Mechanized wall plastering pros and cons. Mechanized plaster: pros and cons, application, price What is the easiest way to plaster mechanized or manual

Plaster is most relevant in the field of finishing work. It is usually applied by hand and requires a lot of time and effort. In the modern world, machine plaster is becoming popular, which is applied to the surface using specialized equipment called a “plaster station”. The question arises, which is better?

Some tend to believe that hand plastering is a more controlled process than mechanical plastering. From this it follows that the quality of manual plaster is better. However, it is not. To be sure of the choice, you need to understand what are the features of these two types of plaster.

Applying manual plaster on lighthouses, the mixture made hardens very quickly and the process itself is very long. Accordingly, the solution has to be made in small portions, which only complicates and increases the time of work. In addition, the use of a solution of the same consistency on a large surface is quite difficult. Following the experience of specialists, you must first apply a layer, and then level it, which further leads to uneven drying, and subsequently the formation of bumps and cracks.

When choosing the method of machine plastering, it is possible to achieve a high result:

reduction of terms of work (by 3-5 times on average). With a continuous process of making the solution and applying it to the surface, as well as due to the reduction in the number of layers. The mixture can be applied in a thicker layer, which allows you to quickly eliminate irregularities;
the plastered surface is almost perfectly flat, the solution is supplied under pressure. As a result, this plaster has no voids, which means that the risk of cracks or delamination is reduced;
although the surface plastered in this way requires grouting, such an operation is greatly simplified, since often the quality of the finish is quite suitable even for pasting walls with wallpaper. Often, mechanized plaster for painting is used as a base layer for facade work, while reducing their cost and, no less important, without loss of quality;
due to the fact that it is possible to apply a thicker layer of mortar by machine, as a rule, it is possible to level the walls immediately, which is not possible with the manual version of leveling the walls with plaster;
fewer materials are required due to the fact that during the manufacture of the solution it is actively enriched with air, thereby increasing its volume. In addition, it should be noted that manual plastering will have to be done in at least 2 layers, and this leads to additional costs;
machine stations are used not only for wall decoration. With their help, “fur coats” are sprayed, self-leveling floors are created, and screeds and cement concrete are installed.

In most cases, machine applied gypsum plaster is used for interior work, so it is quite possible to talk about the environmental friendliness of this method, since this material is quite safe and well vapor permeable.

There are very few disadvantages of the mechanized surface treatment method:

High prices for the purchase of machine installations. The advantage is that the use of equipment is relevant for large rooms.
Needs constant maintenance.
Cleaning of hoses from the remnants of the solution.
Noise from machines.

If there are still doubts about which type of plastering to choose, then there is another reason for choosing the machine method. The mixture for this type of plaster is cheaper. When calculating the estimate, it includes the cost of work and materials, and there is no need to hire a large team. I note that the high quality of work does not exclude the need for putty under the wallpaper of the plastered surface.

Manual or machine plastering - the use of both methods requires special skills, therefore, to achieve a high result, it is better to entrust the work to a specialist. For small areas, manual processing will be appropriate, and if we talk about the repair of the entire room, then the machine method of plastering is fully justified.

Today we discussed with the customer the details of the apartment renovation, and the conversation turned to machine plastering.
I decided to capture important points in this article.

What is "machine plaster"

Machine plaster is a modernized way of leveling walls.

How is it usually plastered?
The walls are primed, beacons are installed (special rails to control the thickness of the layer).
In a large container with a mixer, a solution is made from the plaster mixture.
The master scoops up the mixture with a bucket, carries it to the wall, applies the solution by hand and stretches it out with the rule.

In “machine plastering”, the steps “make a solution - bring it to the wall - apply it to the wall” are automated.
The unit is installed, the plaster mixture is poured into it. The unit automatically prepares the solution. The worker takes the hose connected to the unit, and from the hose, under pressure, applies the mixture to the wall.
You don’t need to work with a mixer, you don’t need to carry buckets, you don’t need to manually apply the solution to the wall.
All that remains is the rule of thumb.

Advantages of machine plaster:

1. Fast application.
Plaster work in a one-room apartment can be completed in just three days.
Manually, you will have to work for 7-10 days (although work can be accelerated if several masters are involved at the same time).
That is, the machine method is 2-3 times faster than the manual one. But only at the application stage (read more below).

2. Economy.
Machine plaster allows you to save on putty work. After "manual" plastering, it is required to apply 2 layers of putty, and after machine - only 1 layer.
Putty in 2 layers costs 300 rubles per square meter, in 1 layer - 150 rubles.
In total, with machine plaster, wall repairs will cost 150 rubles per square cheaper. Let's say the wall area in an apartment is about 100 sq.m., which means we will save 15,000 rubles. We plaster one room with a wall area of 40 square meters, which means we will save 6,000 rubles.

Minus machine plaster:

Dries for a long time.
"Hand plaster" takes about a week to dry. Machine plaster can take a whole month at the same temperature and humidity.
I remind you that until the plaster dries, it is impossible to putty and apply a topcoat (wallpaper, paint, tiles). Otherwise, we risk getting dark spots in a short time (due to dampness), or even a fungus on a fresh finish.
In total, using machine plaster, we save several days during application, but extend the overall work time by 2-3 weeks.

When to use machine plaster?

It all depends on the priority: money or timing.
If 2-3 additional weeks of repair are not critical for you, you can use the machine method and reduce the cost of work by several thousand rubles (benefit = 150 rubles * wall area).

Sometimes you can reduce downtime by doing non-wall work.
Plastering work is done first. While the walls are drying, you can, for example, repair floors, ceilings, plumbing.

Choose the best option for you - and let the repair be a pleasure for you!

P.S. It will help to figure out what the plaster is responsible for, and what the putty is for.

Mechanized plaster for walls appeared not so long ago, but this type of repair work has taken a strong position, having proven itself from the best side. Before you start plastering, you need to familiarize yourself with how the work is carried out and whether it is rational to independently perform such a scrupulous business.

There is no doubt about the quality of the work done by professionals. Choose companies that have a lot of positive reviews. One of the companies with a good reputation is Shtukaturim.rus.

What it is?

There is no such thing as mechanized plastering when it comes to dry mixes for plastering. However, plaster solutions are universal, suitable for both manual and machine methods.

If we talk about mechanized plastering as a way of working, then a person tries to simplify his life as much as possible, and the construction industry is no exception. Machines in many areas have completely replaced manual labor, and it is not surprising that there is a desire to somehow make the hard work of plastering walls or ceilings easier. Thus, the idea was born to build a mechanism that could perform the most unpleasant and labor-intensive aspects of plastering work.

Mechanized plastering is the same process for plastering walls, but using special machines, allowing you to complete all the work much faster and easier. Thus, applying plaster by machine method takes 5-6 times less time than by hand, while the quality of work is one level higher.

Performing plastering work with the help of special equipment requires not only the availability of this very equipment, but also special knowledge and skills. For an unprepared person, it is better not to undertake this, since the probability that everything will work out the first time is extremely small.

Ideally, automated plastering should be carried out by a team of professionals, since it is impossible to cope with a plastering machine alone.

Peculiarities

In total, two types of plaster compositions are used for automatic application:

based on gypsum;
cement-sand mixtures.

Depending on the type of composition, the set of characteristic features, pluses and minuses also varies. So, gypsum plaster is more in demand in the modern market. Many are attracted by its aesthetic side - a pleasant white color after drying.

However, the advantage of the composition is not limited to external properties alone:

Since gypsum acts as the main element in such plasters, they can be safely classified as environmentally friendly materials, since gypsum is of completely natural origin.
The gypsum plaster layer weighs very little, which greatly facilitates the load on the surface.
After drying, the gypsum mixture does not shrink, does not deform. This logically leads to the fact that cracks do not appear on the walls: the surface remains even and neat.

Another important factor is the high porosity of the material. So, when wet, water quickly evaporates from the surface, and getting wet itself does not lead to the development of mold fungi.
The heat and sound insulating qualities of the gypsum plaster layer are also important. It hides the sounds passing through the wall from neighboring rooms, thereby increasing the overall soundproofing background of an apartment or house.
Gypsum helps to regulate the microclimate in the room by absorbing moisture from the air.
Treatment with gypsum plasters is indicated in cases where it is necessary to reduce the risk of fire, since the material is not very flammable.

The disadvantages include the high cost of materials compared to sand-cement mortars, but it is worth considering that the consumption of gypsum plaster is less. And also using a plaster version in conditions of high humidity is not a good idea: the plaster can peel off.

As for cement-based plaster compositions, they also have their pros and cons. Let's start with the positives:

In terms of strength, the cement option is the best choice. It is reliable, allowing less frequent repairs with the reconstruction of the plaster layer.
Cement-based plaster adheres well to the surface. It is not necessary to specially prepare the base for plastering, to take any special measures. She will still stick to him well and become whole.
Cement mortars tolerate high humidity well, so they can be used to decorate rooms such as a bathroom, for example. But also due to this property, they can be applied outside the house.
Finally, compared to gypsum, cement mixtures are not so expensive due to the low cost of the materials that make up their composition.

There are many disadvantages of cement-sand plasters:

they can not be applied to every material. They are not "friendly" with plastic and wood, painted surfaces are also a bad option.
since the material weighs quite a lot, it is first checked whether the wall can withstand the mass of such a plaster layer. To do this, you need to perform special calculations.
after applying the plaster, it is imperative to perform work on filling and leveling the surface.
the shortcomings include a long drying time of the solution, which is about a month.

In general, mixtures for mechanized application of any type do not have any special differences. Fraction can be any. The machine is pre-configured for a particular solution or mixture.

Method specifics

Like every construction type of work, mechanical plastering of walls has its pros and cons. It is best to start considering specific features with the advantages of the method:

Automatic application of plaster differs from manual application in that the consumption of the material will be. So, about 13 kg is applied mechanically to 1 m2, and 16 kg manually. If you consider that you need to apply at least three layers, then the difference will be significant.
All processes are greatly simplified. Now you do not need to mix the solution, constantly prepare new portions. Human labor has practically been replaced by machine labor.

Due to the fact that mixing is carried out in a constant mode, and even water is supplied automatically, the solution is homogeneous. This ensures that it does not crack or warp over time.
Applying plaster with the help of the device is much faster. Thanks to this, the plaster dries evenly. There is no “Dalmatian” effect: it dried up here, it seized there, but here it is still quite damp. Because of this, there are no joints, and the plaster layer is monolithic.
In some works, which are usually carried out after plastering, the need disappears. These include, for example, putty.

Since the walls are already perfectly smooth, they do not need to be puttied.

In addition to the above, the hardware method also has several disadvantages:

The equipment is expensive. For independent use, its acquisition is irrational, as well as renting. At a cost, hiring a team of workers working on this technology will cost the same amount.
Two people are needed to work with the machine, as well as another one who will level the wall.

If you still decide to do mechanical plastering yourself, you still can’t do it.

Types of jobs

Mechanized plastering is used everywhere. There is no one area to which this technology would be limited. The only limitation is the temperature regime. Do not work outside in winter. The surface should not be colder than 20 degrees. Yes, and this requirement is due more to the specifics of the solutions used, and not to the hardware method itself.

The mechanical method of plastering is successfully used in both external and internal work. The only thing to remember is which of the mixtures and where to use. If both compositions are acceptable for interior work, then only cement is suitable for facing, since only it has the necessary set of characteristic qualities. It is worth considering each of the areas in more detail in order to better understand the specifics of the work of mechanized plaster in certain conditions.

Internal work

As mentioned above, both types of plaster are suitable for interior work. It is logical that a gypsum-based solution turns out to be the best, which is due to its positive properties, as well as the fact that it is easier to work with it. Fewer coats required.

Both plus and minus at the same time is that gypsum dries very quickly, so working with it requires efficiency. It will be necessary to wash the equipment immediately after applying the layer, otherwise it will be almost impossible to wipe the gypsum plaster from the machine.

Before applying the plaster mixture in a mechanized way, all the same preparation will be required as for the manual one. The walls will need to be primed or moistened with water. Only after that you can proceed directly to spraying the plaster composition.

When working with cement-sand plaster, it may be necessary to first apply a mounting grid in order for the plaster layer to adhere. This is especially true for bases with almost zero adhesion, for example, monolithic concrete.

Facing coating

Work on the street should be carried out only at positive temperatures. This is due not only to the fact that the surface must be prepared, but also to comfort. Whatever one may say, mechanical plastering is hard physical work, and the workers applying and leveling must feel comfortable.

Only cement plaster is suitable for cladding. Working with it requires preliminary debugging of the machine. It is important to take into account that fragments of a large fraction come across, so all settings must be set according to the data indicated by the manufacturer on the package. This is especially true for decorative options, for example, bark beetle plaster.

In addition to what kind of work which of the compositions is used for, it is important to know in what forms they are sold. Both ready-made and dry plasters are on sale.

With the help of special equipment, you can work with both.

Application of the dry mix

The beauty of the mechanized method is that it allows you to completely abandon manual labor in relation to the dilution and application of the mixture. Before starting work with a dry mix, it is important to ensure that the machine has access to running water and an electrical network. To power it, a voltage of 220 watts is sufficient.

Work is carried out as follows: a dry mixture is added to a specially provided container, then the machine independently kneads the solution in accordance with the specified parameters. Thus, the plaster is constantly kneaded, and the solution is homogeneous, airy, of the same consistency.

This method of work is recognized as more preferable, since it is cheaper, but the quality of the solution is no worse than when buying a ready-made one.

Walls treated in this way have a smooth surface, suitable for painting or wallpaper, even without further processing.

Processing with ready-made solutions

Unlike the previous method, in this case, the work is done using a liquid solution. Here you will only need to take care of connecting to the mains. Water supply is not needed here. The solution will be constantly mixed, so it will not seize ahead of time.

Both methods are suitable for working not only with walls, but also with floors. For example, using a mechanized method, you can make a semi-dry or wet floor screed, as well as plaster ceilings. The specificity of the solution supply allows this.

The preparation of the walls will have to be done manually:

do hanging;
install beacons.

Plastering by mechanical method only allows you to apply the composition, but not to align the walls.

In general, much less time will be spent on leveling the walls, since the most time-consuming process - application - is automated.

Necessary equipment and tools

For mechanical plastering, you will need not only the plaster mix itself, but also special tools and equipment. The easiest thing to do is to turn to specialists who have special machines for spraying plaster. They will carry out all the work quickly and with virtually no waste. Remarkably, this option is usually cheaper.

If you or your friends have some devices for applying plaster mechanically, and they are ready to lend them to you free of charge, it will be easier for you to do all the work yourself. However, it should be borne in mind that this will require some knowledge about the selected tool: an understanding of the specifics of its operation, its structure, as well as the difficulties that plastering can be associated with when using the unit.

Plastering machines and stations

If you have someone to borrow a plastering machine from, you can consider yourself lucky. Renting such a machine will cost a pretty penny, besides, it may take some time to adapt to a new application method, and not all work can be done correctly. However, plastering using this method is most preferable, because the plastering station gives an even monolithic layer, and the walls are almost flawless.

Machines are of two types - auger and pneumatic. In the first case, the supply of the solution is fully automated. The finished mixture passes through the pipe under high pressure and is fed into the atomizer. In the second case, work is already done with a ready-made solution, which is supplied to the sprayer under pressure. The machine itself cannot mix the solution.

Pneumospat-hopper

The pneumospat-hopper is the simplest instrument available and the cheapest. In fact, plastering itself is not carried out here - the material is simply thrown onto the surface using this unit, and all further work must be done manually. However, the pneumatic shovel also has positive features: for example, the ability to work with materials of different fractions and different hardness.

Working with the device does not require special knowledge. The guide handle is connected to the compressor, after which the solution is drawn into the bucket. Pointing it at the wall, you just need to spray. Labor productivity is approximately 60 sq. m per hour.

There are pneumoshovel-hoppers for both walls and ceilings. The difference lies in the shape of the buckets used.

air gun

Cartridge gun - perhaps the most inconvenient of all mechanical devices for applying plaster. It is a unit that really looks like a gun, on top of which a large container for the solution is attached. This is precisely what causes difficulties in work: it is very difficult to keep such a weight constantly on outstretched arms.

As in the previous case, a compressor hose is attached to the gun handle, which helps to supply the solution under high pressure. The use of a cartridge air gun is possible only when processing walls. There is no such mechanism for ceilings.

In addition to the above, there are even less common tools for mechanized plastering that have not found their fans. These include a plastering robot, for example.

Famous manufacturers and reviews

Many companies are engaged in the production of plaster mixtures and ready-to-apply mortars. Sadly, not all of them produce quality products. Both gypsum and cement-sand plasters are presented in a wide variety, but only a few firms, especially in the Russian Federation, have gained a reputation as trustworthy manufacturers.

There are no specialized plasters intended exclusively for machines., so it makes sense to consider the highest quality plasters in general. Below is a list of companies that produce both gypsum and cement-sand mixtures. Some of them still indicate on the packages that the product is suitable for machine use, but in fact it is universal. The only possible difference may be the addition of various additives and plasticizers that speed up the setting and drying time.

This means that without proper work experience, it is almost impossible to apply such plaster correctly in the shortest possible time.

"Prospectors"

The Starateli company focused on the production and sale of dry mixes for mechanized application. The company believes that one of the most important properties of mechanized plaster is not to spoil the apparatus. So, the solution should be well washed out, not clogged in the key parts of the equipment.

As for diversity, it offers not only gypsum and cement plasters, but also specialized cement-sand mixtures, designed taking into account the specifics of facade work. Additives are added to the compositions, which prevent the plasters from “setting” for 30 minutes, and also make them more plastic.

In addition to wall samples, the Miners company produces options for floors, which are also designed for mechanized use. There are compositions that can be applied in different layers: 30-80 mm for screed, 5-30 mm for leveling and 5-80 mm - a combined version.

"Found"

Unlike the previous company, "Osnovit" did not take the liberty of declaring its plaster mixtures as specialized, focused only on machine work. Only universal dry plasters are produced, suitable for both manual labor and machine.

The "chip" of this manufacturer is that it offers separate plaster mixtures for each layer. So, there is a plaster for spraying - preliminary sealing of all cracks and dents on the base, a thin-layer version and a facade one. Gypsum samples are available in various colors. There is both gray and white. Among other things, the emphasis is on eliminating the shortcomings of plaster materials. In particular, a lightweight cement variety is offered.

All products for mechanized work are suitable for different substrates, some do not require subsequent filling.

"Volma"

The Volma company was one of the first in Russia to start producing plasters and other materials suitable for machine spraying. To date, the range of the company is quite impressive. There are plasters suitable for applying along a string, there are plasters for applying along beacons, and there are those that are great for working without a beacon.

Like others, the company offers both cement and gypsum dry plaster mixes with a longer setting time. Here it can be up to 60 minutes versus 30 minutes for other manufacturers. It is important to note that the plaster materials of this manufacturer are suitable for machine application both on the surface of walls and on ceilings. There are plasters of various fractional sizes, but the maximum particle size usually does not exceed 1.25 mm.

The company claims that the full cycle of work with its materials is no more than 2 days.

Knauf

This German company was one of the founders of the machine application of various building mixtures as such. She did not stop at the production of only plasters, offering the attention of consumers and machine puttying. The MP and MN lines are positioned as intended for use exclusively by machines, and the company recommends choosing their own devices for this - PFT.

Plaster mixtures differ from each other in the degree of adhesion to the bases., however, the manufacturer guarantees good adhesion even with an unprepared surface. You can plaster different surfaces: brick, concrete, gas and foam blocks, wood and wooden slabs. Information about which plaster is intended for what is available on the packaging.

Having touched on the topic of manufacturers, about which the best reviews were given, one cannot fail to mention the plastering machines themselves. The best equipment comes from Germany, but there is also a good Russian company.

Knauf (Germany)

The company supplies equipment under the trade name PFT. Plaster machines are small in size, but this does not affect their power in any way. In particular, the equipment also differs in power, supplying a constantly kneading solution under high pressure. This allows you to apply plaster in hard-to-reach places, for example, located slightly higher than human growth.

The machines have a structure that completely eliminates the formation of dust, therefore, all work will be completed with minimal losses and with the minimum required cleaning in the future. The supply can be carried out at a distance of up to 150 m. The units are usually controlled by two: an operator who monitors the health of the machine and lays the dry mix, and the one who directly applies the plaster to the walls.

The machines are on wheels, which makes them easy to move around the room when processing large areas.

Putzmeister (Germany)

This manufacturer does not represent ordinary plastering machines, but entire small stations. Each of them can be configured to work with compositions of different fractions up to 3 mm. To date, two models are presented: Putzmeister MP 25 and Putzmeister MP 15.

Putzmeister MP 25- a model that has been known for a long time. It can often be found in teams that professionally spray plaster in a mechanized way. To work with such a station, special training will be required, since managing it is not an easy task. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

Putzmeister MP 15- a new car that appeared not so long ago. It differs from its predecessor in size and power. So, this option is somewhat more compact and, moreover, can work with plasters of high fractionation (up to 3 mm). The machine is easier to operate than the Putzmeister MP 25.

The price still "bites", so you should not buy such equipment for private use.

M-Tec (Germany)

The advantage of machines from this manufacturer is their intuitive operation. Here you do not have to get any special knowledge or skills in order to cope with the equipment. The only thing that will need to be done is to get used to applying the plaster with a spray gun under high pressure.

Generally, M-Tec equipment is positioned as suitable for start-up companies, whose employees do not yet own all the techniques of machine plastering. The functionality of the samples can be called limited, but all the necessary operations can be performed. Prices compared to other samples are quite low - about 400,000 rubles for a plaster station. Again, the brigade and the independent purchase of plaster materials will cost much less.

Finally, the last of the best, judging by the reviews of the samples, is a car from Russia.

Afalina (Russia)

Stations "Afalina" are universal. They are designed not only for plastering walls, but also for pouring floors, as well as processing ceilings. The functionality and power are at the same level as those of foreign counterparts, but there is one important difference - the size. So, the bottlenose dolphins are much larger. This causes some difficulties when working with it: more people are needed to maintain it.

Due to the fact that the machine is more labor-intensive to maintain and operate, and the price is not much inferior to foreign models, hiring a team working on such equipment is usually more expensive than paying for the services of a company with foreign stations available. Therefore, this pattern is not very popular, and it can be found quite rarely.

But the quality of mechanized plaster, made with this unit, does not suffer.

Application methods and technology

When carrying out work using a special plastering machine, you must adhere to a certain sequence of actions.

First, the walls need to be cleared. Experts advise using a special metal brush.
Next, the base must be wetted. This is done with a primer or plain water.
Then they begin to prepare the equipment: connect it in accordance with the instructions, adjust it to the existing plaster composition.

Now you can go directly to the application itself. The classic way is to apply the composition from top to bottom in stripes, when each new strip is applied so as to half cover the previous one.
If possible, you can use the bottom-up method. The overlap of the strips should be the same.
After setting the solution, it is necessary to smooth it with a construction mesh grater.
When the solution is completely dry (the curing time is indicated on the package), you can proceed to the subsequent finishing: for example, puttying the walls or painting.

Experts give some advice regarding the choice and use of mechanical plaster.

Pay attention to the uniformity of the composition. It should not have lumps.
Never buy plaster for the purpose of mechanized application if it is intended exclusively for manual work.
All work must be carried out at a temperature of +5 to +30 degrees, otherwise the mixture will change its technical characteristics.

You can visually familiarize yourself with the process of mechanized plastering in the video below.

Among professional builders, disputes do not subside as to which is better - machine or hand plaster. Finishers working with plastering stations see only pluses in the mechanical (mechanized) application of a layer of plaster. Plasterers working the old fashioned way give their arguments. It is very difficult for the customer to understand this controversy.

What is the difference between machine applied plaster and manual labor? The widespread automation and mechanization of production processes did not bypass the plastering work. The plastering station took over the physical labor of applying the solution.

To work, water is poured into it and a dry plaster mixture is poured. Special augers wipe the dry ingredients well and feed them into the mixing tank, from where, under high pressure, the mixture is fed to the wall through the sleeve and the mortar gun.

To prevent the solution from sticking to the working surfaces of the machine (tank walls and sleeve), special additives are added to it. The station works only on dry mixes of factory preparation. Gypsum plasters are used in the premises, cement-sand mixtures are used outside.

This distribution can be explained:

Plaster, where one of the components is gypsum, is not used outdoors;
Cement-sand mixtures are much heavier than gypsum mortars. Therefore, it is much more difficult for a plastering machine to work with them, as a result of which the plaster feed rate drops by 1.5-2 times.

This increases the wear of screws, the replacement of which results in significant amounts. Naturally, no one in the room will plaster with cement mortar.

Advantages and disadvantages of machine plaster

Masters working at plastering stations usually note only positive aspects in the mechanized application of the mortar:

Absence of heavy physical labor;
The speed of work performance increases by 3-4 times;
Materials for machine application of plaster are cheaper than similar mixtures for manual work;
The consumption of materials is less than with manual plastering;
The cost of the work itself is almost two times lower (from 220 rubles / m 2 when working with the station and 550 rubles / m 2 when applying 3 layers with a trowel);
The quality of work is higher:

the mixture is supplied under high pressure, which contributes to better adhesion of the plaster to the wall;
the plaster mortar is more homogeneous in composition, as it is rubbed with two screws, as a result of which the surface of the plaster practically does not crack;
errors in the preparation of the mixture are excluded - its consistency is included in the station by the program.

Professionals do not see shortcomings. In their opinion, the question - "which plaster is better, manual or mechanized" - should not be on the agenda at all.

However, if you carefully study the technology of the plastering station, you can find both direct and relative disadvantages:

The high noise level, which excludes work at night, is a relative disadvantage, since during the day the neighbors will understand and tolerate;
Work on three-phase current (available only in apartments with electric stoves);
Long plaster drying period - 7-8 days;
A lot of time for servicing the station at the beginning and end of the shift, which will necessarily be reflected in the price of work with different volumes of plaster (preparation of the station for work according to the regulations should last 2 hours and another 2 hours is spent on washing the equipment after it is completed);
It is impossible to plaster the walls in the bathroom and in the kitchen with gypsum under the tiles. Manufacturers of dry mortars write on the packaging that the mixtures can be applied to walls in wet areas, including the bathroom. But nowhere is it indicated that tiles can be laid on such plaster. Practice shows that it breaks and lags behind on gypsum plaster. The plasterers of the machine station completed the work and left, and what happened to the tiles later, they may not know;
Mandatory installation of plaster corners in internal corners, which increases the cost of work.

Which is better, machine or hand plaster

The above advantages of mechanical plastering, it would seem, unequivocally and unconditionally bury the old method of plastering - manual. However, in order to understand without prejudice which plaster is better, machine or manual, it is necessary to conduct a comparative analysis. Only then can you see the difference between these methods.

Since here we are talking about individual customers, we will simultaneously consider an individual house and an apartment, that is, orders for work from 50 m 2 to 250 m 2.

At a price, a dry mix for plastering stations is cheaper than a similar one for working with a trowel. Sounds convincing and yet true. But who said that gypsum-based mixtures will be used for manual plastering? They are very inconvenient in work and financially costly. The use of cement, sand and a concrete mixer leads to the fact that materials cost 2-3 times less when handmade. And the thicker the plaster layer, the more noticeable the difference.
Indeed, when using a dry mortar during the operation of a machine station, 3 kg of plaster is saved per 1 m 2 (consumption 13 kg versus 16 kg, respectively). But when replacing it with cement-sand plaster, this advantage disappears due to the low price of the plaster mixture.
The quality of work is higher. The difference between machine plaster and manual plaster, in the field of plaster quality, is imaginary. Subject to technology, the difference in quality is not observed. The problem of more intense cracking of the surface in cement plaster is solved with the help of fiberglass. Its use more effectively keeps the plaster layer from shrinkage and cracking than in a mechanized gypsum mortar.
Only by hand can you plaster the bathroom and toilet because of the gypsum mortar. The best option is to entrust these works to the tiler, so that later there are no problems with the quality of the laid tiles - they will not shift the blame on each other.

As you can see, the advantages of plastering stations have not yet been discovered. Perhaps they are in the cost of the work, which is often the decisive argument.

What is cheaper

Prices for plastering works by machine start from 220 rubles / m 2 (data for St. Petersburg), for manual plastering - from 250-300 rubles / m 2 for the first layer due to the need for preparatory work and about 550 rubles. /m 2 when applying 3 layers.

At first glance, everything is obvious here. But not everything is so simple. If everything is clear with the price tag of plasterers with a trowel, then on the other hand it is formed on the basis of many factors.

1. The indicated price is applied for the scope of work from 2,000 m 2 and more. With a decrease in volume, the cost of plastering works increases. The customer may object - the machine station will complete the work in 5-6 hours. I'll pay for them and stay the winner. But important points are missing here:

It takes time to prepare the surface and install the beacons. They will be included in the price;
Unplastered slopes remain - they are made only by hand. They are not included and cannot be. It will not be possible to invite outsiders to these works - professionals always refuse, since there is a lot of hassle and little money. Masters of mechanized plastering take 1.5-2 times more for such work, since their work as a whole is valued much higher;
The price includes the time of moving, preparing the station for work, washing it at the end of the shift. These amounts are significant, yet fixed. It is one thing to divide tens of thousands of rubles into 2,000 m 2, and another, into 50-250 m 2.

2. The price for the work does not include the cost of electricity. The landlord will have to pay.

3. Another feature of machine plastering is that the price does not include the installation of plaster corners. They are paid separately.

In order to fully understand what is better - mechanized or manual plastering of walls, we will carry out an enlarged calculation of the cost of work per 100 m 2 of a wall.

Machine plaster:

price - 350 rubles / m 2;
layer thickness 1 cm;
consumption rate of dry plaster per 1 m 2 - 13 kg;
the price of plaster is 410 rubles / bag (Volma, 25 kg) or 16.4 rubles / kg.

The cost of materials will be 42,640 rubles. Salary - 35,000. We will not take into account the rest of the costs for simplicity of calculations. In total, you will have to pay 77,640 rubles from the family budget.

When working manually you will need:

cement M400 - 350 kg (14 bags weighing 25 kg at a price of 235 rubles / package) in the amount of 3,290 rubles;
fine sand - 1,500 kg in the amount of 3,000 rubles. (30 bags weighing 50 kg at a price of 100 rubles per pack);
delivery with a lift to the apartment - 4,000 rubles;
fiberglass fiber - 200 rubles.

Attention: cement prices can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer. Portland cement from the middle price category was selected for calculations. There is cement and 135 rubles per bag.

In total, it is necessary to purchase building materials in the amount of 10,490 rubles. The salary will be 55,000 rubles. (100 m 2 x 550 rubles / m 2). The total cost of plastering work is 65,490 rubles.

Calculations without words show the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plastering work.

Conclusion

The above arguments say that a private customer has only one choice: cement, sand, concrete mixer.

Plastering of concrete surfaces is an obligatory stage in preparing the base for further fine finishing. In rooms where a large amount of work is required, a mechanized method of applying finishing compositions is often used. Machine or hand plaster: which is better? Maybe we should completely abandon traditional methods?

Hand plaster

The usual way of plastering a wall involves throwing a solution with a trowel or ladle and its further distribution over the surface. As a rule, masters prepare it on the spot in the amount in which it can be worked out in one go before setting. For cement plasters - 2 hours, for gypsum - 20 minutes.

It is difficult to talk about the advantages of the method: the work takes a lot of time, the quality only suffers from this - the mixture freezes unevenly on the wall, “flakes”. Throwing the mass "by eye" makes it take a long time to achieve the overall evenness of the surface. In general, the method is becoming obsolete, it is used for finishing small areas.

Machine plaster

For finishing large areas, a mechanized method of covering the surface with finishing solutions is used. For this, special devices are used that supply the finished composition under pressure.

The essence of the method: the plastering station delivers the mixture through a hose leading to the working room, the operator directs the jet to the wall, evenly distributing the incoming volume. Plasterers immediately level the surface with a wide tool - a spatula or a rule.

The advantages of the method include:

Reduction of finishing time;
High quality finished surface;
Uniform setting of the solution over the entire area.

The consumption of machine-applied plaster is significantly lower than manual application due to the method of preparation and transfer: hardware mixing of a large batch of mortar and its uniform supply according to the technology can reduce material costs and its rejection.

What compounds to use

Comparing the methods of pouring working mixtures, it is necessary to mention the compositions for their manufacture for each method. The main difference between machine application plaster and manual application is the introduction of special additives during the kneading process. The rest of the plasters are identical to each other:

For external walls, solutions are used;
For interior work -.

For the manual method, solutions are prepared from mixtures intended for this application method. In these, additives are introduced that prevent the finishing mass from sticking to working tools to facilitate the finishing process.

For large objects under construction, plastering is done at factories or directly on the site in a plastering station - a certain amount of water is poured into the tank and the finished dry mixture is poured. The mixing is uniform and constant.

Differences between machine applied plasters:

Special additives are added to the solutions to improve the quality of the finished surface even at the production stage.
Mixtures have increased adhesion to any surfaces
For kneading, components of a fine fraction without large inclusions are used.

On the construction market, you can buy plaster compositions of universal application.

Conclusion

To choose manual or machine plastering, you should rely on the estimated amount of work. If you want to finish a 3 × 3 wall, it will not be practical to fit the feeder. For large rooms and for large-scale construction, the machine method is indispensable: the amount of work is so great that you won’t get far with manual throwing, the loss of time and mortar becomes colossal.