Finishing the ceiling with decorative plaster with your own hands

Decorative plaster is a special method to improve the appearance of your ceiling by introducing character and texture that paint alone cannot. It’s an adaptable material that can be molded and styled to fit your own preferences, be they for a more rustic, textured look or a sleek, refined finish.

Decorative plaster ceiling finishing may appear like a task best left to the professionals, but with the correct equipment and methods, it’s a task you can complete on your own. You’ll save money and have the satisfaction of making something lovely by hand when you do this.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the entire process in this guide, from surface preparation to plaster application and the finishing touches that really make a difference. You can turn your ceiling into a gorgeous focal point that draws the eye and uplifts the entire space with a little perseverance and attention to detail.

Advantages and disadvantages of decorative plaster for ceilings

There are various kinds of ceiling finishing, such as painting, wallpaper made of fabric or paper, suspended ceiling systems, etc. Plaster finishing is different from other coating types because it has advantages of its own as well as advantages shared with other finishings. Plaster, for example, does not "eat up" the height of the room and does not require complicated installation work, unlike suspended structures.

The following are some benefits of finishing ceilings with plaster:

• environmental friendliness;
• formation of a monolithic coating;
• durability;
• vapor permeability;
• covering power (hides small irregularities and cracks);
• versatility (the material is applied to concrete, wood, metal);
• unlimited color range;
• strength;
• fire safety;
• hygienic (the coating can be washed), resistance to rot, mold;
• democracy (the material for plastering can be selected according to any financial capabilities, for example, you can use putty);
• richness of effects;
• possibility of creating unique patterns;
• allows finishing the ceiling with your own hands;
• can be combined with other types of coatings from different materials.

Typical drawbacks consist of:

• large dead weight;
• requires compliance with technology during preparatory work;
• long execution time (preparation, priming and each plaster layer require intermediate drying);
• requires minimal knowledge of plastering tools and initial experience (which can be gained by plastering walls).

Options for decorative plaster on the ceiling

It is helpful to understand that there are various kinds of decorative plaster that can be used on ceilings if a plaster cover is thought of as a finish for the "sky."

The following alternatives can be employed, contingent on the substance and execution technique:

• flock plastering;
• Venetian plaster (simply called Venetian);
• creation of a textured surface;
• structural plaster.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the available options. These are shown in the pictures here and in the section dedicated to Decorative Plaster.

Textured plaster for the ceiling

The term "texture" refers to the surface’s relief; in the case of the ceiling’s textured plaster, this means that the texture is produced through the application of laying techniques, which process a uniform plaster mass. For ornamental textured plastering, ready-made compositions and dry mixes are devoid of fibers, big granules, flocks, and other inclusions.

The materials that make up textured plaster’s decorative composition consist of:

• binder (a substance that, when mixed with water, is capable of creating crystals or other rigid bonds, forming artificial stone);
• filler (usually fractionated sand, stone flour);
• modifiers or modifying additives (plasticizers, inhibitors (reaction slowers), antiseptics and others);
• decorative inclusions – mother-of-pearl, metal powders;
• dyes.

Textured compositions come in mineral and polymer forms, depending on the type of binder used.

Lime, cements, clay, and gypsum compositions (either separately or in combination, such as cement-lime compositions) are examples of mineral compositions. The emergence and growth of crystals create artificial stone, and the crystalline bonds between minerals give it strength. As a result, the coatings are inexpensive, breathable, fire-resistant, and ecologically friendly. This is because mineral binders are easier to produce than polymer ones. Common drawbacks include the tendency to develop cracks during shrinkage (based on the ratios, preparation, application, and hardening conditions), decreased vibration resistance, building settlement, and a protracted strength gain period (except for gypsum).

Latex, silicone, and acrylic compounds are examples of polymer compounds that use these materials as binders. They harden differently; no crystals form during this process. As a result, polymer coatings are elastic and do not break when they shrink. Silicone is the winner in this instance, and he also wins in terms of cost. Complex-polymer-cement mixtures can also be attributed to polymer compositions.

Depending on the filler grain size, the granularity of the textured masses varies.

In essence, the ceiling zone uses thin grains, which permits:

• get a smooth surface (which is important to reflect light),
• create particularly thin relief patterns in the formation of sockets or moldings,
• reduce the thickness of the coating (material consumption, cost, drying time),
• reduce the consumption of finish materials, for example, varnish or paint.

You can buy or make textured compositions without the individual component purchases. Putty is frequently utilized as a textured blend.

Venetian decorative plaster on the ceiling

This type of finish is classic for public building interiors, and it’s been seen in small apartments lately as well. Venetian decor adds a distinct elegance, magical charm, and solemnity to the space.

For the task at hand, you will require:

• superfine textured mixtures (with stone flour);
• the ability to apply the plaster mass in thin even layers;
• compacting treatment of each layer – ironing,
• special tools (trowels with stainless plates);
• high-precision leveling of the base;
• proficiency in the techniques of performing Venetian.

Because the finish is regarded as elite, be cognizant of the costs associated with ready-made compositions (including the total amount), the fees associated with professional labor, and the finishing time.

When the outcome justifies every expense, this is the situation.

Structural plaster on the ceiling

Among structural mixtures are mixtures made up of different fillers:

• fibers;
• artificial granules;
• shell fragments;
• sand of different fractions;
• metal shavings.

As a result, the finishing layer’s surface has a unique patterned-relief appearance. Because the surface’s ability to reflect light is crucial for creating a "sky" in a home, structural plaster is applied carefully and in specific areas to avoid creating a "stormy sky."

Structural coatings can be applied to borders, or the stripes that surround an object. Because of its specificity, this kind of solution isn’t appropriate for every style. It is not appropriate for small rooms.

But just as expectations vary, so do tastes among property owners. For instance, old instincts might reawaken and demand complete protection; in that case, the ceiling could be made to resemble a stone surface, a spreading tree crown, or an amazing spaceship cabin coating. Structural plasters can then be applied throughout the entire area.

Flock plaster for the ceiling

Flock compositions, like "liquid wallpaper," ought not to be referred to as plaster. Nonetheless, a lot of people enjoyed the material because it is cozy and feels comfortable. The top is the ideal location for the flock compositions themselves because it is out of reach for devoted meows’ claws or young owners’ hands holding felt-tip pens. As a result, flock coatings on ceilings have a longer service life than those on walls.

Here, we can add "liquid wallpaper" by making a few changes to the material’s characteristics and application method.

Technology of working with decorative plaster on the ceiling

The technologies used for decorative plastering and leveling are not the same. Although the goal of decorative work is to create a finishing or decorate the interior, the composition of decorative elements may partially serve as a leveling mechanism, for instance, if the layer thickness is 5 mm.

As a result, plasterers frequently utilize zoning of the ceiling’s area when decorating it.

Working with comparable compositions on the walls does not differ from applying and processing the plaster mass itself. Because they have experience decorating walls, artisans are able to create decorative plaster on ceilings using their own hands. Venetian plaster is an exception that should really be left to a skilled expert.

Preparation of the composition

Let’s begin with the guidelines.

1. To prepare a portion of the solution, we use a clean container. This is especially important when working with gypsum mixtures. Even the smallest crystal of previously set gypsum can become a catalyst for the rapid formation of crystals in the new solution in the entire volume of the container.
2. Pour a portion of cold water into the container, slightly reducing the dose. A lower temperature allows you to extend the life of the solution. Add the diluted water at the end of mixing, if the dough is thicker than required.
3. Load the dry mixture into the container. According to the instructions, you need to use the entire volume contained in the package for mixing. This is due to the fact that during storage and transportation, heavy particles sink to the bottom of the container. The dough prepared from the powder in the upper zone of the package will differ in composition from the dough made from the powder at the bottom. Both of them may have properties different from those promised by the manufacturer.
4. Mix the contents of the container with a mixer with an attachment for building mixtures.
5. Let the dough "sit", mix finally.

Tools and materials for performing the work

The quantity and variety of tools used for decorative plastering on ceilings and walls are comparable.

The primary instruments are:

• spatulas – spatulas with flat working plates of various widths (plate material – metal, plastic or rubber);
• trowels (usually called a trowel) with working platforms made of stainless steel, plastic and handles on the side or above the plate;
• rollers (used for priming, painting or applying a pattern);
• brushes (purpose varies);
• graters (for leveling, smoothing, rubbing);
• devices for leveling, stretching the relief (rule, templates, bevels);
• construction mixer (ready-made or prepared compositions must be mixed);
• stencils or templates;
• tape measure;
• brush, as well as other items for applying a pattern;
• sandpaper.

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

• stepladder or scaffolding (table);
• masking tape;
• containers;
• rags;
• film.

The following resources are ready to use:

• dry or ready-made plaster mixes;
• primer;
• putty;
• paints and varnishes.

You can easily find some items in a pantry or on a workbench. A few of the instruments are short-term loans from acquaintances. The remaining ones are bought.

Preparing the ceiling surface

Decorative plastering is applied to a leveled and completed base (following leveling or repair). After that, the surface is dried, cleaned, and given two to three coats of primer. It is essential to putty Venetian plaster.

In new construction, decorative plaster can be applied right away if leveling the ceiling surface is not required.

The amount of prep work is higher in this instance:

1. Preparation of plasterboard sheets requires processing the joints (the seams are expanded, dusted, covered with mortar, reinforced with serpyanka) and the places where the screws are attached (the caps are sunk, the top is covered with putty). The cardboard shirt of the plasterboard is covered with a primer that does not cause the gypsum core to get wet.
2. Painted or wallpapered surfaces are cleaned (wallpaper, paint or whitewash are removed, cracks and chips are repaired, stains are removed, dust is swept away and washed off) primed, dried.
3. Uneven ceiling bases are first leveled.
4. Reinforcement is required for wooden ceilings.

Applying decorative plaster to the ceiling

It’s harder to finish a horizontal surface facing downward than it is a wall. However, the method for smearing the solution and forming designs is identical to that of plastering vertical surfaces. But the work is done from an uncomfortable angle. As a result, it’s a good idea to figure out the forces and include provisions for breaks. For instance, combine fewer gypsum solution volumes or plaster the ceiling area.

The tops of the walls are taped with masking tape around the perimeter of the ceiling to prevent splattering. If the walls aren’t finished, this won’t be necessary. Once completed, the tape is taken off.

Portable lighting is used because the electrical wiring is disconnected prior to plastering. It takes bright lighting to see the roughness and unevenness of the color application as well as how it is applied.

Step	Description
1. Prepare the surface	Clean the ceiling of any dust, dirt, or old paint. Apply a primer to ensure good adhesion of the plaster.
2. Mix the plaster	Follow the instructions on the plaster package to mix the plaster to a smooth, lump-free consistency.
3. Apply the plaster	Using a trowel, apply the plaster to the ceiling in thin layers, creating your desired texture or pattern.
4. Smooth the surface	After applying, use a smoothing tool to refine the texture and remove any imperfections.
5. Let it dry	Allow the plaster to dry completely, following the drying time recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Apply a finish	Once dry, you can paint or seal the plaster for added protection and aesthetic appeal.

Adding a personal touch that expresses your style to a room can be achieved by decoratively plastering the ceiling yourself. It’s an easy and satisfying process if you have the proper supplies and prepare carefully.

A lovely and long-lasting finish can be achieved by carefully choosing the plaster, priming the surface, and applying it. There are countless ways to improve your space with decorative plaster, regardless of your preference for a smooth, textured, or patterned appearance.

You can accomplish professional-looking results without hiring a contractor by following the steps listed. In addition to saving money, this do-it-yourself project gives you the satisfaction of knowing you have added something unique to your house.

Applying decorative plaster to the ceiling is a satisfying do-it-yourself project that gives any space a touch of class and texture. You can elevate the entire space with a gorgeous, professional-looking ceiling finish that you can make with a few simple tools and a little perseverance. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the procedure, making it simple for you to accomplish stunning outcomes on your own.

Video on the topic

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beautiful and simple relief ceiling with your own hands