Plastering is an important step in any construction or home improvement project due to its aesthetic and protective function for walls and ceilings. Sand plays a big role in determining plastering results. So, choosing the right sand is important for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and construction pros.
In this blog, we will examine the types of plastering sand, what makes each type different, and the key factors for choosing a specific type for your plastering job.
Types of Sand Suitable for Plastering
There are various types of sand for sale for plastering. Each type has its traits and is recommended for a certain purpose. Choosing the right sand for plastering is crucial. It can greatly affect the results of the work.
Plaster sand has fine and even particles. It has consistent quality. That’s why it’s preferred for plastering.
Let’s have a deeper look at the most common options:
Plaster Sand
Plaster sand is a product of crushing and refining hard rocks like granite or limestone into fine particles. Plaster sand is also called P sand or plastering sand. It mimics natural sand and can be used for various purposes.
- Plaster sand or fine sand is best for plastering.
- They have small, uniform sand particles.
- This type of sand is particularly useful in rendering on walls and ceilings as well as in giving a perfect finish due to the small grain size.
- The common grading for plaster sand ranges from 0 to 2 mm of particle size.
Masonry Sand
- Masonry sand also known as mortar sand or mason sand is slightly larger and more angular than sand making it ideal for use in mortar and concrete.
- It has larger particles that can be used as the base or scratch coat of plaster where a rough surface is okay.
How is it Made?
Initially, the source can be derived from river sand or M-sand. River sand are naturally sourced from riverbeds, riverbanks, and deposits, known for its fine texture and smoothness.
Meanwhile, M-sand is produced by crushing hard rocks like granite or basalt.
- Step 1: River sand is extracted using dredging equipment, excavators, and loaders. It is then crushed using jaw crushers and cone crushers.
- Step 2: The raw sand is passed through mesh screens to remove larger particles, stones, and debris. The screens vary in size to ensure only fine particles are retained.
- Step 3: The screened sand is washed using water sprays to remove impurities such as silt, clay, and organic matter. This step is crucial to achieve the cleanliness required for masonry sand.
If the sand particles are too coarse, additional grinding is performed using ball or rod mills to achieve a finer texture suitable for masonry applications.
- Step 4: The washed sand is identified by blowing cyclones and vibrating screens to ensure a uniform particle size distribution.
- Step 5: The samples of the sand are tested in laboratories for evaluating particle size distribution, strength, and cleanliness of the sand particle.
- Step 6: The sand is dried using rotary dryers to reduce moisture content.
- Step 7: The processed sand is stockpiled in dry, contaminant-free areas.
River Sand
Another type of sand used for plastering purpose is river sand. It is taken from riverbank deposits.
This sand has round and smooth grains. This feature helps make better, more even plaster.
One issue is that the river sand has impurities and organic matter.
They need to be washed and screened to get the sand we need.
How is it Made?
- Step 1: The source sand is extracted using dredgers, excavators, and loaders from riverbeds and banks using dredging or pit mining.
- Step 2: The raw sand is passed through mesh screens to remove larger particles, stones, and debris.
- Step 3: The screened sand is then transformed for cleaning with water sprays to remove impurities.
- Step 4: The sand is sent for grading by particle size using vibrating screens.
- Step 5: To check the quality of the sand, the sample is sent for a lab test to ensure the particle size and cleanliness.
- Step 6: Once all of the above process is done, the sand is stored in a dry, contaminant-free area, which is transported to construction sites in bulk when needed.
Manufactured Sand (M-Sand)
Manufactured sand, also known as M-Sand, is relatively new.
It has been used widely in the construction industry as an alternative to river sand.
M-Sand is made by crushing natural rock, such as hard granite stones.
This makes the particles more angular and consistent.
People prefer this sand type due to its high compressive strength, high density, and low impurity levels.
How is it Made?
- Step 1: The sand is sourced from crushing hard rocks like granite or basalt where the large rocks are crushed into smaller pieces using jaw crushers.
- Step 2: Secondary cruising is undergone further to finer particles using cone or impact crushers.
- Step 3: Unwanted particles are removed to achieve the desired size with vibrating screens.
- Step 4: The sand is then cleaned with water to remove dust and impurities.
- Step 5: Followed by quality check, like the other two types of sand, M-Sand is dried and stored to prevent moisture for future usage.
Is Plaster Sand the Best Option for Plastering?
Among all the types of sand used for plastering, plaster sand is regarded as one of the best options. It can be utilized or applied evenly on surfaces due to its uniform size of particles, which gives the surfaces a good finish.
Also, plaster sand ensures that it has no contaminants or organic matter, thus making it a standard sand material.
However, the use of sand in plastering may vary depending on the project and its features. It depends on the type of stucco finish and construction scheme.
At times, a blend of different sand types may work well, such as when using plaster sand and masonry sand in a project.
Comparing Plaster Sand with Other Options
To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare plaster sand with the other types of sand commonly used for plastering:
Plaster Sand vs. Masonry Sand
Plaster sand is usually smaller, with more even particles in a consistent size range, which makes for a smoother surface. Masonry sand is more jagged, and it is better for base coats or grainier finishes.
Plaster Sand vs. River Sand
Plaster sand is finer. It is well-sieved and washed to remove undesirable particles. River sand contains foreign elements, like organic matter, silt, and debris, found in all-natural aggregates. These elements can harm the plaster and its appearance.
Plaster Sand vs. Manufactured Sand (M-Sand)
Plaster sand and M-sand are man-made. They are made to achieve target quality. But, in most cases, M-sand has well-graded shapes and sizes. This implies that M-Sand can be recommended instead of plaster sand. This is especially true where plaster sand is unavailable or expensive.
So, when choosing a filler, consider the tasks and how to solve them. Also, think about the look of the filler in the end and the cost of using different sands. You can notice the specifics of each sand type. Then, you can make the right decision about further plastering work.
Conclusion
Remember, the key to achieving a beautiful, durable, and high-quality plastered surface lies in carefully selecting and properly using the right sand. With this knowledge, you can confidently tackle your next plastering project and create the stunning, polished look you’ve been envisioning.