A satisfying way to give your living area personality and depth is to apply textured plaster yourself. Using basic tools and a little imagination, you can turn boring surfaces into features that are visually arresting and express your own style.
Texture plaster is adaptable and can be made to look as subtle or as striking as desired. There is a technique that will work for you, whether you want a more sleek, modern look or a rustic, aged effect.
Even if you have little to no prior experience applying textured plaster, this guide will walk you through the process and make it easy. Prepare to add a distinctive and eye-catching touch to your walls.
Without hiring an expert, homeowners can create distinctive, aesthetically pleasing finishes on their walls using do-it-yourself texture plaster. You can give your walls a chic, personalized appearance by adding depth and character to any space with easy-to-use tools and straightforward techniques. You will be guided by this guide through the process of producing professional-quality results on your own.
- How is it from ordinary.
- What types of textured plasters are there.
- Is it difficult to make a textured mixture with your own hands.
- What is applied.
- How to prepare a ready-made mixture solution.
- What to do if wallpaper is already glued?
- How to prepare the wall for applying texture plaster.
- Sequence of works when decorating with plasters.
- Solutions with large fillers.
- Texturizing textured coatings without large fillers.
- Single-layer finish.
- Two-layer finishing.
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How is it from ordinary.
Ordinary plaster is the most leveled solution that is applied to the wall. A smooth, rough-relief surface is not what decorative textured plaster is. There are two methods (individually and in combination) to achieve the effect:
- Composition of the solution. Decorative plaster, the texture of which is not embossed, but only rough, is made by adding particles of a larger fraction than sand (for example, stone chips) to the solution.
- Method of application. To get an interesting wall texture, the plaster does not necessarily have to be special. It is enough to master special methods of its application.
Almost always, the texture is painted. Either the pigment is mixed directly into the plaster mixture, or multiple coats of various colored paint are applied to the final product.
Textured plaster is thought to be challenging to apply by hand. On the other hand, there are plenty of methods that are very easy to use.
What types of textured plasters are there.
They are separated according to the primary binder type.
- Cement composition.Durable cement-based finish. Used for outdoor work, as well as for finishing rooms with high humidity.
- Gypsum mortarslighter than cement, have higher thermal conductivity. Universal (used outside and inside the building).
- Acrylic textured (structural) plaster.The main binder is acrylic or acrylate resins. The solution is reliable, strong, but vapor-permeable (“breathes”).
- Silicone plaster.Progressive coating: durable, the most durable, vapor-permeable, water- and dust-repellent. Holds well on old dispersed films. But very expensive.
- Silicate mixtures based on liquid glass. The most durable and long-lasting, but expensive. “Lay down” on mineral and silicate bases. Some types of silicate compositions have a toxicity level that exceeds the standards.
There are three types of decorative wall finishes: relief, textured, and smooth.
- Smooth plastersimitate stone walls (marble, granite). They are polished using wax to obtain the most accurate texture of polished stone.
- Textured coatingsrough. The effect is achieved by introducing special additives into the solution (stone sand, chips, synthetic fibers). Such textured decorative plaster is very popular.
- Relief plaster finishesare obtained by special methods of applying the solution, smoothing it. Plaster, the texture of which has a deep relief, is applied in several layers (at least two).
Any color and shade can be used in textured colored plaster.
Is it difficult to make a textured mixture with your own hands.
Numerous combinations are created. The range of fillers, additives, and compositions is to blame for this.
It is possible to create a textured mixture on your own by "mixing" structuring additives with a regular mixture. Using premade gypsum putty as a base is even simpler. One kilogram of marble chip recipe:
6 kg of gypsum putty;
200g of PVA glue (provides more plasticity to the composition);
Pigments must be added to the mixture in order to achieve the desired shade. They are quantified empirically using a test sample.
What is applied.
A regular set is required.
- Trowels, spatulas. A wide (40-60 cm) spatula is necessary for applying the solution to large areas of the walls. The main tool is a light, convenient spatula 12-16 cm.
Using a trowel to take the solution directly is not recommended. Using a small spatula makes this process more convenient. They take putty or textured mixture, scrape it off, and lubricate it on the trowel so that the material rests where they want it on the tool.
- To prepare mixtures, containers, mixing blades are needed.
- Graters, half-graters – for leveling the layer, obtaining texture.
Face coating: Textured finishing plaster. Thus, a small collection of tools is sufficient.
How to prepare a ready-made mixture solution.
The preparation of dry texture mixtures is done as directed on the package. The work mostly consists of adding water and thoroughly mixing. A pigment for coloring can be made.
What to do if wallpaper is already glued?
If required, apply a fresh coat of paint or decorating solutions to the wall; otherwise, thoroughly remove any remnants of the previous weak coatings, such as wallpaper, paint, glue, chalk, and lime whitewashing.
Texture finishing plaster should only be used on a solid, even mineral foundation.
How to prepare the wall for applying texture plaster.
For plaster with texture, a dense base is necessary. Conventional compositions for coating, such as lime or gypsum plasters, cement and sand, are used to prepare the new walls.
Plaster was previously cleaned, impudent (washed with water), and primed.
Acrylic primers are important; their goal is to improve adhesion. You shouldn’t undervalue them. An unprimed wall "binds" with the textured, ornamental layer less effectively.
Sequence of works when decorating with plasters.
Solutions with large fillers.
A combination with a filler with coarse grains is called textured flat plaster. The future surface’s structure, diameter, composition, and form will determine its nature.
The most popular plaster, also referred to as "Bark beetle" informally. On the outside, it’s a surface covered in grooves that mimic the pathways taken by the larvae of wood-boring beetles.
Marble chips, which are large marble particles with a diameter of 3–4 mm, are applied in masse to the prepared base to form a coating. streamlined.
Create a textured pattern by engraving the layer without allowing it to dry. Use a polyurethane trowel and a float to level the solution and apply light pressure. As the pebbles roll behind the tool, they create profound grooves.
Several variations of textured imitation plaster "bark beetles" can be created:
- Vertical pattern is formed by moving the float from bottom to top;
- Horizontal pattern;
- Combined texture: horizontal and vertical movements of the tool alternate.
- Chaotic lines. The float is used in different directions, with circular and elliptical movements. The furrows create a complex, unusual relief.
To ensure that the pattern comes out "clean," neat, it is crucial to keep the float from being under too much pressure. Too many lines will cause the pebbles to start falling out of the solution and the unique, textured plaster to look like shoddy amateur work.
The wall can be painted and covered with a protective compound once it has completely dried.
Texturizing textured coatings without large fillers.
It is possible to use mixtures without large-fraction fillers to produce a micro-relief coating. applied in a single layer or two.
Single-layer finish.
Using a float, the solution is applied to the wall and leveled. There shouldn’t be much layer.
Apply the texture right away, before the finish has had time to dry. The plaster "fur coat" effect is achieved by poking movements in the pattern. Terry rollers, plastic bags, crumpled rags, hard and soft brushes, and brushes with short bristles can all be used to create different textures. Any level of plasterer can create such textured plaster.
The plaster’s texture is flawless; it cannot permit the development of visible joints or fracture boundaries. Because of this, the solution leaves its edge rounded and uneven.
The result is a smooth, uniform plaster texture that resembles a solid monolith. It was applied at different times.
Decorative plaster in particular needs to have a seamless, smooth texture. It is not allowed to apply the solution in even spans to prevent the formation of boundaries.
Two-layer finishing.
A second layer must be applied in order to achieve a more voluminous relief (the first layer can be smooth or finely textured). Work is only completed when everything is well-prepared.
Use a solution that is no thicker than 4-5 mm. Use trowels or spatulas. In order to produce a relief, the second layer must be thinned or absent entirely in certain areas.
There are two ways to do this:
- Continuous application. The decorative solution is applied continuously, without special leveling. Then wide "holes" are made in it, up to the depth of the substrate layer.
This is not a convenient, cost-effective approach. Such textured plaster is, nevertheless, reasonably well-liked.
- Partial application. The second layer is thrown with a spatula not over the entire surface, but in shapeless spots, the area of which occupies approximately half the space.
The texture of this ornamental plaster is seamless, uneven, and non-uniform.
In order to achieve the decorative effect in both cases, the inserts are leveled after the layer has been left to partially dry—that is, until the solution at the base becomes strong and the tops of the relief are still flexible. It has a texture of flat relief.
Only highly skilled professionals can produce a superior decorative effect right away, without having to wait for the ideal opportunity. After some time, once the lower layers have solidified, it is preferable for a novice to level it. This enables you to complete the task neatly.
Step | Description |
Prepare the Surface | Clean and prime the wall to ensure the plaster adheres well. |
Mix the Plaster | Follow the instructions on the plaster packaging, mixing until smooth. |
Apply the Base Layer | Spread a thin, even layer of plaster across the wall using a trowel. |
Create Texture | Use tools like a sponge, brush, or comb to make patterns in the wet plaster. |
Let it Dry | Allow the plaster to dry completely, usually for 24-48 hours. |
Seal the Surface | Apply a clear sealer to protect the texture and enhance durability. |
You can give your walls a distinctive touch and give them character and depth by DIY texture plaster. You can experiment with different patterns and finishes to change any room in your house with a few simple tools and supplies.
Although it takes some time and practice, the process can yield very satisfying results. Without hiring a contractor, you can achieve a professional-looking finish by applying each layer carefully and slowly.
Never forget that readiness is the secret to success. Before you start, make sure your walls are smooth, clean, and primed. Your DIY texture plaster project can be a stunning success and give your room a touch of elegance and coziness with the correct method.