Not a single repair is complete without leveling the surfaces, the plaster additionally serves as protection, heat and sound insulation, thereby performing non-aesthetic and practical functions. For the reliability and strength of the rough finish, a grid is needed for plastering walls, ceilings, floors, which fixes the leveling layer, prevents the mortar from peeling and cracking.

Facade mesh for plaster, a convenient way to mount on a dowel-mushroom

Scope and types of reinforcing mesh for plaster

Previously, shingles were used to fix the plaster, nails were often stuffed, later a chain-link appeared. These traditional technologies have been preserved to this day, and along with them, new materials have appeared that significantly improve the quality of the rough finish, facilitate and speed up the repair process. Today, reinforced mesh for wall plastering is presented in a wide range and its choice depends on the type of mortar, layer thickness, application area: exterior or interior decoration, and operating conditions: microclimate. Plaster mesh is the basis of the leveling layer, which makes it reliable, resistant to mechanical stress, able to withstand difficult chemical and biological operating conditions. Prevents flaking, bubbling and cracking of the solution.

Useful information:Plain metal mesh for plaster is not used in rooms with a humid microclimate, for example, in bathrooms, swimming pools and for outdoor decoration. Galvanized and fiberglass products are suitable here. For cement mortar, a plastic mesh for plaster is unacceptable; over time, the components of the mixture corrode PVC.

Synthetic nets are conveniently attached to quick-drying solutions

What are the grids for plaster - choose not to be mistaken

High requirements for the quality of repairs, new technologies in the preparation and finishing of surfaces, a variety of mortars based on cement, lime, gypsum with the addition of additives forced the construction market to respond with new auxiliary materials. Different types of plaster mesh are used for different purposes.

metal

Traditionally, plaster metal meshes are used as a reinforcing layer: welded, woven, made by expanded metal.

Steel mesh for plastering walls, it happens with cells of different sizes. It consists of metal rods of different thicknesses, soldered by welding at the intersections. A very durable product with high physical and mechanical characteristics, but it is only suitable for interior decoration in rooms with a dry microclimate, since under the influence of humidity corrosion can form on the mesh, which will lead to the destruction of the plaster layer.

Welded grating - an indispensable solution for thick layers of finishes

Galvanized mesh for wall plastering is the most popular option for exterior facade and basement works, it is not afraid of corrosive deposits. Cells from small to large, fixed in knots by welding.

Reinforcing mesh for wall plastering - chain-link, universal for a thick leveling layer, suitable for all types of mortars. Thanks to the movable wicker knot system, it can be used not only for finishing surfaces made of brick, concrete, stone, but also for aerated concrete and wooden walls, where the material is constantly working under the influence of climatic conditions. In addition, the chain-link is relevant in new buildings, where wall shrinkage is inevitable.

Chain-link - a traditional way of reinforcing under plaster

Expanded metal mesh for wall plastering is made in a special way. Holes are cut out from a whole sheet of metal under a press, then the web is stretched to obtain diamond-shaped cells. The absence of welded joints gives the product strength; expanded metal mesh is used for plastering internal walls, under a thin layer up to 30 mm.

New technologies

Along with metal products, meshes made of modern, synthetic materials are widely used for the manufacture of a reinforcing frame for a leveling plaster layer.

For walls made of aerated concrete and brick, a plastic masonry mesh for plastic plaster with a small cell is best suited, for finishing facades and plinths with a larger one. It tolerates large temperature deltas, -40 o - + 100 o C, and is suitable for use on a heat-insulating layer.

Fiberglass mesh for plastering exterior walls and interior decoration is made of glass without alkaline impurities, an additional component is aluminum, which increases the mechanical strength of the fabric many times over. It is not afraid of chemical and biological influences, does not rot, is considered a universal material for all types of plastering work. Facade fiberglass mesh for plastering is made of extra-strong fiber, withstands thick layers of mortar, can be used for insulation.

Grid for wall plastering, photo of a thin fiberglass cloth, suitable for not only rough finishing, but also as a base for decorative plaster

Polyurethane mesh for plastering the facade and rooms is available with cells of different sizes, it is relevant for all types of mixture, it is possible to reinforce thin and thick plaster layers. The material is light, inert to various kinds of impact, the best solution for large areas, including industrial buildings, warehouses, private houses.

Biaxially oriented polymer nets are a new word in finishing materials. Lightweight, not subject to corrosive changes, alkali is not terrible, is not an obstacle to a magnetic field, elastic, easily transforms to any base, therefore it is convenient for finishing curved and rounded structures. Polymer mesh for plaster is an indispensable solution for finishing conductive communications, facades and interior work. Heavy-duty polypropylene facade mesh for plaster withstands thick layers of heavy cement compositions, the use of the product in the reinforcement of bridges and roads only confirms the strength of the material.

Grid for wall plastering, photo of a polymer product

Secrets of the masters

The variety of types of reinforcing meshes for plaster sometimes confuses home craftsmen who do their own finishing work. There are a few simple rules that will help you figure out which grid and under what conditions it is better to choose:

• With a layer thickness of up to 30 mm, it is recommended to give preference to a fiberglass fabric punching cloth, it shrinks on a quick-drying mortar, and stabilizes the surface.
• Metal gratings are recommended for layer thicknesses of 30 mm or more. For outdoor work, as well as in baths and pools, galvanized products are relevant.
• The plastic grid is suitable for gypsum finishing, and the mini-cell sheet is suitable for finishing with putty.
• For sealing seams and cracks - sickle, self-adhesive tape, it reliably protects the weak area, giving it strength.
• When reinforcing slopes under a thick layer of mortar, a metal grate should be used, with a thin layer - fiberglass, even if the thickness of the plaster does not exceed 5 mm, slopes with a width of 150 mm or more must be reinforced.
• For finishing furnaces, a chain-link is used for a cement-clay layer and fiberglass for thin plaster.

Convenient way to fasten and reinforce corners

Grid for plaster - the key to the durability of the work performed. Wall plastering is a traditional leveling and finishing technology. And not only - plaster is also performed for the purpose of fire protection and sound insulation, during repairs, as a decorative finishing layer or as a preparation for finishing ... but most often gypsum, cement-sand and lime plaster is needed, just as a finish. The use of mesh for plaster is an important condition.

Reinforcement of products from cement-sand mortars is a condition for their long-term operation, and the plaster layer is no exception. In order for the plaster layer to be durable and serve for a long time, it is reinforced by placing a mesh of plastic, fiberglass, steel inside, there are a lot of types and materials of meshes. And you need to choose a grid based on some conditions.

The use of plaster mesh

Although the technology is simple - a grid must be placed approximately in the middle of the solution layer, but there are some nuances. Two factors are important - the thickness of the plaster layer and the material of the surface on which it is applied. The most difficult cases are a thick layer of plaster - more than two centimeters, and a finishing surface that does not have good adhesion to cement-sand mortars, that is, metals, wood, and some types of panels. If either or both of these factors are present, then it is important not only to ensure that the plaster adheres to the wall, the reinforcing mesh must also be firmly fixed. It is not enough just to lay it in the plaster layer - the result of such work can be a solid layer of plaster that has lagged behind the wall in a single layer.

Fasteners for plaster mesh

The types of fasteners for meshes also depend on the material of the walls - to concrete and brick, although they have good adhesion, the meshes are fastened with dowels using large washers, to wooden walls - sometimes with nails, but it is better to mount on self-tapping screws. If you need to plaster a metal surface, choose one of the types of steel meshes, and then fix it by welding. The thicker the layer of the applied solution is required, the more powerful the mesh is needed, sometimes a chain-link is used. It is clear that thin woven metal meshes are not suitable in this case.

Inexpensive and common meshes made of fiberglass and polypropylene are used for plasters that are not extreme. The thickness of the applied layer is 15-20 mm, plus the surface material, which is combined with plaster solutions - and you can work without fasteners.

Surface preparation for plaster

Surface preparation for plaster is very important. It does not matter whether the layer is reinforced or not - cleaning, dedusting, removing all old peeling finishes, as well as processing with penetrating primers or primers is a must. A properly prepared surface with good adhesion, a smooth wall that does not require a thick layer for leveling - if all these conditions are met, then a thin, strong and elastic mesh should simply be correctly placed in the body of the plaster layer. First, a layer of mortar of about 5 mm is applied to the wall, then the mesh is pressed into it with a wide spatula. The mesh with a small cell keeps perfectly in the solution. Then this first layer should dry, grab. And the last, finishing layer, made with the same plaster composition, finally levels the surface.

Brief overview of plaster meshes

There are a lot of stucco meshes, and new ones are appearing, from a variety of materials. Gone are the days when there was only one way to reinforce plaster on the wall and ceiling - wood shingles. It also happened that they stuffed nails and pulled wire over them. But modern expanded and woven steel meshes, with and without galvanization, are undoubtedly stronger and more technologically advanced at times.

Plastic plaster meshes

They are used not only for plaster, but also for brick and block masonry with the same purpose - reinforcement. The strength of the meshes fully provides reinforcement to the masonry - the meshes have high tensile strength. The material is polymers, the cell is usually 5 * 5 mm, the release form is rolls. Technological, light in weight, and easy to cut, but very strong. Suitable for plaster layers with a small thickness - up to 20 mm.

Polyurethane plaster mesh with fine mesh

Universal, suitable for both walls and ceilings, for reinforcing thin layers from mortars of any composition. Cell up to 6*6 mm. Grids with a cell up to 15 * 15 mm are considered average.

Large polyurethane plaster meshes

They are used for mechanized finishing of large areas - warehouses, hangars, facades of public and industrial buildings, etc. cell 20 * 20mm, 30 * 30 mm, 35 * 35 mm, mesh is produced in rolls.

Fiberglass plaster mesh

In terms of strength, it has better characteristics than plastic meshes, withstands significant breaking forces. Another advantage that many types of plastics do not have is that fiberglass is completely chemically inert, and the temperature range of its use is practically unlimited.

Classification of fiberglass plaster meshes

Fiberglass meshes are divided into groups according to density - the higher the density in g / cm2, the stronger the reinforced layer.

For internal plastering, painting and plastering fiberglass meshes are used. The name painting speaks for itself - this type of mesh is the lightest and thinnest, with a density of approximately 45-55 g / cm2. The cell is small - 2*2 mm, 3*3 mm. Plaster nets for interior decoration have a higher density - up to 180 g / cm2 and a cell of 4 * 4 mm, 5 * 5 mm.

Fiberglass mesh for exterior decoration and facades. Density from 180 to 220 g / cm2, cells 5 * 5 mm - 10 * 10 mm.

Fiberglass mesh for plaster on the plinth

In addition to the plinth itself, they are also used for its part covered with soil. And also for plastering underground structures and elements. Very strong and dense nets, for extreme working conditions and heavy loads, are anti-vandal building materials. The price is much higher than for thin meshes. Density up to 300 g / m2, and this is not the limit. The mesh markings indicate the density and tensile strength, as well as the purpose of the mesh.

A feature of fiberglass is its weak resistance to alkaline environments. The main building finishing solutions are alkaline - they are classified as weak and medium alkali. Therefore, all fiberglass meshes undergo a special treatment - impregnation with polyacrylic dispersions. The result is long-term protection. Unprotected fiberglass cement mortar is able to dissolve, "eat" for a period of approximately from several months to several years.

Fiberglass meshes are produced both in rolls and in tapes with different widths. It is possible to buy them with a canvas, usually a meter wide, and even with ready-made fasteners from corners - for reinforcing horizontal and vertical corners. Tapes are used for finishing plasterboard and gypsum plasterboard cladding, and for other surfaces made of panels, sheets or blocks, including foam plastics and expanded polystyrenes.

Fiberglass meshes are used not only for plastering surfaces and strengthening joints between walls and blocks of windows, doors, ventilation ducts, etc. very popular.

Steel mesh for plaster

There are many types of metal wire meshes. Cell sizes are different, usually up to 50 mm. Steel meshes are intended not only for reinforcing the plaster layer, but also for strengthening walls. Steel mesh is used very widely - both indoors and outdoors, for reinforcing and decorating surfaces made of reinforced concrete and lightweight concrete, brick and stone.

Metal Woven Plaster Mesh

It is carried out by the method of weaving from wire, like fabrics from threads - twill and linen. The cells are small, from 2 * 2 mm to 15 * 15 mm, the release is rolls of a meter or 1.5 meter width. The wire is used galvanized and stainless, less often - black.

By strength, woven metal meshes are divided into light, medium or heavy, depending on the thickness of the wire used. The main wire diameters are from 0.32 mm to 0.8 mm, less often 1 and 1.2 mm.

Rabitz

They also produce galvanized, and with colored polymer coatings. They are used not only in the construction of fences, partitions or screens. To strengthen adobe and clay walls for plastering, an elastic Rabitsa with a high relief is indispensable. The cells hold large volumes of plaster, creating a monolith of reinforcing and finishing layers, and the Chain-link itself is easily attached to the wall surface.

Welded metal mesh for plaster

Produced in black, galvanized and with polymer coatings. They are used not only for masonry, concrete screeds and foundations, but also for strengthening structures with a thick layer of thermal insulation and for finishing surfaces under load.

It can be used both for walls made of stone, brick and concrete, as well as for wooden surfaces, with a thick layer of plaster, uneven walls and for loaded surfaces. Welded meshes have a huge range of applications, cells from 5 * 5 to 100 * 100 mm, other sizes are possible, the wire thickness is usually up to 3 mm. Release - depends on the thickness of the steel, coils or sheets.

Mesh with galvanization and heat treatment

For plaster, a special type of plaster mesh is also produced - with galvanization and heat treatment. Nets are designed to distribute and hold solutions on vertical surfaces without loss. Cells from 10 mm to 100 mm, many standard sizes of grids with rectangular cells. Issue - rolls and sheets, depending on the diameter of the wire.

Perforated - exhaust plaster meshes

They are produced both wicker and from solid metal sheets with a thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm by drawing and notching the sheet. They are widely used, including under plaster, along with welded meshes and chain-link mesh. They perform the tasks of holding and cohesion of the finishing layers, their hardening and significantly increase the resistance to cracking during shrinkage of buildings.

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 5 minutes

Leveling various surfaces with ─ one of the popular ways to prepare walls and ceilings for painting or wallpapering. However, plaster does not always lie flat, without defects. Some surfaces have low adhesion, so the solution applied to them begins to crumble and peel off. Especially quickly the destruction of the protective and decorative layer is manifested on the facades of buildings that are exposed to the negative effects of climate and moisture. Using mesh for wall plastering, you can ensure a firm fixation of the mortar with the surface and improve the quality of the finish.

Application

The mesh is used for outdoor and indoor work, and helps to achieve the following results:

• Increase the durability of decorative finishes by properly distributing the load and reducing its impact on 1 m2. The grid is fixed pointwise on the base, and with its help the weight of the solution is kept.
• Avoid cracking of the plaster by reinforcing the surface layer. Walls and partitions made of blocks and bricks are prone to shrinkage and deformation. The reinforcing fabric gives the finish plasticity and prevents the appearance of cracks and other defects on the surface.

Mesh types

For the manufacture of the grid, different materials are used, which, along with other parameters, determine its type, characteristics and scope.

• Rabitsa. It is made from low-carbon steel wire by weaving and is a canvas with square or diamond-shaped cells and a size of 20 × 20 mm2. To protect against moisture and aggressive substances, the mesh is coated with a layer of zinc or polymer. The chain-link is used to work on surfaces of a large area, including wood or brick.

• Welded. It is made from steel wire, which is superimposed at right angles on each other, and then fixed at the joints using spot welding. The result is a strong mesh with square cells of different sizes. It is used to strengthen plaster with strong wall shrinkage, which is important for finishing new buildings or houses located on unstable soil.

• Cut-and-draw. It is a sheet material with diamond-shaped cells and is intended for reinforcing walls with a small consumption of plaster. Expanded metal is made by cutting holes of the same shape and size into a sheet of metal, which is then stretched and formed into a plaster mesh.

If it is necessary to apply the solution as thinly as possible, it is advisable to use a plastic or fiberglass mesh.

• Fiberglass. Indispensable for finishing ceilings, facades and walls in the presence of depressions, grooves and depressions on their surface. It is lightweight, durable and resistant to temperature changes, and can be used for facades. Fiberglass mesh is not susceptible to moisture, so it is used for reinforcing roofs and plastering bathrooms and pools.

• polymer mesh. It is produced by extrusion from polymer raw materials, which is most often used as polypropylene. With the help of molding machines, the plastic melt is converted into a mesh fabric, the cell size of which is determined by the modification of the material. Plastic mesh is used for plastering work on the surface of facades and internal partitions. Since, over time, a mixture of sand and cement destroys the polymer web, it is advisable to use it for finishing. Grid with cells 2×2 mm2 is indispensable for applying finishing putty.

Mesh laying technology

For finishing work, several types of plaster mixtures are used, which differ in composition, application nuances and the degree of impact on various materials. In addition, when choosing a mesh, you should consider:

• the thickness of the applied layer;
• base material;
• conditions for finishing and operating the coating.

metal

When choosing a metal mesh for reinforcement, it is worth giving preference to galvanized mesh: it prevents corrosion and prevents the appearance of rust spots on the walls. In addition, it is easy to cut and simple enough to fix on the surface. Before work, the metal mesh should be degreased, and the galvanized mesh should be simply rinsed with water. The formation of the reinforcing layer occurs as follows:

1. Using scissors for metal, the mesh is cut into separate sheets, the size of which depends on the orientation of the material on the surface. In the presence of rusts, a reinforcing layer for plaster is placed along each seam with a solid sheet.
2. Drill holes with a diameter of 6 mm using a puncher. Their depth should exceed the length of the dowel by 2-3 mm, and the step should be 25-30 cm.
3. Dowels are inserted into the holes obtained, and then the mesh is fixed to the surface of the walls with mounting tape and screws. For reliable fixation, the canvases are overlapped, overlapping each other by about 10 mm.
4. Beacons are installed, and the first layer of plaster is thrown using a trowel. In this case, the solution must be pressed in such a way that it passes through the reinforcing fabric and is fixed on the surface. After that, the finishing layer is evenly distributed over the surface of the wall or ceiling.
5. The second layer of plaster is applied when the first one dries. If the basis is a facade with insulation, then it is advisable to use a chain-link to reinforce the surface. It is also necessary for the decoration of wooden walls.

plastic

If necessary, to protect the plaster from cracking, use a plastic mesh. It is especially in demand in those cases of interior decoration, when shrinkage of the base is possible. The algorithm of actions is this.

When plastering the facade along the grid is used for finishing, the technology of the procedure must be followed to the smallest detail. Both the appearance of the building and its protection from adverse weather influences completely depend on how well the facing works are performed. The less the walls of the building will be exposed to adverse external influences, the longer its service life will be.

Why reinforce plaster

Due to its availability and low price, plaster is a fairly popular material for building decoration. But we must take into account that it is not applied equally conveniently to all surfaces. Facades made of wood, concrete and brick should be plastered using a special mesh.

The addition of this material provides the layers with high-quality adhesion and helps the finish last longer.

Facade plaster mesh significantly increases the strength of the prepared plaster solution, which is especially valuable when working with large areas and the transition from one material to another. Facade stucco using a grid can improve the performance of work in the construction and decoration of new buildings, in which the walls have been sagging for some time.

It is possible to reinforce plaster layers with the help of polymer, metal, fiberglass and other varieties. Its selection is determined by the characteristics of the field of application.

What are the types of reinforcing mesh

The finishing layer of plaster, after being applied to the surface of walls made of brick, concrete or wood, often cracks and may peel off from the base. Reinforcing surfaces using a special mesh helps to avoid this problem. Auxiliary materials for finishing differ in the type of raw materials used for the manufacture:

1. Woven mesh is a flexible and very durable material with a small thickness. It is made from a wire of a certain section, which is woven into a single fabric. The wicker facade mesh for plaster is supplied with a zinc coating, has square cells 1x1 cm. The form of release of the material is rolls.
2. The mesh-netting has a larger cell size than the previous version. It is used in cases where the coverage area is very extensive. Suitable only for processing an absolutely clean facade, on which there is no relief coating, therefore surface preparation should be carried out with great care.
3. In the welded variety, the cells are square in shape. The material is made using spot welding at the intersections of the wire rods. They are distributed perpendicular to each other, then the connection is made. The material used to make the mesh is low-carbon wire, light-colored, coated with a layer of polymers or galvanized. To prevent cracking of the finishing layer due to the active shrinkage process, welded mesh is the best fit. It is most convenient to use material with cells of 2–3 cm.
4. Expanded mesh for the facade is made of metal sheets using special pressing equipment. Its cells are obtained in the form of rhombuses; their arrangement is in a checkerboard pattern. It applies if per 1 sq. m. area, a small consumption of plaster is planned. The material is produced in rolls, the width of which is 1 m.

If the plaster layer is very thin, then use a material made of polymers, fiberglass.

How to perform plaster work for the facade using a metal mesh

Starting the finishing work, it must be taken into account that the facade metal mesh for plastering is laid under a layer of finishing mortar with a thickness of at least 3 cm. The work process consists of the following steps:

1. Priming is carried out on all surfaces that need to be plastered over the grid.
2. The height of the facade from the roof to the ground is measured. Then pieces of material are cut based on these values.
3. The facade plaster mesh is located on the wall surface; the pieces overlap. For fastening you will need self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.
4. After measures have been taken to strengthen the facade mesh, you can begin to prepare the solution for finishing. An antiseptic drug is added to it.
5. Plastering the surface of the building must begin from the bottom. Apply the solution with a spatula; to level the layer, a rule or a spatula of a suitable size is used.
6. When the first layer dries, the next one is applied. It should be thinner. After applying to the wall, the solution is leveled with a spatula.
7. Facade finishing is considered complete when the reinforcement is completely hidden under the mortar layer.

If, after completion of the work, irregularities on the surface are noticeable, or the color of the dried mortar seems too boring, then additional finishing can be carried out. Irregularities are puttied, cleaned, then stained.

Facade plastering on a polymer mesh

Polymer reinforcement has a very valuable quality: it successfully resists deformations of the plaster layer.

Due to its chemical properties, it cannot react with oxygen, and therefore rust does not form.

Plastering works in the order of implementation are similar to the previous version. But there are also some features:

1. Fastening is often carried out by pressing staples or nails into the plaster layer. For fixing, you can use a construction stapler, if the material of the walls allows.
2. The plastering process should not start from the bottom, but from the middle of the polymer mesh. Then the plaster layer is distributed in each direction, gradually approaching the edges. Movements are performed in the same way as when wallpapering, when air is expelled from under them.
3. Care must be taken to ensure that the mesh does not stretch during the finishing work. The polymer material is elastic, so when working, you must carefully monitor that it does not form bubbles.

Plastering facades with insulating materials

Using insulation for walls when facing the facade, they use the same technologies that are involved when applying the solution to an uncovered surface. The applied mesh is hidden by a layer of plaster and, if necessary, after drying, receives additional processing. The order of work is this:

1. A layer of foam or mineral wool is attached to the facade using special glue or dowels.
2. A mesh is laid on top of the insulation and fixed to self-tapping screws or plastic fasteners.
3. Plaster beacons are installed - they help control the smoothness of the finish.
4. The plaster layer is applied so that it does not reach a few millimeters to the crests of the lighthouses; then flattens out.
5. The next layer is applied after the first one has dried and is thinner. It is leveled using the rule, while you should rely on beacons.

When plastering on a grid, it is necessary to carefully select each of the materials - the layers must interact well. It will be necessary to compare the indicators of their vapor permeability and hygroscopicity, thermal conductivity, and frost resistance. Careful attention to materials will ensure a long service life of the finishing layer and help maintain the performance properties of the insulation.

How to finish the plaster layer

The most common method of finishing coating for external and internal walls after plastering can be called painting. Before performing this stage of work, it is necessary to conduct a rigorous assessment of the condition of the coating. Inspect how good the foundation turned out to be, seal the cracks, if necessary. Try to determine how strong the connection of the plaster layer with the surface of the building. Particles of plaster should not fall off, and the layer should be uniform.

Putty the walls. After the layer of putty has hardened, sand the surface with sandpaper. Before applying the coloring matter, additionally treat with a water-based primer. Carefully select the composition for staining.

A fresh finishing layer, as a rule, contains a large amount of alkali. Therefore, you should not choose solvent-based formulations. When working with soluble organic compounds, be sure to protect the surface with a synthetic primer.

It is most convenient to use a roller as a tool for staining.

Treat the surface carefully, not skipping areas. It is possible to apply the 2nd layer of paint only after it is completely dry 1. It is better to use acrylic dyes for painting the plastered facade; alkyd and latex are suitable.

When plastering using facade mesh, good adhesion of materials is ensured.

The finishing layer is visually attractive due to the use of polymers and an increase in the service life of the material.

In order for the work carried out to be able to give the maximum effect, it is necessary not only to decide which mesh to choose for a particular surface, but also to carefully consider the properties of each of the materials used for finishing.

Plaster on the grid is an effective way to rough finish the walls. A particular advantage of this method is that it can be used to apply a thick layer of mortar, which will not slip and peel under its own weight during the finishing process. What is the procedure itself, what types of mesh to use in certain cases, and how to fix them? More on this later.

When plastering walls without the use of a reinforcing layer, there is a high risk that the applied mortar will simply fall off the base. And when finishing brick and wooden surfaces, the plaster may begin to peel off and crumble even after the repair is completed. This is usually due to insufficient adhesion of the materials indicated above. The grid allows you to form a monolithic slab, which is not afraid of any load. Different grids are designed for a certain load, and the type of material used depends on the thickness of the plaster layer.

On a note! With the help of reinforcement, a durable coating is created that does not crack during long-term operation. Even if the mortar preparation technology is violated, the mesh will ensure the integrity of the plaster layer.

Grid types

There are several types of products used for reinforcement, the main of which are the following materials:

• fiberglass;
• metal.

Types of reinforcing mesh: a - metal; b - fiberglass

When applying a thin layer of mortar on a flat surface, a fiberglass cloth is usually used. For finishing curved walls, when the thickness of the plaster is more than 2 centimeters, only a metal product is suitable.

In turn, metal meshes also come in several types:

• woven - a durable and flexible material that is made from a small wire section. Use such a product for both external and internal work. When choosing a woven fabric for reinforcement, it should be borne in mind that the optimal mesh size in this case is 1x1 cm;
• wicker - she is a chain-link mesh. Best suited for finishing surfaces with a large area. The most common cell size is 2x2 cm;
• welded - made of wire using spot welding. The rods located perpendicular to each other form square cells, the optimal size of which during reinforcement is 2-3 cm. Welded products are most often used for finishing buildings subject to strong shrinkage;
• expanded metal- made from sheet metal by forming diamond-shaped cells on a special machine. Such material is usually mounted in cases where a small solution consumption is expected per 1 m2.

How to fix a metal mesh?

To work with a metal mesh, you will need self-tapping screws, building dowels and metal mounting tape.

1. Before mounting the canvas, it is necessary to cut off the desired piece, having previously measured the area on which the plaster will be applied in the future. For cutting thin material, metal scissors will suffice. If the product is made of wire with a diameter of 2 mm or more, you will need a grinder. The cut cloth must be degreased by wiping it with a rag moistened with a solvent.
2. Fastening the mesh under the plaster should start from the ceiling. The top of the material is fixed along the entire length with self-tapping screws, under the caps of which cut fragments of the mounting tape are placed. Wide washers can also be used as spacers, but they are much more expensive than tape.
3. When mounting on a concrete or brick surface, drill holes in the wall and insert plastic dowels into them.
4. The distance between the screws depends on the size of the cells and the thickness of the mesh itself. But in any case, it is desirable that the fastening step be no more than 40-50 cm. At the fixing points, the canvas may come into contact with the wall, and in the intervals between the fasteners, it should not come into contact with the surface, since in this case the quality of the plaster layer will deteriorate.
5. At the joints, the material is mounted with an overlap of 8-10 cm.
6. A properly fixed canvas should be well stretched. If the material does not vibrate in places where there are no fasteners, then everything is in order. Otherwise, the formation of voids under the mesh is possible, which will adversely affect the quality of the finish.

Installation of fiberglass

In this case, the plaster mesh is attached to the wall by fixing the material only along the perimeter of the canvas. First, with the help of self-tapping screws, the upper edge of the mesh is fixed in several places, and then all other sides. Additional fasteners are usually not used, since later, when applying the solution, the mesh is securely fixed in the thickness of the plaster.

It is possible to fix the fiberglass mesh on the wall with only one plaster solution; if difficulties arise, you can use self-tapping screws

Since the mesh was initially rolled into rolls, for ease of installation it is better to unwind and fasten the material along the walls, parallel to the floor. You need to start fastening from above, from any corner of the room. The joints are overlapped with an overlap of 15-20 cm.

Should know! It is best to cut the material so that you can stretch the whole canvas. This will provide a higher strength of the plaster layer.

Preparing the wall for plaster and installing beacons

Even when using a grid, the surface needs preliminary preparation:

• First of all, the wall is freed from the old finish (if any) - paint, plaster, etc.
• Next, dust is removed from the surface. If there is fungus and mold on the wall, the affected areas should be cleaned with a metal brush.
• After that, the surface is treated with a primer, which improves the quality of adhesion, strengthens the base and prevents the formation of mold and corrosion.

After preparing the base and installing the reinforcing fabric, you need to help form a flat surface during the plastering process. A special profile is used as beacons.

Installation is the following procedure:

1. Using the building level, set the extreme profile in a strictly vertical position and fasten it with two self-tapping screws.
2. Next, the lighthouse is fixed with a plaster solution.
3. The next step is to install the beacon on the other side of the wall. To mount all profiles in the same plane, a thread is pulled between the extreme guides.
4. Then the remaining beacons are installed, the distance between which should be less than the length of the rule.

Surface plastering

After installing the beacons, you can proceed to the plastering process. The plastering of the walls along the grid is carried out in several stages, at each of which one layer of mortar is applied.

First step. Plastering is usually done in 2 or 3 layers, depending on the wall material. The initial layer is applied by "spraying". To do this, prepare a solution that should resemble sour cream in consistency. The finished mixture is thrown with a trowel or ladle in random order. The solution can also be smeared, but the first option is easier and faster. The applied mixture is leveled with a spatula. The thickness of the "splatter" layer should be about 10 mm.

Second phase. After the first layer has completely dried, a thicker mixture of pasty consistency is kneaded. The solution applied with a trowel is leveled with a rule, which is pressed against the beacons and pulled from the bottom up. This layer should completely cover the reinforcing mesh. After the solution has set, the profiles are pulled out, and the remaining grooves are closed.

Third stage. The final procedure is the final leveling of the frozen surface. To do this, prepare a liquid solution and, applying it to the wall, rub it in a circular motion with a trowel.

The above plastering technology is suitable for finishing any surface, regardless of which reinforcing mesh is used.