Among the huge number of mixtures for leveling surfaces, Rothband compositions from the well-known manufacturer Knauf are very popular.
If you are doing the repair yourself for the first time, you will have to first study the technical characteristics of these products and the question of how much the Rotband dries. This information will help you plan your workflow correctly and finish as early as possible.
In our article you will find all the necessary information that will allow you to avoid mistakes when working with Knauf leveling compounds.
In what cases use the "Rotband" leveling compounds?
These products are presented in the form of dry mixes for leveling horizontal and vertical surfaces. Their main component is gypsum, characterized by good ductility and ease of operation.
Using Knauf plaster, it is possible to level the foundations, the curvature of which exceeds the figure of 7 cm. For subsequent finishing, the resulting surface is plastered with compounds of the same name. Knowing exactly how much the Rotband dries, you can perform the work in strict adherence to the technology and begin further work at the right time.
Variety of leveling mixes of Knauf firm
Surfaces with large defects require the application of a thick layer of plaster. For this purpose, use the universal dry mixture "Rotband", which is intended for application to concrete, brick, cement and plastered surfaces. The material is applied with a layer of 5 to 50 mm. Its optimal thickness is selected depending on the degree of curvature of the wall.
Before starting the installation of plaster, pay attention to the fact that the thickness of the composition greatly affects how much the Rotband dries. When applying the minimum amount of the mixture, it is possible to start subsequent work in a few hours, but a thick layer requires more time.
To smooth the surface and smooth the plaster under the wallpaper, Knauf putty is used. The manufacturer offers us 2 types of products:
- dry mix;
- pasty composition.
The first variety is intended for the finishing of gypsum, concrete, cement and plastered surfaces. The second type is used for the same purposes, but can also be used to seal joints of drywall sheets.
If we compare how much the Rotband putty and plaster mixes dry , then the finish coatings require much less time: the next day the surfaces are completely ready for work. However, if there is high humidity in the room, this process can take a long time.
The average drying time of the compounds "Knauf"
It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of how much the Rotband plaster dries on the walls. It all depends on the conditions in which the composition is applied, on the room temperature and humidity level. Experts say that the optimal conditions for the proper setting of the compositions are a temperature of 18 to 22 degrees and a humidity of 8%. At the same time, the composition will dry out by 2-5 mm in depth per day.
The gypsum plaster manufacturer speaks of the following Knauf product properties:
- the initial drying time of the layer (up to 8 mm) is about 60 minutes;
- a set of final strength - after 7 days;
- operating temperature - range +5 ... + 30 ° .
In the cold season, moisture does not come out of the walls well, and therefore the start of putty application should be postponed for another couple of days.
How to work with Rothband formulations: required tools and materials
If you decide to level the walls yourself, you need to know not only how much the Rotband dries, but also what tools will be needed to properly apply the composition. This list includes:
- building level;
- plumb line;
- roulette;
- trowel of suitable length;
- rule
- metal beacons;
- sandpaper;
- bucket for mixing the solution.
Rothband plaster itself is safe, but gloves, safety glasses and a respirator are still required during work. This is due to the fact that you have to sand the surface and comb out irregularities.
Working solution preparation
Knowledge of how much Rotband plaster dries will come in handy in the process of mixing the composition for work. Since the mixture quickly sets, it does not need to be cooked in large volumes. Dilute an amount of dry powder that you can use for 30 minutes. After this time, the plaster begins to set, it will be quite difficult to apply it to the walls.
To prepare the mixture, use 3 parts of water and 2 parts of dry mixture. First, pour water into the bucket, then gradually pour the powder and begin to mix the composition using a construction mixer.
Note! The colder the water, the longer the plaster hardens.
Foundation preparation
Before applying plaster, perform a series of preparatory work. Namely:
- Primer the surfaces.
- Remove any remaining trim from them. If there are metal elements on the wall, treat them with an anti-corrosion compound.
- If you work on walls made of bricks or gas silicate blocks, carry out two primer treatments, as these materials strongly absorb moisture. For concrete substrates, a single application of the composition is sufficient.
- After that, you can proceed with the installation of beacons. Most often they are attached every 0.8-1.2 meters.
On the wall, draw lines under the beacons. Make cement mortar blotches on them and fix the metal strips. On top of the beacons, apply a second coat of fastener.
Thus, install beacons on all walls that require leveling. The next day, you can start applying the plaster.
Plastering process
In the course of work, professional craftsmen use the rule, but if it is not there, you can apply a light and even board, a wide metal ruler. If you need to put a large layer of plaster, first spread the composition on the walls with a conventional spatula. Then apply the mixture to the rule and distribute the composition on the wall, applying the tool to the edges of the beacons. This way you get a perfectly smooth and even surface.
When working with cement compositions, the rule moves only from bottom to top. Plaster varieties allow the master to work in different directions. However, do not forget how long the Rotband dries. You will have no more than 30 minutes to correct errors.
If you need to plaster external corners, use metal corner profiles to improve the quality of work. They just need to be fixed at the junction of two planes and covered with a working composition. As a result, you get a surface of the correct shape, which will be protected from premature wear.
Finishing work
Knowing how much the "Rotband" dries on the wall, you can start working with putty on time. If the above time has expired, and wet spots are visible on the surface, postpone further processing until the composition has completely dried.
Many craftsmen try to reduce the drying time of the plaster by heating the air in the room. Experts do not recommend resorting to such methods, since this completely violates the technology and reduces the quality of work.
As soon as the plaster dries, cover it with a putty compound. Apply a uniform layer over the entire surface, and after drying, sand the wall with sandpaper. Then you need to wait a day and you can perform subsequent finishing.