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

Home decoration rarely does without plaster - a time-tested and effective coating, the demand for which only grows 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 continuous improvement of finishing technologies, not only ready-made dry mixes have been developed that simplify the preparation of the plaster solution, but also equipment for applying plaster to the base mechanically.

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

Equipment for mechanized plastering

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

Pneumatic devices

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

The cartridge gun works according to the following principle - high-pressure air is supplied to its nozzle by a compressor, at the same time a solution from the tank enters the air channel from above. The air jet captures the solution and carries it out through the 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 exit of 15-20 ° are used, thick ones - at least 30 °.

The cartridge pistol and the pneumatic bucket are similar to each other in design and principle of operation - both work from air compressor with a 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 buckets have 2-4 nozzles, but they are unregulated - you can only change the distance from the tool to the wall;
2. The capacity of the supply tank of a cartridge gun is less than that of an air 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-levelling floor coverings, and the pneumatic bucket - for the installation of decorative textured linings;
4. The productivity of the pneumatic bucket is higher, it can be made by hand.

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

For mechanical plaster are produced special formulations, but cartouche pistols and pneumoshovels are designed to work with conventional mixtures - gypsum and cement, industrial and home-made. However, it should be noted that when using homemade solutions sand must be screened 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. In the process of finishing, the worker periodically loads the tank with a solution - he simply scoops it out of the bucket, which takes a few seconds, and a portion of the mixture of 5 liters is also consumed 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 productivity in terms of 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 classical manual technology.

Taking into account the difference in specific gravity, the application of cement mixtures with an air bucket is 1.5-2 times slower than that of 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.

Flaws:

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

The 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, there is more than enough capacity of portable units, stationary ones are used on large areas in capital construction.

For plastering, such equipment uses gypsum and cement ready-made dry mixes 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, so the use of conventional mixtures degrades 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 mortar with metered water supply;
3. Water supply system connected to the dispenser in the tank;
4. Electric pump with solution supply system;
5. Control controller.

For operation, the station is connected to the mains and water supply. The dry composition is loaded into the receiving hopper, from where it is sent to the mixing tank by the rotation of the auger, into which water is also supplied. The solution is kneaded by 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 under pressure forms a jet, which makes it possible to apply the solution in a directed manner onto the base. 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.

Flaws:

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

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

Results

Plastering with the help of pneumatic devices cannot be called an easy job - it is difficult to keep a gun or a ladle with several liters of mortar on the weight and evenly apply the mixture to the base from a fixed distance. But compared to manual plastering, such a performance is still physically easier, and technically simpler - it does not require professional skills of a plasterer. Having picked up the optimal distance to the surface in the first seconds of work, you can apply the mortar without sticking, which is typical for manual plastering.

In addition, the performance of this method is several times higher than the traditional one, so some physical effort is justified. The high speed of plastering not only reduces the duration of the process, but also brings the base ready for further finishing - the earlier the plaster is finished, the sooner it will mature.

As for the quality of the coverage. The method of preparing the solution is the same for both pneumatic and manual application, so the main requirement for both methods is to follow the instructions for using the mixture. Applying the mixture with a pneumatic tool ensures the solidity of the coating, as it does not leave cavities in it. But in high-quality manual 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 evident. Comparison of prices makes machine plastering even more attractive:

However, 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 inflate prices. But in a situation where repair small apartment limited in time, the higher price of machine plaster for a small volume justifies itself.

Conclusion

The main advantage of mechanized plastering 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 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 manual plastering: what's 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 manual method prepare solutions 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:

1. Special additives are added to the solutions to improve the quality of the finished surface even at the production stage.
2. Mixtures have increased adhesion to any surfaces
3. 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.

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

What is mechanized plastering?

Mechanized plaster is an advanced way of leveling walls.

How to plaster by hand?

The walls are primed, beacons are installed to control the thickness of the plaster layer.
In a special container with the help of a mixer, a solution of the plaster mixture is made.
The worker picks up the plaster mixture with a bucket, carries it to the wall, applies the mixture to the walls manually, levels it with the rule.

With mechanized plastering, the stages from preparing the mixture to applying it to the wall are automated.
A plaster station is installed, the 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. The speed of applying plaster.
With a mechanized way of working in one-room apartment can take 2 days. With the traditional method, it will take up to 10 days to work, although work can be accelerated by hiring several craftsmen at the same time, but as a rule, the cost of work also increases.
Thus mechanized application of plaster is 4-5 times faster than manual application of plaster.
2. Economy.
Mechanized plaster allows you to save on puttying work, after the traditional method you need to apply 2-3 layers, with mechanized application you need one layer or, as often happens, you don’t need to apply at all when correct selection material by the master and when choosing wallpaper high density.
Also, the mixture itself for mechanized application costs 30-40% cheaper than that for manual application.
As a result, savings with a wall area of ​​about 100 sq.m. is up to 18,000 rubles.

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

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 facades of buildings, various types of facade plaster mixtures with increased water-repellent and heat-insulating properties are used. 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

Plaster is a universal way to prepare walls for decorative finishing. Today, many compositions are used for such work, which are quite difficult to apply manually. To speed up this process, many specialists use automated devices. This approach has many nuances and advantages that you need to know about in advance.

Peculiarities

Mechanized plastering 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 engines and compressors.

But the quality of applying to the walls mechanically depends on several criteria:

• surface adhesion. Some types of walls cannot be covered with plaster without prior preparation. For such work, concrete, brick or walls from various types of gas blocks are perfect.
• solution consistency. 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 their failure.

Machine application is much better than manual plastering.

If we apply the classical approach, then it takes a relatively long time. Wherein old plaster already dries, while the new one has not yet gained strength.

Using automatic application, you can get a layer of mortar that is almost identical in state, which is much easier to work with in the future.

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

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

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

Advantages and disadvantages

Today, mechanized plasters are gradually replacing manual application of mortars. This is due to several significant advantages of such work:

• High performance. Modern market represents automatic devices capable of using at least 1 cu. m solution per hour. Depending on the thickness of the layer, walls up to 40-60 m2 in area can be easily plastered in one shift.
• Application quality. Plaster "pistols" apply the mortar much better than conventional ladle throwing. Initially, the surface is almost flat and requires only minor adjustments, which can also be carried out by automated systems.

• The formation of a strong bond between mortar and base. This is achieved due to the uniform distribution of the layers and the uniform feed rate of the solution. With this approach, the solution can penetrate almost all the cracks, filling them almost completely. To achieve this using manual methods is almost impossible.
• Relatively low cost. 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.

• Reduced plastering costs. This is achieved due to the fact that the mixture evenly falls on the wall. Almost all of the product is used for its intended purpose, allowing a much larger area to be covered than with a manual approach. According to user reviews, using 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 compositions are applied.
• No spatula. The cement mortar fills all the cracks well, which eliminates the pre-treatment of the walls.

The use of a mechanical approach when applying plasters makes it possible to simplify repair tasks. But mechanized plastering is not a universal method, as it has several significant drawbacks:

• High cost of equipment. Therefore, in domestic 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 desirable to have a connection to the water supply so as not to stop the process halfway.
• Strict adherence to recommendations when preparing mixtures. If you decide to add some impurity yourself, then there is no guarantee that the device will be able to effectively apply the resulting solution.

Modern mechanized plasterers are a universal solution. This has led to their widespread use on 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. Conventionally, they can be 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 by concrete mixers. But the main ones on the market today are dry mixes that allow you to get plaster on your own.

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

A unique feature of gypsum plasters is their high drying rate.

This makes it possible to obtain a high-quality surface for decorative finishes just a few days after application.

The mixtures have a high porosity, reducing the consumption of the solution several times compared to cement compositions. When applied using automatic devices, you can get an almost perfectly flat surface that requires minimal processing.

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

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

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

"Prospectors"

A gypsum-based mixture with high adhesive qualities. Designed for application to Various types surfaces, among which brick, concrete and foam block are optimal.

Among positive qualities you can 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 a mixture for finishing.

"Found"

Another representative of gypsum plasters, perfect for interior decoration. The fine-grained structure of the components makes it possible to apply solutions on walls with a layer about 1 cm thick. In this case, the product consumption will not exceed 9 kg / m3. The plaster is suitable for processing walls and ceilings.

The material is also characterized 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 plasters, which contain various polymeric impurities.

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

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

"Volma"

One of the leaders of domestic production. It produces high-quality gypsum plasters for mechanized application.

Products by technical specifications practically does not concede to products of the previous manufacturer. Among the features of the plaster can be identified its rapid drying.

The manufacturer claims that it is possible to start grouting the walls after 4 hours after application.

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

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

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:

• Screw 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 differ in great power and performance. A hose is connected to this system, which is supplied to the point of work.
• Pneumatic devices- it's relatively simple designs. The main tool here is a hopper (bucket), to which a hose with compressed air is connected. Spraying is carried out due to the high speed of the gas, which pushes the solution through one or more holes. The disadvantage of such a device is that the plaster should be prepared separately and immediately in large volumes. Some devices do not differ in convenience and practicality. Therefore, their use is justified for domestic conditions.

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

Let us consider in more detail the principle of operation of the screw apparatus:

• The solution is poured into a special mixing compartment. Please note that you can use both already prepared products and individual components. The amount of liquid and all other products must exactly comply with the recommendations of the manufacturer or specialists.
• The system then feeds these components into the mixer. Inside it is mixing for a certain period of time.
• When the composition is ready, the auger captures it and feeds it into the hose. There is created high pressure, causing the solution to move towards the exit. Getting on the sprayer, the plaster comes out at a certain speed and sticks to the base.

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

Today, there are several popular branded mechanisms for applying plasters on the market:

• Knauf. The machines of this company are compact. Their main purpose is to apply plaster. But with their help, you can carry out painting.
• bottlenose dolphin. A bright representative of this brand can be considered the model SHM-30, which can work with various types solutions. Therefore, with its help, you can not only plaster walls or ceilings, but also pour floors.

• UShM-150- a small mechanism for plastering, which is recommended to be used if it is necessary to level the bases. Some modifications may also work with paints.
• PFT Ritmo– modern device which 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 of applying plaster using such devices consists of the following successive stages:

• Surface preparation. Solutions should be applied on relatively clean substrates. It is desirable to begin preparation with the removal of deck grease, mounting adhesive and concrete sagging.
• It is important that they do not form protrusions with a height of more than 1 cm. All brick and aerated concrete walls must be additionally primed. For this, experts recommend using deep penetration mixtures.
• If there are many cracks on the surface of the base, then they must be additionally reinforced metal mesh. This should be done in accordance with the recommendations of experts.

• Installation of beacons. They are needed to get a perfectly flat surface in one plane. This procedure begins with an assessment of the quality of the wall base. You can find out the deviations with the help of 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. To do this, several dotted tubercles are placed on the surface, to which the lighthouse is attached.
• Equipment setup. If you are using a conventional 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 productivity.