Interior wall decoration with plaster: an overview of materials and application technology

Plastering is a popular material for interior wall decoration because of its aesthetic appeal and versatility. Plaster provides a variety of options to fit your style, whether you’re going for a sleek modern appearance or a traditional textured finish. This article examines the various kinds of plaster materials that are available and how to use them to improve the appearance and longevity of your walls.

Every material, from modern gypsum-based alternatives to classic lime plaster, has distinct qualities that influence both the application method and the finished look. By being aware of these variations, you can select the ideal plaster for your project and guarantee a finish that suits your requirements and tastes.

We’ll also go into detail about plastering wall application methods, offering detailed instructions to help you accomplish a polished finish. Understanding the fundamentals of plastering can significantly impact the outcome of your interior decoration project, regardless of whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or intend to hire a contractor.

Options for decorating walls inside the house

The most widely used materials are:

• wallpaper — a universal finishing material, suitable for almost any room, a huge selection of colors and textures, one of the easiest ways to decorate walls inside the house;
• textiles — it is possible to create various folds, draperies, select expensive fabrics, an option for a bedroom, home office, living room;
• paint — suitable for flat surfaces, with the help of paint of one color you can create the simplest finish, using several different ones, create original compositions or drawings on the walls of a nursery, kitchen, bathroom, etc. p;
• tile — for finishing rooms with high humidity or requiring frequent wet cleaning, tiles are used; its advantages include durability, hygiene, and resistance to temperature changes;
• MDF panels, PVC, lining – practical material for interior work. Plastic panels are easy to clean, and wooden panels create a special coziness;
• plaster — for final finishing, decorative types of this material are used, with which you can repeat the texture of stone, wood, and create special effects (Venetian plaster, flock, stone chips, etc.). n.), acoustic provides a high level of sound absorption.

Types of plaster for interior decoration

Select a plaster type from the following list based on the intended use:

1. Cement. This most durable type is used for leveling walls, protecting against damage, heat and sound insulation, and for sanitary purposes. There are two compositions of the solution of plaster mixtures based on cement – this is cement-sand and cement-lime. Cement-sand is used for finishing the walls of bathrooms, loggias, balconies and other rooms with high humidity or unheated. Cement-lime plaster has antibacterial properties.
2. Gypsum. White plaster based on gypsum is used to fill voids, remove irregularities and final preparation of walls for decorative finishing. One of the advantages is lower consumption compared to other types. Many types of gypsum plaster can be used as a textured coating.
3. Decorative. This ready-made finishing mixture has the ability to imitate natural materials, create a perfectly smooth surface (Venetian plaster) or a textured coating on the walls. According to the binder, acrylic, mineral, silicone, silicate plaster mixtures are distinguished.

Preparatory work

1. Before applying any type of plaster, it is necessary to prepare the walls. Procedure:
2. If the floor is already finished, then you need to cover it with cardboard or film.
3. If there is an old layer of plaster, remove it with a hammer drill. Remove whitewash, wallpaper, paint with a scraper.
4. Clean the walls with a hard steel brush.
5. Remove all debris.
6. If there are cracks on the surface of the walls, sand them down. Remove all roughness and burrs from the wood.
7. Wash the wall with a damp sponge (with soap if necessary) and dry.
8. Check the verticality of the walls with a plumb line.

Priming the walls

It is advised to apply a primer first for the plaster mixture to adhere to the wall surface as strongly as possible. It is selected taking into consideration the characteristics of the room and the wall surfaces.

To complete the task, you will require:

• primer;
• container;
• protective gloves;
• paint brush;
• sprayer or roller with medium pile.

Method:

1. Fill the container with the selected primer. Shake the mixture thoroughly.
2. Apply primer with a roller or spray.
3. Treat the corners with a painting brush.
4. After 30 – 45 minutes, evaluate the quality of application, if necessary, apply the second layer. So that the primer is completely dried up at least a day.

Plastering is a chic and adaptable interior wall decoration material that has both functional and visual appeal. This article examines many plaster materials and application methods, covering everything from conventional lime and gypsum to contemporary synthetic alternatives. You can create a stunning and long-lasting effect in your home by knowing these materials and techniques, regardless of whether you’re going for a textured, rustic look or a smooth, modern finish.

A tool for plastering

The list of walls that require plastering is as follows:

• beacon plaster profiles (guides);
• plaster corner (perforated);
• level;
• capacity;
• Pulvelizer;
• spatula;
• plastered bucket or falcon;
• trowel and cut;
• rule (instead of it you can make a template with your own hands);
• trowel;
• half -ate and grater for grouting.

The order of work

In the SNiP, the walls are arranged in three layers:

1. Starting (spray) – its thickness is from 3 to 9 mm, depending on the nature of the surface.
2. Soil – designed for alignment. Sometimes several such layers are needed. Its thickness depends on whether there is a gypsum in the plaster mixture. If it is not there, then you need a layer of 9 – 12 mm, if there is, then 7 – 8 mm is enough.
3. Finish (covering) – thickness 2 – 4 mm.

Gypsum or decorative plaster is used for the finishing layer; cement plaster is appropriate for the first and second layers.

The plaster mixture is applied to the reinforcing mesh if the walls are loose and crumbling. This can be accomplished by applying a layer of plaster over the primer and embedding the mesh in it once it has dried. Apply the second layer on top of the first once it has dried.

Method:

1. Apply small portions of the plaster mixture to small areas to install beacon profiles.
2. Install guide beacons.
3. Cover the outer and inner corners with plaster corners, pressing them into the applied mixture. Cut the top corners at a 45 degree angle. Remove any excess plaster that has come through the holes in the corners.
4. Using a building level, check the correct position of the angle and beacon profiles.
5. Moisten the surface of the walls.
6. Draw a plaster mixture with a spatula or painting bucket, starting from below and gradually moving up.
7. Quickly level the layer with a rule. The device is guided along the beacons, shaking it from side to side (zigzag).
8. Start applying the second layer in a day, otherwise the first may “float”. Check the readiness of the surface for applying the next layer by touching it. The plaster should only crumble slightly. Make the mixture for the second layer more liquid.
9. After applying the plaster mixture, inspect the surface of the walls. There should be no visible defects.
10. Make notches on the fresh second (primer) layer for better adhesion to the finishing layer.
11. After the primer layer dries, apply the last one – the cover. Prepare the plaster for it with a sour cream consistency. The layer should be about 2 mm thick.
12. After the last layer has set, use a special float to rub it. First, press it tightly to the surface, make circular movements clockwise, then rub it with straight-line movements. By wrapping the grater in felt or felt, you can achieve a perfectly smooth surface.

For interior wall decoration, selecting the appropriate plaster is essential to obtaining a smooth and long-lasting finish. There are many different materials that can be used, including plasters made of cement, lime, and gypsum, each with their own advantages and uses. Knowing the qualities of these plasters aids in choosing the ideal choice for the particular requirements of your project.

For a plaster job to be successful, proper application techniques are also essential. A smooth, long-lasting finish can only be achieved by making sure the wall surface is clean and ready, applying plaster in thin, even layers, and allowing enough time for it to dry.

You may improve the functional and aesthetic aspects of your interior spaces by combining the appropriate materials with efficient application techniques. Plastering offers a variety of options to accommodate different tastes and styles, whether you’re going for a modern or traditional aesthetic.

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