Bark beetle plaster is a well-liked option for giving walls a distinctive, textured finish that resembles the natural, rustic grooves left by beetles in tree bark. This kind of plaster is a great choice for both interior and external walls since it is not only visually appealing but also strong and weather-resistant.
Bark beetle plaster application may appear difficult, but with the correct methods and equipment, even individuals with no plastering experience can complete the project. The application procedure, which calls for close attention to detail, is the secret to getting that unique texture.
This post will walk you through the entire bark beetle plaster application process, with pictures and videos to help you see each step. Whether you want to update the exterior of your house or give an interior area some personality, following these guidelines will guarantee a polished result.
- Bark beetle features.
- Tools.
- Preparation of the plane by technology.
- Preparation of the mixture.
- How to apply decorative Bark beetle plaster using a machine.
- How to apply decorative Bark beetle plaster manually.
- Applying the pattern.
- Work inside and outside the premises.
- Wall coloring and tinting solution.
- Video on the topic
- APPLYING BARK BEETLE decorative plaster to the walls of the house. Work on 5+ / decorative plaster
- TECHNOLOGY OF APPLYING BARK BEETLE PLASTER
- Technology of applying bark beetle plaster: fast and beautiful result
Bark beetle features.
Minerals or mixed mixtures containing particles of various sizes are referred to as plaster like Bark beetles. Because of this, a unique texture is produced on the plane by the formation of even stripes or erratic grooves, provided that the solution is properly formulated and the bark beetle plaster application technique is followed. They have a similar texture to insect-damaged wood.
This type of plaster can be used to decorate facades and interiors because it can easily tolerate a variety of circumstances, such as moisture and temperature changes in its completed form. It also insulates the walls because of its sufficiently thick layer, but because of its unique composition and structure, it does not obstruct vapor permeability.
Bark beetles come in a variety of varieties. The color of the solution serves as the first classification criterion. Unlike gray varieties, white varieties can be tinted. But gray types are significantly less expensive.
The diameter of the largest inclusion also divides them. Varieties ranging in grain size from 1 to 3.5 mm exist. Its texture will be more noticeable and its consumption will increase with its size. Additionally, they can be separated based on the base, which can be mineral, silicate, acrylic, or silicone. Every version—aside from the most recent—is delivered ready-made.
Tools.
The required tools and safety gear must be ready in order to keep everything organized and ensure that Bark Beetle Plastering technology is not compromised. You must first look after your own health and keep in mind that bark beetle plaster has a rather special application technique. We’ll require:
- Protective clothing (robe/overalls/robe);
- Protective equipment (respirator, rubber gloves);
- Headdress (when processing ceilings);
- Glasses (with mechanized application technology).
While preparing, it’s critical to keep the end in mind and gather the necessary resources. It is highly democratic, and you have the freedom to select a portion of it:
- Kelma or spatula;
- Rule;
- Metal or wooden graters;
- Water capacity;
- Measured capacity;
- Mixing capacity;
- Plastic graters;
- A construction mixer or an electric drill with a nozzle for mixing (optionally);
- Automat for the solution (with a mechanized application technology).
To obtain the appropriate decorative plaster bark beetle, all of this is required. How to use it to continue reading.
Preparation of the plane by technology.
Prior to using ornamental plaster Bark beetle to the wall, it needs to be ready. Cleaning, plastering with a starting compound, leveling, and removing any roughness or irregularities are the steps required to accomplish this.
Rust and oily stains must be removed during the cleaning procedure. They could show up over time or right away after application and detract from the coating’s appearance or speed up its peeling.
You might need to lay insulation if you intend to use it in a cold climate. If needed, a layer of starting plaster and a paint mesh are applied on top of it. Because the building mixture contains coarse inclusions and small roughness won’t interfere, medium grinding will be needed. It will be necessary to eliminate residual dust since it lowers the solution’s adhesion.
The wall will need to be primed after thorough preparation. If the primer has deep penetration, that is preferable. It will increase adhesion and strengthen the base. The primer needs to be tinted in the same color if you intend to apply decorative tinted plaster Bark beetle by hand. Otherwise, you will be able to see through the plaster layer if it is uneven.
Under normal circumstances, the primer dries in 30 to 40 minutes at 20 °C. This should be considered because the finished mixture has an hour of use window and applying it to a wet wall is not advised.
It should be noted that bases with a lifespan longer than one month are used for the application of decorative plaster Bark beetle. This is because the coating may become harmed as a result of the walls’ movement or shrinkage.
Preparation of the mixture.
The application and preparation of bark beetle plaster technology requires exact adherence to ingredient proportions, temperature, and action sequence.
You must first prepare the ideal volume of water. The instructions control the temperature, which is typically between 20 and 23 degrees. Depending on the plaster’s ingredients and manufacturer, 1 kg of the mixture will require 200–250 ml of water. The mixing container should be easily accessible for later use; that is, the hole should be comfortably penetrated by the hand holding a spatula or trowel.
The water is mixed with measured dry powder. Although a trowel can be used to manually mix the components, using a drill or construction mixer is more practical and efficient. Use medium-speed rotation in the second scenario. Mixing the composition results in a homogenous mass that is free of surplus moisture and dry mixture residue. The consistency of fatty sour cream is thought to be the ideal one. Preserving the solution’s thickness is crucial.
An overly liquid solution will flow off the wall and leave streaks, and an overly dry solution will roll off the grater and increase consumption. Prior to using the Bark Beetle Plaster, you must be aware of this. Furthermore, an overly liquid solution won’t produce the appropriate texture.
Bark beetle plaster is a well-liked option for giving walls a unique, rustic look by applying textured, long-lasting surfaces. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or a professional, we’ll take you step-by-step through the application of bark beetle plaster in this post, complete with illustrative photos and videos to make it easy to follow along. You will acquire the essential methods, supplies, and advice required to produce a long-lasting, high-quality finish.
How to apply decorative Bark beetle plaster using a machine.
Using equipment that simplifies the task is advised if the surface to be treated is large. You can therefore use construction equipment for the Bark Beetle Plaster.
The base can be primed with a spray gun, and the plaster can be applied automatically by a machine. Its outlet ought to be perpendicular to the wall and as near to it as feasible.
Use of ornamental Plaster made with bark beetles assumes a minimum layer thickness. Alignment is done after manual application. It is also possible to apply the pattern automatically, for instance, by utilizing a grinding machine with a fleecy wheel, but this is not always practical and the relief is not expressed clearly.
How to apply decorative Bark beetle plaster manually.
Most of the time, you can accomplish this without the use of tools by using just your hands. The outcome will be worthwhile even though the limbs become tired as a result. After mixing for five minutes, the first prepared solution is re-mixed and applied with a spatula to a trowel, float, or half-float.
Subsequently, the solution is applied evenly to the wall at an angle of 50–60 degrees, working from top to bottom or bottom to top (the angle should be lowered when covering the ceiling). The granules’ diameter determines the layer’s thickness. It is considered the primary thickness.
They move on to leveling once the wall’s surface or a specific area within it, like a niche, has been covered. This is possible even in the course of the application procedure. Remove extra material and place it in a shared container or, if the wall hasn’t deteriorated, apply it to the untreated area. The still-wet wall is given a textured pattern after it has been leveled.
Applying the pattern.
A plastic, polypropylene, or wooden spatula is used to manipulate the applied plaster in the few technologies available to give the Bark Beetle texture. It moves gradually by not being pressed up against the wall in order to accomplish this. When large fractions (balls) come into contact with the spatula, they will begin to move and create grooves as they go.
The image on the surface will alter based on the direction of movement:
- If the trajectory describes circles of small radius, then the pattern will be chaotic with its inherent short curls.
- If the movement is carried out in parallel lines from top to bottom or from side to side, a linear pattern with intermittent lines will be obtained. Their length can be adjusted by pressing on the spatula. The more often you press, the shorter the lines.
- You can also combine movements, for example, by drawing perpendicular lines. Perpendiculars can be drawn relative to the vertical (top to bottom + left to right) and diagonal (from corner to corner). This will result in a kind of intermittent grid.
Work inside and outside the premises.
Bark beetle plaster can be quite erratic, particularly if it is manufactured using acrylic as the base material. It dries quickly, making the process more difficult in hot weather. As a result, you must consider the season when plastering outside.
It is strongly advised against doing facade work in the winter and to use the autumn-spring dry season or the summer on days when there are no fires.
It is not advisable to postpone applying the decorative stucco bark beetle, as its application technology prevents daily temperature drops.
The walls should be shielded from wind, flying debris, and dust for at least one day until the process is fully dry, in order to preserve the final texture. You can use fabric or polyethylene screens for these uses. They will be useful if it suddenly starts to rain.
Wall coloring and tinting solution.
It is hard to achieve individuality with white or gray plaster, so tint frequently before applying the compositions. It is very challenging to color every wall in unison, though. This is because of how much dye (kalra) was used. Calculations are particularly challenging when a dry mixture is being used.
Consequently, ready-made. Selling companies follow a similar process as well. They administer the dye dosage to achieve the appropriate shade as precisely as possible using computerized technology.
Painting the completed wall that has already dried up at home is still simpler. This suggests decorative bark beetle plaster, for which this application technique is advised by application technology. The fact that grinding cannot be used to remove paint is the only drawback. A fresh coat of paint will need to be applied to the site. But in this instance, you can produce drawings that are more colorful and varied.
Thus, painting can be done in two steps.
In the first step, all of the texture’s grooves must be stained and deeply colored using a brush or roller. The second layer of lighter or darker dye is applied after the first layer dries, covering only the top portion of the piece without going into the groove. A semi-dry roller that has been previously rolled over plywood or the ribbed surface of a paint container works well for this. You can also use specific dyes that have reflective qualities in this situation.
Using roller stamps or a swab (sponge) dipped in paint to apply paint through a stencil will also help to add variation to the design.
Step | Description |
1 | Prepare the wall surface by cleaning and applying a primer. |
2 | Mix the bark beetle plaster according to the manufacturer"s instructions. |
3 | Apply the plaster to the wall using a trowel or spatula. |
4 | Create the textured pattern by moving a plastic float in circular or vertical motions. |
5 | Let the plaster dry completely before applying any additional coatings. |
Bark beetle plaster is an inventive way to give any building a more appealing appearance. It offers a natural, textured finish that is long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. Although the procedure calls for meticulous planning, close attention to detail, and a steady hand, the outcomes are well worth the work.
Every stage is essential to getting the desired effect, from choosing the appropriate materials to becoming proficient with the troweling technique. Even a novice can create a professional-looking surface that gives walls character and charm with the right tools and a little practice.
Bark beetle plaster is a flexible choice that complements a range of design aesthetics, whether your goal is to update the exterior of your house or add some flair to the interior walls. You can confidently take on this project and turn plain surfaces into something special and durable by adhering to the shared guidelines and tips.