How to plaster the basement of the house with your own hands?

Are you going to plaster your home’s basement yourself? It’s a useful method to improve the foundation of your house’s durability and appearance. Plastering a basement not only makes the space more aesthetically pleasing but also helps to waterproof the walls and shield them from moisture and cracks.

It is imperative that the basement walls be sufficiently prepared before beginning the plastering process. First, give the surface a thorough cleaning to get rid of any dirt, debris, or loose materials. This guarantees a smooth finish and good plaster adhesion. Before applying the plaster, make sure there are no holes or cracks that need to be closed.

Selecting the appropriate plaster type is crucial for the accomplishment of a basement renovation. Because of their strength and longevity, plasters based on cement are frequently used in basements. They offer good adhesion to masonry surfaces and a strong barrier against water penetration. To ensure easy application, mix the plaster according to the manufacturer’s instructions to get the proper consistency.

Plaster application needs to be done methodically. Using a trowel, evenly apply plaster to the wall, working your way up from the bottom. To prevent the plaster from drying out too quickly before you can finish it smoothly, work in manageable sections. Since each coat can fully dry before applying the next, it is usually preferable to apply multiple thin layers rather than one thick one.

After plastering, think about painting or applying a waterproofing sealant made especially for basements. Over time, this additional barrier can strengthen your basement walls’ ability to repel moisture and prevent it from seeping through. Ensuring uniform and complete drying of the plaster also depends on adequate ventilation.

Your home’s basement can be effectively enhanced with long-lasting results if you follow these steps and take the time to properly prepare and apply the plaster. Plastering your basement can be a satisfying do-it-yourself project that enhances the value of your living area, whether it’s for functional purposes like waterproofing or just for aesthetic reasons.

Choosing a solution for plastering

It is advised to consider the coefficient of strength and adhesion when purchasing a material to finish the foundation.

Conditions for the solution:

1. Long service life.
2. Easy to use.
3. Safety.
4. Vapor permeability.
5. Resistance to ultraviolet rays and low temperatures.

One way to decorate the surface is by plastering it. You can simulate the texture of brickwork or other cladding by using a plaster composition. It is advised to cover the base’s surface with specific materials that complement the color of the house for added protection.

Cement and sand are combined to create the type of plaster composition that is available. Plaster is made on-site at the business, or you can make it yourself.

The solution consists of quarry sand, water, and premium cement. The ratios of the components vary depending on the brand of solution. Using a mixer or other tool, mix all ingredients until smooth. A polymer material needs to be added to the solution to make it more plastic.

There exist multiple varieties of plaster:

• mineral mixtures with various types of stone;
• silicone;
• silicate mixtures based on liquid glass;
• acrylic.

Selecting one is difficult because each type has advantages.

Although the cement-based composition is inexpensive and simple to apply, the coating eventually collapses and cracks as a result of moisture and low temperatures. Utilizing solutions containing modifying additives contributes to the finish’s increased durability.

Silicone and acrylic materials are more expensive. High resistance to harmful influences is the cause of this. You can select the ideal color for every home because of the wide range of mortar shades.

Consumables and tools

In addition to a solution, you’ll need additional supplies and equipment to plaster the foundation plinth:

1. Plastering ladle.
2. Sander.
3. Hatchet.
4. Primer.
5. Plaster mesh.
6. Medium brush.
7. Grater or trowel.
8. Spatulas.
9. Boards 0.2-0.3 m wide.
10. Hammer.
11. Shovel.
12. Hammer.
13. Beacons.
14. Rule.
15. Dowels.

Selecting top-notch materials is advised. Completing the task is quite challenging without the necessary tools.

If you want to add color to the base, you should buy marble or granite chips and pigments ahead of time.

How to properly plaster the foundation?

Not only must the solution be applied correctly, but the primer and preparation must also be done so as to guarantee a high-quality base finishing. In this instance, the finish is long-lasting and unlikely to crack.

Calculation of the required amount of mixture

You should be aware of the variations or differences that exist at various locations on the surface in order to determine the necessary volume of solution. The values were, for instance, 2, 3, and 4 cm. Once totaled, divide by three. Three centimeters will be the typical plaster layer.

The mixture’s packaging shows how much is consumed per square meter. With a given layer thickness, you will need, on average, 45 kg per sq. m to finish the base.

You must know the entire area in order to compute the total consumption. This is accomplished by multiplying the perimeter by the foundation’s height. Next, the amount of plaster needed to finish the base is calculated by multiplying 45 kg by the total area.

Preparation of the composition

To get ready for plaster mortar, do the following:

1. Using a sieve or metal mesh, clear the sand from clay and stones.
2. When using M400 grade cement, the ratio with quarry sand will be 1:3, and for M500 grade – 1:4.
3. Add dry ingredients to the barrel where the solution will be mixed and mix them.
4. You can add a waterproofing compound or a plasticizer to the water. In some cases, PVA glue is used, which can be added in a small volume to water. This improves adhesion.
5. Add water to the dry mixture gradually. It is necessary to control the density of the solution.

After combining the aforementioned ingredients, add a color pigment if the finish is colored.

Surface preparation

Surface preparation is a crucial initial step in plastering the surface. Prior to anything else, you should identify the areas that are the most uneven and seal any chips and cracks.

It is advised to clean all of the seams if the base is composed of brick or blocks. Sweep away all of the dust after cleaning the base.

A primer must then be applied to the surface. As a result, the adhesion of the solution increases and the base is strengthened. Additionally, you should be aware of any seams, tiny cracks, and different chips when performing work.

You can also use a spray-applied cement solution in addition to the primer. Before beginning the next task, the base has to dry.

Application technology

Several things need to be considered when plastering the house’s base:

• preparation of the base;
• primer;
• applying plaster.

The plaster mesh that will hold the mortar layer should be installed prior to completing the third step. It needs to be fastened with metal dowels all the way around the base.

Slab insulation is utilized when insulating the foundation. The primed base is covered with glue, and insulation is affixed. The heat-insulating material is installed below in a metal profile. Using dowels with wide heads could be an additional fastening option.

Plaster is applied more smoothly with the installation of beacons. Using a step smaller than the size of the rule, this can be accomplished in any manner throughout the entire structure.

There shouldn’t be any more than 0.3 meters between the corners and the extreme marks. Installing beacons along plumb lines is the most practical solution.

Two centimeters separate the pegs from the base when they are driven into the earth. If there is no blind area, then this option can be used.

Before applying the plaster, you can use a spray to level the base vertically and create a superior layer. Place the edged board horizontally on top of the plinth to accomplish this. Plaster is applied every 0.4 meters to secure the boards, and they are then leveled.

To ensure superior corner finishing, a fenced area is created. Boards set vertically at the corners can be used for this. The solution is then poured into the space. With a plaster ladle, apply the spray in striped patterns. The thickness must be two centimeters less than the beacons’ upper edge. Using a trowel, leveling is then completed. Use a spatula to make tiny surface scratches to improve the adhesion of the subsequent layers.

The surface is ready for priming 72 hours after spraying. It is advisable to place a damp cloth over the base when the temperature is high. Before the final finishing step, you can strengthen the surface’s bonding thanks to the primer. The soil should not be thicker than thirty millimeters. Plaster must be applied only after this layer is totally dry.

Use a brush to apply water to the dried soil to moisten the surface. After that, a trowel is used to apply and rub the plaster composition. Grouting is completed when the plaster has slightly dried. The smoothing process is circular in nature.

Grouting is required to get rid of small irregularities and other defects. There is a range of 2 to 3 mm for layer thickness. Slaked lime is added to the mixture for added strength. The dye is added to the solution after being diluted with water if needed.

Features of applying cement mortar

It’s crucial to properly install the beacons and prepare the surface before applying cement mortar. Plastering the layer will be simple and quick in this instance. Remember to grout if you want a more appealing appearance.

Nuances of grid technology

This kind of technology is required to improve finishing’s dependability. How is a mesh to be plastered? Installing a metal or woven mesh comes before plastering. A specific type of adhesive is needed to fasten the final two types. Utilizing a dental spatula, it is applied.

Dowels with umbrella-shaped caps are used to create a metal mesh. Plaster thermal insulation is a very convenient application of this technology.

The technology used in the video to apply plaster to the plinth is:

Possible errors in the process

When using your hands to plaster the base To avoid errors, the requirements listed below must be fulfilled:

1. When removing the old base, remove any elements that move or do not hold together well. The surface must be cleaned. If you apply concrete to a weak layer, the coating will quickly crack and fall off.
2. All deep depressions in the plinth must be sealed. If possible, widen the cracks, strengthen them with reinforcing mesh and seal them with mortar. All recesses must also be sealed with plaster and leveled. If the base is finished to look like stone, then the unevenness can be preserved.
3. If the masonry is damaged, the gaps must be filled. To do this, you need to throw in the solution and put in a stone that is suitable in size.
4. Before applying the plaster layer, it is necessary to make a high-quality primer of the base. Thus, all pores are filled and adhesion increases. The solution will not absorb water and the plaster will not fall off after a certain period.

The plinth’s surface needs to be solid, tidy, and safe.

Pros and cons of the technique

There are benefits and drawbacks to any manual labor task.

Among the benefits are:

• low cost of work;
• control of work performance;
• quality material.

Minuses:

• doing the work yourself will require a lot of time and effort;
• complexity of the process.

This section contains all of the most crucial and practical information regarding plaster finishing a basement.

This section contains all of the most significant, fascinating, and practical information regarding the basement finish.

Prepare the Surface:	Clean the basement walls thoroughly and repair any cracks or damage.
Apply Primer:	Use a suitable primer to improve adhesion and durability of the plaster.
Mix Plaster:	Follow instructions to mix plaster with water to the right consistency.
Apply Base Coat:	Apply a base coat of plaster evenly across the walls using a trowel.
Smooth Surface:	Once dry, sand the surface lightly for a smooth finish.
Apply Finish Coat:	Apply a final coat of plaster for the desired texture and appearance.
Cure and Dry:	Allow the plaster to cure and dry completely before painting or further finishing.

Your home’s basement can look much better and be shielded from the elements and moisture by plastering it. These steps will help you achieve a finish that is both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting.

First, make sure there is no debris and that the basement walls are clean. In order for the plaster to adhere properly, this preparation is essential. Use the appropriate mortar or filler to fix any cracks or uneven areas.

To improve adhesion between the plaster and the wall surface, apply a bonding agent next. This is a crucial step, particularly for surfaces that are more porous or older.

Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions when mixing the plaster. The plaster needs to be smooth, easy to apply, and not overly runny; consistency is essential. Work in manageable chunks to keep the application under control.

Using a plastering trowel, evenly apply the plaster, working your way up from the bottom. As you proceed, smooth out each layer to produce a consistent finish. For better adhesion and a smoother appearance, several thin layers are better than one thick layer.

If desired, you can apply a finishing coat after the plaster has sufficiently dried, which usually takes about 24 hours. Depending on your taste and the look you’re going for, you can choose to leave this coat smooth or textured.

Lastly, give the plaster time to fully cure before painting or doing any additional procedures. The plaster will eventually reach its maximum strength and durability thanks to this curing process.

You can successfully plaster your basement walls and improve their look and functionality by paying attention to each step and taking your time.

We’ll go over how to plaster your basement walls successfully on our own without a professional in this guide. This post intends to equip homeowners with useful advice and methods, from surface preparation and material selection to plaster application and smooth finish. With the correct advice, learning how to plaster a basement can be a rewarding do-it-yourself project, regardless of your goals—improving insulation, improving appearance, or protecting against moisture.

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