Plaster on metal mesh. Overview and advice on choosing reinforcing meshes for wall plastering Wall plastering on a metal mesh technology

With all the variety of building materials used in the construction of walls, the most popular type of finish is still plaster. Even if later it is planned to use other finishing materials, everyone tries to make at least rough plaster.

In the 90s, the concept of "European-quality repair" entered our lives. At the same time, everyone puts their own meaning into it. Someone implies high-quality finishing materials and expensive repairs, others believe that these are, first of all, perfectly flat surfaces made in accordance with European standards. For, apply a grid for plaster.

However, the standards of European countries do not require the mandatory use of a reinforcing mesh. It is recommended to use it only in difficult places.

The mesh allows you to reduce the appearance of cracks, but does not ensure the integrity of the finishing layer.

Benefits when using:

Applying mortar to the grid can be done quickly, which makes plastering work easy, even without experience.
If the mesh is securely fixed to the base, then you can be sure of the durability and strength of the finishing layer.
The plaster applied to the grid, in fact, will be a monolithic structure that will not be subject to shedding and cracking.
Plaster on the grid provides reliable adhesion to walls made of any materials.

What are they?

For different types of bases, different types of grids are used:

masonry

This mesh is made of polymers. The cells in the grid have dimensions of 5*5 mm. It is used in plastering.

It is used not only for plastering, but also for finishing work using. It is made from polyurethane. Several types are produced: cell size 6 * 6 mm - considered small, 13 * 15 mm - medium and 22 * 35 - large.

Manufactured from specially treated fiberglass. It is applied both to plaster, and to finishing works. Cell sizes 5*5 mm. This is the most resistant mesh to chemical attack. In addition, fiberglass perfectly tolerates elevated temperatures.

This type is made of polypropylene. Resistant to aggressive environments. Has a cell size of 5 * 6 mm. It can be applied at plaster of internal and external surfaces;

Armaflex

The mesh is made of polypropylene, but additionally has reinforced mesh corners. Cell sizes 12*15 mm. It is used for plastering surfaces with a thick layer.

It consists of steel rods soldered at the corners of the cells. There are a number of steel meshes with different mesh sizes.

Due to its susceptibility to corrosion, it is used only for interior work. As well as steel, they have different cell sizes.

galvanized

Unlike metal, it can be used for outdoor work.

Which one to choose?

In order to choose the right grid, you need to use the level to determine the differences in the base. This will allow you to approximately know how thick the plaster layer will be.

There are several grid solutions:

With an expected plaster layer of less than 20 mm, it is recommended to use a universal mesh. It will perfectly cope with the task of fixing the solution and prevent the appearance of cracks.
If the plaster layer is more than 3 mm, a metal mesh is required.
If the drops are more than 50 m, you should think about.

How to install?

Installation technology depends on the material from which it is made.

To fasten the metal mesh, you will need self-tapping screws, dowels, metal scissors and galvanized mounting tape.

All work must be carried out in accordance with the instructions:

Cut a piece of mesh to the size of the wall with scissors for metal and degrease it. To do this, you can use any solvent or acetone.
Using scissors for metal, we cut the galvanized mounting tape into small pieces.
It is necessary to install the grid from top to bottom, placing the canvas horizontally, starting from the ceiling itself. The upper edge of the first row is fastened with self-tapping screws. Considering that the metal mesh has large enough mesh sizes so that the mesh does not jump off the self-tapping screws, pieces of mounting tape are placed under their caps so that it presses one of the sides of the cell against the wall. There are widened nuts on sale that can also be used for this purpose, however, they are much more expensive than mounting tape.
If the mesh is mounted on a concrete or brick wall, then the fastening must be carried out using pre-installed dowels. To do this, you can use ordinary plastic parts, which are quite inexpensive.
Fastening must be done often enough in a checkerboard pattern so that the mesh fits snugly against the wall. The ideal distance between the dowels is 500 mm.
Mesh panels are fixed over the entire surface of the wall with an overlap of 80-100 mm.
Fixing fiberglass mesh.

Such a mesh does not need to be fixed over the entire surface: it is enough to securely attach it along the upper edge. It is also attached, starting from the ceiling. The dimensions of the cells of such a grid are small, and it itself has a small weight, which can only be used with self-tapping screws, without additional devices such as mounting tape or nuts.

It is important that a piece of mesh remains in the corners for a small overlap.

The greatest strength can be achieved if the mesh is applied to the wall with a whole panel. Therefore, the beacons must be set up already on a grid fixed to the wall.

Ceiling mesh reinforcement

Several materials can be used to reinforce ceilings.

As well as for walls, they use a mesh of fiberglass, metal, as well as shingles - a structure made of wooden slats:

Plastic or fiberglass mesh it is recommended to apply if the expected putty layer will be no more than 30 mm.
With height differences of more than 30 mm, it is better to use a metal mesh. It is much more expensive than plastic, but much stronger.
Drank has been used for many years. For its construction, a 20 * 8 mm rail is used, which is attached to each other in the form of rails. This is the simplest method of reinforcing the plaster layer, but is only suitable for wooden bases, simple construction.

Before attaching the grid, it is necessary to prepare a mounting tape, pre-cut with metal scissors into small pieces. The metal mesh must first be degreased with acetone or other solvents. In extreme cases, you can simply wash it with any soap detergent that can wash off oil or grease traces.

The grid needs to be cut according to the size of the ceiling. It is important to remember that one canvas should overlap the previous one by at least 12-15 cm.

Fastening:

The shingles are attached very simply: you just need to graft the structure with nails to the ceiling at the tops of the cells.
Fastening of a metal or plastic mesh can be done both on nails and on dowel-nails. They need to be placed in a checkerboard pattern at a distance of 200-300 mm from each other.
If you do not use a mounting grid, then you can use nails with large hats or use washers.

The use of plaster mesh when sealing joints in floor slabs

To perform these works, a strip is cut out from the grid along the width of the site with the addition of 5-10 cm on each side. It is fastened in the usual way and sealed with mortar.

In any case, the application of the mortar should be started from the middle of the room, moving evenly towards the walls.

Price

Metal mesh - 140 rubles per square meter.
Plastic - 30-40 rubles per square meter.
Fiberglass mesh - 50-60 rubles per square meter.

The use of reinforcing meshes allows you to make repairs more durable and of high quality. In the future, it will be enough to carry out only cosmetic repairs: replacing wallpaper, painting the ceiling.

Plastering as a way to protect and improve the facade has a thousand-year history. In some cases unique effect gained worldwide fame and brand significance, if we recall the Venetian plaster imitating marble cladding.

But for any finishing layer from a solution of a cement-sand mixture, the inevitable were cracks and collapses exfoliated fragments. The plaster mesh helped to solve this problem.

What is a reinforcing mesh?

Flexible, openwork, knitted or woven - it creates a monolithic frame of the structure.

The prototype of the plaster mesh can be considered once common wall cladding method under plaster with the help of thin narrow boards laid crosswise - the so-called "shingles". Until now, among the ruins of pre-revolutionary and Soviet buildings, one can see the exposed skeleton of wooden reinforcement.

The creation of new materials and building technologies has allowed replace a laborious process wall cladding with very fragile wooden shingles for a quick and reliable way to strengthen rough plaster with different types of facade mesh.

Do I need a mesh for plastering, its advantages:

Improving the bonding effect of different materials.
Protection of excessively hygroscopic masonry material (aerated concrete) from moisture penetration.
Strengthening of corner elements and joints of structures when removing window and door openings.
Formation of a monolithic frame, which ensures the durability of the walls and the strength of the cladding.
Insurance against internal stress of the walls during sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
Restoration of cracked fragments of the facade.
Reinforcing waterproofing.
Achieving a respectable appearance of finishing work.

What are the requirements for plaster mesh GOST 3826-82:

density within 150-170g/m²;
resistance to corrosion and alkalis;
light weight (not complicating the load system of the building);
tensile strength with acceptable flexibility and tensile strength;
cell identity (by alternation and size);
availability of accompanying documentation on tests carried out in independent laboratories.

Reference: Plaster mesh is also successfully used in the preparation of screeds, pouring floors for the installation of a "warm floor", during the installation of thermal insulation of attics and roofs.

How are they produced?

There are several materials, as well as manufacturing methods.

From metal (sheet or wire):

wicker from wire spirals (chain-link mesh - named after the creator, German bricklayer Karl Rabitz);
woven the mesh is created from wire threads according to the type of weaving warp and weft, allows the use of wire of any section, gives the product the necessary flexibility;
welded- fixes by welding the intersections of the wire, forming cells of a square shape; used to prevent wall shrinkage;
twisted(manier) - the wire is twisted in such a way that it forms 6-coal cells, the main advantage is resistance to high t◦;
expanded metal(TsPVS) - obtained from sheet metal (thickness 0.5-1.0 mm) by cutting under the press of notches, which, when stretched, form diamond-shaped cells, it is most convenient for cutting and transportation.

Metal mesh is worth choosing galvanized or polymer coating. So it will last longer.

From polymers (plastic):

armaflex(with reinforced nodes) - heavy-duty;
plurima(with cells 5x6) - chemically inert;
synthoflex- with cells of medium and large size, lightweight, resistant to chemical attack.

Universal (made of polyurethane) with cells of 3 types:

small (6x6);
medium (15x13);
large (35x22).

Fiberglass - fine mesh, heavy duty, without restrictions in use. The mesh is woven from fiberglass with other components and impregnated with polymer solutions to acquire chemical resistance.

Fiberglass mesh is used for:

strengthening the base layer;
giving strength to finishing elements made of soft materials;
reinforcement of the plinth for finishing with tiles.

Important: Each type of grid is designed for a certain thickness of the plaster layer and features of operation. Incorrectly selected reinforcing layer can lead to cracks, irregularities, peeling of the entire coating along with the finish.

Popular manufacturers

In the market of building and finishing materials, domestic manufacturers occupy leading positions:

Company "TOP HOUSE"-20 years of experience in this segment, produces 50,000 items of goods. It produces mesh "VERTEX" for reinforcing polystyrene insulation, fiberglass mesh "Valmiera".
Company "Rantos" produces all types of metal meshes from wire VR 1, VR 2, steel, surfacing, spring. He is a representative of the Cherepovets plant "Severstal".
Company Teplotek- the main supplier of reinforcing fiberglass mesh CCI-160 (density 160g / m²) in the West Siberian region. It produces "TG-Textilglas" - a mesh for working on a layer of insulation.
Company Stroykit(Izhevsk) offers not only metal and fiberglass reinforcing meshes, but also glue for their fastening.
Company "Dr.Gunter KAST"- German representative in the market of specialized fiberglass meshes. The main production of plaster mesh is located in Sonthofen.

Plaster mesh 1 meter wide is imported to trading enterprises in rolls 30-80 meters long(roll weight 80 kg) with fasteners and additional elements. In retail trade, the sale of goods by the meter is allowed.

Which grid to choose?

Reinforcing mesh is not a cheap material, but saves owner costs for subsequent repairs and restoration of the lost fragments of the facade. The use of plaster mesh in the facade decoration gives it representative look. Therefore, the costs are justified.

But when purchasing material, you need to make sure of its quality, as it says:

the appearance of the product (the identity of the size of the cells, their alternation, the reliability of weaving, the presence of a protective layer);
testing the fragment for crushing, stretching (high-quality mesh instantly restores its shape and does not stretch much);
testing for chemical resistance (the result is visible a day after the mesh fragment is immersed in an alkaline solution, for example, laundry soap);
a document accompanying the packaging, which should contain information about an independent examination of the quality of the goods.

How can one not recall the folk wisdom about the miser? Plaster mesh - not a way to show off your financial capabilities, but a calculated long-term investment for the future.

How to calculate the expense?

The conditions that must be taken into account when calculating the material:

wall area;
possible surface irregularities;
insulation footage;
mesh overlay (butt or overlap).

Therefore, for a polymer network, it is required 1.1m² per sq. meter walls, and for fiberglass - 1.15 -1.4m². Experts recommend to provide a reserve 5% for unexpected expenses.

The choice of plaster mesh depends from the thickness of the finishing layer, wall irregularities.

The criteria become:

material;
cell size;
mesh weight;
the way it is fastened.

With significant layer thickness differences on the entire surface of the wall of a complex facade, it is recommended to abandon the plaster and replace it with another type of finish.

How to fix the mesh under the plaster for outdoor work?

The technology of mounting the facade mesh with your own hands is quite within the power of anyone, let's consider the whole process in more detail.

Clear the wall from the build-up, traces of masonry work. Level the surface. If a chain-link mesh is used, preparatory work and a primer are not needed.

prime the surface, for porous materials(aerated concrete blocks) - deep penetration primer.

Take a measurement surface to be treated and prepare cuts of mesh material.

When working with chain-link or welded mesh, its stuffing is done directly on the wall using dowels or on the frame:

on a wooden crate (for a wooden house);
on metal pins (for brick or concrete walls).

How to glue the reinforcing mesh on the walls video

Polymer and glass mesh overlapped on the starting layer of plaster, while the reinforcing layer is pressed into the mortar and fastened with dowels along the edges.

The starting layer of plaster can be replaced with a special adhesive for fixing the mesh, after which, after drying, the final layer is applied. Glue can also be used to attach fiberglass to insulation.

The adhesive layer must be sufficient to place the grid in its middle when pressed in. Base for adhesive fastening must be dried and work is carried out at positive t◦ (not lower than +5◦С) on the surface cleared of fatty stains and pollution.

With significant unevenness beacons must be installed on the walls (the thinnest layer is 1 cm, the thickest is no more than 5 cm). The solution is applied to the dampened wall, moving from bottom to top.

final layer, depending on the type of grid and the planned thickness, is formed with a wide spatula from the middle to the edges, and, if necessary, in two passes (with each layer completely dry) until the wall is perfectly leveled.

The popularity of plaster coatings is due to several reasons. This material is easily applied to any surface, it is resistant to mechanical stress, withstands temperature extremes well, is durable and economical.

Types of plaster solutions

For different types of plastered surfaces, different plaster compositions are used. Lime or cement-lime mortar is used for finishing brick walls, and cement mortar for concrete surfaces. Such solutions include certain additives and fillers required by the operating conditions and the purpose of the plastered surfaces. Without them, the solution will turn out to be fragile and the surfaces treated with a low-quality solution will quickly become covered with cracks.

Plaster mesh installation

Metal mesh should cover concrete walls with strong irregularities and protruding places, areas of their junction with wooden and metal surfaces, as well as surfaces that require a large thickness of the plaster coating.

The use of a plaster mesh provides the rigidity of the structure necessary in these cases. Such a mesh is made of round wire rod or woven from wire.

With significant surface irregularities, in order to make the plaster of the walls along the grid of high quality, a frame is installed. Laths are nailed to the wooden walls, to which the mesh is attached with nails or staples. Steel pins are mounted on brick and concrete walls, to which a mesh is attached with wire. The joints of the walls and the protruding corners of the partitions are sheathed with mesh strips.

On large structures, beams, tees, channels, etc. are used for the frame.

The frame is necessary for high-quality fastening and tensioning of the mesh. It is evenly and tightly stretched, the mesh joints are firmly woven with wire. This is done to ensure that the entire structure is rigid and motionless.

Plastering walls on a grid without a frame

For small flat surfaces, plastering walls on a grid without a frame is acceptable, which is much simpler and cheaper. The mesh is attached to beams and protruding structures with a knitting wire with tension and fastening on dowels. To flat surfaces - with a mortar or a construction gun.

The grid should have small cells and not sag after installation. To protect against corrosion, mesh and metal fasteners, if they do not have a protective coating, must be treated with oil paint, bituminous varnish or cement laitance.

The main rule when plastering on a grid is to surround the grid with a poured mixture from all sides. When this condition is met and high-quality plaster is used, a solid monolithic reinforced mortar slab is formed as a result.

When finishing ceilings and walls, plaster and mesh under plaster are often used.

Plaster may not always lie perfectly on the surface. In order for the plaster layer to fix better, you can use a plaster mesh.

Previously, wooden shingles were used for these purposes (for wooden surfaces), brick was plastered without preparation - its roughness and seams were a sufficient condition for good adhesion of the plaster layer to the wall.

Scope and characteristics

The mesh under the plaster is used to ensure that the plaster layer holds firmly. The fact is that even with a carefully prepared surface for plastering, the solution can sometimes not lie as it should. This can happen if some errors are made during plastering: non-observance of proportions, temperature and humidity levels in the room ...

In order to avoid such errors, it is necessary to use plaster meshes, thanks to which the negative consequences of plastering are significantly minimized. These nets are designed to take on the load that may result from misuse of the space.

Grids are used to reinforce walls before painting (pasting with wallpaper). The mesh gives the plaster the greatest strength, increasing the service life. Especially appreciated is the use of grids for walls with significant defects, when it is necessary to apply plaster in a thick layer.

Before you buy a grid for plaster, you need to choose the one that is suitable for a particular job.

Mesh types

There are a lot of types of mesh for plaster. When choosing the one that is needed for certain work, you need to focus on the features of the type of grid and the size of its cells.

There are different types of mesh:

Masonry grid. It is made from a polymer material. The size of each cell in the grid is 5x5 millimeters. Used for brickwork.

Grids station wagon are made of polyurethane. Used for plastering and finishing works. There are types of station wagon grid: small - cell size 6x6, medium - 13x15 and large - 22x35.

Fiberglass. Manufactured from fiberglass, which is specially processed. Cell size - 5x5 mm. This mesh is particularly durable and resistant to various temperatures and chemical attack. Has wide application./li>

Plurima. This mesh is made of polypropylene. Cell size - 5x6 mm. Possesses chemical inertness. It is applied to internal and external finishing works.

Armaflex. It is made of polypropylene and has reinforced knots. The cell size is 12x15. It is used when plastering the surface with a thick layer.

Syntoflex. Also made of polypropylene. Cell sizes 12x14 and 22x35. Suitable for interior and exterior decorating.

Steel mesh. The basis of this grid is steel rods, which are soldered at the nodes. A wide range of cell sizes is available.

Metal grid. Cell sizes vary. It is used only for finishing work inside the building.

Galvanized mesh. It is made of galvanized rods, which are soldered in knots. Cell sizes may vary. Differs in the high durability and durability. It is applied to external and internal finishing works.

Which one to choose?

When choosing a plaster mesh, you need to pay attention to what type of work you are going to perform. That is, you need to know the thickness of the layer of future plaster. Namely:

With the required thickness of the plaster layer up to 20 mm, you can not use the mesh at all.

In the presence of rustication and the required thickness of the plaster layer is from 20 to 30 mm. The most acceptable would be the use of fiberglass mesh.

With a plaster layer thickness of 30 mm. A metal mesh is required.

If it is necessary to finish an uneven ceiling, in which the height differences are from 50 mm, it is better to abandon plastering altogether, replacing the plaster with a suspended or stretch ceiling. This will make it much easier and cheaper.

Make your choice, and let all the finishing work be done perfectly.

Plaster is today one of the most popular materials for wall and ceiling decoration. Not so long ago, shingles for plaster were widely used to strengthen the surface of walls and ceilings. Today, it is increasingly being replaced by a reinforcing mesh for plaster. In order for the plaster layer to last as long as possible, it must be properly reinforced with a special plaster mesh. The mesh for plaster can be metal or polyurethane and is attached to the surface with glue, self-tapping screws, screws or other devices of the same purpose. As a rule, it is sold in rolls and can have different sizes.

There are the following types of plaster meshes:

masonry mesh - plastic, made of a polymeric substance, has a mesh size of 5x5 mm, used for brickwork;
mesh station wagon (small)- made of polyurethane, mesh size, 6x6 mm, well suited for reinforcing both finishing and plaster mixtures. It has wide functionality, allows you to carry out plaster work on any area;
mesh station wagon (medium)- has the same structure as the small station wagon, cell size 13x15 mm;
mesh station wagon (large)- differs in cell size - 22x35 mm, it is used for reinforcing large areas, such as warehouses, shop facades and other large structures;
fiberglass mesh - its fibers consist of fiberglass processed in a special way, has a mesh size of 5x5. Resistant to temperature and chemical influences, heavy-duty, can withstand heavy loads. This base is widely used for reinforcement and has almost no restrictions.
Plurima mesh is a 2-axis oriented plaster mesh, made of polypropylene, has a mesh size of 5x6 mm. It is characterized by chemical inertness and lightness and can be used both for outdoor and indoor work.
armaflex - polypropylene mesh, with reinforced knots, has a mesh size of 12x15 mm. Differs in superstrength, suitable for use in areas with an increased load of the plaster layer;
mesh syntoflex- made of polypropylene, has a mesh size of 12x14 and 22x35 mm. Lightweight, chemical resistant. Can be used for interior and exterior decoration.
steel mesh - basically it has steel bars that are soldered at the nodes, as well as a wide range of cells. It withstands the load perfectly, but can only be used for interior decoration, since steel is not able to withstand precipitation.
mesh galvanized- is a network interwoven from galvanized rods, soldered in knots, has a wide variety of cell sizes. Differs in durability, is suitable both for external, and internal works, can be applied in any conditions.

Depending on how you apply the plaster (covering or spraying), the metal plaster mesh or plastic mesh can be fixed in different ways. The lower plaster layer is reinforced with the selected mesh over the applied mortar of the required thickness, slightly pressing it.

The ideal option for applying the final - decorative or covering layer, is to first attach the rebar to a dry surface using special tools. If the surface to be treated is small, the plaster mortar itself can serve as fasteners. In these cases, it should be applied pointwise, only to secure the mesh. After that, the required thickness of the plaster layer is evenly smeared over the entire surface.

What is the best plaster mesh to use?

When choosing a plaster mesh, the thickness of the plaster on the mesh always comes to the fore. It is necessary to calculate the lowest point on the ceiling using a laser or building level, then mark it and estimate the maximum thickness of the future plaster layer.

Depending on the result, you should choose one of the options:

If the thickness of the plaster layer does not exceed 20 mm, in the absence of rustication on the base of the ceiling, it is possible to apply plaster without a grid. We proceed directly to the installation of beacons.
If there are rustications on the ceiling, or the future plaster layer will be from 20 to 30 mm, it is advisable to use a fiberglass plaster mesh. The main purpose of such grids is to protect the surface from cracks.
With a layer thickness of more than 30 mm, you can not do without a metal reinforcing mesh. A metal mesh under the plaster will prevent it from peeling off the base under its own weight.
With an uneven ceiling, when the height differences can be more than 50 mm, it is better to completely abandon the plaster. In this case, it is easier to use a stretch or suspended ceiling.

A detailed description of the stage of installation of lighthouses in the article: Plastering walls on lighthouses

Installation of fiberglass mesh

When buying mesh, remember that its cells must exceed 5x5mm, and its density must be from 110 to 160 g/m2. In addition, the material must be alkali resistant. The minimum thickness of the plaster layer when using fiberglass mesh is 3 mm, the maximum is 30 mm.

Before starting work, the mesh is cut to size into canvases. The size of the canvases will depend on how you are going to arrange the grid - across or along. In the presence of rustication on the ceiling, the grid must be placed in one piece along each of the seams. If there are no rusts, then there is not much difference in the location of the grid, you just need to make sure that the entire surface is covered with a grid. It is better to cut off with a margin of 10-15 cm to strengthen the seams between the walls and the ceiling.

Glass cloth overlay technique

First, the first layer of putty or plaster is applied to the entire surface. A plaster mesh is applied on top of it, and then a plaster mesh is recessed, after which a second layer can be applied. It is permissible to perform this operation in one pass, or wait for the intermediate drying of the first layer. Fiberglass mesh, therefore, should be placed in the middle of the plaster layer.

Builders most often use screws and staples to attach the fiberglass mesh to the base, and then plaster directly over it. This method will be justified for a thin plaster layer (putty). The mesh in this case will indeed be located in the middle of the plaster. However, if the thickness of the plaster is 10 mm or more, the mesh will definitely be on the edge, while reinforcing not the plaster itself, but the surface.

It would be optimal to use the following order of installation of the plaster mesh:

Marking under the beacons, the holes should be drilled, and then the dowels should be inserted.
Installation and leveling of screw heads along each line of plaster beacons.
Application of the first layer of plaster along the width of the grid.
Through the heads of the screws, a mesh is laid on the fresh plaster. Nearby - an adjacent layer of plaster, on top of it a grid, and so on until the wall itself. It is necessary to place adjacent canvases on top of each other with an overlap of at least 10 mm.
Then the metal beacons are put on, and the plaster is applied over them as usual.

Mentioning the fiberglass mesh for plastering, it is worth noting that the solution should be applied evenly over the entire surface of the canvas, and smoothing should be started from the middle of the plaster mesh in opposite directions. The ends of the sheets at the corners must be pressed with a rule, or with a wide spatula. With a second spatula, the mesh is smoothed down the wall.

The sequence of actions when installing a metal reinforced mesh

Metal reinforced plaster mesh is used if it is necessary to apply a plaster layer of 30 mm or more. It is advisable to opt for a galvanized metal mesh with cells of 10x10 or 12x12 mm. Also suitable is a galvanized expanded metal mesh, with cells 10x25 mm. The mesh is very light in weight, with a minimum thickness of the plaster layer, it easily adapts to the surface, cuts well and will not leave rust marks.

Before you start working with a metal mesh, it must first be degreased. Galvanized mesh can be simply washed with water or wiped with a damp cloth.

Stages of work:

Cut the mesh into sheets using scissors for metal. The dimensions of each canvas will depend on how you are going to place the plaster mesh - along the ceiling, or across. In the presence of rustication on the ceiling, the mesh is located in one piece along each seam.
Using a hammer drill, drill 6 mm holes with a drill (drill). The depth of the holes should be 2-3 mm more than the length of the dowel. The hole spacing is 25-30 cm. So, with a step size of 25 cm per 1 square meter, you will need to make about 16 holes for dowels.
Insert the dowels into the holes, and then use the mounting tape and screws to fix the plaster mesh on the ceiling surface. Its edges must be securely fastened. We have an overlap of about 10 cm on one another, adjacent canvases. If the mesh lags behind the ceiling in some places, you will need to drill additional holes for mounting.
Install metal plaster beacons on the reinforced and stretched plaster mesh.

When applying plaster on beacons with a layer of 30 mm or more, it may be necessary to plaster in 2 layers with intermediate drying of the first. The first plaster layer is thrown onto the metal mesh using a trowel, pressing the plaster mortar so that it passes through the mesh and catches on the ceiling surface. Then the solution is evenly spread with a spatula or grater. The second plaster layer can be applied only after the first layer has completely dried.

When using galvanized metal expanded metal mesh, the minimum layer thickness will depend on the thickness of this mesh. For example, with a thickness of 0.5-1 mm, a layer of plaster of 5 mm is enough.