without loss of aesthetic properties;
• They have high vapor permeability, while literally repelled water, create a waterproofing coating on the surface;
• can boast of excellent adhesion to a variety of building materials;
• Resistant to ultraviolet, do not burn out, their color does not fade;
• have no restrictions on the thickness of the finishing layer (nevertheless, they often act as a thin-layer coating due to high cost);
• withstand heating and temperature changes, do not soften after complete polymerization;
• durable, do not respond to moderate mechanical loads;
• strengthen weak grounds, extend the period of their unconscious service.

Silicate plaster

The foundation of such plaster is molten (liquid) glass. may consist of modifiers, plasticizers, tinting additives, and mineral fillers. Silicate plasters are typically used for exterior work because of their greater resistance to wear, abrasion, and damage. They withstand extremes in temperature, wind, precipitation, and harsh operating circumstances with remarkable resilience.

Because silicate mixtures improve sound insulation and have excellent thermal insulation properties, they are frequently used to warm rooms. Although the plasters are waterproof, air and moisture penetration is permitted, making them suitable for use in any room. The completed layer has a minimum 20-year service life. The maximum adhesion of silicate mixtures with brick, concrete, or any heater is thought to occur. They are fireproof, resistant to dust and pollution, and easily washable. They also do not promote combustion.

Among the drawbacks of these funds are the following:

• a small period of viability of the finished mixture, the difficulty of applying for beginners;
• average elasticity;
• meager color scheme;
• high price;
• a tendency to burn out color.

Silicata plasters can be obtained in two convenient forms: as a dry construction mixture or as the finished product, depending on your budget and volume requirements.

Silovsanic plaster

Silicon is similar to Silicon; its chemical structure is that of his "unripe" form. After unification, the Silovsan molecules transform into silicone. The majority of suloving plasters also include a greater quantity of acrylic. Actually, acrylic predominates in these building mixtures, and Silovsan is made to create a thin layer of waterproofing on the plaster layer’s surface.

Although silicone plasters are more expensive, silicone plasters are not waterproof throughout. When exposed to the elements, surface waterproofing gradually deteriorates due to UV rays and the coating’s moisture resistance drastically decreases. Silovsan has a limited service life, so it should only be used indoors or the finish should be updated on a regular basis.

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Polymer -cement plaster

As you are aware, solid and trustworthy cement plaster has several serious disadvantages. These building mixtures’ drawbacks include their low extensibility, vulnerability to shrinkage cracks, and building vibration. Polymer-cement plaster, a mixture consisting of cement and at least 30% polymer fibers, was created to level them. The following indications in this material are concerning:

• tensile strength, bending;
• resistance to abrasion, cracking;
• adhesion to building materials;
• plasticity and elasticity;
• capacity;
• heat resistance.

Plasters made of polymer-cement can be applied in relatively thin layers while maintaining the coating’s protective and functional qualities. They are used for restoration work, smearing cracks, joints, pits, and seams. Mixtures are only made without water because cement freezes very quickly when it comes into contact with it. This is a cost-effective option because the compositions are less expensive than other polymer plasters.

Polymer decorative plaster

Many polymer building mixtures that are pigmented or contain a structural filler in addition to the basis are regarded as decorative. These additions may serve as a filler.

• pebbles, ground stone or stone flour;
• different types of sand;
• expanded clay and vermiculite;
• artificial fibers;
• shells or their wreckage;
• mica;
• metal dust;
• Floks.

Decorative polymer plaster can have a greater percentage of it mixed in or be finely dispersed. The coloring of the plaster, the intriguing shape of the filler, and the unique methods used in the layer’s final processing all contribute to the aesthetic effect. The texture of the material can be consistent or it can have small and large inclusions of varying sizes. Here are a few instances of potential polymer plaster textures:

• roughness, or the effect of “goose skin” (it is obtained from thin -grained plaster);
• relief (created by a roller, brush, gear spatula);
• "Bark beetle" (formed when rubbing a mixture with large granules).

Learning about polymer plasters opens up a world of possibilities, each with special qualities and uses. In this post, we explore the various types of polymer plasters and explain their unique qualities and recommended applications. Knowing the qualities of acrylic and silicone-based formulations allows painters and do-it-yourselfers to choose wisely for their projects. Furthermore, we examine fundamental protocols for the appropriate use of polymer plasters, emphasizing critical methods and best practices to attain the best outcomes. It is essential to understand the subtleties of polymer plasters whether you are starting a large-scale construction project or a small-scale renovation in order to achieve a flawless finish and guarantee lasting durability.

Scope and properties

The majority of building mixtures are thought to be universal and can be utilized both indoors and outdoors. Certain compounds, on the other hand, are intended for internal or commercial use. Plasters for facades and materials for basements are also available for purchase. Polymer construction mixes can be used to decorate previously plastered bases, drywall, brick, wood, metal, and concrete surfaces.

The following are the characteristics of polymeric materials:

• strength, impact resistance;
• wear resistance;
• elasticity;
• plasticity when applying;
• moisture resistance;
• vapor permeability;
• frost resistance;
• atmospheric resistance;
• alkalinity;
• Environmental friendliness.

Polymer blends increase a building’s or structure’s thermal insulation and provide extra noise protection. Both pre-tinted plasters and white (unpainted) compositions are available for purchase. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of plasters are applied very thinly and are not intended for use in black alignment. As a result, they are unable to seal large cracks and other serious defects. As a result, you must leve the base with drops using the mineral composition before beginning work.

Application technology

Polymer compositions are similar to putty to work with because the final layer is only a few millimeters thick. based on negligible flaws that don’t exceed the filler grain diameter by more than three times. Applying an excessively thick layer of polymer material will result in very noticeable bumps and uneven coating color. Plastering is done in an environment with an air temperature of +5 to +30 degrees and less than 80% humidity.

Surface preparation

Prior to applying the new coating, clean the base of any dirt and use a solvent to remove any fat deposits. Embroidered cracks are sealed with a cement mixture and allowed to dry. The surface is prepared to increase adhesion, equalize absorption, strengthen the base, and bind dust.

Preparation of the solution

Before applying ready-made mixtures directly to the factory container, mix them. Water is added to acrylic and silicate plasters that have been overly thickened, but no more than 10%. As directed by the manufacturer, dry mixtures are diluted with liquid by precisely measuring the ratios and adding the dry ingredients into the water, not the other way around. Following the initial kneading using a construction mixer, the mixture is allowed to "ripen" for ten minutes before being combined once more and brought to the task. The mass must have the ideal density in order to avoid sliding off the wall or making grinding along the wall challenging.

Tools

Usually, a grater (metal or polyurethane) is used for leveling, and a trowel (kelma) is used for applying the material. A construction plumb, rags, and masking tape for closing windows and doors must also be ready in advance. You must always have rollers, stamps, or stencils on hand if you intend to apply drawings.

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Plastering

Using a spatula, the material is applied to the wall’s surface. Use a thin layer and hold the tool at a 40–50 degree angle when leveling. It is convenient to apply a polymer mixture with a trowel in addition to a spatula, stretching it with an even layer. Strokes can be made from the top to the bottom or from the bottom up. One approach is used to complete the work from one corner to the other. In the event that you must take a break, masking tape is removed after plastering has resumed and is glued along the line of the most recent application of the solution.

After applying the solution for fifteen minutes, grate or rub to create a decorative texture. Although it is not yet solid, the plaster does not adhere to the instrument. Since a strong film forms on the surface that can be damaged, the hardening process cannot be delayed. The polymer mixture needs to dry for 24 to 48 hours, during which it needs to be shielded from the sun’s rays, drafts, and temperature fluctuations.

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Painting and decorating professionals need to know about the wide variety of polymer plasters and how to use them. Plasters with silicone bases or acrylic ones each have special qualities that can improve the durability and aesthetics of surfaces.

It’s important to keep things like breathability, flexibility, and weather resistance in mind when choosing a polymer plaster. For example, acrylic plasters are renowned for their superior weather resistance and ease of application, which makes them appropriate for external surfaces exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Conversely, silicone-based plasters are more durable and water-repellent, which makes them perfect for moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Long-term stability is ensured by their flexibility, which permits expansion and contraction without cracking.

Whichever kind is selected, applying it correctly is essential to getting the best results. Good adhesion is ensured and problems like peeling and blistering are avoided with surface preparation, which includes cleaning and priming. A smooth and consistent finish can also be obtained by adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations for mixing ratios and drying times.

To sum up, polymer plasters provide a flexible and long-lasting option for a range of painting and decorating tasks. Painters and decorators can produce expert results that last for a long time by knowing their properties and applying them according to best practices.

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