How to apply decorative plaster with a wet silk effect: step-by-step instructions

Any room can have an opulent and distinctive finish with decorative plaster that has a wet silk effect. This kind of plaster gives walls an exquisite appearance reminiscent of fine silk fabric by creating a smooth, shimmering surface that catches the light.

Although applying wet silk effect plaster can seem difficult, it’s a task you can complete on your own with the correct advice and equipment. To achieve the best results, the process requires proper technique, careful planning, and a little patience.

We’ll walk you through every step in this guide, from priming your walls to applying the finishing coat, so you can use this gorgeous decorative finish to transform your space with confidence.

Step	Description
1. Surface Preparation	Clean the wall, remove any old paint or wallpaper, and fill in cracks or holes. Make sure the surface is smooth and dry.
2. Priming	Apply a primer suitable for decorative plaster to the wall. This helps the plaster adhere better and ensures a uniform finish.
3. Mixing the Plaster	Prepare the wet silk effect plaster according to the manufacturer"s instructions. Mix it well until you get a smooth consistency.
4. First Coat Application	Using a trowel, apply the first thin coat of plaster. Work in small sections and create a base layer. Let it dry completely.
5. Second Coat Application	Apply a second coat of plaster, this time creating the wet silk effect. Use a trowel or sponge to create the desired texture.
6. Smoothing and Finishing	Once the plaster starts to set, lightly smooth the surface with a clean trowel to enhance the silk effect. Let it dry completely.
7. Sealing	After the plaster is fully dry, apply a sealer to protect the finish and enhance the silky appearance.

Characteristics of decorative plaster silk

Acrylic is the foundation of both the material and the adhesive component. The paste’s consistency is comparable across the mass. They have the appearance of stretched fabric when used as wall décor.

The interior’s "liveliness" allows it to produce an abundance of shade in well-lit areas or from various viewpoints. The mixture is referred to as wet silk because of this result.

Its composition is almost exactly the same as the "Venetian," but the finish is what sets them apart: silk stays matte, while Venetian plaster is polished and covered in protective wax.

Compound

Transparent acrylic and fibers have a unique function in creating the appearance of silk fabric. Polymer forms a layer and serves as a connecting element. Through it, light refracts and strikes the fibers that give the material its texture. Decorative plaster wet silk therefore comprises:

• acrylic;
• cellulose;
• polyester;
• from silk fibers;
• cotton.

To add more decoration to the composition, some manufacturers advise using non-ferrous metal powder, mother-of-pearl, or glitter. Additions are made as distinct parts. It is possible to purchase colored plaster or "color."

Advantages and disadvantages of silk coating

Although the cost and composition of decorative plasters vary amongst producers, they will all share the following material quality attributes:

• ease of use in rooms with curved surfaces;
• no joints, seams, pattern adjustment, seamless coating;
• aesthetic appearance;
• creates a "breathing" air-permeable coating;
• due to plasticizers in the composition, the finish does not deform or break. Permissible use in new buildings;
• does not fade in the sun;
• has antistatic properties;
• does not emit harmful fumes, can be used in a child"s room.

Decorative finishing has far fewer drawbacks, and those that do exist are mostly related to material costs.

• High hygroscopicity does not allow the material to be used in the bathroom and in the kitchen interior.
• Please note that silk actively absorbs odors.

Where it is organic to use wet silk

The finishing material is not limited to wall decoration. It fits the ceiling perfectly. A thin layer of original plaster highlights the owners’ exquisite taste in every room, including the study, living room, hallway, and children’s room.

How to make an imitation of a decorative coating wet silk

Applying the finishing material simply involves preparing the walls, applying the composition, and diluting the dry mixture with water in the amounts advised by the manufacturer. One aspect of the coating is the application of multiple successive layers; this technique yields a wet silk coating that is soft and iridescent.

Necessary tools

You must get ready for work by:

• spatula;
• trowel or soft float;
• container and roller for primer;
• grouting washer.

Don’t forget to include putty and primer/paint for the walls’ initial preparation.

Primer

When applying decorative plaster to a level surface, the walls must first be prepared. This procedure looks like this step-by-step:

1. Before priming, the surface is freed from old materials such as paint, whitewash, wallpaper.
2. Tap the walls, widen the cracks, remove peeling parts of the former plaster.
3. Seal all cracks and holes with putty.
4. Areas with rust stains, places affected by mold or fungus are cleaned, treated with anti-corrosion and fungicidal agents.
5. Start leveling the walls with starting plaster.
6. After the base has dried, it is necessary to rub down the roughness and remove dust from the surface.
7. The next step is to apply the primer paint to the walls. It will be correct to choose it in tone to wet silk, to which it will serve as the basis. Paint is applied in 2 layers.

How to apply wet silk to a wall or ceiling

Work with ornamental plaster once the surface has completely dried.

One layer

The material is applied to the cell with a spatula. After applying pressure to the surface and determining the necessary angle, move the tool with its free edge along the wall.

A thin layer of the material is applied to the wall.

Remember that the thickness shouldn’t exceed the dimensions of the solid inclusions. The following smear starts, just inside the previous one’s edge.

If only one layer is to be applied, then use the washer to carefully polish the material at this point in the finish, or use auxiliary tools to create the estimated relief on a wet surface. If a second layer is applied after this one, the mixture is applied carefully so that the trowel’s edge is left unmarked.

Application in two layers

After six to eight hours, the second layer is applied. It ought to weigh less than the previous one. Applying decorative plaster in two layers requires tiny movements in the opposite direction of the first layer’s application. You can achieve a "smoothed velvet" effect by doing this. Use different movement patterns, such as circles, herringbones, zigzags, and waves, to give the surface a specific pattern. Using a float or washer, the base is polished once the work is finished.

Crinkled silk effect: description of technology

You can make imitation crushed silk in a variety of ways. Let us discuss the most well-liked one of them:

• We carry out all stages of interior finishing before applying the second layer;
• Using the cell, we throw a sufficient amount of material to “twist” the curl from it with the puck, we perform circular motion with light pressure;
• repeat the movement until the entire surface is processed;
• proceed to the polishing stage: smooth out the applied pattern with the same circular movements of the washer.

Next, the technique is demonstrated in the video quite clearly:

Video master class crushed silk effect

Flowing silk effect

Complete the task at hand, including applying the initial layer. Apply the second layer next, and once it "grabs" a little bit with diagonal strokes across the trowel’s entire surface, the mass will have the appearance of flowing silk. Remember to use a moist cloth to remove any accumulated plaster from the tool’s surface.

Video creation of flowing silk

Is it possible to apply this coating with a roller

When working with decorative plaster, short-pile rollers are used to produce unexpected reliefs and textures. The technique involves using a roller to apply the second layer and long "stretching" motions to smooth out any roughness.

It is not advised to use long-pile rollers when working with this coating because you run the risk of creating a "fur coat" effect rather than a silky, smooth surface.

Any room can be transformed by applying decorative plaster with a wet silk effect, which gives your walls a refined, opulent finish. This article offers easy-to-follow directions on how to create this gorgeous effect on your own, including how to prepare the surface and apply the finishing touches. You can give your space a sophisticated and deep look by creating a smooth and shimmering texture using the appropriate tools and techniques.

How to do it yourself

Decorative plaster is available on store shelves as separate components for self-preparation or as ready-made dry mixtures. In order to knead silk by hand, you’ll need:

• acrylic additives;
• cellulose and artificial silk fibers;
• cotton;
• polyester.

Utilizing the following technologies, prepare the decorative mass:

1. add decor to dry ingredients: glitter, crumbs. If you want more decorativeness, then add glitter, if texture, then crumbs.
2. If you need to paint the mixture, do it with a small amount of powder. If you are satisfied with the color intensity, you can add the required amount of pigment to the remaining material.
3. Prepare the recommended amount of warm water in a separate container.
4. Add the dry mixture to the water, mixing the composition thoroughly with gloved hands.
5. Leave the composition to swell for 10-12 hours.

You can store the composition that’s left over after the repairs in a plastic bag that is tightly sealed.

Care of the decorative coating

Using a vacuum cleaner to eliminate dust and dry particles makes silk plaster for interior decoration an easy maintenance choice. A cloth soaked in a soap solution can be used to gently remove dirt if wet cleaning is necessary.

If required, a protective varnish or wax can be applied to the plaster to create the appearance of wet silk. Any kind of cleaning, even abrasive detergents, can be used in this situation.

There are situations when the contamination or plaster damage is so severe that the area must be removed. This is fine; "partial" repairs are easily tolerated by decorative plaster. All you have to do is use a spatula to wet the damaged portion of the wall and remove it. You can use the removed mass if you don’t have extra material or if the color doesn’t match what you need.

Manufacturers

Silk threads, either natural or artificial, are included in the decorative mixture. The following businesses produce the first group:

• "SILKOT" Japan,
• "SILKOAT" Turkey,
• "SENIDEKO" France,
• Russian manufacturer "Rodnik-art".

The texture and composition determine how much they cost. This person represents the second group:

• "Fujiwara Chemical Co" Japan,
• "BAYRAMLAR" Turkey,
• "Peace to your home" Russia.

Naturally, these brands’ products will be of a higher caliber. The amount allotted for the repair will determine which manufacturer is preferred in the end.

Adding a wet silk effect to your decorative plaster is a great way to give your walls a bit of sophistication and elegance. Though meticulous planning and attention to detail are necessary for the process, the outcomes are well worth the effort.

The step-by-step instructions will help you achieve a gorgeous, shimmering finish that will improve the aesthetics of any room. Recall that every step, from surface preparation to applying the last coat of plaster, should be done slowly.

You can become an expert at this technique and create gorgeous, opulent walls that express your unique style with time and practice. Savor the procedure and the changes it makes to your area.

Video on the topic

How to Apply SILK to the Wall

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