Should plastering work indoors use gypsum plaster or cement mortar?
Release Time:
2016-01-06
Source:
Should plastering work indoors use gypsum plaster or cement mortar?
According to reports, interior plastering work has gradually shifted from the traditional use of cement-sand mortar to the use of Plaster for painting So, does this shift truly align with the development of the building materials industry, and what advantages does plastering gypsum offer in interior plastering applications? The following section provides a detailed overview:
Plastering gypsum is classified into base-layer plastering gypsum and finish-layer plastering gypsum. Base-layer plastering gypsum is used for the initial coat and leveling of plastered walls; its thickness depends on the flatness and verticality of the substrate, with the minimum thickness being no less than 5 mm as long as it can fully cover the substrate. The application method is the same as that for cement-sand mortar plastering, though mechanical mixing, spray application, followed by manual troweling and smoothing, are also acceptable. Finish-layer plastering gypsum is applied as a finishing coat over the leveling layer; a thin layer is spread using a steel trowel to fill any sand pits on the leveling surface, achieving a smooth finish with a typical thickness of about 1–2 mm. Plastering layers made with cement-sand mortar or mixed mortar are prone to common quality defects such as hollowing and cracking during construction, and after occupancy, shrinkage deformation caused by cement can lead to network cracking on the plastered surface. In contrast, plastering gypsum boasts rapid strength gain, high hardness, fire resistance, thermal insulation, strong bonding performance, the ability to automatically regulate indoor humidity, and a fine, smooth, and comfortable surface texture and feel. Owing to its slight expansion and strong adhesion, it effectively prevents cracking, delamination, and spalling of the plaster layer. Moreover, it places minimal demands on the substrate, allowing direct application without the need for any interface agents or plain cement slurry on the substrate surface.
In addition, plastering gypsum aligns with the proactive promotion of wall-material innovation. It exhibits excellent workability and water retention, strong bonding performance, thorough hydration of the slurry, and robust adhesion to the substrate. After application, the finished wall surface is dense, smooth, dust-free, and boasts high strength; it is odorless, non-shrinking, crack-free, and free from hollowing. The plaster layer sets and hardens rapidly, enhancing productivity, shortening construction schedules, and facilitating winter applications. The product also demonstrates stable physical properties, good fire resistance, and moisture-regulating capabilities, making it an environmentally friendly, green product. Vigorously developing new types of wall materials that conserve land and energy, utilize waste materials, protect the environment, and enhance building performance—thereby replacing high-energy-consuming, land-intensive, farmland-destroying, and poorly energy-efficient materials—is one of the major initiatives driving the robust development of China’s construction industry and ultimately achieving sustainable economic development in the country.
