How to plaster a wall with mortar, complete guide

If you've ever come across a wall that's worn, uneven or simply lifeless, you're not alone! In many homes, especially those with a few years behind them or those with moisture related problems it is common to find walls in need of renovation. And this is where mortar plastering, a technique that can work wonders in restoring the appearance and solidity of these surfaces. they so desperately need.

Don't worry if you have never worked with mortar before. Throughout this article I will walk you through it step by step, so that you can tackle that project with confidence and achieve an impeccable finish, worthy of a professional. In addition, I will tell you about some products Mortars of Tecno Prodist, in particular designed to simplify work and ensure high quality plastering and durability Let's get our hands dirty!

Why plaster a wall with mortar?

Before we dive right into the process, I want to explain to you why mortar plastering is such a good option. This method not only improves the appearance of the walls, but it also strengthens them and makes them more durable. Plastering with the right mortar protects the structure, helps keep moisture at bay and provides a uniform finish. and pleasing to the eye. In addition, using mortars Tecno Prodist is an excellent choice because they are designed for ease of application and ensure superior protection and durability.

Preparation, the first step to perfect plastering

Before you start, preparation is key. This initial step will make the difference in the final finish of your project, so don't be in a hurry at this point. Depending on the origin or objective with the mortar, we will have to act in different ways.

WALLS WITH INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR DAMPNESS:

• INTERIOR: In this case and if the wall is plastered with plaster, we must remove all the plaster up to the original support (brick, concrete, etc.) we will have to remove the plaster completely if we want to solve the problem, then we will wet the support with a sponge and with the support wet but not soaked we will apply one of these products with a trowel, TECNOCEM LIME ECOLOGIC, TECNOCEM HYDRO o IMPER DAMPNESS, mortars shall never be applied on plaster or paint., if you wish to paint the mortar, you should use breathable paints such as TECPINT LIME ECOLOGIC, TECPINT SOL SILICATO ECOLOGIC, TECPINT TERMIC ECOLOGIC o TECPINT SOL SILICATO TERMIC
• EXTERIOR: If the wall is made of cement and sand rendering and is not strong, it is necessary to remove all the mortar up to the original substrate (brick, concrete block, concrete, etc.), moisten the substrate and apply with a trowel. TECNOCEM LIME ECOLOGIC o TECNOCEM HYDROIn case of finding a very strong rendering due to having a high cement load, scrape off all the paint and loose areas and apply IMPER DAMPNESS in two crossed brush coats, if you wish to paint, you should use breathable paints such as TECPINT LIME ECOLOGIC, TECPINT SOL SILICATO ECOLOGIC, TECPINT TERMIC ECOLOGIC o TECPINT SOL SILICATO TERMIC

DAMP-FREE WALLS:

Depending on what our objective is we will use a different product, below we show different scenarios or needs and the product to use.

• INTERIOR: If what we want is to smooth plaster walls that were made with irregular finishes such as gotelé for example:
• First of all we will scrape off the paint that is not resistant and strong, in case of paint or supports in bad conditions we will previously apply 2 coats of TECPINT PRIMER O TECPINT PRIMER GELIf there are any chipping or areas with plaster in poor condition, we will remove it and apply a first coat of SLOW TECHNO PLASTER in these areas and after drying, we will use TERMOMUR FLEX in the rest of the walls, this mortar comes ready to use, so it is very easy to apply as we do NOT have to mix it with water, this mortar in addition to smoothing gets a thermal insulation, can be applied directly to trowel or apply with putty roller and then regularize with trowel or spatula, once dry can be sanded with sanding blocks of medium grade sandpaper.
•  If what we need is to rehabilitate a wall or to plaster a new wall we will use SLOW TECHNO PLASTER with this method of use, fill a drawer with water, sprinkle the product, the ideal proportion is one part water to two parts plaster, knead with a trowel or by hand (it is not harmful to the skin) until you obtain a homogeneous paste without lumps, leave to dry for 5 minutes and begin to apply with a trowel or metal trowel, after application leave to dry for about 20 minutes and smooth with the trowel and a damp sponge.
• EXTERIOR: If what we want is to smooth a façade that was made with irregular finishes such as stippled or Tyrolean for example:
• First of all we will scrape off the paint that is not resistant and strong, in case of paint or supports in bad conditions we will previously apply 2 coats of TECPINT PRIMER O TECPINT PRIMER GELIf there are any chipping or areas with poor plastering conditions, we will remove them and apply M-REPAIRING FACADES in these areas and after drying, we will use TERMOMUR FLEXThis mortar comes ready to use, so it is very easy to apply as we do not have to mix it with water, this mortar in addition to smoothing gets a thermal insulation, can be applied directly to trowel or apply with a putty roller and then regularize with trowel or spatula, once dry can be sanded with sanding blocks of medium grade sandpaper.
• Wall cleaningA wall full of dust or paint residues will not allow the mortar to adhere well. So the first thing to do is to clean it thoroughly. You can help yourself with a brush to remove dust or any loose particles. If there is grease or stubborn stains, a little degreaser can work wonders.
• Repair of imperfectionsIf your wall has deep cracks or large holes, it is important to fill them before starting to apply the mortar. This will prevent the mortar from sinking into these areas, achieving a smoother and more uniform finish. To do this, you can use a spatula and some TECPINT PUTTY

Preparation of the mortar mix, the heart of the project

Now it is time to prepare the mortar mix. The consistency of this mixture is crucial, as a mixture that is too runny may drip or not bond well, while a mixture that is too thick will be difficult to apply and smooth. This is where the choice of a good mortar, such as that offered by Techno Prodistcan make the process much easier, as these products come with specific instructions to help you get the perfect texture.

How to make the mixture of mortar

1. Read the indicationsYes, it may sound obvious, but not all mortars are the same. Tecno Prodist, for example, specifies the ideal water ratio to obtain a mix that is easy to work with and durable.
2. Combine the ingredientsAdd the water and mortar in a large bucket and use a mixer or a drill with a paddle attachment to stir until the lumps disappear. The mixture should be homogeneous, like a thick paste.
3. Check the textureTake a little of the mixture with the trowel and see how it sticks to the trowel. If it falls too fast, it is too liquid. If it sticks to the trowel without moving, you need a little more water.

Mortar application on the wall: It's time to plaster!

With your wall prepared and the mortar ready, now comes the fun part: applying it.

1. Spread the mortarStart by applying a small amount of mortar with a steel trowel, from the bottom upwards, distributing the product in long, smooth movements. As you cover larger areas, try to maintain the same thickness over the entire surface.
2. Uniformity in thicknessGenerally, a thickness of 5 mm is sufficient for interior plastering, although this may vary depending on the wall and your preferences. Remember that the more uniform the thickness, the better the final finish.
3. Smooth and retouchOnce you have covered a considerable area, use the trowel at a slightly inclined angle to smooth the surface. Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect the first time; you can make small touch-ups after it has dried a little.

Drying and finishing: the touch of perfection

Now that the wall is plastered, patience is key. It is important to allow the mortar to dry for as long as necessary to avoid long-term problems.

Drying timeDepending on the thickness of the layer and the type of mortar, the drying time may vary. If the environment is humid, you may need to give it a little more time.

Additional detailsOnce dry, you can sand gently to remove any imperfections and leave the surface completely smooth. This is where you will appreciate the effort and dedication you have put into each step.

Practical tips for successful plastering

Plastering a wall may seem complicated, but with these tips you can make sure you get a finish worthy of a professional:

• Work on dry days: The humidity of the environment can affect the drying time of the mortar, so try to choose a dry day to do the job.
• Do it in sectionsIf this is your first time, try to work in small sections so that the mortar does not dry prematurely and you can smooth it out properly.
• Keep tools cleanClean your tools after each use to prevent dry mortar from affecting their performance. A clean trowel always gives a better finish.
• Rely on quality productsTecno Prodist mortars, for example, are designed for ease of application and long-lasting results.

Frequently asked questions about plastering walls with mortar

Plastering a wall with mortar not only improves the appearance of your space, but also increases its durability and strength. With the right products, such as Tecno Prodist mortarsWith a little patience, you can achieve a finish that will make your walls look as good as new.