Decorative paint or decorative plaster, which is better

Choosing between decorative paint and decorative plaster can be difficult when it comes to finishing your walls. Both solutions have distinctive textures and designs that have the power to completely change an area, but they have different functions and each have advantages and disadvantages of their own.

The ease of application and versatility of decorative paint make it a popular choice. You can experiment with colors and finishes to get a smooth or textured look that you like. Decorative plaster, on the other hand, gives walls more depth and personality while providing a longer-lasting, more resilient finish that can imitate stone, wood, or other natural materials.

Which is therefore superior? Depending on what you want from your wall finish, there are different answers. Let’s examine the main distinctions between plaster and ornamental paint so you can choose what’s best for your house.

It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both decorative paint and decorative plaster before making a decision. Decorative paint comes in a variety of colors and finishes, is simpler to apply, and is frequently less expensive. However, decorative plaster can be more expensive and requires expert application. It offers a distinctive texture and a more durable surface. The ideal choice will rely on your priorities, including cost, usability, and the final appearance and texture of the walls.

Advantages and disadvantages of decorative paint

We’ll explain the distinction between regular paint and ornamental paint right away. The inclusion of extra ingredients that raise the material’s viscosity and thickness sets decorative paint (DK) apart from other paints.

• calcium carbonate (chalk with very small particles – up to 10 microns);
• thickeners (polyurethane, acrylic, water-soluble cellulose ethers);
• structuring additives (water-soluble silicates, bentonite or kaolin clays, amorphous silicon oxide).

Additionally, mixtures may contain structuring inclusions:

• fibers (natural or artificial);
• quartz sand, fine stone chips, artificial granules;
• metal filings or dust;
• mother of pearl;
• flocks.

DK can have a viscosity that is similar to putty. Because of this, you can create finishing coatings with a range of textures and relief patterns using DK, which even has the same base as regular paint.

The mass is applied in a layer as thin as 10–15 mm, is formed using various tools, and is held on the spatula rather than flowing down the wall.

• textured;
• mosaic (with coloring granules);
• flock (with inclusion of flakes);
• with special effects (for example, luminescent, mother-of-pearl, craquelure).

This is a magical instrument for bringing any kind of fantasy to life, from lowly to highly creative. The first benefit of DK is its potential for decoration.

• fast drying;
• environmental friendliness;
• less consumption than plaster;
• durability;
• fire resistance;
• easy care (washable);
• most application methods are easily mastered by beginners;
• do not require removal of durable old paint film;
• textured composition does not require particularly careful leveling of the base (which is necessary for ordinary paint material);
• short duration of repair;
• the possibility of applying new layers over old ones (except for textured coatings);
• by weight – between decorative plaster (DS) and regular paint;
• local repairs are possible.

• do not provide additional noise or heat insulation;
• more expensive than traditional paints;
• may be difficult to remove the coating.

Advantages and disadvantages of decorative plaster

The presence of sand filler, the size of the filler grains, and additives that alter the solution’s properties or the final plaster coating vary amongst plaster compositions (all containing the same binders in the base). For instance, plasticizing, antifungal, and antifreeze.

• textured (fine-grained fillers, the relief is created only due to formation);
• structural (containing granules, fibers, shell fragments, quartz grains, creating patterns and textures due to structural features);
• pebble (the filler contains small-sized fractionated pebbles);
• flock (difference from the above mentioned in composition, application technique, structure and texture);
• mosaic (contains stone grains of different types);
• Venetian (especially thin-layer plasters);
• colored (containing stone flour or clay of different colors in the filler).

The following are some benefits of textured plaster:

• strength;
• durability;
• fire resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• vapor permeability;
• waterproof;
• maintainability;
• highly decorative;
• solidity of the coating;
• less demanding on the evenness of the base;
• the possibility of making the composition with your own hands;
• additional noise and heat insulation;
• Possibility of plastering for beginners.

• long duration of plastering work;
• high cost per square meter of finishing (high cost of ready-made compounds);
• the weight of a plaster coating is higher than that of a paint coating;
• difficulty in dismantling;
• you need a plastering tool;
• Some plasters require varnishing or painting to protect them;
• complexity (sometimes – impossibility) of local repair;

Advantages and disadvantages of regular paint

Benefits of standard paints:

• light weight (the wall is minimally loaded);
• wide applicability of mechanized application;
• possibility of multi-layer application;
• easy maintenance (washing);
• quick drying;
• easy to apply;
• minimum tools required;
• waterproof.

Conventional paints have certain drawbacks.

• short service life;
• easily damaged;
• the need for a perfectly smooth base;
• fewer decorative possibilities, for example, the space-emphasizing light and shadow "fabric" is excluded.

Summary selection table

After evaluating decorative plaster and standard textured paint based on a number of factors, we created a table to assist you in comparing the materials and making the best decision.

In the end, your unique needs and preferences will determine which decorative paint or plaster is best for you. Decorative paint is a great option for people who want flexibility and ease of application because it comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Additionally, it’s usually easier to modify and more affordable if you decide to update your decor in the future.

However, paint can’t quite replicate the distinctive texture and depth that decorative plaster offers. It can give your room a feeling of elegance and sophistication and is more resilient. For those who want to leave a lasting impression, the outcome is frequently worthwhile even though it might take more work to apply and maintain.

Ultimately, each choice has advantages and can change your walls in a unique way. Your choice should be determined by the look you want to achieve, the amount of money you have to work with, and the amount of time you can dedicate to the project. Painting or plastering your home can both improve its aesthetic appeal.

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