Plastering is the process of applying a smoother surface to the walls to serve as a layer of protection. It acts as a protective barrier against weathering factors that could wear down the structure.
Plastering should always be done with the right form of sand, as it immediately reflects on the finishing of the wall.
In this blog, let's understand plastering stand and shall look at what type of sand is best for plastering to provide the walls with an even and smooth finish while also protecting them from various kinds of damage.
About Plastering Sand
Plastering sand, also known as plasterer's sand, is a fine-grained sand that has been washed to remove any silt, salt, or clay. This is done to give it a smooth surface and to prevent cracking and shrinkage when dried out. Plastering sand will be used in plastering and rendering, thus it will serve both internal and external purposes. The sand grains will be smooth and spherical, with no sharp edges.
Uses of Plastering Sand
Plastering sand is essential in both the plastering and rendering processes, as well as in some bricklaying applications. Here is a closer look at its uses:
Plastering: Plastering sand is specifically designed for internal use, resulting in a smooth and even finish on walls and ceilings. During plastering, fine sand is mixed with plaster to form a coating that can be placed on brickwork or other surfaces. The primary goal is to prepare surfaces for painting, tiling, or wallpapering while providing a beautiful, smooth finish. Plaster is mostly decorative and is not ideal for outdoor areas due to its low moisture resistance.
Rendering: Rendering is the process of applying mortar coat on the exterior of a building. This method not only improves the beauty of the building but also provides water and fire protection. Rendering mixtures often have a higher cement content than plastering mixes, making them more durable and suitable for outdoor situations. The finish can vary greatly, with various textures and looks customized to personal preferences and functional requirements.
Bricklaying: While plastering sand is commonly used for plastering and rendering, yet it can also be used in bricklaying. In this application, it serves as mortar for joining bricks. The mortar, which normally creates a 10mm joint around each brick, must be strong and resilient for the construction to endure. For bricklaying, coarser sands are frequently used because they contribute to a more durable and long-lasting mortar mix.
Types of Plastering Sand
There are primarily two types of plastering sand based on their particle size and texture:
Fine-grained plastering sand: This type of sand has the smallest particles and is perfect to provide a very smooth finish. It is commonly used for decorative plastering and interior finishing.
Medium-grained plastering sand: This type of sand has slightly larger particles than fine-grained sand and is appropriate for general plastering applications. It maintains an ideal balance between smoothness and strength.
Mixing Plastering Sand
Mortar is a mixture of sand, cement, and water. Changing the mixture gives your mortar different qualities. For example, harder sands, such as builder's sand, are more suited for bricklaying, whereas plastering sand is used to manufacture plaster and render.
Here are the mixing ratios for plastering sand in different applications:
- 1:3- For external walls in extreme conditions
- 1:4- For ceilings and external walls
- 1:5- For bricklaying and internal plastering
- 1:6- For internal plastering
Higher levels of concrete within the render improve its performance in extreme temperatures and rainfall, but higher amounts of plastering sand are ideal for internal plastering, with fine, smooth grains generating flat surfaces that can be painted over.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of plastering sand can significantly improve the quality and endurance of your plastered surfaces. By following the simple guidelines for sand, cement, and water ratio, you can ensure a high-quality mortar mix that looks great and protects your walls for a long time.
