Choosing Sand for Mortar and Plaster: Cracking, Adhesion and Workability
Unsuitable sand leads to cracked, detached plaster. Learn ASTM C144 limits, how fines and clay act, and how to select sand for masonry mortar and plaster.
0–4.75 mm
Building & Mortar
Buildings, mortar and plaster
In masonry and finishing work, sand grading decides workability and the quality of the final surface.
The role of materials in Buildings, mortar and plaster
Mortar and plaster are applied in thin layers, so they need a fine aggregate with balanced grading. Unsuitable sand leads to shrinkage, cracking and poor adhesion to the substrate.
Keeping to mortar sand grading limits and avoiding clayey fines keeps work consistent across large surfaces.
Selection criteriaWhat matters
Three deciding criteria
- 1
Workability
Fine, balanced grading for easy spreading of mortar.
- 2
Adhesion
No clay or organic matter, for a reliable bond with the substrate.
- 3
Crack control
A suitable share of fines to reduce shrinkage after drying.
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