How to apply textured plaster “Grotto”, similar to a world map

Using textured plaster on your walls is an inventive way to give them depth and individual character. When done correctly, a common style called "Grotto" can have a rough, stone-like finish that resembles a world map. This creative method is ideal for people who want to incorporate some natural elements into their interior design.

Plaster is applied in layers in a particular way to create high and low areas that resemble old stone or a finely detailed topographical map, giving the effect known as "Grotto." Although it’s a method that takes time and some practice, the outcomes can be quite amazing.

This tutorial can help you apply textured plaster, or "Grotto," whether you’re a seasoned do-it-yourselfer or a novice to home improvement. You’ll be able to turn your walls into a visually arresting element that beautifully portrays the beauty of nature with the appropriate tools and techniques.

What Grotto looks like (photo in the interior)

Low relief, textured decorative plasters are referred to as grottos. It is used to decorate the walls of bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces.

The "world map" becomes moisture resistant when covered with a special wax, allowing for both wet wall cleaning and bathroom decoration.

The plaster "islands" are often polished and glossed to a high sheen, which gives them a really nice appearance. However, professional decorative plaster is required for this; regular putty is unlikely to produce the desired effect.

The "world map" plaster has a texture akin to that of natural stone.

Plaster is layered and worked to create a distinctive, rustic look in a textured finish similar to the "Grotto" technique, which is patterned after a world map. Even though it’s an artistic process, all you need are some simple tools and patience. The secret is knowing how to apply and shape the plaster so that your walls have the desired "map-like" appearance, giving them depth and personality. With the appropriate strategy, you can turn any area into a gorgeous focal point with a warm, inviting feel from around the world.

Required material

You can either purchase a ready-made mixture or make the mixture yourself to finish. The traditional "grotto" is made with lime solutions. They are appropriate for facades as well as interior work.

The "world map" texture can be made with any type of gypsum plaster or putty. The execution technique will be more important in this work than the content. However, I will point out that working with professional decorating supplies will be simpler, and the end result will undoubtedly look better than regular putty.

What is obtainable:

Present rates:

Suggestions. Stores carry decorative coatings for Travertine, whose structure is perfect for Grottos.

Technique of application of the "World Map"

For the task at hand, you will require:

• Application of 1 layer of mortar: Venetian trowel (smoother), narrow spatula;
• Creation of texture: sponge or tampon made of polyethylene film;
• Painting: white acrylic paint + colorant of one or two colors, roller and sponge;
• Finish (optional): decorative wax, felt or soft cloth for polishing.

To be clear, there are various methods for painting the plaster.

1. In bulk, when the colorant is added to the material, it is plastered already in the finished color. Suitable for polymer ready-made solutions.
2. Painting after the mixture has dried. The tops and bottoms of the relief are highlighted with different shades of paint or tinted wax.

Now let’s proceed to the application of the "world map" technique. I won’t go into detail about priming the walls for ornamental paint; you can read about it here.

Step 1: Apply a single, thin layer of 1.5–2 mm thick prepared solution over the entire finishing area. Using a spatula, transfer the plaster from the container to the trowel and level it out. Wait until everything is completely dry. The amount of time varies with the substance.

Step 2: Use the same plaster on a rumpled bag or sponge. No force is applied as you press it against the wall. Apply a layer of this "fur coat" all over the surface, smoothing the tops later.

Step 3: Grab a trowel as soon as the applied solution starts to dry. Form "islands" by gently smoothing the tops of the relief. There must be multidirectional movement. You must wet the tool with water and reapply a gloss to the plaster in order to fully smooth out the texture.

Step 4: Get ready to paint once the walls are totally dry. To get the right shade, the colors are combined with a white acrylic base. Using a roller, evenly apply paint to the whole wall. Permit the paint to dry.

Step 5: You can use paint that has the appearance of silver, gilding, azure, etc. to highlight the tops (islands) of our "world map." Whatever you want, there are plenty of options here. There’s no need to paint the first layer of plaster; just dab the tops with a regular foam sponge dipped in a little paint.

Step 6: Applying a decorative wax coating will enhance the finish’s gloss and shield it from moisture, both of which are crucial for bathrooms and kitchens. Tint can also be applied to wax. In this instance, the application will cause a slight change in the surface’s color; however, the new shade will stay in the plaster’s depressions after polishing.

It’s a fun and satisfying project to create a world map-inspired textured plaster finish, a la "Grotto." Ordinary walls may be turned into one-of-a-kind works of art that give personality and depth to any space with a little perseverance and the appropriate equipment.

You can learn how to prepare your walls, apply plaster, and create the desired texture and pattern by following the steps listed. Although it might take some getting used to, the process is well worth the effort.

The "Grotto" plaster technique is a flexible and eye-catching choice, whether your goal is to experiment with a creative wall finish or to add a focal point to a room. Take pleasure in the artistic touch you’ve added to your space and enjoy the process.

Video on the topic

Decorative plaster for uneven walls! World Map / Grotto / Marmorin

Grotto from ordinary putty with your own hands

Sdalife SAM World Map with Mother of Pearl

Textured decorative plaster TS 05

Grotto, last room, painting on convex parts, world map effect, two colors.

WORLD MAP. Application of decorative plaster Parade@Milano Liquid Marble. Master class №3

GROTTO (WORLD MAP). Application of decorative plaster Parade@Milano Liquid Marble. Master class №4