Difference Between P Sand and Plastering M Sand

What is P Sand?

P sand (also known as plastering sand, rendering sand, or fine sand) is a type of sand used to give smooth and even finishing to the walls and ceilings. It is finely graded and screened to remove impurities and large particles, resulting in a smooth and workable texture. P sand has tiny and small grains, which play a major role in good adhesion and a smoother finish when mixed with cement and water to create plaster or render mixes.

What is Plastering?

Plastering is the process of applying a thin layer of mortar or plaster to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. This application makes the surface smooth, even, and protected.

Using the right sand for plastering is important, as sand used for plastering has a few specific qualities and characteristics that make it suitable for plastering. In this article, we will be discussing why plastering is important, what types of sand are used for plastering, and where you can find the best plastering sand in Bangalore.

P Sand for Construction

Plastering sand must meet the following characteristics and properties provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

According to IS 2386 ( Part 1 ): 1973:

The particle size grading of sand for plaster work for internal walls, external walls, and ceilings as analyzed by the method described in IS 2386 ( Part 1 ): 1973 shall be as specified in Table. Where the grading falls outside the limits of the grading zones of sieves other than 150, 300, and 600 micron IS Sieves by a total amount not exceeding 5 percent, it shall be regarded as falling within the grading.

Source: https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S03/is.1542.1992.pdf

Plastering sand, or P sand, has all the properties and qualities sand should have for plastering work. Now that you're aware of which type of sand is ideal for plastering, let's dig deeper into a detailed exploration of P sand in the upcoming sections of the article.

M Sand For Plastering

Why M Sand Should Not Be Used for Plastering? Manufactured sand is not suitable for plastering because of its rough texture and angular particles, resulting in uneven finish and reduced adhesion.

Let’s understand it through a real-time case scenario:

In this case study, we will consider two different people, Person A and Person B, who used different sands for plastering - M Sand and P Sand.

Person X’s Experience with Manufactured Sand: 

Person X was excited to renovate his living room. He decided to use M sand for plastering without knowing that M sand has bigger and more uneven grains. The Maison mixed sand with cement and water to create plaster and applied it on walls. After a while, the plaster on the wall turned out to be uneven and rough, just like a bumpy road. 

The manufactured sand didn’t work well, causing the plaster to fall off. It was frustrating for him, as he had to spend extra time and money fixing the uneven surface to make it look better.

Person Y’s Experience with Plastering Sand: 

On the other side, person Y was also renovating his living room, but he chose P sand for plastering as P sand is much finer and has a smoother texture compared to manufactured sand. According to the instructions given by person Y, Maison mixed P sand with cement and water to create plaster. When they applied the plaster, the application went smoothly, like spreading butter on bread. As a result of the plastering sand sticking well to the walls and creating an even finish, the walls look beautiful. 

In short, the biggest difference between manufactured sand and plastering sand is their texture. M Sand is rough and has a coarse texture, which makes it harder to get a smooth finish. P sand, on the other side, is finer and circular, making it perfect for plastering as it gives a finer look and adheres nicely.

Qualities of P Sand:

Particle Size:

Sand has tiny particles that are about 600 microns in size. These particles make the sand smoother and finer than other sands. Because of this fine texture, when you use plastering sand on walls, it gives them a smooth and even finish.

Shape:

The grains present in P sand are typically circular/rounded and not very angular. This enhances the workability and adhesion of the plaster mix, making it easier for application.

Adhesion:

The circular and fine grains of plastering sand allow it to adhere well to surfaces, like walls and ceilings, and this adhesion ensures that the plaster stays in place.

Workability:

Plastering sand is easy to work with because of its fine texture and consistent particle size. and can be shaped as needed during application.

Aesthetic Appeal:

Plastering with P-sand results in a surface, like walls and ceilings, that looks professional and refined. The smooth finish improves and enhances the overall look of the surface.

Durability:

Plastering done with P sand tends to be durable over time compared to other sands. The even adhesion and high quality contribute to the longevity of the plaster.

Advantages of Plastering Sand

Plastering sand is a smarter and better choice for your plastering needs. Its even particle size distribution and smooth texture make it easy to apply, resulting in a smoother and even finish. Plastering sand helps prevent cracks during drying and ensures that plaster remains durable. This durability is required for long-lasting surfaces like walls and ceilings that withstand various conditions. 

P sand’s bonding property reduces the risk of shrinkage or cracks, maintaining a seamless look. Its versatile property helps in exterior protection and smoother walls and ceiling finishes. By using plastering sand, you are enhancing the appearance of the surfaces and ensuring reliable and well-supported plastering.

Where to Look for the Best P Sand in Bangalore?

If you are searching for the best P sand in Bangalore, look no further than Alpha Sand. Our Alpha P Sand is the best option for many reasons. It has small and consistent grains, which makes the application easy. The sand sticks really well to the surfaces, and Alpha P sand is strong enough to prevent cracks from forming. 

While manufacturing P sand, we follow all the guidelines given by BIS 1542.1992 to give the best quality P sand. We offer personalized consultations with our technical engineers, who are dedicated to addressing all your inquiries and concerns.

Conclusion:

Understanding the importance of sand in plastering is essential to achieving smooth, durable, and visually appealing surfaces. Amongst all the sand available in the market, P sand is the optimal choice for its finely graded particles, bonding properties, etc.
Making informed choices regarding plastering sand contributes significantly to the overall success and longevity of construction endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why is cohesion important in plastering sand?

Cohesion in plastering sand refers to the capacity of sand particles to bond together. This property helps prevent cracks from forming on the walls over time.

2. Is P-sand suitable for ceiling plastering?

Absolutely, P-sand is commonly used for ceiling plastering. Its fine grading and cohesive properties contribute to achieving a seamless finish.

3. How does P-sand contribute to reduced shrinkage? 

The cohesive nature of P-sand minimizes gaps between particles, reducing the potential for shrinkage cracks as the plaster dries and settles.

4. How do I choose the right supplier for P Sand?

When selecting a P Sand supplier, consider factors such as quality, reputation, technical specifications, and sustainable sourcing practices.

5. What is the price of P Sand in Bangalore?

The price of P sand in Bangalore is Rs 1100 to Rs 1500. However, it depends on the quality of P sand.

6. Which sand is used for plastering?

Sand has zero silt content, 600 microns, and even the distribution of particles like Alpha P Sand, which is suitable for plastering.