ᐅ Applying Ytong exterior plaster yourself?

Hi,
I’m considering doing the exterior plastering myself and am gathering as much information as possible to make an informed decision. I have a basic understanding and have already plastered some interior walls. I know I still have a lot to learn if I decide to take on the job. What concerns me a bit is the time required and the intervals between the different stages. For example, after applying the primer, how long do I have before I need to reapply it? Does it cause problems if it rains occasionally during the process? Also, when applying the reinforcing mesh with adhesive, how long do I have before the next plaster layer must be applied? Would it make sense to complete one side fully after installing the corner profiles before starting on the next side? Or are the time windows so tight that working alone is not advisable? I could also imagine hiring professionals for the final coating to ensure an even finish.

With all due respect, based on your questions, I would strongly advise against attempting this yourself at this point. The painter won’t be able to make it look good if you haven’t achieved an even surface. Too often, we have seen houses plastered by professionals where it was still impossible to install up/down lighting because otherwise, the San Andreas Fault would reappear on the wall.

Exterior plastering is a highly specialized skill. I have done quite a bit of plastering myself, but I wouldn’t trust myself with that. It’s best to hire professionals for this.

Yes, I understand that it can be challenging. That’s why I’m asking about the time between the different steps. For example, I could install corner profiles or reinforce the transitions early on. I definitely won’t be as fast as a professional. And when it comes to the larger surfaces, an expert can take over, since I don’t think I could manage the biggest wall alone in one day.

But if I apply reinforcement across adjacent components, for example, is it okay if it gets wet from rain? Or does the base coat need to be applied quickly afterward? Is it acceptable for one or two months to pass between reinforcing the adjacent components and applying the base coat to the entire wall?

Keishadow schrieb:

Yes, I understand that it can be difficult. That’s why I’m asking about the time between the steps. For example, I could install corner profiles or reinforce the transitions already. I certainly won’t be as fast as a professional. And when it comes to the large surfaces, an expert could take over because I don’t think I would be able to finish the biggest wall alone in one day. But if I apply reinforcement over adjacent components, etc., can it get wet if it rains? Or does the base coat have to go on quickly? Is it okay if it takes one or two months after reinforcing the adjacent components before the base coat is applied over the entire wall?

Yes, it’s challenging but basically doable.
1. Corner profiles, window edge trims (APU profiles), mesh arrows, etc., are applied in an initial step anyway without a mandatory base coat.
2. Base coat with reinforcement can be applied in multiple steps or sections. This is not a problem and professionals do this as well (if necessary).
3. It can only get wet if it rains… The best weather for an exterior plaster is moderate temperature with very fine drizzle. That way it doesn’t dry out too quickly. Getting really soaked is obviously bad. But you can easily check the weather forecast for the next 36 hours.
4. The finishing coat can wait. It sometimes takes up to 14 days or more before you can even start with the finishing coat because the base coat is not yet dry (your material will tell you when to start – in my case, since the reinforcement plaster and finishing plaster were from the same bag, I could start after three days).

Keishadow schrieb:

And when it comes to the large surfaces, an expert could take over

For an idea like that, you will either have to pay a lot because the “expert” has to work with your preliminary work and still guarantees their trade. If I arrive at a plastered house where the owner has already tried and given up, I have to get an appropriate price for that or (which is more likely) simply refuse the job. That kind of job is typically done by unregistered workers found on various platforms…

P.S. However, you cannot apply the finishing plaster in sections. The wall or continuous surface must be done all at once; otherwise, the joints will be visible.