Modern Decorative Plasters

2023 Author: Douglas Hoggarth | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:23

What do we know about plaster? That this is a white-gray thick mass, which is applied to the walls with plaster in stained pants. And that most often plaster is the basis for more noble materials. What are decorative plasters? And in general, did you know that today there is, it turns out, a great variety of the most unexpected decorative materials for walls? Experts call them so - "decorative wall coverings". Let's talk about them.

Take decorative plasters, for example. First, it is a very easy-to-apply material. Secondly, in finished form on the wall, it looks just amazing, as if it was not a team of repairmen who worked on the wall, but a group of artists. And most importantly, this material is easy to care for: it can be cleaned with dishwashing detergents, washing powders, soap or just water. The fact is that the composition of decorative plasters includes binding elements that are not afraid of moisture. Moreover, the coating retains the brightness of the colors for a long time …

But let's define the terms. Decorative wall coverings are primarily plasters (let's call them structural because of their heterogeneous composition) and decorative paints. In addition, decorative coatings include materials that cannot be classified as either paints or plasters: stone chips and "flock" (or "chips"). Well, for the most sophisticated natures, we will tell you about the technique of decorative application of materials: "antique" and about "Venetian" plaster.

Plaster is a thick paste for finishing walls and ceilings. It can be both a basis for other finishing materials, and an independent type of coating.

Structural plaster is a heterogeneous granular plaster mass with the addition of various granules: small stones, wood fiber, etc. Structural plasters are: mineral (cement-lime-based), silicate (potassium silicate-based), synthetic latex-based.

"Flock" - small colored acrylic particles that are applied to an adhesive base.

“Venetian” plaster is a transparent plaster made of marble flour, which, when applied using a special technique, creates the effect of marble.

Antique coating - paint based on synthetic latexes. When applied to the wall, uniform abrasions appear, creating an antique effect.

Synthetic or artificial latex is a water-based binder in paints and plasters.

Plaster grain - Plasters are fine-grained and coarse-grained, that is, consisting of small or large grains.

Mechanical resistance - the resistance of the coating to various types of mechanical damage - shock, scratches, etc.

Tinting - coloring a white material (paint or plaster) in the desired color by adding a certain amount of pigment.

Pigment is a concentrated dye that is added to a material (paint or plaster) to give it a specific color.

The hydrophobic ability of the coating is the ability to repel water.

The absorbency of the coating is the ability to absorb water.

Base layer - base layer.

Structural plasters

Structural plaster applied by a spray compressor Structural plaster is a heterogeneous granular plaster mass with the addition of any granules, for example, small pebbles, wood fibers, pieces of quartz, mica, etc. They are made on a mineral (cement-lime) basis, on the basis of synthetic latexes or potassium silicate. All of them, in turn, are water-based and solvent-based. For interior decoration, it is better to use water-based plasters - they do not smell, which means that they do not require general evacuation from the apartment during repairs.

A distinctive feature of structural plasters - amazing plasticity and "obedience" to any tool. They do not need to be bred or mixed with anything: they are sold ready-made in metal cans or buckets of 15-25 kg.

Structural plasters can be applied to any external or internal surface: concrete, brick, cement, drywall, wood, metal, etc. Most often, these plasters are used to decorate halls, bathrooms, bathrooms, ceilings, facades and fences. Depending on the type of plaster, 1 square meter of coverage will cost from $ 1 to $ 10. On the Russian market, structural plasters as one of the types of decorative coatings are offered by the German companies Caparol, Alligator and the representative office of the French company Decorum-F.

Structural plaster applied with a trowel in a circular motion creates a seashell effect

Mineral plasters are economical (low consumption). And most importantly, they are excellent for thermal insulation of facades. Made from natural, environmentally friendly raw materials

Despite the fact that the composition of mineral plasters contains lime, which is afraid of water, these coatings can be washed and cleaned! The secret is simple: in the composition of plasters there are substances that do not allow lime to "melt"

Plasters based on artificial latex are also not afraid of mechanical stress. And silicate plasters, plus everything else, do not swell and get dirty a little. True, they are applied only to a specially prepared surface - to a coating containing quartz (sand). This coating can be any mineral-based plaster. But silicate plaster cannot be applied to water-based and dispersive primers. It just won't stick to them and fall off

Colors and texture

Coarse-grained plaster, tinted in different shades

Structural plasters are initially sold in only one color - white. But they can be tinted if desired. That is, add pigment of any color to the plaster mass and get the shade that is required. Moreover, this can be done in two ways

First, by yourself. To do this, buy a pigment of the desired color. And the plasterer you hired will add it to the plaster mass and mix it well. True, during the "home" staining you need to be extremely careful not to overdo it with the pigment

Secondly, in a store or at a company selling plaster, they will make you a professional tinting. It is quite inexpensive, but experts will make exactly the color that you indicate in the catalog (there is a huge number of shades in the catalog - from several hundred to several thousand, depending on the manufacturer)

We advise you to choose the structure of the plaster in advance. Structural plasters consist of "grains" of different sizes and, accordingly, are fine-grained and coarse-grained. Depending on the size of the "grain" and the method of application, a different pattern is obtained

For example, fine-grained plaster looks almost even on the wall, while plaster with natural stone granules creates a beautiful pattern in the form of transverse or circular grooves. It all depends on what it is applied with: roller, spatula, spray

PROS OF STRUCTURAL PLASTERS:

They are applied to any internal and external surfaces: concrete, cement, brick, drywall, wood, metal, etc. Perfectly mask the flaws of the base surface: microcracks, swellings, old paint. They have excellent resistance to mechanical influences: impacts, scratches, etc..d. Waterproof; after drying, it can be washed and cleaned with any detergents that do not contain solvents. Withstands temperatures from -50 to + 75 ° C. Due to high plasticity, they allow you to create various reliefs. They have a microporous surface and allow the wall to "breathe". Very durable coating. The most inexpensive from all decorative coatings.

Application steps:

First. Preparing the wall. The surface must be dry and clean, so it must be thoroughly cleaned of old paint, wallpaper, etc. However, it is not necessary to perfectly align the wall - the plaster will "do it for you". The main thing is that there are no obvious bumps and depressions.

Second. Padding. The primer penetrates micro cracks, strengthening the wall. In addition, it protects the wall surface from swelling, dampness and mold.

Third. Plastering. The primer is dry - you can create. Here, feel free to let your imagination run wild. If you want the effect of a wall scratched by grooves - buy fine-grained plaster with natural stone granules or simply with coarse grain additives and use a textured roller. If your passion wants to feel like on the seashore in a mysterious old limestone grotto, please apply coarse plaster with a spatula in circular movements. Let your master feel like an impressionist artist (if you trust him, of course).

Question answer

Is it possible to paint the wall with ordinary paint later, after applying the plaster?

In principle, it is possible, but no one can vouch for a positive result, because in this case the wall will not look very neat. In general, it is not required to cover the plaster with an additional protective layer.

How long do structural plasters dry?

It depends on the type of plaster, on average three to four hours, but finally dry out in two weeks.

"Paint" - from the word "beautiful"

Granite effect mosaic paint

Decorative paints are most often smooth to the touch; dust does not accumulate on their surface. By the way, that is why paints are the only decorative coatings that are allowed to be used in childcare facilities and hospitals. Working with paints does not require careful preparation. They are sold ready-to-use in metal 5-liter cans or buckets. Their decorativeness lies in a special pattern that forms on the surface during application.

Mosaic paint. It is often called granite. No, it does not contain any granite dust, as many people think. A represents acrylic bubbles made of water-based paints of various colors. When spraying with a special gun, droplets break against the wall, and a dot pattern is obtained on the surface, similar to the texture of granite.

Granite paint is applied to any prepared primed surfaces: finishing putty, cement, wood panels, gypsum and drywall, plywood, chipboard, metal and even glass.

Technique for applying granite paint:

left - surface preparation (priming);

on the right - applying paint with a spray gun

No additional top coat is required. The paint is easy to clean, small damaged areas can be tinted. To do this, spray paint of the same color on the damaged area with a spray gun, without repairing the entire wall.

1 square meter of such coverage costs from 3 to 7 $.

The composition of the paint "Sabula" with the effect of velor contains solid colored particles instead of acrylic bubbles. On the wall, the paint really looks like velor fabric - the same soft, deep, textured. But as soon as you touch the wall, the effect disappears, giving way to other advantages.

After complete drying, a thin elastic film is formed on the surface, very resistant to chemical attack. That is, it will completely survive the artistic impulses of a child with a felt-tip pen in his hands. However, "Sabula" is a thin-layer and very fragile paint, so it will not withstand strong blows with something heavy! The coating is absolutely smooth with a flat surface. Easy to clean by any means.

1 sq.m of paint with a velor effect costs about $ 6.

Pearlescent paint

The peculiarity of paint with pearlescent effect is that it changes color depending on the angle of view and lighting.

The paint has a translucent structure, because it contains natural mother-of-pearl. Due to its ability to change color, it is also called "chameleon paint".

The premises, finished in "mother of pearl" look, look unusually festive. Many people think that this coating is very similar to the "Venetian" plaster: with the same method of application - the same marble effect. This is partly true, but if you compare the two finished coatings, the difference will immediately become clear. The paint with a pearlescent effect is not entirely transparent, and the distinctive feature of the "Venetian" plaster is lightness and airiness. The coating can be applied to finishing putty, cement, wood paneling, gypsum, drywall, plywood and chipboard.

It is best to finish details with mother-of-pearl paint, not entire walls: on large areas of the surface, the mother-of-pearl shine does not always look good. But "mother of pearl" is perfect for cornices, window sills, column elements and other interior fragments. In this case, it can indeed replace the "Venetian" plaster.

Pearlescent paint applied in different ways - roller and spray

With this textured roller, pearlescent paint is applied.

And it will cost several times less: 1 square meter of paint with a pearlescent effect costs $ 4–5.

All three types of decorative paints are offered by the firms "Decorum F", "Spectra - Design", a representative of the company "Spetra", and the firm "Crete", a representative office of the company "Viero".

Another type of decorative paint is plastic mass. This paint is much thicker than usual. Due to its viscosity, it lays down on the wall in a particularly thick layer, creating a relief surface.

The plastic mass is applied with any tool (spatula, spray, textured rubber roller) so that thick “hoods” and longitudinal tubercles remain. The thick paint layer provides good thermal insulation and water resistance.

The plastic mass is made on a water basis, therefore it is used for interior decoration of halls and staircases. It can be cleaned well with soapy water, dishwashing detergent, just water.

Sold in metal cans or buckets of 15 - 20 kg.

Apparatus for tinting decorative paints and plasters

In Russia, the plastic mass can be purchased from the Alligator company. They offer two types of paint - glossy and matte. The glossy mass does not need to be covered with a protective layer - it will already serve for a long time. If desired, the matte coating is painted on top, although any plastic mass can be tinted.

About 0.5 kg of plastic mass will be consumed per 1 square meter of surface (price 2 - 3 $ / sq.m).

PROS OF DECORATIVE PAINTS:

• Apply to any interior surfaces.

  Wide range of applications: residential apartments, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals.

  They are not afraid of mechanical impact: shock, scratches, etc.

  They are not afraid of water: after drying, they can be washed and cleaned with any detergent (soap solution, dishwashing liquid, water).

  Anti-static coating does not collect dust.

  Environmentally friendly material.

  Economical type of coating: it is applied in just one, maximum two layers.

Application steps:

First. Preparing the wall. The surface must be dry and clean. Irregularities are leveled with a putty (for water-based paints). Then the surface is primed with any water-based paint.

Second. Paint application. If the paint is applied with a special spray gun, gently mix the mass before starting work. Spray should be done with even movements from left to right. After 2 - 3 hours, a second layer is applied up and down.

The plastic mass can be applied with any tool, depending on the desired relief - with a brush, spatula, roller.

Romance with a stone

Decorative marble chips change color depending on the lighting

Colored stone chips are a material that cannot be attributed to any of the types of coatings we have mentioned. Although sellers often include stone chips in the "plaster" column. Stone chips are really real small stones mixed with binders and adhesives.

Stone chips come in different colors, but each color consists of several shades. Sold in metal or plastic buckets in the form of a thick mass of 14 - 20 kg. It is applied to the surface with a spatula until an even layer is obtained.

Coarse stone chips are good for facade decoration, especially for the basement, small ones for interior work. Now on sale you can find quartz, granite and marble chips. And it really is quartz, granite and marble. They perfectly resist bad weather, and marble chips, among other things, also look amazing.

Since the mass contains grains of natural stones, the coating is considered very heavy, and it cannot be called economical: one square meter takes from 2.5 to 4.5 kg of "stones". But the stone chips adhere well to the wall, "breathe", perfectly masks irregularities and is easy to clean with both soapy water and water.

By the way, keep in mind: if you decide to replace the coating of stone chips, it can only be peeled off together with the wall, because after application the surface becomes a monolith. So the new material (wallpaper or paint) will have to be applied from above, directly on the pebbles, having previously leveled the surface with a putty.

Firm "Crete", the exclusive representative of the Italian firm "Viero" in Moscow, offers a wide selection of marble and quartz chips. They say the owner of the Viero factory in Italy is a chemist by training. Creating new types of coatings, he monitored the "compatibility" of materials. And he achieved excellent results.

Marble coatings change color depending on the angle of view and on the lighting. It is recommended to cover this material with a transparent varnish on top - this way it retains its shine better.

Stone chips: rich choice of colors and shades (left), Quartz chips (right)

PROS OF STONE CRUSH:

• Can be applied to concrete, aerated concrete, gypsum board, cement, plaster, etc.

  It well masks surface irregularities: microcracks, bumps, old paint.

  Particularly resistant to mechanical stress.

  It can withstand any weather conditions, is not afraid of water, frost and heat.

  Due to the porous structure, it allows the wall to "breathe".

  Very durable coating.

Application steps:

First. Surface preparation. The wall must be dry and clean. The main thing is the absence of cracks, bumps and depressions.

Second. Padding. Any paint can be used as a primer. Basic requirements: wall reinforcement and moisture protection to avoid dampness and mold.

Third. Application of colored stone chips. It can be slightly diluted with water so that the mass becomes less dense and more obedient. Then mix well. Then they "throw" part of the mass on the wall and spread it with movements from top to bottom, while removing the excess with a spatula. It is advisable not to make more than 2 - 3 passes over the surface with a spatula. Otherwise, the pebbles will wear off and ugly gray spots will appear. The surface should dry for about 6 hours.

Fourth. Varnish application. After final drying (about two weeks), you can apply varnish, better transparent. It will preserve the beauty of stone chips, especially marble.

Chips, but not beer!

"Flock" ("chips") - colored acrylic particles of various shapes, which are applied to the adhesive base

"Flock" (which means "flakes, snowflakes" in German), or, as it is often called, "chips", is an original decorative coating for interior decoration. It consists of small colored particles (pieces of acrylic paint), in fact, resembling chips in shape.

The coating is sold in a set of three components: a liquid adhesive base, the chips themselves (dry colored particles) and varnish for application to the finished coating. You can use them anywhere: for walls, ceilings, window sills, doors, columns, cornices.

Chips come in different shapes and sizes. Usually these are round-shaped particles, but there are also shapeless, as if broken off pieces. As for the color, the choice is very wide. For example, in the representative office of the French company "Decorum F" there are even striped "chips" imitating shells. There are fluorescent chips.

This cover is often confused with liquid wallpaper. And not without reason. In finished form, on the wall, they really are somewhat similar. But liquid wallpaper has a completely different composition (it is a dry mixture of glue with cotton, textile thread, cellulose). In addition, "flock" and liquid wallpaper differ in the method of application (the mixture is diluted with water and sprayed onto the wall).

The price of "chips" is $ 6-10 / sq.m.

PLUSES OF "FLOK":

• It can be applied to any surface thanks to the thick consistency of the base. The base can be an excellent primer.

  Does not require perfect surface preparation, hides small irregularities and cracks.

  Possesses high resistance to abrasion, impact, scratches.

  Easy to clean with any solvent-free detergent (soap solution, water).

  Can be used in wet rooms.

  Easy to upgrade.

  The particles stick only to the adhesive base, so they can be used in rooms where the final finishing of ceilings, doors, etc. has already been done.

  It is considered an environmentally friendly coating, therefore it can be used even in kindergartens.

Application steps:

Flock application technique: 1 - adhesive layer application; 2-3 - application of acrylic particles; 4 - applying a layer of varnish

First. Preparing the wall. This requires a good putty and primer so that the surface does not absorb (does not absorb moisture). The wall must be clean and dry.

Second. Application of an adhesive layer. A medium-length woolen pile roller is suitable for work - so that the glue lays down evenly. The first, base layer (base) dries quickly, especially at room temperature. Experts recommend keeping the room temperature cooler.

Third. Flock application. As soon as the adhesive layer is applied, without wasting a second, acrylic particles are sprayed. It is necessary to spray "chips" with a special compressor or a flock gun. It can be rented from the company where you purchased the kit. There can be no question of any vacuum cleaners and fans.

Light "chips" should be applied on an evenly painted white surface without spots, and dark ones - on an evenly painted surface of any color without spots. It is best to start applying the particles from top to bottom, in slow circular motions, gradually moving upward. It is more convenient to do the work together: one master applies an adhesive base, the other sprays "chips".

Fourth. Varnish application. You need to wait until the base and particles are dry (at least 12 hours). After that, you can apply the varnish: in one layer, evenly. You can varnish with a regular roller.

"Venetian" plaster - marble effect

These coatings differ significantly from the previous ones. Here, to achieve the desired effect, it is not enough just to take the material and apply it to the wall. You need to know HOW CORRECT to do it. Without this knowledge and certain skills, it is better not to start work at all.

First of all, this refers to "Venetian" plaster (this is the name of a transparent plaster made of marble flour, when applied with a special technique, it creates the effect of marble). The composition of the plaster, in addition to marble flour, includes slaked lime and water emulsion.

There is a feeling that you really have a wall of the purest and most transparent marble in front of you. This refined, elegant material can decorate columns, cornices, walls.

Masters of "Venetian" plastering are real artists and even a bit of magicians. What they create from the "Venetian" is genuine art. But I must say right away that the work is quite expensive.

"Venetian" plaster is sold in the form of a thick transparent mass in cans or buckets of 7 - 25 kg. It is applied on previously prepared surfaces (gypsum, putty). An indispensable condition is that the wall should be perfectly flat: the material is transparent, so even the smallest cracks will be visible under it.

"Venetian" can be tinted in any color. The surface will look better and more like marble if you mix two or three shades of the same color.

The depth and transparency of the coating are achieved by a special technique of applying from four to ten layers of material. Put it in small strokes with a triangular forged stainless steel spatula. After drying, the wall is covered with natural beeswax: it is famous for its special transparency and protects the coating well. This is very important, because even the most skillful work can be ruined by coating with regular varnish or matte wax. However, there is a "Venetian coating" on which wax is not needed: this plaster already contains all the necessary components. These are materials of the "Spectra - Design" company of Italian origin.

"Venetian" plaster with wax will cost $ 5-10 / sq.m. This is just the price of materials, excluding work. The application process costs from 12 to 20 $ / sq.m. And if there is a desire to create a picture on the wall using this technique, you need to pay from 200 to 400 $ / sq.m!

VENETIAN PROS:

• Waterproof coating. Can be washed and cleaned with solvent-free detergents (soapy water, water).

  Wide range of colors.

  Creates the effect of a marbled surface.

  You can create paintings with a marble mosaic effect.

Application steps:

First. Thorough surface preparation. The wall must be perfectly flat, clean and dry. Then one or two coats of a special primer for this plaster or a layer of vinyl (acrylic) paint are applied.

Second. Application of "Venetian" plaster. Work can be started only after the soil has dried. Carefully - stroke by stroke, layer by layer - the coating is applied with a spatula. Each layer is allowed to dry and cleaned to remove unevenness. It is recommended to apply the lower layers with a wide trowel and the last layer with a narrow trowel. Twenty minutes after applying the last layer, you can clean the surface with fine sandpaper in a circular motion.

Third. Applying a layer of protective white wax. The use of varnishes is not recommended (they may cloud the surface).

The illusion of antiquity

Antique coating gives the surface the effect of an antique wall

Another decorative material that needs a delicate approach is the "antique" coating. This paint is so called because on the wall it looks like a little worn and rough. Creates the effect of an old noble finish. Thanks to the application technique and the artificial latexes that are part of the paint, it brightens slightly in places of greatest friction.

Apply the paint with a long-bristled brush in a circular motion. Where the plasterer presses harder with a brush, and the "scuff effect" appears. But the absolute "antiquity" is done later, rubbing the surface with an ordinary sponge, cloth or brush. When the paint is completely dry, it is covered with wax to make the wall smoother and more shiny. But keep in mind, the end result is highly dependent on the skill of the plasterer.

Unlike "Venetian" plaster, "antique" coating can be used not only for interior work, but also for finishing facades - it perfectly withstands the vagaries of the weather. The material is sold in cans or buckets of 4-5 liters. Apply to any primed surface. After complete drying, it forms a microporous film that is resistant to mechanical stress. Among other things, this paint is non-flammable and does not contain toxic substances.

Antique coating can be purchased in the companies "Crete", "Decorum F" and "Spectra - Design". One square meter of this "antique illusion" will cost $ 2 - $ 4.

PROS OF "OLD":

• Suitable for both facades and interior decoration.

  Washable with any solvent-free detergent (soapy water, water).

  You can paint walls in damp rooms.

  Resistant to abrasion, mechanical damage and weather conditions.

  Non-flammable, does not contain toxic substances.



Antique coating options

Application steps:

First. Surface preparation. The wall must be dry and clean, free from damage, bumps and cracks. You can ideally not process the surface, do not putty. It is enough to apply one layer of a special primer, which should dry for about 4 hours.

Second. Semi-antique coating. With a long-bristled brush, apply the paint in a circular motion. You can apply a second coat of a different shade.

Third. Achieving the final gloss. After drying, the coating can be cleaned with a sponge and even fine sandpaper. You can apply a coat of white wax to make the finish shiny and smooth.

Decorative application of conventional (non-decorative) paints



This creates a "scuffed effect"

It turns out that it is quite "decorative" can be applied to the wall and ordinary paint. And, as experts have assured us, there is nothing complicated about it.

Do you want to plunge into the style of European luxury? Then pay attention to the pastel series of beautiful and deep colors of the Finnish company "Tikkurila", which are sold in Russia by the company "Finkraska".

We are sure that you will definitely like the Antarak paints. Environmentally friendly, made on the basis of harmless imported components, at a price of 3 rubles per 1 sq. M.

Another thing is that the choice of technique for applying conventional paint is rather poor. Moreover, there are two problems.

First. The future relief of the wall depends on the tool. These can be textured rollers (with an uneven, patterned surface), brushes with different bristles, spatulas and sprayers.

Second. Creativity and knowledge of technology are important. If the craftsmen work with a roller, it can be rolled, but in different directions. You will get a different drawing. The brush and spatula offer more options: the paint can be applied in short or long strokes, up and down, obliquely, just with slaps and dots. There is another option: paint spraying. Droplets of paint will remain on the surface as they were sprayed - small shiny peas. Looks pretty good.

Imagine and do not deny yourself anything!

Zhanna Zhasitite