Features and rules of work: how to plaster walls with Rotband? Application and leveling

Although plastering walls can be intimidating, it can be done easily with the correct tools and methods. Because of its dependability and simplicity of use, Rotband is one of the most widely used options for plastering. For a smooth, long-lasting finish, knowing how to apply and level Rotband correctly is crucial, regardless of experience level or do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Rotband is an adaptable plaster that performs admirably on a range of substrates, such as drywall, concrete, and brick. It is a favorite among many because of its distinctive composition, which guarantees good adhesion and a robust finish. To achieve the best results, there are, however, certain guidelines and procedures to follow, just like with any plastering project.

We’ll go over the main characteristics of Rotband as well as the precise steps for applying and leveling it on your walls in this tutorial. We will cover every aspect of plastering, from surface preparation to finishing touches, to ensure a high-quality, professional-grade finish.

Using Rotband for plastering walls is an easy way to achieve a smooth, long-lasting wall finish. The main procedures and recommended practices for applying and leveling Rotband plaster are covered in this article. These include surface preparation, proper plaster mixing, even application, and attaining a flawless finish. Both professionals and do-it-yourself enthusiasts can guarantee excellent results and a stunning, long-lasting wall surface by adhering to these guidelines.

Advantages and disadvantages

Gypsum is added to the dry composition to create the building mixture, which has a high degree of plasticity. Let’s examine its features in more detail:

1. Rotband is an environmentally friendly material. It is obtained by processing natural raw materials from gypsum. This plaster breathes, retains excess moisture, and does not emit toxic fumes.
2. The dried mixture does not burn. A high degree of fire safety is achieved by using natural materials.
3. The solution dries completely in a few days. Already on the third day, further work can be carried out.
4. Rotband goes well with other finishing materials. It is used with insulation boards or vibration-insulating films.
5. Gypsum plaster gives a smooth surface when applied correctly and carefully. Often no puttying is required afterwards.

Rotband has disadvantages just like any other building material.

1. Gives a high degree of shrinkage when drying. This is especially noticeable when covering up cracks or holes in surfaces. It is necessary to carefully observe the proportion of mixing the solution so that the mixture gives minimal shrinkage.
2. High hardening speed – a possible problem when leveling a large surface.
3. Price. Rotband is more expensive than similar compositions made of cement or limestone.

Gypsum plaster works by quietly adhering to nearly any surface. The primary requirement is a primed wall that has been prepared. The concoction is applied:

• for local alignment of differences in gypsum board sheets;
• for leveling surfaces finished with ceramic tiles;
• for surfaces made of OSB, chipboard.

Rotband is not employed for floor leveling! It cannot be used as a self-leveling floor covering, but it can be used to fill in cracks and potholes in the floor in preparation for later screeding of the self-leveling floor.

Preparatory work

Certain artisans observe that the gypsum solution doesn’t need to be prepared beforehand; it can be applied straight to the base. This isn’t quite the appropriate standing. Despite having a high degree of ductility and adhesion, the material is not impervious to dirt, debris, or chipped concrete in walls.

Let’s examine the foundational preparations for Rotband sequentially:

1. Cleaning the surface from dirt, debris, pieces of old wallpaper and other finishing materials. Removing chipped concrete, old grout from cracks and holes. Find out how to quickly clean a surface from previous plaster here.
2. Applying a concrete contact type primer in one layer. It needs to be given time to dry: it is indicated in the instructions.
3. Geometry evaluation. If the surface is not very littered, you can level it without beacons, otherwise installation of guide structures is necessary.

Preparation of the solution

What you’ll need to prepare gypsum plaster is:

• dry mixture;
• a bucket or trough, depending on the volume of work;
• drill with mixer attachment;
• water.

Use the following algorithm to mix the plaster:

1. Pour 3 liters of cold water into a clean bucket.
2. Add two handfuls of dry mixture to the water.
3. Mix with a mixer at low speed.
4. Add the leftovers from the bag.
5. Mix it at low speed until a thick homogeneous mass is formed so that it does not foam or form lumps.
6. Let the finished mixture stand for about 4 minutes.
7. Stir it again with a mixer.
8. Insert a narrow spatula up to 10 cm into the mixture. It should stand firmly in the solution, without falling or falling to the sides.
9. If everything is observed, the plaster is ready for use.

The algorithm is intended for a 5 kg dry mix bag. The general ratio is as follows: 6 liters of water for every 10 kg of dry material.

We advise observing this video to learn how to combine Rotband plaster:

This page explains how to accurately mix various solutions, and it also explains how to calculate various plaster types for various mixtures.

How to apply a plaster layer with your own hands?

Now let’s talk about proper wall plastering. There is one more outstanding feature of the finishing material. It doesn’t take a master many years to acquire a particular skill; even a novice can learn how to work with gypsum plaster.

When using Rotband, there are two ways to proceed:

• plaster on beacons;
• plaster without beacons.

Let’s examine each kind of work in isolation.

By lighthouses

Any master will tell you that beacons are the only way to accurately draw the geometry of the wall. And in most hard jobs, this rule is applicable. particularly in areas where there are significant surface variations or where a unique build-up of a thick layer of plaster is needed. The following is the algorithm that uses beacons:

1. The prepared primed base is carefully measured with a building level. It can be either a bubble or a laser tool. The latter is preferable to use, as it gives a complete picture of the geometry of the walls and has higher accuracy.
2. On the extreme right and left parts of the wall, marks are placed on the floor and ceiling.
3. Based on the marks received, two starting beacons are set. They will define the geometry of the entire surface. Lighthouses are fixed to the wall with the same Rotband.
4. Two horizontal threads or strings are pulled through the starting guides with a slight tension. It is necessary that the thread does not dangle, but also does not pull the beacons.
5. The remaining beacons are set along the resulting guides, then the threads are removed.
6. Throw the prepared Rotband so that it extends 5–15 mm beyond the beacons.
7. The scattered mixture is leveled using the rule with a grip of up to 1.5 meters. Excess mortar is removed from the rule using a trowel 1–15 cm.
8. The extreme corners are finished at the last moment.
9. After the mixture has dried, the beacons are removed, and the resulting grooves are carefully sealed with the same mixture using the rule.

Get a clean instrument ready. There should be no dirt on the trowel or rule; they need to be free of dried-out, outdated construction materials.

Without beacons

Working without beacons is an additional option. It works well for cosmetic repairs or wall finishing. Beacons are not necessary if the differences are less than 3–4 cm.

The following will be the algorithm used to operate without beacons:

1. Prepare, clean and prime the working surface.
2. It is advisable to check it with a level or a long, even stick to find out in which corners or places of the base the differences are maximum.
3. Mark problem areas of the base with a pencil or marker.
4. Prepare a pure rule of at least 1.5 meters long and trowel up to 10 cm.
5. Mix a small amount of solution. Seal all seams, cracks and potholes. Let dry.
6. Prepare the remaining solution.
7. Apply the mixture onto the wall in even slaps. It is important that the solution adheres well to the base, so it is best to throw it on the wall.
8. Gently stretch the mixture over the entire surface. Remove excess with a trowel.

Avoid making a big batch of solution all at once. The final mixture is plastic for thirty to forty minutes. It becomes rough and challenging to work with after this point. Diluting the solution to a maximum wall area of 5 square meters is preferable.

Gypsum plaster manufacturer Knauf

When selecting a gypsum plaster mixture, vendors and artisans typically suggest going with Knauf as the manufacturer. And this is due to a few factors. Features of the mixture produced by this supplier:

• maximum grain size – no more than 1.2 mm;
• the solution is ready for use within 10 minutes;
• minimum thickness of the plaster layer – 5 mm, average – 10 mm, maximum – 50 mm;
• the period for complete hardening of the finished layer according to the standards is 7 days;
• time before applying the solution to the surface – up to 25 minutes;
• the average drying speed of one layer is 40–60 minutes.

In the market for gypsum plasters, this manufacturer is reputable and diligent.

Take caution! Counterfeiting the Knauf brand is commonplace. Prior to making a purchase, always request product certificates from the vendor.

Rotband plastering is a simple, yet efficient, technique for smooth, long-lasting surfaces. This plaster offers outstanding adhesion and finish and is adaptable, working well on a variety of wall types.

A successful application requires careful wall preparation. To improve the plaster’s adhesion, thoroughly clean the surface, remove any loose particles, and make sure it’s slightly damp. Applying the Rotband will be simpler and more effective if the proper consistency is mixed in.

To keep the plaster application going at a reasonable pace, work in sections. Using a straight edge, level out the plaster after spreading it evenly. This stage requires precision and patience for a seamless, polished finish.

Lastly, give your paint or other work enough time to dry before moving forward. You can achieve a long-lasting, high-quality plastered wall by adhering to these guidelines.

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