Re-Plastering an Outdoor Wall

[Bier_me 11]

We recently purchased a home in Germany and it has several DIY projects that need to be accomplished. One of these is a short, out-door wall that divides part of the property from our neighbors. It is probably about 10-15 years old and some of the plaster is crumbling off it. Our new neighbors notified us that the plaster was crumbling off on their side as well. The plaster was applied in a circular/swirl pattern. I don't have experience with re-creating this type of plaster pattern. Does anyone know what this technique is called in German and perhaps how I can repair this wall?

I'm assuming that I need to remove all the old plaster before re-applying the new plaster. but, I'm not sure how to replicate that pattern. I've tried looking on Youtube, but most videos I find are for indoor walls and none are doing this swirling pattern.

Thanks for any help!

[keith2011 2,703]

I am no expert but typically outside walls in Germany are clad with stucco which is cement based (can also include acrylic or glass fibres for extra strength) rather than plaster! That could be why if you look for diy plastering you get videos for inside walls.

[dstanners 1,562]

What you are trying to do is "render an exterior wall", rather than plaster (in your case it sounds like a rough morter would be preferrable or "Rauputz" in German. Make sure you buy one for external walls though).
Sadly, if it is falling off in places, then there are two issues: 1) you ought to remove all the old render, as sticking new render on loose existing render, will just make the earlier stuff more likely to fall off and 2) there might be a structural reason why 10 year old render is falling off - for example, the wall has cracked/moved, or damp has set in. That would also need to be addressed.
Ask at your local tip what the rules are in your neck of the woods for disposing of the old render - that can be a real pain in the ar$e. Be careful removing it though as if the underlying wall is damaged, this could become a bigger/more costly project.
If you can't plaster (as the skill of putting on render, is basically the same as plastering, just with a different material), then a rough finish is far more forgiving than trying to go smooth. There are plenty of google videos on this if you use the term I have put in quotation marks at the top.
Good luck.

[fraufruit 42,670]

Also, if you do the whole wall, you won't need to do the circular pattern if it is your wall. You can do it as you like.

[optimista 5,934]

In theory. Remember you are in Germany.
Definitely liaise with your neighbour. Is he doing his side too ? potential for neighbour aggro...

Logically if it is one wall you share it should be done as one job.
Check that colour and materials do not offend against any local building or town planning regulations.

[Bier_me 11]

Thank you for the advice. Forgive my ignorance with calling it "plaster". Our home has plaster walls with the exact same swirling pattern, so I incorrectly grouped the interior walls and this exterior wall together. I was wondering about the neigbor's responsibility. I haven't spoken with them yet, but they did speak to my wife in passing and mentioned that their side was crumbling. I was under the impression that they expected us to fix it, but I was thinking that they would be responsible for their side of the wall. I'm not familiar with such rules in Germany. Also, thanks for checking about disposing the material properly. I was just assuming I could take it to the local landfill and they would tell me where to take it. I'll look into that.

I realize I could do a smooth wall, but I rather like the swirl pattern the original owner of the house used and wanted to replicate it. I think they probably used a large brush and made the swirl patterns while the mortar was still moist. I'll keep looking for the exact technique. Thanks again for the help!

[LeonG 14,855]

Take a picture and take it to the baumarkt. I am sure they can give you tips. You will have to talk to the neighbours about their side. If it's your wall, it may be your responsibility. Optimista has a good tip about colour and materials. Find out if there are any restrictions where you live.