Decorative plaster sand. Tips for beginners.

A common option for people wishing to give their walls texture and visual interest is decorative plaster sand. It provides a distinctive, grainy finish that can make any area seem exceptional. Working with sand plaster can be a little challenging for novices, but with the correct direction, it’s a project that can be completed successfully.

We’ll go over some important pointers in this post to assist you in using decorative plaster sand. Even if this is your first time, these tips will guarantee that your walls look professionally done, from selecting the appropriate materials to perfecting the application technique.

Decorative plaster sand is a common option for novices wishing to improve the interior of their homes because it is a multipurpose material that can give walls texture and depth. Even if you’ve never worked with plaster before, this article provides helpful advice on how to select the proper kind of sand, prepare the surface, and apply the plaster to produce a finish that looks professional.

What is decorative plaster "sand" its composition

Quartz sand is typically used to make decorative plaster, though fine river sand is occasionally used instead. To add a lustrous and luxurious look, the general mixture is mixed with shimmering mother-of-pearl particles and finely crushed shells. Sand plaster works better for interior decoration; however, you will need to add protective impurities if you intend to do finishing work outside.

Two categories of decorative plaster with a sand effect exist:

• Mother-of-pearl coating has the appearance of velvet in combination with silk. Such a cast is characterized by the addition of those same shimmering particles and shells. Only silk plaster itself is more similar to noble fabric.
• The matte finish resembles sandstone (natural stone). But it is impractical to use such natural stone in apartments, especially in terms of cost, so decorative "sand" is a good option for imitating natural stone.

Advantages and disadvantages

Similar to any other building material, textured sand has benefits and drawbacks.

Apart from the superior coating, several attributes stand out that establish the top spot in the market:

1. The mixture is environmentally friendly without synthetic impurities allows you to use decorative plaster sand on the walls in the children"s room;
2. Durable plaster will last for many years if used correctly. Having selected a high-quality composition, you can forget about repairs for 10 years or more;
3. Resistance to moisture. The plastered surface can be washed, wet-cleaned. But you will have to additionally cover it with wax to increase resistance to moisture;
4. Small quartz is added to the composition, protecting against fungus and mold;
5. The universal mixture allows you to simultaneously perform work for several building materials. Hides irregularities and serves as the main finishing;
6. A variety of colors. An unlimited number of colors allows you to make walls in any artistic style.

One of its bad qualities is that it absorbs odors. It is not appropriate to use decorative sand in the kitchen, particularly if chemically active detergents are frequently used on the sand.

What tools will you need

It is equally important that you prepare your tools with due diligence. Everything should be accessible while working, and I want to steer clear of having to "buy" equipment in parts in the future. The tools need to be of excellent quality, and you should check them for flaws and irregularities before purchasing. A unique tool is created specifically for applying ornamental compositions. Defects can happen when working with structural plaster by hand versus with a traditional tool.

Tools needed in the set:

• Spatulas of different sizes, 3-4 pieces are enough;
• Scrapers for cleaning old materials;
• Half-trowel for uniform application of the building mixture;
• Venetian trowel;
• Drill with an attachment or a construction mixer;
• Rollers of different sizes;
• Container for the solution, if a roller will be used in the work;
• Brushes and a brush;
• A bucket for water;
• Rags for removing excess plaster and moistening the tool;
• Covering material;
• Masking tape.

Individual safety gear:

• Gloves;
• Special. clothing;
• Safety glasses;
• Respirator.

You are now ready to work with decorative sand using the prepared tools.

The metal quality, beveled edges, and rounded edges distinguish a special tool from a standard tool. While it is possible to make one yourself by modifying inexpensive, common store samples, it is better to use specialized tools.

Wall preparation

Plastering successfully will depend on careful wall treatment, which will also save you additional problems. Sand decor that has been prepared for decorative plaster will not swell or peel.

1. Preparation. First of all, clean the entire surface from previous coatings. If necessary, remove the loose old base. Clean all greasy dirt with chemicals, and remove dust and small particles with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Alignment. Next, level the wall with gypsum plaster until smooth. In the case where the defects are very large, you can use a cement-sand mixture.
3. Primer. Then apply a deep penetration primer that strengthens the base, it serves as a bonding element with sand plaster. For durability and to ensure good adhesion, the wall is primed twice. The primer should dry for 5-6 hours.

Technology for applying decorative plaster with a sand effect

The application technique is determined by the desired outcome, but the overall flow will be the same.

1. Surface preparation.
2. Preparation of the solution and its tinting. Sand mixtures for the most part do not require any additional preparation other than adding color, i.e.To. sold ready-made. The only recommendation here would be to strictly follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
3. Applying the base layer. The base is tinted to match the color of the base coat, but two shades darker. The base contains paint or primer and a tint of the desired color. The primer will level and smooth out all small cracks and irregularities. Apply two layers with a fur roller, there should be a period of drying time between them, 30-40 minutes is enough. When the paint has dried, you can apply the main decorative layer.
4. First stage of application. The prepared solution is applied with a hard brush or a roller with a fur cover. After gradually applying the first layer, wait a few minutes.
5. Second stage of application. Then apply the second layer. It will take a day to dry completely, and it is better to wait a week for the wall to be used.

See also: How to use regular putty to create decorative plaster by hand for interior wall decoration

You have the freedom to select your own colors, though pastels (yellow, beige, and light brown) are the most popular.

Often, the base is painted using acrylic paint and a velor roller instead of applying the decorative sand directly.

New concepts for furnishing living areas are being created by designers. In this sense, it makes perfect sense to decorate with sand plaster mixture. The outcome is breathtaking. The primary requirement is selecting top-notch tools and materials, which will expedite the procedure significantly.

Video technology for applying decorative sand mixture.

What effects can be created using a sand decorative mixture?

Anyone can apply sand plaster on their own; it’s not that hard. However, you will need to apply the masters’ advice if you wish to adorn the interior with elaborate patterns. Once you’ve made the decision to create textured walls, you need to choose "sand" plaster that has the right ingredients. The method for making the drawings is different, but the application process is the same.

Should you feel that one layer is insufficient, you have the option to apply a second one; in certain cases, the presence of a second layer is required.

Before starting any wall work, make sure to practice. Decorative sand can be used to cover small pieces of fiberboard or drywall.

The results of sand decor, then:

1. Decorative plaster sand dunes This pattern is associated with the desert. Creating an effect using a brush.
2. Using movements of the hand, cross-shaped strokes are applied, from side to side. The brush should be held at a gentle angle, as if the work is done with a spatula;
3. While the surface is not dry, you need to carefully examine it for missed areas, correct if necessary;
4. The dried surface must be shaded with a clean brush to avoid a sloppy look (if you use a dirty brush, you will get an ugly picture);
5. If necessary, you can add another layer that will increase the density of the "sand swirls".
6. Decorative plaster effect sand swirls. This style is very similar to the previous one.
7. It is carried out according to the scheme of chaotic "swirling" application (circular movements are added to the cross ones).
8. Scatter the material over the entire volume of the wall. Do not overload the brush with material to avoid large "bloopers".
9. Then shade the sand in the same direction with a clean brush.
10. If there are areas with no plaster, you can go over this place again.
11. The effect of "rain".
12. The pattern is applied evenly with a wide brush in one direction, it can be diagonal or perpendicular to the floor.
13. Cover the surface with small sections, as sand plaster dries quickly and seam joints may remain.
14. After drying, use a clean brush with light movements along the wall to remove excess material.
15. Shagreen leather is applied in two layers. The second row is done using a stencil. After finishing, the surface is sanded.
16. For the burlap effect you will need a brush with fine bristles. The direction of brush processing gives the manifestation of the pattern.

The final two effects are applied sparingly or in conjunction with different structural mixtures.

Applying the material in sections of one to one and a half to large areas is the best course of action. In order to make the joints invisible as work progresses, the applied surface’s edges should continue to be uneven, almost as though they have been torn.

Video decorative plaster Marrakesh. Coating: River sand, Dune.

Video decorative coating with sand. Application Rain.

Sand-finished decorative plaster gives walls a lovely, textured appearance, which makes it a popular option for people trying to give their interiors a special touch. It’s an adaptable material that allows for creative expression by applying in different patterns.

It’s crucial for novices to practice their technique and prepare the surface slowly. Patience and attention to detail are essential for success. Before moving on to larger sections, it can be helpful to start with a smaller area to help build confidence.

Recall that while it might require a few tries to achieve a professional finish, with practice you’ll acquire the abilities required to produce amazing results. Don’t be scared to try out various instruments and methods to see which one suits you the best.

Video on the topic

The process of applying sand from San Marco…..#decor #decorativeplaster

Silk, sand and gold stripes 😉 #decorativeplaster

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