Machine plaster: pros and cons. Machine plastering or hand plastering, which is better? What is the difference between machine plaster and manual quality

Plastering of concrete surfaces is an obligatory stage in preparing the base for further fine finish. In rooms where a large amount of work is required, a mechanized method of applying finishing compositions is often used. Machine or hand plaster: which is better? Maybe we should completely abandon traditional methods?

Hand plaster

The usual way of plastering a wall involves throwing a solution with a trowel or ladle and its further distribution over the surface. As a rule, masters prepare it on the spot in the amount in which it can be worked out in one go before setting. For cement plasters - 2 hours, for gypsum - 20 minutes.

It is difficult to talk about the advantages of the method: the work takes a lot of time, the quality only suffers from this - the mixture freezes unevenly on the wall, “flakes”. Throwing the mass "by eye" makes it take a long time to achieve the overall evenness of the surface. In general, the method is becoming obsolete, it is used for finishing small areas.

Machine plaster

For finishing large areas, a mechanized method of covering the surface with finishing solutions is used. For this, special devices are used that supply the finished composition under pressure.

The essence of the method: the plastering station supplies the mixture through a hose leading to the working room, the operator directs the jet to the wall, evenly distributing the incoming volume. Plasterers immediately level the surface with a wide tool - a spatula or a rule.

The advantages of the method include:

Reduction of finishing time;
High quality finished surface;
Uniform setting of the solution over the entire area.

The consumption of machine-applied plaster is significantly lower than manual application due to the method of preparation and transfer: hardware mixing of a large batch of mortar and its uniform supply according to the technology can reduce material costs and its rejection.

What compounds to use

Comparing the methods of pouring working mixtures, it is necessary to mention the compositions for their manufacture for each method. The main difference between machine application plaster and manual application is the introduction of special additives during the kneading process. The rest of the plasters are identical to each other:

For external walls, solutions are used;
For internal works - .

For the manual method, solutions are prepared from mixtures intended for this application method. In these, additives are introduced that prevent the finishing mass from sticking to working tools to facilitate the finishing process.

For large objects under construction, plastering is done at factories or directly on the site in a plastering station - a certain amount of water is poured into the tank and the finished dry mixture is poured. The mixing is uniform and constant.

Differences between machine applied plasters:

Special additives are added to the solutions to improve the quality of the finished surface even at the production stage.
Mixtures have increased adhesion to any surfaces
For kneading, components of a fine fraction without large inclusions are used.

On the construction market, you can buy plaster compositions of universal application.

Conclusion

To choose manual or machine plastering, you should rely on the estimated amount of work. If you want to finish a 3 × 3 wall, it will not be practical to fit the feeder. For large rooms and for large-scale construction, the machine method is indispensable: the amount of work is so great that you won’t get far with manual throwing, the loss of time and mortar becomes enormous.

Mechanized plaster for walls appeared not so long ago, but this type repair work took a strong position, proving himself from the best side. Before you start plastering, you need to familiarize yourself with how the work is carried out and whether it is rational to independently perform such a scrupulous business.

There is no doubt about the quality of the work done by professionals. Choose companies that have a lot of positive reviews. One of the companies with a good reputation is Shtukaturim.rus.

What it is?

There is no such thing as mechanized plastering when it comes to dry mixes for plastering. However, plaster solutions are universal, suitable for both manual and machine methods.

If we talk about mechanized plastering as a way of working, then a person tries to simplify his life as much as possible, and construction industry was no exception. Machines in many areas have completely supplanted manual labor, and it is no wonder the desire to somehow make the hard work of plastering walls or ceilings easier. Thus, the idea was born to build a mechanism that could perform the most unpleasant and labor-intensive aspects of plastering work.

Mechanized plastering is the same process for plastering walls, but using special machines, allowing you to complete all the work much faster and easier. Thus, applying plaster by machine method takes 5-6 times less time than by hand, while the quality of work is one level higher.

Performing plastering work with the help of special equipment requires not only the availability of this very equipment, but also special knowledge and skills. For an unprepared person, it is better not to undertake this, since the probability that everything will work out the first time is extremely small.

Ideally, automated plastering should be carried out by a team of professionals, since it is impossible to cope with a plastering machine alone.

Peculiarities

In total, two types of plaster compositions are used for automatic application:

based on gypsum;
cement-sand mixtures.

Depending on the type of composition, the set also varies characteristic features, pros and cons. So, gypsum plaster is more in demand on modern market. Many are attracted by its aesthetic side - a pleasant White color after drying.

However, the advantage of the composition is not limited to external properties alone:

Since gypsum acts as the main element in such plasters, they can be safely classified as environmentally friendly materials, since gypsum is of completely natural origin.
The gypsum plaster layer weighs very little, which greatly facilitates the load on the surface.
After drying, the gypsum mixture does not shrink, does not deform. This logically leads to the fact that cracks do not appear on the walls: the surface remains even and neat.

Another important factor is the high porosity of the material. So, when wet, water quickly evaporates from the surface, and getting wet itself does not lead to the development of mold fungi.
The heat and sound insulating qualities of the gypsum plaster layer are also important. It hides the sounds passing through the wall from neighboring rooms, thereby increasing the overall soundproofing background of an apartment or house.
Gypsum helps to regulate the microclimate in the room by absorbing moisture from the air.
Treatment with gypsum plasters is indicated in cases where it is necessary to reduce the risk of fire, since the material is not very flammable.

The disadvantages include the high cost of materials compared to sand-cement mortars, but it is worth considering that the consumption of gypsum plaster is less. And also use the gypsum version in conditions of high humidity - do not best idea: The plaster may peel off.

As for cement-based plaster compositions, they also have their pros and cons. Let's start with the positives:

As for strength, the cement version - the best choice. It is reliable, allowing less frequent repairs with the reconstruction of the plaster layer.
Cement-based plaster adheres well to the surface. It is not necessary to specially prepare the base for plastering, to take any special measures. She will still stick to him well and become whole.
Cement mortars tolerate high humidity well, so they can be used to decorate rooms such as a bathroom, for example. But also due to this property, they can be applied outside the house.
Finally, compared to gypsum cement mixtures not so expensive due to the cheapness of the materials that make up their composition.

There are many disadvantages of cement-sand plasters:

they can not be applied to every material. They are not "friendly" with plastic and wood, painted surfaces are also a bad option.
since the material weighs quite a lot, it is first checked whether the wall can withstand the mass of such a plaster layer. To do this, you need to perform special calculations.
after applying the plaster, it is imperative to perform work on filling and leveling the surface.
the shortcomings include a long drying time of the solution, which is about a month.

In general, mixtures for mechanized application of any type do not have any special differences. Fraction can be any. The machine is pre-configured for a particular solution or mixture.

Method specifics

Like everyone building view works, mechanical plastering of walls has its pros and cons. It is best to start considering specific features with the advantages of the method:

Automatic application of plaster differs from manual application in that the consumption of the material will be. So, about 13 kg is applied mechanically to 1 m2, and 16 kg manually. If you consider that you need to apply at least three layers, then the difference will be significant.
All processes are greatly simplified. Now you do not need to mix the solution, constantly prepare new portions. human labor practically replaced by a machine.

Due to the fact that mixing is carried out in a constant mode, and even water is supplied automatically, the solution is homogeneous. This ensures that it does not crack or warp over time.
Applying plaster with the help of the device is much faster. Thanks to this, the plaster dries evenly. There is no “Dalmatian” effect: it dried up here, it seized there, but here it is still quite damp. Because of this, there are no joints, and the plaster layer is monolithic.
In some works, which are usually carried out after plastering, the need disappears. These include, for example, putty.

Since the walls are already perfectly smooth, they do not need to be puttied.

In addition to the above, the hardware method also has several disadvantages:

The equipment is expensive. For independent use, its acquisition is irrational, as well as renting. At a cost, hiring a team of workers working on this technology will cost the same amount.
Two people are needed to work with the machine, as well as another one who will level the wall.

If you still decide to do mechanical plastering yourself, you still can’t do it.

Types of jobs

Mechanized plastering is used everywhere. There is no one area to which this technology would be limited. The only limitation is temperature regime. Do not work outside in winter. The surface should not be colder than 20 degrees. Yes, and this requirement is due more to the specifics of the solutions used, and not to the hardware method itself.

The mechanical method of plastering is successfully used in both external and internal work. The only thing to remember is which of the mixtures and where to use. If both compositions are acceptable for interior work, then only cement is suitable for facing, since only it has the necessary set of characteristic qualities. It is worth considering each of the areas in more detail in order to better understand the specifics of the work of mechanized plaster in certain conditions.

Internal work

As mentioned above, both types of plaster are suitable for interior work. It is logical that a gypsum-based solution turns out to be the best, which is due to its positive properties, as well as the fact that it is easier to work with it. Fewer coats required.

Both plus and minus at the same time is that gypsum dries very quickly, so working with it requires efficiency. It will be necessary to wash the equipment immediately after applying the layer, otherwise it will be almost impossible to wipe the gypsum plaster from the machine.

Before applying plaster mechanized way all the same preparation will be required as for manual. The walls will need to be primed or moistened with water. Only after that you can proceed directly to spraying the plaster composition.

When working with cement-sand plaster, it may be necessary to first apply a mounting grid in order for the plaster layer to adhere. This is especially true for bases with almost zero adhesion, for example, monolithic concrete.

Facing coating

Work on the street should be carried out only at positive temperatures. This is due not only to the fact that the surface must be prepared, but also to comfort. Whatever one may say, mechanical plastering is hard physical work, and the workers applying and leveling must feel comfortable.

Only cement plaster is suitable for cladding. Working with it requires preliminary debugging of the machine. It is important to take into account that fragments of a large fraction come across, so all settings must be set according to the data indicated by the manufacturer on the package. In particular this applies decorative options, for example, plaster "bark beetle".

In addition to what kind of work which of the compositions is used for, it is important to know in what forms they are sold. Both ready-made and dry plasters are on sale.

With the help of special equipment, you can work with both.

Application of the dry mix

The beauty of the mechanized method is that it allows you to completely abandon manual labor in relation to the dilution and application of the mixture. Before starting work with a dry mix, it is important to ensure that the machine has access to running water and electrical network. To power it, a voltage of 220 watts is sufficient.

Work is carried out as follows: a dry mixture is added to a specially provided container, then the machine independently kneads the solution in accordance with the specified parameters. Thus, the plaster is constantly kneaded, and the solution is homogeneous, airy, of the same consistency.

This method of work is recognized as more preferable, since it is cheaper, but the quality of the solution is no worse than when buying a ready-made one.

Walls treated in this way have a smooth surface, suitable for painting or wallpaper, even without further processing.

Processing with ready-made solutions

Unlike the previous method, in this case, the work is done using a liquid solution. Here you will only need to take care of connecting to the mains. Water supply is not needed here. The solution will be constantly mixed, so it will not seize ahead of time.

Both methods are suitable for working not only with walls, but also with floors. For example, using a mechanized method, you can make a semi-dry or wet floor screed, as well as plaster ceilings. The specificity of the solution supply allows this.

The preparation of the walls will have to be done manually:

do hanging;
install beacons.

Plastering by mechanical method only allows you to apply the composition, but not to align the walls.

In general, much less time will be spent on leveling the walls, since the most time-consuming process - application - is automated.

Necessary equipment and tools

For mechanical plastering, you will need not only the plaster mix itself, but also special tools and equipment. The easiest thing to do is to turn to specialists who have special machines for spraying plaster. They will carry out all the work quickly and with virtually no waste. Remarkably, this option is usually cheaper.

If you or your friends have some devices for applying plaster mechanically, and they are ready to lend them to you free of charge, it will be easier for you to do all the work yourself. However, it should be borne in mind that this will require some knowledge about the selected tool: an understanding of the specifics of its operation, its structure, as well as the difficulties that plastering can be associated with when using the unit.

Plastering machines and stations

If you have someone to borrow a plastering machine from, you can consider yourself lucky. Renting such a machine will cost a pretty penny, besides, it may take some time to adapt to a new application method, and not all work can be done correctly. However, plastering using this method is most preferable, because the plastering station gives an even monolithic layer, and the walls are almost flawless.

Machines are of two types - auger and pneumatic. In the first case, the supply of the solution is fully automated. The finished mixture passes through the pipe under high pressure and is fed into the atomizer. In the second case, work is already done with ready solution, which is supplied to the sprayer under pressure. The machine itself cannot mix the solution.

Pneumospat-hopper

The pneumospat-hopper is the simplest instrument available and the cheapest. In fact, plastering itself is not carried out here - the material is simply thrown onto the surface using this unit, and all further work must be done manually. However, the pneumatic shovel also has positive features: for example, the ability to work with materials of different fractions and different hardness.

Working with the device does not require special knowledge. The guide handle is connected to the compressor, after which the solution is drawn into the bucket. Pointing it at the wall, you just need to spray. Labor productivity is approximately 60 sq. m per hour.

There are pneumoshovel-hoppers for both walls and ceilings. The difference lies in the shape of the buckets used.

air gun

Cartridge gun - perhaps the most inconvenient of all mechanical devices for applying plaster. It is a unit that really looks like a gun, on top of which a large container for the solution is attached. This is precisely what causes difficulties in work: it is very difficult to keep such a weight constantly on outstretched arms.

As in the previous case, a compressor hose is attached to the gun handle, which helps to supply the solution under high pressure. The use of a cartridge air gun is possible only when processing walls. There is no such mechanism for ceilings.

In addition to the above, there are even less common and not found their fans tools for mechanized plastering. These include a plastering robot, for example.

Famous manufacturers and reviews

Many companies are engaged in the production of plaster mixtures and ready-to-apply mortars. Sadly, not all of them produce quality products. Both gypsum and cement-sand plasters are presented in a wide variety, but only a few firms, especially in the Russian Federation, have gained a reputation as trustworthy manufacturers.

There are no specialized plasters intended exclusively for machines., so it makes sense to consider the highest quality plasters in general. Below is a list of companies that produce both gypsum and cement-sand mixtures. Some of them still indicate on the packages that the product is suitable for machine use, but in fact it is universal. The only possible difference may be the addition of various additives and plasticizers that speed up the setting and drying time.

This means that without proper work experience, it is almost impossible to apply such plaster correctly in the shortest possible time.

"Prospectors"

The Starateli company focused on the production and sale of dry mixes for mechanized application. The company believes that one of the most important properties of mechanized plaster is not to spoil the apparatus. So, the solution should be well washed out, not clogged in the key parts of the equipment.

As for diversity, it offers not only gypsum and cement plasters, but also specialized cement-sand mixtures, designed taking into account the specifics of facade work. Additives are added to the compositions, which prevent the plasters from “setting” for 30 minutes, and also make them more plastic.

In addition to wall samples, the Miners company produces options for floors, which are also designed for mechanized use. There are compositions that can be applied in different layers: 30-80 mm for screed, 5-30 mm for leveling and 5-80 mm - a combined version.

"Found"

Unlike the previous company, "Osnovit" did not take the liberty of declaring its plaster mixtures as specialized, focused only on machine work. Only universal dry plasters are produced, suitable for both manual labor and machine.

The "chip" of this manufacturer is that it offers separate plaster mixtures for each layer. So, there is plaster for spraying - preliminary sealing of all cracks and dents on the base, a thin-layer version and a facade one. Gypsum samples are available in various colors. There is both gray and white. Among other things, the emphasis is on eliminating the shortcomings of plaster materials. In particular, a lightweight cement variety is offered.

All products for mechanized works suitable for a variety of bases, some do not require subsequent puttying.

"Volma"

The Volma company was one of the first in Russia to start producing plasters and other materials suitable for machine spraying. To date, the range of the company is quite impressive. There are plasters suitable for applying along a string, there are plasters for applying along beacons, and there are those that are great for working without a beacon.

Like others, the company offers both cement and gypsum dry plaster mixes with a longer setting time. Here it can be up to 60 minutes versus 30 minutes for other manufacturers. It is important to note that the plaster materials of this manufacturer are suitable for machine application both on the surface of walls and on ceilings. There are plasters of various fractional sizes, but maximum size particles usually do not exceed 1.25 mm.

The company claims that the full cycle of work with its materials is no more than 2 days.

Knauf

This German company was one of the founders of the machine application of various building mixtures as such. She did not stop at the production of only plasters, offering the attention of consumers and machine puttying. The MP and MN lines are positioned as intended for use exclusively by machines, and the company recommends choosing their own devices for this - PFT.

Plaster mixtures differ from each other in the degree of adhesion to the bases., however, the manufacturer guarantees good adhesion even with an unprepared surface. Can be plastered different surfaces: brick, concrete, gas and foam blocks, wood and wooden stoves. Information about which plaster is intended for what is available on the packaging.

Touching upon the topic of manufacturers, which were given best reviews, one cannot fail to mention the plastering machines themselves. The best equipment comes from Germany, but there is also a good Russian company.

Knauf (Germany)

The company supplies equipment under the trade name PFT. Plaster machines are small in size, but this does not affect their power in any way. In particular, the equipment also differs in power, supplying a constantly kneading solution under high pressure. This allows the plaster to be applied hard-to-reach places, for example, being slightly higher than human growth.

The machines have a structure that completely eliminates the formation of dust, therefore, all work will be completed with minimal losses and with the minimum required cleaning in the future. The supply can be carried out at a distance of up to 150 m. The units are usually controlled by two: the operator who monitors the health of the machine and lays the dry mix, and the one who directly applies the plaster to the walls.

The machines are on wheels, which makes them easy to move around the room when processing large areas.

Putzmeister (Germany)

This manufacturer does not represent ordinary plastering machines, but entire stations small size. Each of them can be configured to work with compositions of different fractions up to 3 mm. To date, two models are presented: Putzmeister MP 25 and Putzmeister MP 15.

Putzmeister MP 25- a model that has been known for a long time. It can often be found in teams that professionally spray plaster in a mechanized way. To work with such a station, special training will be required, since managing it is not an easy task. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

Putzmeister MP 15- a new car that appeared not so long ago. It differs from its predecessor in size and power. So, this option is somewhat more compact and, moreover, can work with plasters of high fractionation (up to 3 mm). The machine is easier to operate than the Putzmeister MP 25.

The price still "bites", so you should not buy such equipment for private use.

M-Tec (Germany)

The advantage of machines from this manufacturer is their intuitive operation. Here you do not have to get any special knowledge or skills in order to cope with the equipment. The only thing that will need to be done is to get used to applying the plaster with a spray gun under high pressure.

At all, M-Tec equipment is positioned as suitable for start-up companies, whose employees do not yet own all the techniques of machine plastering. The functionality of the samples can be called limited, but all the necessary operations can be performed. Prices compared to other samples are quite low - about 400,000 rubles for a plaster station. Again, the brigade and the independent purchase of plaster materials will cost much less.

Finally, the last of the best, judging by the reviews of the samples, is a car from Russia.

Afalina (Russia)

Stations "Afalina" are universal. They are designed not only for plastering walls, but also for pouring floors, as well as processing ceilings. The functionality and power are at the same level as those of foreign counterparts, but there is one important difference - the size. So, the bottlenose dolphins are much larger. This causes some difficulties when working with it: more people are needed to maintain it.

Due to the fact that the machine is more labor-intensive to maintain and operate, and the price is not much inferior to foreign models, hiring a team working on such equipment is usually more expensive than paying for the services of a company with foreign stations available. Therefore, this pattern is not very popular, and it can be found quite rarely.

But the quality of mechanized plaster, made with this unit, does not suffer.

Application methods and technology

When carrying out work using a special plastering machine, you must adhere to a certain sequence of actions.

First, the walls need to be cleared. Experts advise using a special metal brush.
Next, the base must be wetted. This is done with a primer or plain water.
Then they begin to prepare the equipment: connect it in accordance with the instructions, adjust it to the existing plaster composition.

Now you can go directly to the application itself. The classic way is to apply the composition from top to bottom in stripes, when each new strip is applied so as to half cover the previous one.
If possible, you can use the bottom-up method. The overlap of the strips should be the same.
After setting the solution, it is necessary to smooth it with a construction mesh grater.
When the solution is completely dry (the curing time is indicated on the package), you can proceed to the subsequent finishing: for example, puttying the walls or painting.

Experts give some advice regarding the choice and use of mechanical plaster.

Pay attention to the uniformity of the composition. It should not have lumps.
Never buy plaster for the purpose of mechanized application if it is intended exclusively for manual work.
All work must be carried out at a temperature of +5 to +30 degrees, otherwise the mixture will change its technical characteristics.

You can visually familiarize yourself with the process of mechanized plastering in the video below.

Plaster is most relevant in the field finishing works. It is usually applied by hand and requires a lot of time and effort. IN modern world machine plaster is becoming popular, which is applied to the surface using specialized equipment called a “plaster station”. The question arises, which is better?

Some tend to believe that hand plastering is a more controlled process than mechanical plastering. From this it follows that the quality of manual plaster is better. However, it is not. To be sure of the choice, you need to understand what are the features of these two types of plaster.

Applying manual plaster on lighthouses, the mixture made hardens very quickly and the process itself is very long. Accordingly, the solution has to be made in small portions, which only complicates and increases the time of work. In addition, the use of a solution of the same consistency on a large surface is quite difficult. Following the experience of specialists, you must first apply a layer, and then level it, which subsequently leads to uneven drying, and subsequently the formation of bumps and cracks.

When choosing the method of machine plastering, it is possible to achieve a high result:

reduction of terms of work (by 3-5 times on average). With a continuous process of making the solution and applying it to the surface, as well as due to the reduction in the number of layers. The mixture can be applied in a thicker layer, which allows you to quickly eliminate irregularities;
the plastered surface is almost perfectly flat, the solution is supplied under pressure. As a result, this plaster has no voids, which means that the risk of cracks or delamination is reduced;
although the surface plastered in this way requires grouting, such an operation is greatly simplified, since often the quality of the finish is quite suitable even for wallpapering walls. Often mechanized plaster for painting is used as a base layer when facade works, while reducing their cost and, no less important, without loss of quality;
due to the fact that it is possible to apply a thicker layer of mortar by machine, as a rule, it is possible to level the walls immediately, which is not possible with manual version leveling walls with plaster;
fewer materials are required due to the fact that during the manufacture of the solution it is actively enriched with air, thereby increasing its volume. In addition, it should be noted that manual plastering will have to be done in at least 2 layers, and this leads to additional costs;
machine stations are used not only for wall decoration. With their help, “fur coats” are sprayed, self-leveling floors are created, screeds and cement concrete are installed.

In most cases, machine applied gypsum plaster is used for interior work, so it is quite possible to talk about the environmental friendliness of this method, since this material is quite safe and well vapor permeable.

There are very few disadvantages of the mechanized surface treatment method:

High prices for the purchase of machine installations. The advantage is that the use of equipment is relevant for large rooms.
Needs constant maintenance.
Cleaning of hoses from the remnants of the solution.
Noise from machines.

If there are still doubts about which type of plastering to choose, then there is another reason for choosing the machine method. The mixture for this type of plaster is cheaper. When calculating the estimate, it includes the cost of work and materials, and there is no need to hire a large team. I note that the high quality of work does not exclude the need for putty under the wallpaper of the plastered surface.

Manual or machine plastering - the use of both methods requires special skills, therefore, to achieve a high result, it is better to entrust the work to a specialist. For small areas, manual processing will be appropriate, and if we talk about the repair of the entire room, then the machine method of plastering is fully justified.

In order to understand the difference between machine and manual plastering, one should compare all the main parameters of the application of the two technologies, determine the differences and features of each type of work.

Material. Various mixtures are used in the preparation of plaster for automated feeding and manual mixing. Special additives are added to the mechanical feed solution, which ensure the smooth operation of the mechanisms and prevent the mixture from sticking to the rotating parts of the machine. The method of preparing the mixture itself is also different.

If it is decided to plaster by hand, dry mixtures are sent to a container with water and mixed with a mixer, then the mixture settles for 2 hours and is mixed again, after which it can be applied.

The difference between machine plaster and manual plaster in this case lies only in the method of mixing dry ingredients and water - this process occurs simultaneously with the supply of the solution to the surface. Dry substances are supplied through one hose, water through another, and mixing takes place in the air, until it touches the wall.

Drying time of the plastered surface. For the formation of a surface ready for gratering, in the case of mechanical application, at least four hours are required, while with manual surface treatment, 1.5 - 2 is enough (the timing is valid for gypsum mortars).

This feature of the mechanical application of the mixture allows you to perform a larger amount of work on the preliminary leveling of the surface with a rule than with manual way. Typically, the roles of finishers are distributed in this way: one master applies the solution to the wall with a spray gun, and two or three other finishers do the leveling. Thus, large areas can be plastered in a short time.

The need to install beacons. In both cases, to obtain a high-quality surface, it is necessary to arrange beacons. The installation process of the guides, along which the plaster layer is leveled as a rule, is the same for manual application and for mechanical way.

Quality. It is definitely impossible to say which is better - machine or manual plaster. When using both methods of plastering, the qualifications of the workers are important, so it is not correct to distinguish the quality of work by the method of application. The final leveling of the mortar on the surface and its grouting, which determines the final quality of the work, are carried out manually, only the method of application differs.

Restrictions. Using a mechanical plastering method is impossible in confined spaces, so if it was decided to invite craftsmen with a plastering machine to work in an apartment, you should remember that you will have to call another team to work in the bathrooms.

In both cases, it is preferable to use gypsum-based solutions for interior work (except for rooms with high humidity), and for exterior work, cement and lime-based solutions. It must be remembered that with the mechanical supply of cement-sand mortars, the speed, compared with the supply of gypsum-based mixtures, drops almost twice.

Having considered the features of both options, it can be argued that mechanization can significantly increase the speed of surface treatment, but the choice in favor of one or another method should be based on the specifics and scope of work.

What is cheaper

Pricing for the type of work under consideration is formed on the basis of several factors:

The cost of applying plaster. With the manual method, craftsmen usually ask for about 300 rubles per square meter. m. of one layer, and with mechanized - within 250 rubles per sq.m. It would seem that the difference and, accordingly, the benefits are obvious, but there are limitations. Such prices when using machine plastering are possible when performing large amounts of work (usually from 1500 sq.m.), and the area of plastering an average apartment is much smaller. In addition, it must be borne in mind that the teams of craftsmen involved in machine technology do not level the slopes and do not undertake the plastering of bathrooms. For these works, you will have to hire other finishers who are reluctant to take on such meager volumes;
The cost of electricity. Mechanized surface treatment requires connection to electricity and quite significant costs, which are shifted to the customer's wallet;
Additional work. Manual plasterers' rates include the preparation of difficult places, such as the installation of leveling corners, and when applying the mortar mechanically, it is customary to charge a separate fee for this work;
Material cost. In this case, ready-made mixtures for the operation of the machine will be 15-20% cheaper than mixtures for manual preparation of the solution.

If we consider the amount of work within one apartment, which usually does not exceed 100 sq.m., then the total costs for mechanical and manual labor will be:

This calculation allows us to determine that for small volumes it is more profitable to use the manual method, while for plastering volumes over 1500 sq.m., of course, it will be more profitable to invite a team with a plastering machine.

What is better to choose and in what case

The choice of method of plastering walls in an apartment or country house affects not only the final cost of all work and materials, but also the final quality of work and timing. Usually, orders for the performance of work in private do not exceed a volume of 250 sq.m., which is suitable for both the machine method and the manual version.

The speed of work with mechanized application of plaster exceeds the speed of manual application by 2-3 times, but it should be borne in mind that craftsmen working with the machine most often refuse to process surfaces with complex configurations and small rooms. For processing additional volumes, they will require payment in excess of the standard rates for manual plastering.

When mechanical plastering, to obtain quality result a base with minimal vertical differences is required, which is not so important with a manual approach.

Mechanization of the process allows you to save material by about 20%, which affects the final amount of work, but material savings are noticeable only when using expensive mixtures based on gypsum. Mixtures based on cement and lime cost much less than gypsum counterparts, so when using such solutions, the savings will be negligible.

For plastering the bathroom, in any case, you will have to hire craftsmen who use manual labor, but the best option will entrust this work to tilers, who will prepare the surface and carry out the finishing.

With all the differences between the two methods of plastering surfaces, there are times when mechanized or manual plastering can be used. What is better - to choose for the customer, based on the existing conditions, tasks, volumes and planned deadlines for completion of work.

Any plaster, classic or decorative, can be applied in two ways - machine and manual. For many, the choice of one method or another is difficult. After all, both methods have their own characteristics and advantages.

First of all, it is worth mentioning the main difference between machine-applied plaster and manually applied composition - this is the use of additives in the first, which allow the mortar to be used in plastering stations. Such additives allow you to automate the application process, as they do not allow the plaster to stick to the working surfaces of the unit. This reduces the number of workers, saves time, and increases the efficiency of the application of the mixture.

The application of machine plaster can only be offered by a company that has a plastering station at its disposal. The prepared solution is applied to the surface by means of a hose having an appropriate tip. The leveling of the applied layer of plaster is done manually. The main advantage of machine plaster is the speed of all work: experienced master is able to process using this method per shift 20-45 sq.m of surface.

Due to its high productivity, machine plaster is cheaper than manual plaster, but not at times. After all, a specialist working at a plastering station earns more per shift than an ordinary plasterer working by hand: a good qualification is worth good money. In addition, the cost of depreciation or rental of expensive equipment, as well as its transportation, repair, purchase of spare parts, etc. cannot be discounted. As a result, the machine application method is used in cases where it is necessary to plaster surfaces of a large area with a small number of niches and openings (for example, building facades).

Unlike machine technology, the manual application method involves the use of classic tools - a spatula and a trowel. Manual plaster is applied longer than machine plaster: for a shift, the master will be able to plaster only 5-7 square meters of the surface. Therefore, this method is used for rooms of a small area or for areas with a significant number of protruding and curvilinear architectural elements - columns, niches, arches, etc.

The types of materials used for plastering surfaces also vary depending on the conditions of the work. For building facades different kinds facade plaster mixtures with increased water-repellent and heat-insulating properties. For interior decoration premises, there are plaster mixtures based on gypsum. In addition, there are numerous types decorative plasters used both inside and outside buildings. And the most budget decision is the plastering of surfaces with a cement-sand mixture. Anyway