Which plaster is better - manual or mechanized? Machine plastering: all pros and cons, equipment overview and leveling with gypsum, cement mixtures How best to plaster walls manually or with a machine

Home decoration is rarely complete without plaster - a time-tested and effective coating, the demand for which has only grown over the years. But all stages of plastering require significant physical costs, so the productivity of its manual execution is not high. As a result of the constant improvement of finishing technologies, not only ready-made dry mixes were developed that simplify the preparation of plaster mortar, but also equipment for applying plaster to the base mechanically.

The appearance of mechanical methods of plastering greatly facilitated the work of finishers, but customers often have a natural question - for the better or worse, such a finish differs from a hand-made coating. Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of this technology in comparison with the classical method of plastering, the characteristics of which are widely known.

Equipment for mechanized plastering

There are several types of mechanical devices for plastering, all of them are designed to apply mortar to the base and work on general principle - the plaster is supplied from one or more nozzles. But the design differences between these types of equipment determine the individual rules of operation and performance.

Pneumatic devices

This group of mechanical plastering equipment includes cartridge pistols and pneumatic buckets (shovels, hoppers) - portable units that use the energy of a jet of compressed air.

The cartridge pistol works according to the following principle - high pressure air is supplied to its nozzle by a compressor, while solution from the tank enters the air channel from above. A jet of air captures the mortar and carries it out through a nozzle, which forms the direction and intensity of applying the mixture to the surface - removable nozzles of different diameters and socket profiles are designed for a certain consistency and grain size of the plaster composition. For applying liquid mixtures, nozzles with a funnel angle at the outlet of 15-20 ° are used, for thick ones - at least 30 °.

The cartridge gun and the pneumatic bucket are similar in design and principle of operation - both work from air compressor power of 5-6 atm., but there are differences between them:

1. Pistols have one nozzle with a set of removable nozzles of various diameters, pneumatic bucket nozzles 2-4, but they are unregulated - you can only change the distance from the tool to the wall;
2. The capacity of the supply reservoir of the cartridge pistol is less than that of the pneumatic bucket (3-5 liters versus 5-8 liters);
3. In addition to plastering, the gun can be used for priming, painting, applying adhesives and self-leveling floor coverings, and a pneumatic bucket - for the device of decorative textured facings;
4. The performance of the pneumatic bucket is higher, it can be made by hand.

Pneumopaths are manufactured in two types - wall and ceiling. They differ only in the angle of inclination of the tank to the axis of the handle - it is performed in such a way that the solution does not overflow through the walls of the tank at a convenient working position of the unit.

For mechanical plaster are produced special formulations, but cartridge pistols and pneumatic shovels are also designed to work with conventional mixtures - gypsum and cement, industrial and homemade. However, it should be borne in mind that when using homemade solutions sand must be sieved - to remove debris and filler fractions larger than 2 mm.

The composition for cartridge pistols and pneumatic buckets is mixed by the performer separately - these units do not participate in the preparation of the mixture. During the finishing process, the worker periodically loads the tank with a solution - he simply scoops it out of the bucket, which takes a matter of seconds, and a portion of the mixture of 5 liters is consumed also very quickly - in 5-6 seconds.

The production of plaster mortar with a pneumatic shovel is from 1 to 5 m3 of mortar per hour, while the performance in terms of the finishing area depends on the thickness of the applied layer, but in any case it is 2-3 times higher than the speed of finishing according to the classical manual technology.

Taking into account the difference in specific gravity, the application of cement mixtures by pneumatic bucket is performed 1.5-2 times slower than gypsum.

Advantages of pneumatic devices:

1. Ease of use (regarding the application of the solution);
2. High performance;
3. High-quality filling of pores on the surface;
4. Small volume of solution waste.

Disadvantages:

1. Significant weight of the device with a full tank;
2. The high cost of a set of equipment.

Cost of pneumatic plastering equipment

Electrical units for machine plastering

This group of equipment includes plastering stations - portable and stationary. To repair an apartment or house, the power of portable installations is more than enough, stationary ones are used on large areas in capital construction.

For plastering with such equipment, gypsum and cement ready-made dry mixes are used, intended for machine application or universal, as indicated on their packaging. The composition of these materials includes optimizing additives that take into account the nuances of mechanical plastering, therefore the use of conventional mixtures deteriorates the quality of the coating and reduces the service life of the installation.

The plastering station consists of the following units:

1. Receiving hopper for dry mix, equipped with auger;
2. Tank for mixing the solution with dosed water supply;
3. Water supply system associated with the dispenser in the tank;
4. Pump with electric drive and solution supply system;
5. Control controller.

For operation, the station is connected to the power supply and water supply. The dry composition is loaded into the receiving hopper, from where it is directed by the rotation of the auger into the mixing tank, into which water is also supplied. The solution is mixed with a mixing spiral, after which the finished composition enters the pump, which pushes it into the supply hose. At the outlet of the sleeve, the mixture forms a jet under pressure, which allows the solution to be applied to the base in a targeted manner. The productivity of such equipment is 1-5 m3 / hour.

Advantages of plastering stations:

1. High finishing speed - 20-30 m2 / hour;
2. Low labor intensity of work;
3. Lower prices compared to manual finishing.

Disadvantages:

1. The need for participation of 2-3 people;
2. The dependence of the process on electricity and water in the system - their shutdown is fraught with solidification of the solution in the unit.

When operating a plaster station, it is necessary to have a portable generator and an alternative source of water in stock.

Outcome

Plastering using pneumatic devices cannot be called an easy job - it is difficult to hold a gun or a bucket with several liters of mortar suspended and apply the mixture evenly to the base from a fixed distance. But in comparison with manual plastering, such a performance is nevertheless physically easier, and technically simpler - it does not require professional plastering skills. Having selected the optimal distance to the surface in the first seconds of work, it is possible to apply the solution without sticking, which is typical for hand plaster.

In addition, the productivity of this method is several times higher than the traditional design, therefore, some expenditure of physical efforts is justified. The high speed of plastering not only shortens the duration of the process, but also brings the readiness of the base closer to further finishing - the earlier the plaster is finished, the earlier it will mature.

With regard to the quality of the coating. The method of preparing the solution is the same for pneumatic application and for manual application, therefore the main requirement for both methods is compliance with the instructions for using the mixture. Applying the mixture with a pneumatic tool provides the coating with solidity, since it does not leave cavities in it. But in high-quality hand plaster, the presence of cavities is so insignificant that it does not affect the characteristics of the coating.

When comparing manual finishing and plastering by the station, the difference in performance is also immediately apparent. Comparison of prices makes machine plaster even more attractive:

However, the savings are real only when finishing large areas. The "crew" of the plastering station consists of two or three people, on whom the earnings are divided, so the contractor, with small volumes, is forced to overestimate the prices. But in a situation where repair small apartment limited by time, the higher price of machine plaster for a small volume justifies itself.

Conclusion

The main advantage of mechanized plaster over manual plastering is the high speed of execution, which significantly reduces the repair time in general, especially on large objects, for example, in a private house. Considering that plastering is a dirty job, speeding up its execution is especially desirable. As for the quality of the coating, the use of mechanical devices is not a panacea for marriage. If the master does not have the appropriate qualifications and conscientiousness, the coating will be poor in any way of execution.

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

Hand-applied plaster

The usual way of plastering a wall involves throwing the mortar over with a trowel or ladle and then distributing it over the surface. As a rule, craftsmen prepare it on the spot in the amount in which it can be worked out in one approach before the start of 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 on the wall unevenly, with "scales". Throwing the mass "by eye" forces a long time to achieve a general evenness of the surface. In general, the method is becoming obsolete, it is used for finishing small areas.

Machine applied plaster

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

The essence of the method: the plastering station delivers the mixture through a hose led to the working room, the operator directs the stream 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:

• Reduced finishing time;
• High quality finished surface;
• Uniform setting of the mortar over the entire area.

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

What formulations to use

Comparing the methods of throwing working mixtures, one should mention the compositions for their manufacture for each method. The main difference between machine-applied plaster and hand-applied plaster is the introduction of special additives during the kneading process. The rest of the plasters are identical to each other:

• For external walls, mortars are used;
• For internal works - .

For manual way prepare solutions from mixtures intended for this method of application. Such additives are added to prevent adhesion of the finishing compound to the working tools to facilitate the finishing process.

For large projects under construction, plaster is made in factories or directly on the site in a plaster station - a certain amount of water is poured into the tank and the ready-made dry mixture is poured. Stirring occurs evenly and continuously.

Differences between machine applied plasters:

1. Special additives are added to the solutions to improve the quality of the finished surface even at the production stage.
2. The mixtures have increased adhesion to any surface
3. For mixing, use components of a fine fraction without large inclusions.

On the construction market, you can purchase plaster compounds for universal use.

Output

For the choice of manual or machine plastering, you should rely on the expected amount of work. If you want to finish the wall 3 × 3, it will be impractical to fit the feeder. For large rooms and in large-scale construction, one cannot do without a machine method: the volume of work is so great that you cannot go far with manual throwing, the loss of time and mortar becomes colossal.

Customers often ask about the advantages and disadvantages of mechanized plaster over the traditional method, in this regard, we decided to write this article for you.

What is mechanized plastering?

Mechanized plastering is an improved way of leveling walls.

How is it done by hand?

They prime the walls, install beacons to control the thickness of the plaster layer.
In a special container, using a mixer, make a solution of plaster mixture.
The worker picks up the plaster mixture with a bucket, carries it to the wall, applies the mixture to the walls by hand, and levels it with the right.

With mechanized plastering, the stages from preparing the mixture to applying it to the wall are automated.
A plastering station is installed, plaster mixture is poured into it. The station independently prepares the solution, the master takes the hose and applies the plaster mixture to the wall under pressure, and then levels it.

Pros and cons of mechanized wall plastering.

1. Speed \u200b\u200bof application of plaster.
When mechanized method work in one-room apartment can meet in 2 days. With the traditional method, it will take up to 10 days to work, although the work can be accelerated by hiring several masters at the same time, but as a rule, the cost of the work also increases.
Thus, mechanized plastering is 4-5 times faster than manual plastering.
2. Savings.
Mechanized plaster allows you to save on putty work, after the traditional method you need to apply 2-3 layers, with mechanized application you need one layer or, as often, you do not need to apply at all when correct selection material by the master and when selecting wallpaper high density.
Also, the mixture itself for mechanized application is 30-40% cheaper than a similar one for manual application.
As a result, the savings with a wall area of \u200b\u200babout 100 sq. M. up to 18,000 rubles.

Cons of mechanized plastering
1. Difficulty lifting equipment.
Equipment for mechanized plastering is rather large and if you have a narrow elevator, then lifting to the floor will be problematic or impossible at all.
Thus, defining the pros and cons of mechanized plastering of walls, the prevalence of positive aspects is evident, but one should not forget about the professionalism of the workers.

Any plaster, classic or decorative, can be applied by two methods - 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 a manually applied composition - this is the use of additives in the first, which allow the solution to be used in plastering stations. Such additives make it possible to automate the application process, since 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.

Application of machine plaster can only be offered by a company that has a plaster station at its disposal. The prepared solution is applied to the surface by means of a hose with an appropriate tip. The leveling of the applied plaster layer is done manually. The main advantage of machine plaster is the speed of all work: experienced master able to process using this method for a change of 20-45 square meters of surface.

Due to its high performance, machine plaster is cheaper than manual, but not at times. After all, a specialist working at a plastering station gets more per shift than an ordinary plasterer working by hand: good qualifications cost good money. In addition, the cost of depreciation or rent of expensive equipment, as well as its transportation, repair, purchase of spare parts, etc. cannot be discounted. As a result, the method of machine application is used in cases when 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: per shift the master will be able to plaster only 5-7 square meters of surface. Therefore, this method is used for rooms of a small area or for areas with a significant number of protruding and curved architectural elements - columns, niches, arches, etc.

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

Plaster is a versatile way to prepare walls for decorative finishing. Today, for such work, many formulations are used, which are rather difficult to apply by hand. To speed up this process, many professionals use automated devices. This approach has many nuances and advantages that you need to know about in advance.

Features:

Mechanized plaster is a relatively new method applying mortar to the walls. It is based on the use of special devices capable of supplying the mixture under a certain pressure through special pipelines.

Technically, this procedure involves the use of various types of motors and compressors.

But the quality of mechanical application to walls depends on several criteria:

• Surface adhesion. Some types of walls cannot be covered with plaster without preliminary preparation. For such work, concrete, brick or walls made of various types of gas blocks are perfect.
• The consistency of the solution.This factor is one of the most important. The mixture should not be too thick, as this will increase the load on the engines and may lead to engine failure.

Machine application is much better than hand plastering.

The classical approach is relatively time-consuming. Wherein old plaster already dries, while the new has not yet gained strength.

With the help of automatic application, it is possible to obtain an almost identical layer of solution, which is much easier to work with in the future.

Mechanized plastering is a versatile approach that allows you to process various types of surfaces:

• walls and ceiling;
• door or window slopes;
• decorative arches;
• external walls of buildings.

Machining is a versatile way to obtain a high-quality surface in a relatively short time.

Advantages and disadvantages

Mechanized plasters today are gradually replacing the manual application of mortars. This is due to several significant advantages of such works:

• High performance. Modern market represents automatic devices capable of using at least 1 cubic meter. m solution per hour. Depending on the thickness of the layer, walls with an area of \u200b\u200bup to 40-60 m2 can be easily plastered in one shift.
• Application quality.Plastering "guns" apply mortar much better than normal scooping. Initially, the surface is almost flat and requires only minor adjustments, which can also be done with automated systems.

• Formation of strong adhesion of mortar and base.This is achieved due to the uniform distribution of layers and a uniform feed rate of the solution. With this approach, the solution can penetrate into almost all cracks, filling them almost completely. It is almost impossible to achieve this using manual methods.
• Relatively low costs. Several people can apply the mixture. To achieve such productivity manually, it would be necessary to increase the number of employees several times, which would greatly affect the financial costs.

• Reducing plaster costs.This is achieved due to the fact that the mixture is evenly applied to the wall. Almost all of the product is used for its intended purpose, allowing you to cover a much larger area than with a manual approach. According to user reviews, automatic devices can reduce consumption by about 1.5 times.
• Relatively low cost of plasters.This indicator may differ depending on the manufacturer and the structure of the wall surface on which the compounds are applied.
• Lack of filling.The cement mortar fills all the gaps well, which excludes the pre-treatment of the walls.

The use of a mechanical approach to plastering can simplify repair tasks. But mechanized plastering is not a universal method, as it has several significant disadvantages:

• High cost of equipment. Therefore, in household construction, this method is quite rare. But if you are engaged in this activity professionally, then the tool will pay for itself very quickly. For one-time plastering, it is better to hire specialists who already have all the necessary equipment.
• High device performance requires a constant supply of water and mixtures. Therefore, it is advisable to have a water connection so as not to stop the process halfway.
• Strict adherence to recommendations when preparing mixtures. If you decide to add some kind of impurity yourself, then there is no guarantee that the device will be able to effectively apply the resulting solution.

Modern mechanized plastering machines are a versatile solution. This has led to their widespread use at many construction sites, where wall processing can be carried out at several points at once.

Mixes

The main parameter on which the quality of the treated surface depends is plaster mixes. They can be conditionally divided into dry and wet. The second type of product is used by large construction companies. They purchase a ready-made mixture, which is delivered to them using concrete mixers. But the main ones on the market today are dry mixes, which allow you to get plaster yourself.

Depending on the composition, dry foods can be divided into 2 large groups:

A unique property of gypsum plasters is a high drying rate.

This allows you to get a high-quality surface for decorative finishing within a few days after application.

The mixtures have high porosity, reducing the consumption of the mortar several times compared to cement compositions. When applied with automatic devices, an almost perfectly flat surface can be obtained that requires minimal processing.

• Cement-sand plasters.Versatile mixes that can be applied to almost any surface. Since the substance tolerates temperature extremes and exposure to water well, many use it to decorate the facades of houses.

If you are planning to build a pool, then this type of plaster will also be the best option.

The modern market offers many types of dry and semi-dry mixtures. Among all this variety, several popular brands should be distinguished:

"Prospectors"

Gypsum-based mixture with high adhesion properties. Designed for application to different types surfaces, among which brick, concrete and foam block are optimal.

Among positive qualities it is possible to highlight the ability of the solution to pass air and retain heat inside the house.

The manufacturer indicates that the composition can be used as finishing mixtures.

"Osnovit"

Another representative of gypsum plasters, perfect for interior decoration. The fine-grained structure of the components allows the mortars to be applied to walls in a layer about 1 cm thick. In this case, the product consumption will not exceed 9 kg / m. The plaster is suitable for treating walls and ceilings.

The material is also distinguished by high vapor permeability and good thermal insulation characteristics.

Knauf

The company is one of the leaders in the production of mixtures for finishing various surfaces. It should be noted its gypsum plaster, which contains various polymer impurities.

Among the features of the material, one can single out high plasticity, as well as adhesion to various surfaces.

The color range of the mixes includes not only gray, but also pink shades.

Volma

One of the leaders in domestic production. Produces high quality gypsum plasters for mechanized application.

Products by technical specifications practically not inferior to the products of the previous manufacturer. Among the features of the plaster, one can single out its fast drying.

The manufacturer claims that you can start grouting the walls after 4 hours after application.

After such treatment, the surface is ready for painting or wallpapering. At the same time, the outer layer is practically indistinguishable from the bases covered with special putty compounds.

Please note that practically no one produces cement-based mixtures. Technically, this is not necessary, since it is quite easy to obtain such a plaster. It is necessary to mix high-quality sand and cement in certain proportions in order to obtain the desired mortar consistency.

Equipment

Plastering is carried out by special mechanized devices. Depending on the method of supplying the solution, they can be divided into 2 main groups:

• Auger apparatus.The main element of the system is the auger, which is able to capture the solution and move it in a certain direction. These machines can be compared to classic meat grinders. But they are powerful and powerful. A hose is connected to this system, which is supplied to the point of work.
• Pneumatic devices - this is relative simple designs... The main tool here is the hopper (bucket), to which the compressed air hose is connected. Atomization is carried out due to the high velocity of the gas, which pushes the solution through one or more holes. The disadvantage of such a device is that the plaster must be prepared separately and immediately in a large volume. Some devices are not convenient and practical. Therefore, their use is justified for living conditions.

All of these devices can be used to apply the mixture to walls or floors.

Let's consider in more detail the principle of operation of the auger apparatus:

• The solution is poured into a special mixing compartment. Please note that you can use both prepared foods and individual components. The amount of liquid and all other products must exactly correspond to the recommendations of the manufacturer or specialists.
• The system then feeds these components into the mixer. Inside it, mixing takes place over a period of time.
• When the composition is ready, it is captured by the auger and fed into the hose. There is created high pressureforcing the solution to move towards the exit. Once on the sprayer, the plaster comes out at a certain speed and adheres to the substrate.

Please note that all these processes are fully automated, and the operator is only required to connect to the water supply hose system and timely fill the components of the future solution.

Today, there are several popular proprietary mechanisms for applying plaster on the market:

• Knauf. The machines of this company are compact. Their main purpose is to apply plaster. But with their help, you can also paint.
• Bottlenose dolphin.A striking representative of this brand can be considered the model SHM-30, which can work with different kinds solutions. Therefore, with its help, you can not only plaster walls or ceilings, but also fill the floors.

• UShM-150 - a small mechanism for plastering, which is recommended for use when leveling the bases is necessary. Some modifications can also work with paints.
• PFT Ritmo– modern devicethat can be used even in small spaces. The system is versatile, as it is intended not only for plastering, but also for puttying or painting.

Application process

The operation of automated machines is a relatively simple operation.

The technology for applying plaster using such devices consists of the following sequential stages:

• Surface preparation. It is necessary to apply solutions on relatively clean substrates. It is advisable to begin preparation with the removal of deck grease, assembly glue and concrete deposits.
• It is important that they do not form protrusions more than 1 cm high. All brick and aerated concrete walls must be additionally primed. For this, experts recommend using deep penetration mixtures.
• If there are many slots on the surface of the base, then they must be additionally reinforced. metal mesh... This should be done in accordance with the recommendations of specialists.

• Installation of beacons. They are needed to get a perfectly flat surface in one plane. This procedure is started by assessing the quality of the wall base. You can find out the deviations using a string and a long level.
• Having determined the maximum height of the protrusion on a particular plane, all beacons should be attached. They are fixed using the same solution. For this, several point bumps are placed on the surface, to which the lighthouse is attached.
• Equipment adjustment. If you are using a regular hopper, then you only need to properly prepare the solution. In the case of automatic machines, you must first set the required percentage of the components to be mixed. Some models provide the ability to change and work productivity.