A practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for finishing walls on the inside as well as the outside is decorative plaster. It enables designers and homeowners to produce distinctive textures and effects that can change the appearance and atmosphere of any area.
Decorative plaster can be made to fit a variety of styles, from sleek and smooth finishes to rustic and rough textures. Plaster textures can be chosen to match any style, whether it’s traditional, classic, or modern and minimalist.
This article examines the different kinds of decorative plaster textures that are available, emphasizing their salient characteristics and ideal uses for interior and external projects. Knowing these options will help you make an informed choice that will improve the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your walls.
- Types of decorative plasters by composition
- Mineral
- Acrylic
- Silicone
- Silicate
- Fillers, modeling, binding components
- Textured plasters
- Structural plaster
- Venetian plasters
- Stone chips
- Flocks
- Colors
- Selection criteria
- Where and what type is used
- Video on the topic
- Types of decorative plaster
- Types of plaster What are they and for what work they are used, all wisely
- Wallpaper or Decorative plaster, which is better?
- Decorative plaster | Types, pros and cons of decorative plaster. Training. Cooperation
- Unique facade finishing? Just not Bark beetle! TOP 10 unique decorative facade plasters!
Types of decorative plasters by composition
Binding components are the primary constituents of a monolithic finishing material.
Any finishing compositions are classified as follows based on the type of binders:
- mineral (solutions based on tenacious gypsum, cement, lime),
- acrylic (as binders – acrylic resins),
- silicate (where the binder is liquid glass),
- silicone (on synthetic resins).
The final monolith’s functional and aesthetic characteristics are determined by the shape of the filler particles.
The compositions are separated into the following categories based on the size of the stone chips, the filler that determines the minimum thickness of the finishing layer:
- fine-textured (chips, stone flour – from 0 to 0.5 mm),
- small-textured (chips – from 0.5 to 1mm),
- medium texture (crumbs – from 1.5 to 3mm),
- large-textured (crumbs – from 3 to 5 mm).
Mineral
The mineral binder combinations used for various tasks vary:
- strength,
- non-flammability,
- water-repellent properties,
- resistance to harsh atmospheric influences,
- environmental friendliness,
- good thermal insulation,
- noise absorption,
- biocidal,
- good adhesion to any materials,
- low cost,
- vapor permeability,
- frost resistance.
Cement-sand mineral composition is the most basic kind.
White to dark gray are possible coating colors. The compound is UV radiation resistant thanks to special additives. Internal stresses and vibrations are intolerable to the finish (cracking). Buildings next to railroads shouldn’t use this kind of material. Moisture protection is necessary for dry composition.
Acrylic
A comparatively recent development in acrylic resin compounds. It forms an elastic, moisture-resistant coating with an impressive lifespan once it dries. It collects dust, has a wide range of colors, and is resistant to frost and shocks because of its elasticity. It has a good connection to mineral materials. But acrylic needs a primer; otherwise, the base material absorbs water and messes up the layer’s curing processes. Any primer that satisfies the requirements can be used with acrylic mixtures; for example, a primer for brick walls or one for concrete walls would be appropriate.
Fire retardants are added to the mixture because acrylic resin can catch fire. This class of compounds is inferior to mineral ones in terms of vapor permeability, UV radiation resistance, and cost. The compound perfectly tolerates vibrations and abrupt temperature changes because of its elasticity. The composition may be universal or intended for internal or external use. Ready-to-use acrylic mixtures are available.
Silicone
Silicone-based compounds are the priciest kind of decorative plaster for interior design. They are the most sensible and dependable, though. Owing to the mixture’s high cost, it makes the most sense to use it to finish the bathroom or select wall sections. Although the mixtures are appropriate, facades hardly ever use them.
Since the compounds are so elastic—elastic plaster is a common term for these compositions—they can take on any form. The composition has a number of additives that improve its functional and protective properties.
Silicone mixtures:
- withstand sudden temperature changes,
- frost- and heat-resistant,
- not afraid of moisture,
- resistant to UV radiation, do not fade in the sun,
- after complete drying, they become resistant even to impacts – the coating is difficult to scratch or knock off,
- serve perfectly (up to 20 years) in extremely unfavorable conditions.
The mixture’s color shades remain unchanged after the layer dries. The compounds are very sticky. offered ready-made in different-sized containers. Water is typically added to the mixture to dilute them before thickening it.
The following are some drawbacks of silicone compounds:
- cost,
- high probability of counterfeiting,
- complexity of work on dismantling the old coating.
Silicate
Based on the silicates basis. The substance is actually a mineral. Used mostly for work on facades. offered ready-made or as a dry mix. Service life of up to 20 years under harsh circumstances.
- good heat insulator,
- vapor-permeable,
- resistant to temperature fluctuations,
- water-proof,
- not afraid of dirt,
- easy to clean,
- perfectly "sticks" to polystyrene foam and mineral wool materials,
- does not burn
The compound’s primary drawbacks are:
- low elasticity, high probability of small cracks appearing on the surface,
- primer and paint only silicate,
- poor palette,
- work with silicate compounds is only for specialists (they harden very quickly),
- cannot be mixed with compounds of other types,
- high price of the material,
- high level of acidity (due to which it cannot be classified as environmentally friendly).
Fillers, modeling, binding components
Binders and fillers are the primary ingredients of various decorative plaster varieties.
Sand, stone chips, or flour, among other modeling materials, are used to create the structure of the finishing solution. Their color, shape, and size determine the pattern that forms on the layer’s surface.
Components of modeling:
- flakes,
- chips of various rocks,
- polymer or ceramic granules,
- cotton, textile, wood and synthetic fibers,
- balls,
- fragments of mica, crushed quartz,
- grains of sand;
- metal powders,
- shell fragments, etc.
Binders are classified into two categories: polymer (acrylic and silicone resins, binder dispersions) and mineral (lime, cement, silicates, gypsum). The only white cement that is appropriate for decorative applications is M400–500.
Lime dough is a common binder. Because of its small particles’ capacity to hold water, it has a high degree of plasticity. It acts as a lubricant, enveloping the filler grains and lowering friction between them. Lime compounds are therefore simple to apply in a thin layer and to lay.
Outstanding strength can be achieved by adding a silicate binder at the end. Sets fairly quickly. Decorative material is used for facade work.
Various binder dispersions serve as the foundation for polymer finishing solutions. Dispersions of different polyurethanes form the foundation of polymer solutions. The tiniest polymer adhesive particles are suspended in water. They adhere to one another during polymerization, generating a mass that resembles a film, compact, and harden, gaining the ability to repel water. Mixtures that are organosoluble and water soluble exist. All materials, with the exception of polyethylene, pure glass, fluoroplastic, and polished metal, "stick" to polymer binders. They retain their elasticity and frequently even stretch after drying.
Magnesia binders are also available. Although they are hygroscopic and caustic, they have advantages. They are therefore hardly ever used.
Based on the composition, technique, and plaster’s end result modeling characteristics, there are:
- textured, from which a relief texture is created by using various techniques,
- structural, forming many textures due to modeling components,
- Venetian – from which a special layering technique is used to obtain flat coatings that imitate natural stone
- flock.
Decorative plaster comes in a variety of textures to match different styles and provides an eye-catching and adaptable finish for both external and interior walls. There are options to improve any space, regardless of your preference for a more rustic, textured appearance or a sleek, polished one. Every type of finish, from the rugged allure of stone-like finishes to the classic elegance of Venetian plaster, adds distinct character and durability to your walls, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Textured plasters
These are the finishing touches that interior spaces require. They are more delicate in consistency and have a primarily fine-grained structure compared to other coatings. because they are used to decorate walls and create the desired relief or pattern, they are intended for decorative work.
The mixture has a higher viscosity and is plastic. Most compositions don’t get smaller when a layer is applied. ignores temperature "feats" and moisture content. Solutions designed for facade work are also available.
Advantages of the content:
- the surface can be given a variety of textures,
- the material is easy to work with,
- convenient release form,
- large assortment,
- durable finish,
- has resistance to UV radiation, the surface does not fade,
- environmentally friendly,
- compatible with various dyes,
- good heat insulator,
- easily accepts other additives.
Form of release:
- in plastic buckets (the finished composition can be tinted),
- powder mixture (diluted before work with water at room temperature).
Decorative plaster comes in a variety of textures and application techniques. Fur coat plaster and bark beetle rollers are popular DIY projects. Decorative plasters that are popularly mixed with river sand (called "sea breeze") and mother-of-pearl particles (called "marmorino") (for finishing under travertine).
Structural plaster
Differs from textured in that figured modeling inclusions of different kinds, types, and sizes produce a variety of decor when applied in an even layer. The modeling inclusions create a variety-textured surface when the mixture is applied to the base. Stone chips of varying sizes can be incorporated into structural materials or the chips can be precisely calibrated from fine to coarse.
There are several methods for obtaining the coating’s color decor:
- using different types of stone chips (stone mosaic plaster),
- painting the surface,
- adding pigments directly to the mixture.
Venetian plasters
The "canvases" created on the wall by applying thin layers of gypsum, lime, and stone dust finishing material are remarkable and inspire repetition. However, this is never inclusive. Most frequently, leftover marble stone flour is utilized. The color of the completed Venetian paste, the tone of the translucent base, and the tinting of the varnish or wax can all contribute to the colors of the layers. An imitation of a natural stone surface, either glossy or matte, is produced by a unique method of handling each layer. The cost of the ready-made materials that manufacturers supply is high. However, because the layers are thin, there is little solution consumption.
Not all Venetian art imitates the look of a massive stone face. Mother-of-pearl paste "wet silk" is available for purchase. The purpose of it is to create a wall surface that resembles broken Chinese silk. The Venetian technique of wall plastering requires a blend of artistic sensibility, proficiency, intuition, and superior materials.
Stone chips
For finishing, stone chips and marble flour are both utilized. Chips come in three different sizes: small, 0.5–1 mm, medium, 1.5–2 mm, and large, 2.5–3.0 mm. Medium and large stone chips are used for structural compositions, while small ones are used for textured compositions. Marble chips are excellent for coloring in a variety of ways.
Large rooms and facades can be beautifully decorated with stone chips, which are used as a structural plaster filler on a transparent acrylic base. A prefabricated composition is created, consisting of small stones (primarily granite, quartz, and marble), adhesives, and binders.
- hides wall defects,
- easy to maintain,
- can be washed with soap solutions,
- finishing is well attached, holds firmly,
- resistant to mechanical impacts,
- has a rich palette,
- weather-resistant,
- sticks to most types of wall building materials,
- very durable,
- vapor-permeable.
- quite heavy – up to 4 kg / m2,
- difficult to knock down and change, easier to cover with putty.
Flocks
A novel variety of ornamental plaster known as flock (or chips). Acrylic film flakes, which vary in size, shape, color, and structure, are used as modeling filler. Finishing can mimic velor, suede, or leather. The components can be bought separately or the solution is offered as an emulsion with flocks.
- be with glitter,
- can have a variety of shapes – straws, circles, etc.
- have different colors, even with a fluorescent or holographic effect.
- two-component (when the flakes are directly in the mass of the binding emulsion);
- three-component (when the adhesive base is applied first, then dry flakes are “sprayed on”, the final finishing work consists of applying a varnish layer).
Especially apparent benefits:
- highly decorative qualities,
- good thermal insulation indicator;
- environmental friendliness;
- resistance to damage;
- non-flammability;
- undemanding to maintenance.
The drawbacks consist of:
- high cost,
- the varnish layer stops the pores of the wall,
- special equipment is required for application to the surface.
Colors
For interior work, colored plaster plays a crucial role in bringing color into the room. It helps to establish a background or draw attention to certain areas. Strictly speaking, the only materials that have their own color (apart from white) are flocks, mixtures with colored clays, and pebbles; in these cases, the tone is determined by the color of the crumbs. Unpainted, some of the mixtures are sold. For them, you can purchase pigments in different colors, which you can mix and add to create any tone or shade you want.
Pre-made solutions that have been colored by the producer are available. Any designer would be happy with the richest palette on the market. Pearl and metallic dusts gave the colors a mysterious and luminous quality. See our articles for more information on decorative plaster coloring.
Selection criteria
Study the "physics" – the requirements for acquiring, applying, and utilizing the coating – and the "lyrics" – the interior requirements and spiritual aspirations – to determine which kinds of decorative plaster are best for you.
Primary selection standards:
- Condition of the wall surface. There is a rule developed over the centuries: a strong coating cannot be applied to weak walls. The finishing layer should not be stronger than the wall.
- Indoor or outdoor conditions of coating operation. Facade and interior finishing compositions do not replace each other.
- Method of finishing works and performers. Complex techniques are trusted to professionals. Venetian plaster is unlikely to be useful to an amateur.
- Financial capabilities, cost amount. Economical mineral or expensive silicone – most often a question of financial capabilities. Less expensive does not mean much worse. You can find a worthy analogue among more affordable mixtures.
- Aesthetic preferences.
Examine your options for decorative plaster, balance the benefits and drawbacks, and select the option that best meets your top priorities. An expert can also be consulted for advice.
Where and what type is used
Let’s examine more closely at the appropriate types and places to use them:
- For external work – yes;
- For internal work – yes;
- The base surface is any high-quality primer;
- Vapor permeability — high;
- Water absorption — high;
- UV resistance — high;
- Pollution resistance — average;
- Do not use indoors — no restrictions;
- Not resistant to — vibrations, abrasion;
- Pigment types — inorganic;
- Palette — average;
- Cost — the cheapest.
- For outdoor work — yes;
- For indoor work — yes;
- Base surface — any high-quality primer;
- Vapor permeability — low;
- Water absorption — low;
- UV resistance — low;
- Pollution resistance — low;
- Do not use indoors — bedroom, living room;
- Not resistant to — fire;
- Pigment types — organic, inorganic;
- Palette — rich;
- Cost — average;
- Note — elastic.
- For outdoor work — yes;
- For indoor work — yes;
- Base surface — any high-quality primer;
- Vapor permeability – high;
- Water absorption – high;
- Resistance to UV radiation – high;
- Pollution resistance — very high;
- Do not use indoors — no restrictions;
- Not resistant to — no restrictions;
- Pigment types — organic, inorganic;
- Palette — rich;
- Cost — the most expensive;
- Note — elastic.
- For outdoor work — yes;
- For indoor work — no;
- Base surface — silicate primer;
- Vapor permeability — high;
- Water absorption — average;
- Resistance to UV radiation — high;
- Pollution resistance — high;
- Do not use indoors — no restrictions;
- Not resistant to — vibrations;
- Pigment types — inorganic;
- Palette — average;
- Cost — average;
- For outdoor work — yes;
- For indoor work — no;
- Base surface — any high-quality primer;
- Vapor permeability — low;
- Water absorption — low;
- Resistance to UV radiation — low;
- Pollution resistance — low;
- Do not use indoors – no restrictions;
- Not resistant to — fire;
- Types of pigment – none;
- Palette – rich;
- Cost – expensive;
- Note – elastic.
| Texture Type | Application |
| Venetian | Interior walls, creates a polished marble effect |
| Bark Beetle | Exterior walls, provides a rough, grooved finish |
| Travertine | Interior and exterior, mimics natural stone |
| Stucco | Exterior, traditional smooth or rough finish |
| Mosaic | Interior or exterior, colorful and decorative, using small granules |
Decorative plaster is a flexible way to improve both outdoor and indoor areas. With so many different textures to choose from, including rough, rustic appearances and smooth Venetian finishes, there is a style to fit any aesthetic preference.
Decorative plaster offers both beauty and durability, whether your goal is to create a charming, traditional exterior or a modern, sleek interior. Because of its versatility, it’s a great option for a variety of settings and adds a special touch to any project.
Think about the final aesthetic as you experiment with the various texture kinds. Decorative plaster can make your place into something genuinely unique with careful selection and application.
