Decorative structural plaster provides a way to add texture and style to walls, improving their appearance and feel. In addition to covering surfaces, this kind of plaster is intended to produce eye-catching patterns and finishes that have the power to completely change a space. Decorative plaster can add a distinctive touch to your space, whether you’re going for a modern finish or a rustic appearance.
There are various varieties of decorative structural plaster, and each has a unique application process and appearance. Choosing the appropriate plaster for your project will be made easier if you are aware of your options, which range from traditional trowel techniques to more complex designs. Since each type has unique qualities, it can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
To get the best results when applying decorative structural plaster, proper technique and preparation are essential. Plaster application, surface preparation, and finishing techniques are critical to achieving a long-lasting and appealing finish. This post will walk you through the different kinds of plaster that are available and provide helpful advice on how to use them.
Types of structural plasters
A building mortar used for interior wall decoration is structural plaster. The binding bases of the mortars differ. It categorizes finishing mixtures as follows:
- mineral (base – lime, cement binders),
- acrylic (some also call it latex)
- silicate (liquid glass base),
- silicone (polymer base).
Application conditions also serve as a division for mixtures:
- decorative plaster for interior wall decoration,
- compositions for finishing facades (exterior work).
Along with this gradation, there is another division based on the filler particle size and the different effects that different mixtures can have. For instance, to create a texture known as bark beetle plastering, roller decorative plaster contains granules of different fractions. There are methods that make it simple to obtain the travertine stone texture. The kind of decorative texture also depends on the kind of tools and how the solution is applied.
What is better: mineral, acrylic or silicone?
Because of their bases and additional components, all four major types of solutions have features. Because silicate compositions are not environmentally friendly, they are not used for interior work. As a result, the three primary decorative solution types that we will discuss in the coming sections.
Mineral
Lime and white cement M500 are the two primary binding ingredients in solutions. These structural compositions fit well, hold their shape, "get along" well with any base (though not as well as silicone and acrylic), "breathe" easily, and are environmentally friendly. They also do not shrink when hardened. They can be used in plaster-wet rooms like bathrooms and basements because they don’t mind water. Dishwashing detergents or soapy water can be used to wash them.
Making mineral structural plaster at home by hand is simple. The least expensive compositions are pre-made ones. dry sold. combined with water that is at least 12 °C in temperature. need to be thoroughly mixed before being applied.
Mineral plasters are unstable to vibrations and other movements because they are relatively rigid. Cracks show up as the house gets smaller. Consequently, until the buildings "nest" or settle, they cannot be utilized in new construction. They are not utilized near railroad tracks or in seismically active areas.
Since they don’t catch fire, you can use them close to sources of open fire. Compositions made of lime are resistant to mildew and mold growth. They take on color if they contain colored clays. They are mostly used for painting or white. Ten years is the service life.
Acrylic
Synthetic acrylic resins are the binders used in these kinds of mixtures. The solution’s foundation is an emulsion dispersed with water. It is supplemented with materials that give it the required qualities, such as fire retardants and biocides. The ready-made structural acrylic mixture is delivered in buckets.
Acrylic blends are resilient, strong, and flexible. They don’t release any toxic vapors. They practically "do not breathe," though. It is not advised to use them in living rooms or bedrooms as a result. Still, bathrooms are a good place for them. They are combustible and lack UV resistance. They become dust collectors when they gather static electricity. A vacuum cleaner can be used to wash and clean them.
Durability is assured for 15 years.
Silicone
Polymer resins are used as structural plaster binders. It has a lot of elastic. The strength of the polymerized dispersion is high. Although hydrophobic, micropores allow for breathing. It is fire resistant, doesn’t fade, doesn’t get too dirty, and can be used both inside and outside of a room. resistant to wear. Initial priming is required. lasts for 25 years. the priciest. an elaborate color scheme. evaporates as the material hardens.
Silicone is the most tensile of the three plasters that are being presented. It turns out to be the most costly and requires silicone primer. Decorative silicone and acrylic compositions are sold ready-made and don’t need to be finished painted. These materials are rather recent. Despite being slightly less effective than them in certain areas, mineral plaster generally performs well as a structural decorative coating and has its own benefits.
For interior painting projects, putty can be used to prepare mineral structural plaster (high-quality do-it-yourself acrylic and silicone plasters are not achievable). Fairly priced and environmentally sustainable.
As a result, each of the three kinds has merits of its own.
How can ordinary putty be used to create a mineral mixture? To get the right consistency, take four parts of it, add three parts of clean sand, stir, and dilute with water. You’ll receive structural decorative plaster, which is a texture-creating mixture with a structure.
Decorative structural plaster comes in a range of styles and finishes that can completely change the appearance and feel of walls. This article examines various decorative plaster varieties and their special application characteristics, offering insights into how these materials can enhance the texture, depth, and visual appeal of surfaces on the inside as well as the outside. Understanding these options will help you select the ideal plaster for your project and accomplish the desired aesthetic effect, whether your goal is a classic, modern, or textured look.
Advantages and disadvantages of use
Plaster with decorative structure:
- hides various minor wall imperfections,
- gives the surface relief and volume.
- applied to any base,
- has good heat-insulating qualities,
- has high mechanical strength,
- withstands wide temperature fluctuations,
- waterproof,
- durable,
- practical (allows washing, disinfection of premises with chlorine),
- easy to do with your own hands,
- has a rich palette,
- microporous structure allows the walls to breathe,
- easy to lay with a minimum of tools.
While you are aware of these benefits, you also need to be aware of the drawbacks. Fewer of them exist:
- this finish is monolithic, so if the cladding needs to be changed, it will have to be leveled,
- the coating has significant weight – up to 4.5 kg/m2.
Tools
Each craft has its own set of tools. The two primary tools used in finishing plastering are a trowel and a spatula. It makes more sense to use stainless steel tools when working with stone inclusions. They don’t turn black when ironed and grouted.
The primary equipment and tools are:
- spatulas,
- brushes,
- rollers,
- trowel,
- sponges,
- containers,
- rule,
- level,
- brushes,
- rags,
- masking tape
- mixer (electric drill with attachment).
The edges of spatulas and graters used to apply decorative structural plasters need to be rounded.
Technology of applying structural mixtures
- Preparation of the base (cleaning the old coating, repairing cracks, leveling the wall in case of large deviations),
- Before applying structural plaster, the base is primed (mineral primer is required for wood),
- Preparation of the solution (if the mixture is dry, it is mixed, tinted if necessary, and other additives are added),
- Applying the decorative coating,
- Giving the desired texture,
- Painting or glazing.
See also: Moroccan plaster: components and methods of application for an exclusive, water-resistant finish
The mixture’s composition is not the only factor that affects how the finish looks. It also depends on how the coating is made, how it is applied, and how it is painted.
Basic methods of applying it yourself
Applying the solution with a trowel or sprayer (depending on the kind of fur coat) are two options.Grain size affects the surface texture of a coating that is applied uniformly. A composition with a 1.5 mm grain size is used to simulate untreated stone; a 2 mm grain is better suited for bark beetles, and a 3 mm grain is better for tree bark.
You can get a range of patterns by going over the laid layer with a wide brush or comb. The tool can move in a rectilinear, circular, wavy, or chaotic manner. Their combination results in a variety of intriguing patterns.
Prior to applying to the wall, make sure you practice on pieces of plywood or plasterboard.
The technique known as "tack-off" or "end-cutting" yields a variety of textures. After applying the trowel to the recently laid mortar, it is torn off. After stretching after it for some time, the stuck mixture breaks. Consequently, combs are produced, which serve as the foundation for the entire design. They are either gently flattened with a damp sponge or "smoothed" with the movements of a soft plastic trowel.
There are several methods to achieve relief, such as using stencils, rolling a roller with a figured pile or cylinder, or "applying" a lump of plastic bag. Using a firm decorative brush, draw parallel lines to create straw.
A surface with a smooth, gradient transition between different colors can be achieved by simultaneously applying two or more mixtures painted in different colors. Using a spatula, apply the mixture of colors in small portions to the trowel’s edge to accomplish this. Apply strokes in arcuate movements to form a thin layer. Try things out on your own when doing it yourself. Ideally, you can achieve hues like malachite or pearl.
Alternative methods of application exist. Medium-grained sandpaper is used in all methods to remove sharp protrusions from the dried surface. A brush is used to remove dust. After the coating dries, surfaces made of unpainted composition are decorated.
Painting
Different materials and techniques are used for decoration. You can use a roller, brush, or sponge to apply paint. Painting brushes or sponges are used to apply relief coatings. Apart from the manual method, paint is applied mechanically with different types of spray guns. Stencils can be used when painting a flat or flat-relief coating.
Paints have a binder base as well. Its compatibility with the plaster mass’s base is crucial. Using paints from the same manufacturer as the structural plaster you used is the best option. There could be contaminants in the paint that provide a different effect. This includes mica granules, mother-of-pearl powder, and metal dust. Comprehensive details about painting ornamental plaster.
There are one or more stages to painting. Each stage’s paint color can be the same or different. Using a sponge, gently shade the paint in circular motions. Parts of the relief that protrude can be painted a different shade or lightened with a clean, damp sponge. Use a roller to paint it twice in perpendicular directions for optimal results.
Usually, a wax coating or varnish—mostly acrylic varnish—is used as the finishing coat. One or two layers of glazing are applied. It is crucial to keep in mind that the color of fresh paint is different from the shade of the dried paint coating. Preliminary painting is therefore necessary.
| Type | Description |
| Venetian Plaster | Features a smooth, polished finish often used for a luxurious appearance. Applied in multiple layers and polished to achieve a marble-like effect. |
| Stucco | A versatile plaster used for both interior and exterior walls. Provides a textured finish and can be applied in various styles, including smooth or rough textures. |
| Knockdown | Known for its unique texture created by applying plaster and then lightly scraping it. Often used for adding a subtle pattern to walls. |
| Sponging | Involves using a sponge to apply and remove plaster, creating a textured, decorative finish. Ideal for adding depth and visual interest to walls. |
| Brushed Pearl | Creates a shimmering effect using pearlescent pigments. Applied with a brush to produce a textured, glossy finish. |
The range of finishes available in decorative structural plaster can greatly improve the visual appeal of your walls. Selecting the appropriate type for your project is crucial because each has distinct qualities and application methods. Knowing these options will help you make an informed decision, regardless of whether you’re going for a more textured, traditional look or a smooth, modern finish.
For decorative plaster application to yield a high-quality finish, careful planning and attention to detail are necessary. Every stage of the plastering process, from surface preparation to the actual plastering, is essential to obtaining the desired finish. By adhering to recommended practices and guidelines, you can steer clear of typical pitfalls and guarantee a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing result.
You can make your walls a gorgeous focal point of your room by learning how to apply various decorative structural plasters and exploring your options. Decorative plaster can add value and style to your home by improving the function and aesthetics of your walls when done correctly.
