Using regular plaster to decorate your walls with a "wood-like" finish can make a room feel cozy and distinctive. With this method, you can replicate wood’s natural beauty without having to deal with the expensive maintenance or upkeep that come with real wood. The outcome is a textured surface that resembles the grains and patterns of wood and is aesthetically stunning.
There are no special tools needed for this surprisingly easy process. In your own house, you can create this effect with a few basic plastering techniques. Whether you want to go for a more sophisticated, elegant look or a cozy cabin look, it’s a great way to add a touch of rustic charm to a space.
We’ll walk you through the plaster "under the tree" decor creation process in this article. You’ll discover how to plaster over your walls, shape it to resemble real wood, and prepare them. The end product will be a unique design that gives your living area more personality and coziness.
Why imitate wood from plaster
One of the most common finishing materials is natural wood, but since good grades can get pricey, you may need to look for other options if money is tight. Under the tree, they use plaster as a potential fix:
- It is suitable for almost any surface.
- Can be used in various conditions, including outdoor.
- The material covers small areas or walls completely.
- Panels or boards create a noticeable load on walls and partitions, while the final layer of mortar 2-3 mm thick slightly increases the overall weight of the structure.
- Another argument in favor of such a solution is the possibility of surface restoration. It is enough to remove the damaged area of plaster, re-apply gypsum mortar and paint it.
One of the drawbacks is that the coating is not as strong as wood. Furthermore, up close inspection reveals that plaster, not wood, was used for finishing.
Using regular plaster to give your walls a "wood effect" look is an inventive and affordable way to give any space some warmth and texture. With this method, you can achieve the rustic charm of wood grain without having to pay the hefty price of real wood. Your home’s visual appeal can be improved with a chic, wood-like finish with a few inexpensive tools and basic plastering techniques.
What materials are used
The primary materials are any kind of plaster, including silicone, acrylic, regular gypsum, and cement.
The kind of solution should be chosen with consideration for the operating conditions: gypsum or silicone for the interior, cement plaster or moisture-resistant putty for facades.
Additionally helpful:
- deep penetration primer for preparing walls;
- trowel for applying plaster;
- masking tape to delineate the working and non-working surfaces;
- clothes brush to create a rough texture;
- coarse-grained sandpaper for grouting;
- for painting plaster you will need a mixing container, water-based paint, primer, water-based colors, wallpaper glue.
Instruments for pattern creation
A trowel and spatula are used to apply the composition to the walls, and different tools or makeshift methods are employed to create the relief:
You need some experience with these tools in order to create a pattern on the plaster. If you don’t have it, you should practice beforehand by applying the solution to a piece of plywood or gypsum board. If you lack the necessary abilities, you can use specialized tools that make the work much easier, like a rubber roller that has a tree-cut pattern on it.
Arched ribs on its working surface give the plaster the desired relief.
How to make a spatula under a tree with your own hands
Purchasing specialized spatulas is not required, particularly if you are processing small areas. The required devices can be improvised or made from regular plastic.
Using sharp scissors, trace the shape of a spatula and cut out the tool from the plastic cap of a paint or putty container. You will require three parts total, varying in size:
- wide, on which large notches are formed with a stationery knife;
- medium, small teeth are cut on it;
- narrow, its working edge is left smooth.
You can also make notches on pre-made plastic spatulas with a knife.
Additionally, rollers are used in place of spatulas. They are wrapped in varying thicknesses of threads in any direction so that they leave an impression on the surface resembling the pattern of a tree or its bark.
| Aspect | Description |
| What is it? | Decor that mimics the look of wood using regular plaster. It’s a stylish way to add a natural feel to your walls. |
| How it works | Special techniques and textures are applied to plaster to create patterns that resemble wood grain. This involves layering and manipulating the plaster while it’s still wet. |
| Benefits | It’s cost-effective compared to real wood, easy to maintain, and can be customized to suit different styles and preferences. |
| Preparation | Prepare the wall by cleaning and priming it. Apply a base coat of plaster and allow it to dry before starting the wood-like texture work. |
| Application | Use tools like combs, brushes, and spatulas to create the wood grain effect. Practice on a small area first to get the technique right. |
| Maintenance | Dust and clean the surface regularly. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the texture. |
Using ordinary plaster to decorate walls to resemble wood is a great way to add a natural, rustic feel to your room without going over budget. All it takes to create a stylish and distinctive look that gives warmth and character to any space is a little imagination and inexpensive materials.
This approach is not only reasonably priced but also highly adaptable, enabling you to alter the design to fit your preferences and the atmosphere you wish to create. Plastering is adaptable to your needs, whether you’re going for a chic modern twist or a cozier cabin feel.
Everyone who sees it will be impressed by the gorgeous wood-like texture you can achieve by using the appropriate methods and advice. So gather your supplies and get ready to decorate your walls with lovely, tree-inspired décor that will increase the allure and charm of your house.
