Finishing the ceiling with decorative plaster: how to do it yourself and photos in the interior

A simple ceiling can be made into a striking feature in any room with the help of decorative plaster, which is both adaptable and fashionable. Decorative plaster, as opposed to conventional painting or wallpapering, adds depth and texture, transforming the ceiling into a key component of your interior design.

Decorative plastering can be a satisfying project for people who like working with their hands. With the correct supplies, equipment, and a little perseverance, you can create a distinctive look that goes with your style. This technique opens up endless possibilities, whether you prefer a more rustic, textured effect or a smooth, polished finish.

This post will walk you through every step of applying decorative plaster to finish a ceiling, from preparation to application. Photographs demonstrating how this finish can complement various interior styles can also serve as inspiration. Let’s get started on the process of making a stunning ceiling that gives your room personality and charm.

Step	Description
1. Surface Preparation	Clean the ceiling from dust, old paint, and any imperfections. Apply a primer for better adhesion.
2. Choosing the Plaster	Select the type of decorative plaster you want based on texture and design, such as Venetian, textured, or silk plaster.
3. Application Technique	Use a trowel or spatula to apply the plaster evenly. For unique patterns, use special tools or rollers.
4. Adding Layers	Apply multiple thin layers if necessary to achieve the desired effect. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next.
5. Final Touches	Once dry, polish the surface if needed, or apply a protective wax or varnish to enhance the finish and durability.
6. Photos in Interior	Decorative plaster can elevate the style of any room. It works well with modern, classic, or rustic interiors.

Pros and cons of decorative plaster for the ceiling

Decorative plaster feels better and lasts longer on ceilings than it does on walls because it is not as prone to mechanical damage. Completing offers the following benefits:

1. Applied to any surface.
2. Does not reduce the height of the room.
3. Has a long service life (10-20 years or longer).
4. Provides additional heat and sound insulation.
5. Creates a healthy indoor climate due to the content of natural components.
6. Relief finish hides defects and curvature of the ceiling.
7. Does not serve as a haven for harmful microorganisms and parasites.

The coating is non-toxic and fire resistant. It can be painted to change from its original design.

High labor intensity and cost, as well as challenges cleaning the relief surface, are relative drawbacks.

Which decorative plaster to choose for the ceiling

The following kinds of plaster mixtures are available on the market, depending on the ingredients:

1. Mineral. Lime is the basis. These are the cheapest and most environmentally friendly compositions, with good vapor permeability and strength, resistance to abrasion. Disadvantages: short life (serves no more than 10 years), easily susceptible to mechanical damage (however, this is not relevant for the ceiling), prone to cracking during shrinkage. Mineral mixtures are available only in white, and the surface must be painted after drying.
2. Silicone. Made of polymers. These are the most expensive mixtures and the best. Advantages: durability (more than 20 years), high vapor permeability, low water absorption capacity, good elasticity (cracks and other shrinkage deformations do not form after drying), do not attract dust and dirt. Disadvantages: high cost.
3. Silicate, made on the basis of potassium glass and polymer resins. Advantages: good adhesion, ease of installation, moisture resistance, low level of electrostaticity. Not afraid of dampness and temperature changes, have an antifungal effect, ideal for porous walls. Disadvantages: poor color variety, high cost.
4. Acrylic (polymer). Fillers are mineral and organic substances. Acrylic mixtures are easy to work with, after drying they do not crack, are not afraid of impacts and scratches. They have a wide range of colors and affordable prices. Due to high moisture resistance, they are ideal for rooms with high humidity. Disadvantages: they attract dust (but they can be washed), they do not transport steam well.

Various fillers and additives in the form of bulk material (sawdust, vermiculite, slag, stone chips, coal, shells, pumice, etc.) determine the properties of decorative finishing. Decorative plasters for interior decoration vary depending on the size of the fractions of these components.

• coarse-grained (3-5 mm);
• medium-grained (1-3 mm);
• fine-grained (0.5-1 mm);
• fine-grained (no more than 0.5 mm).

Even though painting coarse-grained plasters can be more difficult, they work well to hide uneven and imperfect ceilings. For mixtures containing fine grains, a perfectly smooth surface is required.

Another characteristic that sets decorative plasters apart is their appearance (texture).

Textured plaster

Another name for this kind of plaster is relief. It can be adorned with patterns, designs, and reliefs that resemble stone, wood, leather, fabrics, and other finishing materials using a variety of tools and equipment. Fibers and significant amounts of filler are absent from textured plasters. They are made of plastic, have a delicate consistency, are simple to install, and don’t need the ceiling to be carefully prepared.

"Wet silk," "Marseille wax," and sgraffito are popular variants.

Structural plaster

This kind of plaster is comparable to textured plaster; in fact, the names are frequently used interchangeably. The distinction lies in the fact that patterns and reliefs are applied solely through the use of tools on the latter, whereas special additives are used to create the relief on structural compositions.

Two varieties of structural plaster exist:

1. Stone. Granules of chopped natural stone (granite, marble, quartz and even semiprecious stones) are added as a filler).
2. Mineral. Lime, light Portland cement, sand, quartz and other minerals are used as fillers.

Composite materials provide extra sound and heat insulation, and they stick to any surface with consistency. The most widely used types are "Mosaic," "Lamb," and "Bark beetle."

Structural and textured relief plasters should only be used sparingly and in particular areas of the ceiling because they reduce the reflective qualities of the surface.

Venetian decorative plaster

Centuries after it was first created in Ancient Rome, Venetian artisans refined this style of finishing. Saying that "Venetian" is a true work of art is not hyperbole. It can be applied to any surface, looks enchanting, and will adorn any interior. This is the most labor-intensive technology available, but it allows for multiple grout applications with a spatula, multiple layer application of the solution, final wax coating, and ironing.

Marble and cork trees are mimicked by Venetian ornamentation. Its distinguishing characteristics—mirror shine and light play—are essential to the ceiling. The coating is robust, moisture-resistant, and vapor-permeable.

Small amounts of quartz, granite, and other stones are mixed in with marble dust and crumbs. Acrylic is frequently used as a synthetic polymer in binders.

Flot plaster

Floral plaster filmers are tiny plates or flocks, ranging in size from 1 to 15 mm, rather than granules. They glow in various forms and have various colors. Flake mixture gives the surface a distinctive color and texture.

For a living room, bedroom, or nursery, a flaok finished ceiling is a great option because it makes it easy to create the illusion of a night sky or a spreading canopy of trees.

Flock plaster comes in two varieties:

1. All components are provided separately. The surface of the ceiling is covered with an acrylic adhesive base, on which a layer of records is immediately applied. Finish – coating with transparent, shiny or matte varnish.
2. Ready composite compositions are used.

Strength, high water resistance, moisture resistance, long service life, and a variety of color palettes are some of the advantageous qualities of this type of coating.

Technology for finishing the ceiling decorative plaster

Decorative plastering can be done in a few ways. Every new layer is put on top of the preceding one. Applying decorative plaster uses a similar technique to plastering walls and ceilings. While there are subtle differences between the technologies used in different sections, some tasks are carried out similarly.

Materials and tools

The same basic tools used for regular plastering are required for decorative plaster ceiling decoration: scraper, spatulas, rectangular cells, graters, rollers, grinder, and construction mixer (optional). Mixtures that are fine and finely grained can be applied mechanically.

To add texture, use rollers, stamps, stencils, trowels, shaped spatulas, sponges, and even a broom or broom.

Should color pigment be omitted from the plaster mixture, painting will be required on the final surface. Painting supplies such as brushes, rollers, or spray guns will be needed for this. Primers, putties, color pigments, wax, varnish, or paint are additional materials used in plaster mixtures.

Preparing the composition

The majority of decorative plaster varieties are available pre-made; all that needs to be done is combine the chosen ingredients. It is preferable to accomplish this manually if the mixture contains large filler granules. A power tool can be used to mix the composition containing small fractions at low speeds. The solution’s properties may deteriorate, but after opening the container, it can be tightly closed to store the remaining solution.

Add water to dry powder, stir, and let sit for the mixture to swell. The solution’s consistency ought to be pastey. You can add PVA glue to the water at a 5:1 ratio to improve adhesion.

Completing the ceiling is difficult because the master is positioned in an uncomfortable way. The arms, back, and neck become tired, so you have to take frequent breaks. Because the plaster mixture dries quickly, it is best to prepare a small amount of solution at a time.

Preparing the ceiling

The surface needs to be spotless and dry. It is meticulously prepared, just like when applying wallpaper to the ceiling: dust, paint, dirt, grease stains, and old coating are removed.

Tap the previously plastered base in order to identify any areas where the solution is not adhering to it very well.

Standard putty is used to level and fix flaws and irregularities. Subsequently, two surface primings are applied, ideally using a deep penetration compound. The type of surface determines which primer is used. Compounds with an antifungal effect are used for damp rooms.

The plasterboard ceiling undergoes expansion of the seams, dusting, coating with a solution, reinforcement with serpyanka, and deepening of the screw heads. The primer is selected to prevent wetting of the gypsum core.

Applying decorative plaster to the ceiling

Utilize ornamental plaster in the same way as regular putty. Apply a small amount of solution to the trowel with a spatula, then carefully and smoothly apply the layer to the ceiling, rubbing it in thoroughly. Concurrently, observe the layer’s thickness; it ought to be uniform throughout the surface. Certain plasters, like roller plaster, are only applied once, but "Venetian" plaster is applied in three to eight thin layers diagonally using a unique technique.

If the plaster is textured, apply the pre-selected relief images right away, before the solution hardens, using a float, roller, or stencils. Take caution not to harm the inner layer by doing this. To ensure that the granules are evenly distributed, the ceiling surface is smoothed with circular motions following the application of the structural plaster.

For the final touch, apply paint, varnish, or wax to the surface.

Video: how to apply decorative plaster to the ceiling

For individuals who want to upgrade their interior design, decorative plaster on the ceiling is a great option because it gives any space texture, depth, and a distinct character. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the process of applying decorative plaster, covering everything from surface preparation to the last details. We’ll also provide eye-catching picture examples that demonstrate the transformational power of various plaster styles. This post offers you the useful advice and original ideas to realize your vision, whether you’re going for a modern or classic style.

Partial finishing of ceiling zones

One creative way to partition a large room’s ceiling into zones (the center, the periphery, and the corners) would be to use different plaster colors and textures. They are divided with moldings and ribbon patterns around the periphery. A beautifully designed rosette highlights the chandelier’s magnificence. The images below show some instances of zoning.

Expert advice

The following factors need to be considered when selecting a ceiling finish type:

1. Some mixtures can be laid on any base, others cannot.
2. For rooms with high humidity it is better to take moisture-resistant compounds.
3. Plaster mixtures that help establish a comfortable microclimate in the room are suitable for residential premises.
4. Water-based solution is not suitable for wood and plasterboard ceilings.
5. Relief finishing masks small defects in the ceiling well, so it is worth choosing for problem surfaces.

DIY decorative plaster for ceilings is growing in popularity. You’ll need a putty mixture with a gypsum base to accomplish this. PVA glue and coloring pigment can be added if desired. Any handy tool is used to create relief patterns once the composition has been applied.

Decorative plastering is a great way to add some character and elegance to your ceiling. Anyone can achieve amazing results and transform an ordinary ceiling into a stylish focal point with a little practice and the right tools.

You can create a unique finish that complements your interior design by following simple steps: priming the surface, applying base layers, and experimenting with texture. The versatility of decorative plaster allows you to express your creativity freely, regardless of your preference for a more textured effect or a smoother, more understated look.

Remember to take your time and practice on a smaller section of the ceiling before taking on the entire thing. If you are patient and meticulous, you will have a gorgeously plastered ceiling that completely changes the ambiance of the space.

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