Plastering is a critical process in construction that requires skill and precision. Common difficulties encountered in plastering – dirty and uneven surfaces, improper mixing, consistency of plaster mix, workability, improper curing, poor bonding, poor finishing, time management, defects etc.

Testing methods for sand – Moisture content, Silt content, Sieve analysis

Testing methods for Cement – Initial and final setting time, consistency test, compressive strength

Tests for fresh mortar – Consistency (By flow table & By plunger penetration), Water retentivity test, Bulk density, Air content.

Determination of Compressive Strength and flexural strength

The main reason for the lower durability of plastering is the poor bond, tensile, and compressive strength of plaster. The main reason for the above issue is due to poor quality raw materials, improper mixing, and non-usage of additives.

By using high quality raw materials, proper mixing, correct cement-water ratio, proper application, good workmanship, proper curing etc.

5 – 7 Liters of water for 40kg bag

If more water is added than required it leads to reduced strength, Increased Shrinkage, Poor Adhesion, Longer drying time and surface issues.

If less water is added than required it leads to workability issues,inadequate hydration,premature drying and inconsistent finish.

Maintaining the correct water-to-plaster ratio is crucial for achieving a strong, durable, and visually appealing plaster finish.

Impacts of improperly blended plaster mix includes:

Cracking in plaster is a common issue that can occur due to various reasons. Some of the common reasons are Shrinkage cracks,structural movement,Improper surface preparation,poor application techniques.

Peel-off issues in plastering are also common and can be caused by several factors.

Some of the primary reasons for peel-off include poor surface preparation, Inadequate bonding, Incorrect mix proportions, and other environmental conditions.

Efflorescence can occur in plastered surfaces. Efflorescence is the white, powdery substance that appears on the surface of masonry or plaster.

Common reasons include presence of moisture content, soluble salts and poor construction practices. By using Quality materials, proper mixing and application and controlling the moisture content ,efflorescence effect can be reduced.

Natural Polymers and Glass Fibers are added to Xpress plast

Ready-mix plastering involves using pre- mixed plaster that comes in a bag or container, requiring only the addition of water on-site before application. This type of plaster is designed to simplify and speed up the plastering process while ensuring consistency and high-quality results.

Here are the key merits of ready-mix plasters:

Demerits of Traditional Plastering:

Machine plastering is a modern method of applying plaster using a machine that mixes and sprays the plaster onto the surface.

Merits

Factors to be checked before plastering

Before plastering various types of surfaces, several precautions must be taken to ensure proper adhesion, durability, and finish.

Here are some general and surface-specific precautions:

Curing is an essential process in the plastering of surfaces. It involves maintaining adequate moisture content in the plastered surface to ensure proper hydration of the cement, which is critical for achieving optimal strength and durability.

Proper curing is vital to the success of plastering projects. It ensures that the plaster achieves its intended strength, durability, and finish, ultimately contributing to the longevity and aesthetics of the structure.

For cement-based plasters,curing is normally done at least 7 days of curing with frequent water applications, especially in the first 3 days. Adjust the duration and frequency based on environmental conditions and the type of plaster used to ensure proper hydration and optimal strength development.

Lack of proper water curing in plastering can have significant negative impacts on the quality, durability, and performance of the plaster.

Here are some key consequences: