How to make a rain effect on a wall from decorative plaster

A plain surface can be made into an eye-catching feature by applying decorative plaster to create the illusion of rain on it. This method gives your walls more depth and texture while bringing a little bit of nature inside. The rain effect offers a distinctive and fashionable solution, whether you want to create a dramatic focal point in a living room or a calming atmosphere in a bedroom.

The proper supplies and a few easy steps are all that are needed to achieve this look. You’ll need to prepare your wall properly, gather some basic tools, and select an appropriate decorative plaster. A beautiful rain effect that resembles the soft streaks of falling rain can be created with a little perseverance and imagination.

The versatility of the rain effect is one of its attractive features. It can be tailored to match a variety of interior design aesthetics, from cozy and rustic to modern and minimalist. Through trial and error with various plaster colors and application methods, you can craft a customized aesthetic that flawlessly matches your area.

We’ll walk you through every step of using decorative plaster to create a rain effect on your walls in this guide. You will find all the information necessary to recreate this gorgeous effect in your home, from choosing the appropriate materials to adding the finishing touches.

Description

When we refer to "rain" plaster, we mean a unique method of applying a decorative composition that produces a texture that resembles rain. Any structural plaster can be used to create it. You can achieve the desired pattern on the wall by using specific application techniques along with small fractions in the composition.

Types of textured coating

The qualities of plastering a wall gave rise to the moniker "rain." Even though the application technology is different, the work produces a pattern that resembles crying rain. There are multiple primary ways to use the content:

  1. The angled rain is a classic structure with varying angles of inclination.
  2. Creating a “bark beetle” type structure. Allows you to create a natural pattern on the wall.
  3. Using textured mixtures to create a decorative finish that looks like raindrops on a wall.

The most popular choice is the third one.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Decorative plaster, like other building materials, has advantages and disadvantages.

Durability and practicality. Applying the composition correctly and adhering to all standards will result in an excellent coating that won’t crumble or crack. It is going to be very resilient to mechanical stress.

Flexibility. Decorative plaster can be used on a variety of surfaces, including metal, wood, concrete, and brick. Ideal for decorating both indoors and outdoors.

Requirements for surface cleanliness. It is essential to prime and thoroughly clean the walls before applying the composition. This is particularly crucial for preventing corrosion on metal surfaces when plastering them.

Preparatory work

Any remaining old coating on the walls needs to be taken off completely. A clean, smooth surface is required for the application of plaster.

Primer

Deep penetration primer should be applied to the walls following the removal of the previous coating. Since primed surfaces allow the plaster to adhere more readily, this step is essential. Additionally, the primer fortifies the subsequent coating.

Priming must be done in two layers, separated by a drying period. If the work is being done in a room with a lot of humidity, you can also apply an antiseptic to the walls to stop mold growth.

Alignment of the walls

Prior to beginning the alignment, measure the wall heights in 1-meter increments to pinpoint the most troublesome locations where there are noticeable variations. It will be necessary to install metal beacons in these locations. The walls are easiest to align with a gypsum mouth.

The following phases are included in the work:

  1. A gypsum is kneaded in a plastic container with a mixer. How to make a knead indicated in the packaging instructions.
  2. The resulting composition is transferred by a spatula to the kelm. It turns out plastering marking for fasteners.
  3. Lighthouses are installed in a step of 1-1.5 m. The density of the estimate should correspond to the thickness of the beacons.
  4. Profiles are shed in plaster. For reliable fixation, they are covered with a composition.
  5. The spaces between the profiles are filled with gypsum rotband.
  6. An H-shaped rule is installed at the bottom of the wall. After this, the outline is leveled with upward movements.
  7. After about 10 minutes, excess composition is removed using a wide spatula. The movements should be horizontal.
  8. I correct all defects.
  9. After 30 minutes, the beacons are dismantled. To do this, pry up the upper end of the profile and remove it by shifting it vertically.
  10. The resulting cracks are filled with the composition.
  11. After 20 minutes, you need to wet the sponge with water and use circular motions to “soap” the daub.
  12. After this, the walls are left to dry for a day.

After the solution has dried, you should sand the surface if you have a grinding machine. Use attachment number 240 or 320 to accomplish this.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that Rotband cannot be wetted. Water is gradually mixed with it added.

Necessary tools and materials

Prior to beginning work, you must get the following ready:

  • roller;
  • spatula;
  • rules;
  • a set of trowels;
  • a drill and whisk (mixer) for mixing;
  • a ladder or stepladder (if necessary);
  • paint;
  • primer;
  • mixture for preparing a solution, for example: ceresit, knauf, neva decor, etc.

Step-by-step application technology with your own hands

Only primed and smooth walls should have decorative plaster "rain" applied to them. Moreover, the surfaces ought to be dry.

Base layer

Water-dispersion paint works best as a plaster base. The wall surface’s absorption capacity will decrease as a result of it. Applying with a fur roller is highly recommended.

  1. Pour the paint into the tray and dip the roller into it.
  2. Roll it a little so that the entire roller becomes wet.
  3. The paint is applied from top to bottom. It is necessary to process the entire surface of the wall, avoiding gaps.
  4. It is not necessary to roll the overlap, since the decorative plaster will hide everything.
  5. For complete drying, 2-3 hours are enough.

It is preferable to avoid using foam rollers or brushes. Paint is greatly absorbed by foam rubber, and there are small irregularities left behind from brush strokes. You must work swiftly and all at once.

Second layer

When using a pre-made mixture that contains a lot of filler, it should be manually mixed or mixed at low mixer speeds. The grains will be harmed by high speeds. Sufficient ready mixes are sufficient to lift the fraction from the bottom by stirring with a spatula.

If painting the surface, the second coat should be painted on using a white mixture without the use of colorants.

  1. Using a spatula, transfer a little composition to the trowel.
  2. Moving from the top of the wall, apply the plaster with vertical movements.
  3. You do not need to throw, but smooth the composition. To do this, hold the trowel at a slight angle.
  4. The overlap does not need to be smoothed out, since the layer is being prepared for the pattern.

Applying more than 4 square meters at once is advised to avoid giving the solution time to solidify. After that, start making a pattern right away. To make it easier to fit into the outline, try to avoid drawing straight lines between individual fragments.

Creating an imitation of a texture effect

Applying the second layer should immediately create the texture of the rain. A polyurethane float can be used to create the relief. A hard brush or a brush with natural bristles are other options.

Technology used to simulate rain:

  1. The selected tool is moistened in water.
  2. Apply it to the upper edge of the wall.
  3. Move the brush down with vertical movements. The pressure should be medium. Try to maintain the vertical arrangement of the lines so that there are no waves.
  4. Now you need to apply a plastic spatula and smooth out the tear. You need to move in the direction of the lines.
  5. Before each use, wipe the spatula with a sponge.

Structural roller

A hard structural roller, which works with both fresh and slightly dried plaster, can also be used to apply the texture. Such a roller is available at any hardware store.

Painting the surface

The walls are painted and tinted at the end. The following is how the work is completed:

  1. Pour a little paint into the tray.
  2. Wet the fur roller generously.
  3. Apply 1 coat of paint to the surface. It is necessary to avoid gaps and ensure that the relief is completely filled.
  4. Leave the paint to dry for several hours.
  5. Apply the second coat and leave until completely dry.
  6. Pour enamel into the tray.
  7. The roller must be rolled so that it becomes semi-dry.
  8. Apply the enamel in the direction of the rain.

After the enamel has dried completely, apply two coats of parquet varnish made of acrylic and urethane. This material will shield the surface from damage and improve its resistance to moisture.

Another option is to use ornamental varnish. Enamel should not be used to tint the holes in this instance. Making sure the enamel highlights the relief rather than filling it in is essential.

The video tutorial below provides a demonstration of the entire application technology.

Any area can be transformed by applying a touch of elegance and individuality to a wall by using decorative plaster to create the illusion of rain. This technique replicates the appearance of raindrops falling by employing particular tools and plastering techniques. Plaster can be applied and worked with with precision to create a gorgeous textured finish that perfectly reflects the feel of a wet day. Learning how to apply decorative plaster can add a natural and refreshing touch to your home, whether you’re looking to improve a feature wall or add artistic flair.

Calculation method

To determine how much mixture you’ll need, compute:

  1. Calculate layer thickness.
  2. Install beacons over the entire surface.
  3. Select multiple points on the wall. Use them to find out deviations from the plane. Typically, experts select only three points.
  4. Measure deviations.
  5. Calculate mean deviation.

All calculations should be performed in practice to ensure clarity. For instance, 10 square meters need to have plaster applied. On the wall, deviations can reach 5 cm. Three points are chosen at this time. Deviations of one, three, and five centimeters are the outcome. The deviation on average is 3 cm. It turns out that for uniform application, an average layer thickness of 3 cm is needed.

It is now necessary for you to ascertain the manufacturer’s recommendations for the decorative mixture. Typically, the packaging shows the consumption per square meter with a one-centimeter layer thickness.

Typical errors during application

Main errors made by inexperienced masters:

  1. Incorrect consistency of the solution. If there is not enough water, the solution will slide down. The thick composition does not adhere well to the surface, so the plaster may fall off. After drying, there is a possibility of cracking.
  2. Failure to maintain the vertical when creating the relief of the rain. If the pattern is wavy, the effect of rain will not be achieved.
  3. Adding dry solution to change the consistency. Very often, the plaster turns out to be too liquid. In this case, inexperienced craftsmen add a dry mixture to it. This leads to a violation of the homogeneity of the solution. The consistency should be changed by adding water. In order not to overdo it, it should be added in small portions.
  4. Lack of primer. Using a primer when preparing the surface is an important step. The primer should be selected depending on the type of base. Porous surfaces should be covered with deep penetration primers.
  5. Applying plaster from the bottom up. This seems to be a more convenient option. But in reality, pieces of mortar will fall from above, damaging the finished surface below. Therefore, it is better to apply the solution from top to bottom.
  6. Drying plaster in the sun. If the sun hits the surface, it is advisable to darken the window. Due to the temperature difference in the light and shade, cracks appear.
  7. Using a heat gun. A heat gun allows you to create a directed flow of hot air. Such an effect has a bad effect on the plaster. Dries too quickly and unevenly.
Step Description
1. Prepare the Wall Clean the wall surface and apply a primer to ensure good adhesion of the plaster.
2. Mix the Plaster Prepare the decorative plaster according to the manufacturer"s instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat Spread a thin, even layer of plaster on the wall using a trowel.
4. Create Rain Effect Use a notched trowel or a comb tool to draw vertical lines through the wet plaster, mimicking rain streaks.
5. Smooth the Surface Gently smooth the tops of the lines with a flat trowel to soften the effect if desired.
6. Allow to Dry Let the plaster dry completely as per the manufacturer"s drying time recommendations.
7. Apply Sealant Once dry, apply a clear sealant to protect the finish and enhance durability.

An intriguing way to give texture and visual interest to any space is to apply decorative plaster to a wall and create the illusion of rain. A plain wall can be turned into a stunning feature that embodies the beauty of nature by carefully applying plaster in a way that mimics the appearance of raindrops and water streaks.

To get the desired effect, the process entails choosing the appropriate plaster type and becoming proficient in particular techniques. To create a realistic rain pattern, it’s important to work methodically, paying attention to the direction and flow of your application. Being precise and patient is crucial, regardless of whether you choose for a dramatic downpour or a gentle drizzle.

For the best results, the plaster must be allowed to dry properly after application. After that, you can intensify the effect by carefully placing lights or even by highlighting the texture with a splash of color. This imaginative method not only gives your walls more depth, but it also gives your room a special, individual touch.

All things considered, creating a rain effect with decorative plaster is a satisfying project that can improve any room’s aesthetics. You can make a wall that is captivating and elicits the feeling of a gentle rain shower with a little practice and imagination.

Video on the topic

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Andrey Ivanov

An experienced builder with more than 15 years of experience. I specialize in plastering and decorative finishing. I started my career as an ordinary worker, gradually accumulating knowledge and skills in various finishing techniques. Now I share my experience to help beginners master the craft and avoid common mistakes.

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