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Knauf produces both gypsum and cement mixes for leveling, while Bolars specializes mainly in gypsum compounds. This means your choice depends on the conditions you'll be working in. For dry rooms (bedrooms, living rooms) gypsum mixes from both brands will be more convenient - they dry faster and are easier to apply. For wet areas (kitchen, bathroom) you need a cement base, and here Knauf has more options.
Both brands are good quality and proven. Bolars is often cheaper, and their mixes work great, but sometimes it's harder to find the full range. Knauf is more widely available, with product lines for different tasks - from base coats to finish coats, so it's easier to pick exactly what you need for the application thickness you're planning.
I'd recommend first deciding on the room type and the required leveling thickness, then looking at specific mixes. If Bolars is easy to find in your region and the price is noticeably lower - go ahead and get it, the result will be the same. If everything's pretty much the same, then Knauf is more convenient in terms of selection and getting advice at the store.
The choice between them isn't really as crucial as it seems. Both brands work well, just in different situations. Bolars is usually cheaper, while Knauf is more serious on specs, but in budget renovations you won't feel the difference.
The main thing is to check the humidity in the room. For bathrooms, kitchens, or basements you need a cement-based formula, otherwise the plaster will start crumbling and falling off. Gypsum mixes (and both Knauf and Bolars have them) are good for dry living rooms - they're easier to apply and give you a smoother finish.
If we're being blunt about it: in homes with normal humidity, Bolars will do the job, but in tougher conditions it's better not to skimp on Knauf. But either way, check what they actually have in stock at your store for this job, and read the instructions on the bag.
I personally lean toward Knauf for leveling coats because their gypsum mixes like Rotband and similar products maintain better adhesion on different substrates - both concrete, brick, and old plaster. Bolars also produces decent mixes, but they're a bit more "finicky" when it comes to surface prep.
The main life hack: before applying any plaster, check if the surface is damp. If it's a dry concrete slab - prime it with a deep penetration primer, otherwise the substrate will pull moisture from the mix and it'll crack. This applies to both brands equally, but in practice people tend to forget this step and then blame the material.
Price-wise, Bolars definitely wins out if you're talking large volumes and a tight construction budget. But if the surface is non-standard (old plaster, wooden areas, damp rooms), it's better to invest in Knauf - you'll get results without surprises 😊
The difference between these two isn't that critical - it mostly comes down to what kind of surface you're working with and how much you want to spend :) If you're trying to save money, go with Bolers, but keep in mind: gypsum mixes from both manufacturers don't like humidity, so if the room is damp (kitchen, bathroom), it makes sense to first check if they have cement options or just switch to cement altogether.
The main pro tip - before you pick a brand, test both on your walls with different primers if you get the chance. The same mix can behave completely differently depending on the primer you use, but almost nobody thinks about that 😉
It depends on what surface you're leveling - on damp areas (kitchen, bathroom) cement-based mixes work better, while gypsum ones are faster and more convenient on walls in dry rooms. Knauf is more versatile in this regard because they have both options available, whereas Bolars really mainly offers gypsum products.
if you're short on cash - Bolars is solid, proven, but keep in mind they might be a bit more demanding when it comes to working conditions. Knauf usually causes fewer headaches.
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