What types of meshes are there and how to plaster walls with them?

Use of mesh can significantly improve the quality of a smooth and long-lasting plaster finish on walls. In order to keep the plaster from cracking and to ensure that it sticks to the wall surface well, mesh provides a stable foundation for the plaster. Your plastering job will turn out better if you know what kinds of mesh to use and how to use them.

Plastering involves the use of various mesh types, each with unique advantages. Because fiberglass mesh is moisture-resistant and lightweight, it is perfect for damp environments. Often composed of galvanized steel, metal mesh is incredibly strong and offers superb support for thick layers of plaster. Plastic mesh is ideal for curved or uneven surfaces because it is flexible and simple to cut. Selecting the appropriate mesh type is dependent upon the specific requirements of your project.

To ensure a professional finish, there are a few crucial steps involved in plastering walls with mesh. Prepare the wall surface by scraping off any loose material and giving it a thorough cleaning. After that, cut the mesh to the necessary size and fasten it to the wall with the proper fasteners or adhesive. Apply the first layer of plaster and press it firmly through the mesh to form a strong bond once the mesh is firmly in place. Once this layer has had time to dry, add more as needed, making sure to smooth out each layer to create a perfect surface.

Plastering with mesh not only makes your walls look better and last longer, but it also speeds up the process. You can guarantee a long-lasting, high-quality finish with the appropriate mesh and technique. Knowing how to use mesh expertly can take your plastering projects to the next level of quality, regardless of whether you are a professional plasterer or a do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Technology

The technology itself is not particularly new; in older homes, particularly those made of wood, walls are frequently covered in a lattice of thin wooden planks that have had plaster applied. The selection of materials has expanded and is no longer just wood.

Reinforcement solves the following problems:

1. Increases adhesion of plaster mortar.
2. The coating becomes stronger. Having hardened in a single layer, the plaster turns into a monolithic layer.
3. This method helps to some extent correct the master’s flaws. Even with an ineptly applied mortar, the reinforcing mesh will hold the plaster, preventing it from crumbling (read here what to do if the plaster begins to crack and crumble).

Types of material

Gone are the days when the only roofing material available was shingles. The market for building materials today offers a wide variety of reinforcing materials. When they are used, let’s determine what they are.

Fiberglass

Utilized to finish the facade. Qualities:

1. Withstand heavy loads.
2. Not subject to corrosion.
3. Chemically resistant, so you can use any plastering compositions.

They can, however, be applied when plastering interior areas.

Polymer

The most popular kind of plastic is this one. Benefits

1. They are universal and can be used for interior or facade decoration.
2. Lightweight, does not require reinforced fastening. They can be planted even on a thin layer of mortar, and then the rest of the plaster can be applied.
3. Environmentally friendly.

Weakness: not very strong. Maintaining a layer on the polymer thicker than 6–8 mm is challenging. They are therefore only utilized in situations where the application of light compounds in a thin layer is anticipated.

Since working with plastic and fiberglass generally involves the same techniques, they will be discussed jointly in the future.

Metal

External plastering is a common application for metal mesh. To prevent corrosion, they are knitted from galvanized wire. Different types are used to decorate interior spaces.

The primary benefit of using metal as reinforcement is its strength, which can support a thick layer of plaster with ease.

The types listed below are utilized for completion:

• Woven. This material is similar to fabric and consists of thin wire threads intertwined, like in fabric. Suitable for exterior and interior decoration.
• Chainlink. Used for plastering large surfaces.
• Welded. Transverse and longitudinal rods are fastened by spot electric welding. Used for exterior finishing where it is necessary to hold a large mass of mortar.
• Expanded metal. A sheet of thin metal is taken, and many small cells (usually diamond-shaped) are cut into it. Holds well a thin layer of mortar that needs to be strengthened.

The ability to create an even surface with strong bumps is the primary benefit of metal nets. Even 4-5 cm irregularities can be corrected with metal. Chemically inert, metal mesh—particularly zinc-coated mesh—can perfectly retain even an aggressive cement-sand composition.

How to work with the material correctly?

Let’s examine some particular workarounds.

Reinforced

When employing a sturdy metal mesh, the task appears as follows:

1. The material is cut to size into the required fragments. Thin woven or chain-link fabrics are cut with metal scissors; welded or expanded metal are usually cut with a grinder with an appropriate disk.
2. The base is being marked.
3. Holes are drilled in the marked places on the wall, and dowels or wooden plugs are installed in them.
4. Reinforcement of future plaster begins from one of the upper corners (the choice depends on the convenience of the master). Mesh sheets are applied to the wall and fixed with screws using the washers, like fixers. In this case, the sheets are aligned with a plumb line; if necessary, spacers made of plastic or metal are used so that the wall is perfectly level. When strengthening the reinforced mesh, the plasterer must ensure that it does not fit tightly to the surface, but leaves a gap of 3 to 5 mm. This is necessary so that it is approximately in the middle of the plaster layer, ensuring maximum strength.
5. The mesh should be as even as possible and not bend. This is required so that voids do not form in the plaster layer.
6. If necessary, beacons are attached to the base so that the rules move along them. This is necessary if the plaster mixture is applied in a thick layer. Beacons are fastened with gypsum mortar.
7. The first layer is applied. It does not require special precision, and therefore it is simply thrown.
8. After the first layer has set, apply the second. For him, a plaster mixture is made more dense and test -shaped. Application is carried out from bottom to top, with alignment using the rule.
9. If necessary, apply a third layer. It is applied using the grout method, controlling the alignment of the slightest deviations from the vertical. The grout is applied using a trowel in a circular motion.

Fiberglass

Plastering and fastening the fiberglass material are done as follows:

1. The roll is rolled out and cut to the size of the base fragment being processed. It is recommended to do this so that the mesh remains as integral as possible – fiberglass really does not like assembly from several parts.
2. The surface is thoroughly cleaned. There should not be the slightest trace of previous plaster, wallpaper, paint or other coatings. The wall must be cleaned to a level base.
3. Vertical beacons are installed at a distance of about two meters from each other. To ensure their evenness, you need to use a tensioned thread. On its tension, the linearity of the fasteners is checked.
4. If necessary, apply a primer. Typically the primer is applied in two layers. The first is given time to dry completely (from 2-3 hours to a day depending on the composition), then the second is applied.
5. A creamy first layer of plaster is laid on the wall. The reinforcing fragment is slightly sunk into the solution. Reliable glue can be used instead of the first layer. The task is to attach the grid to the wall.
6. A layer of plaster is applied in any way – with a brush, roller or some other way.
7. Along the beacons, using the rule, the layer of plaster is leveled.

The plastic mesh is also available in a self-adhesive version for purchase. After three to five minutes, you can begin working on attaching it to the wall by simply removing the protective layer and pressing firmly. However, this choice is limited to surfaces that don’t need to be leveled.

Our experts have also discussed the guidelines for plastering on foam and foam in other publications on the website.

When it comes to plastering walls, using the right type of mesh can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, durable finish. There are several types of meshes available, including fiberglass, plastic, and metal, each suited for different surfaces and conditions. Fiberglass mesh is lightweight and resistant to alkalis, making it ideal for interior walls. Plastic mesh is flexible and easy to work with, perfect for smaller DIY projects. Metal mesh, like expanded or woven wire, offers superior strength for heavy-duty applications. To plaster walls with these meshes, you start by applying a base coat of plaster, embedding the mesh into it, and then covering it with additional layers of plaster to create a strong, even surface.

Finishing the wall with a gypsum-based composition

Plaster made from gypsum has unique properties of its own. Benefits of the content:

• Natural composition, does not harm the environment at all.
• Light weight. Any type of reinforcing material can be used.
• No shrinkage. The wall becomes smooth from the very beginning, no need to wait for hardening.
• Moisture resistance. Gypsum can be used in bathrooms, bathhouses and other rooms where the plaster will come into contact with steam or water. This is not recommended according to building regulations, but is acceptable.
• Plastic. The composition is easy to apply, easily smoothes out any unevenness, and is suitable even for inexperienced plasterers.

Additionally, there are drawbacks:

• Gypsum hardens quickly, so it must be formed quickly.
• The material is quite expensive.

How to apply gypsum compound to plaster reinforcing fragments correctly:

1. The wall is thoroughly cleaned of traces of previous coatings. Degeneration of solvents (white spirit or similar) is used, if necessary.
2. The wall is drying out. Gypsum is moisture resistant, but does not like excess water at the time of application.
3. Strengthening reinforcing mesh. For this, glue can be used (if the coating is thin-layer, light) or self-tapping screws on dowels (for thick layers).
4. Plaster being applied. Since gypsum is a quickly hardening composition, application must be done quickly and in small areas.
5. When the composition has hardened, but has not yet completely hardened, the sagging is removed. This is done using beacons (guides), manually aligning the wall by eye or using a tightly stretched thread.
6. When the plaster has hardened, final grouting is carried out. If the plastering work was initially carried out efficiently, this can be avoided. If not, the surface is covered with a liquid creamy solution, which is manually brought to an absolutely even state using circular movements.

Beacons can be used with or without gypsum plaster application. However, the final approach necessitates the master’s greatest qualification.

For walls to have a smooth and long-lasting plaster finish, mesh is essential. Meshes come in a variety of forms, each ideal for a particular use. Fiberglass mesh is perfect for interior walls because it is lightweight and resistant to alkalis. Similar to expanded metal lath, metal mesh is more robust and is frequently used for external surfaces or other areas that require additional reinforcement. Plastic mesh works well in damp environments because it is pliable and moisture-resistant.

There are a few essential steps in plastering mesh walls. In order to guarantee that the plaster adheres correctly, begin by cleaning and prepping the wall. For metal and plastic meshes, fasten the mesh firmly to the wall with staples or nails; for fiberglass mesh, use adhesive. Verify that the mesh is wrinkle-free, taut, and flat. This gives the plaster a solid foundation.

Next, evenly and thinly apply plaster to the mesh. To establish a strong bond, the first coat—known as the scratch coat—must be applied to the mesh with firm pressure. Apply a second coat, referred to as the brown coat, to build up the surface after it dries. Apply a final coat for a polished, seamless appearance. It is best to wait until each layer is completely dry before applying the next.

Plastering walls with mesh not only makes the plaster stronger and more durable, but it also helps keep cracks and other problems from forming over time. A professional and long-lasting finish can be achieved with the correct mesh selection and application of plastering techniques, whether you’re working on an exterior or interior project. Using this method will guarantee that your walls stay sturdy and appealing for many years to come.

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