Marble plaster – the magic and strength of natural stone in your home

Envision the classic elegance of natural stone, featuring its deep hues and alluring designs, adorning your house’s walls. That idea becomes a reality with marble plaster, which allows you to add the opulent feel of marble to your interior spaces without the high cost or difficult installation of real stone.

This distinctive plastering method combines art and utility in a way that goes beyond simple decoration. Fine marble particles combined with unique binders produce a surface that is extremely durable in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. It’s the ideal option for people looking for grace and durability in their living areas.

Marble plaster offers a flexible solution, whether your goal is to create a focal point in a room or cover your entire house in this elegant finish. Depending on the design you select, it can turn plain walls into works of art by incorporating a dash of contemporary sophistication or vintage charm.

Feature	Description
Natural Beauty	Marble plaster brings the timeless elegance of natural stone into your home, offering a luxurious finish.
Durability	Thanks to its stone composition, marble plaster is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
Versatility	This plaster can be applied to various surfaces, allowing for creative and unique designs in any room.
Easy Maintenance	With minimal effort, marble plaster surfaces can be kept clean and polished, retaining their shine.

What is it

The final finishing of the surfaces of interior spaces of buildings and facades is made with various materials. Plaster finishing with marble is a durable, pleasing to the eye coating that reliably protects the building structures on which it is applied. To create it, a mortar is used, which, after hardening, can last up to 20 years, can be washed with a brush, and will not become moldy from dampness. It will delight you with the beauty of natural stone in tones inherent in nature. The decorative coating is endowed with such qualities by the flour or small grains of marble present in its composition. Marble plaster, according to the classification, belongs to the mineral type of finishes.

Types and composition of plaster mortar with marble

Marble processing waste is used as a filler for plaster mortar. It can be used as calibrated chips or flour (also known as Venetian plaster or Venetian), sometimes combined with granite grains or other stones. Decorative marble plaster, as it is commonly called, comes in two varieties based on the makeup of the stone inclusions.

• Marble, in which only marble chips are used as fillers,
• Mosaic, in which the filler, in addition to marble, is granite (granite-marble or simply granite plaster for interior/exterior work), malachite, quartz, lapis lazuli, as well as other stones.

Both angular (crushed stone) and spherical (rounded) fine-grained stone filler are available. The stone grains are fractionated in order to apply the solution in an even layer with the same thickness. As a result, the size of the stone grains varies among finishing mixtures:

• fine-grained – with granules of 0.2-1.0 mm,
• medium-grained – granules of 1-3 mm,
• coarse-grained – marble plaster for external work with grains of 3-5 mm.

The size of the grains affects the surface’s texture. A finer, more intricate pattern can be created because smoother surfaces result from using finer filler. Thus, exterior finishing works use coarse-grained mixtures, while interior property decoration uses fine-grained, flour-containing mixtures.

The plaster mass includes binders in addition to the stone filler that keep the stone particles together and create a plastered surface:

• slaked lime, used since ancient Roman times;
• mineral binders (cement);
• acrylic latex water-soluble emulsion increases adhesion to concrete surfaces (polymers of acrylic resin, which in pure form, when hardened, turns into plexiglass, impart frost resistance, some elasticity, as a result of which microcracks do not appear, the durability of the plaster coating increases).

Additional elements of the plaster mixture consist of:

• additives that impart water-repellent properties,
• substances with antiseptic action,
• preservatives,
• mineral and artificial coloring pigments
• components from which marble plaster in the interior acquires additional decorativeness, for example, mother-of-pearl, glitter, etc.d.

DIY marble plaster mortar

Recipes for making decorative mass that you can finish by hand:

• filler: 1.89 l. — marble chips/flour;
• binder: 1.89 l sand-cement mixture or slaked lime;
• color: pigment of the desired color;
• plasticizer: 360 ml linseed oil + 30 ml soap;
• 180 ml water.

• filler 3 h. — chips and/or flour;
• binder 1 h. — slaked lime (inner), white cement M400 and higher (for facades);
• water.

It is not difficult to obtain a homogeneous mass using a drill with an attachment.

Video of applying a mosaic plaster mixture.

Advantages and disadvantages of finishing with the inclusion of marble

The components of a mixture determine its qualities and properties. Plaster compositions can have benefits or drawbacks depending on the kind and quantity of the composition.

The ensuing favorable attributes are observable:

• durability,
• wear resistance,
• resistance to fungus, rot, mold,
• strength (the most durable with the addition of granite chips),
• resistance to precipitation (also used in damp rooms, such as bathrooms),
• resistance to aggressive atmospheric substances,
• vapor permeability (condensation does not accumulate on the walls),
• withstands large temperature fluctuations,
• immunity to ultraviolet radiation (does not fade or deteriorate, no need to paint),
• non -toxicity,
• Light application (so it is suitable for finishing surfaces of various configurations – columns, curly ledges, niches, etc.D.),
• universality (lies well, rests on surfaces from various materials: drywall, concrete, brick, etc.),
• practicality (easily repaired, cleaned),
• non-flammability,
• covering power (helps hide surface irregularities),
• variety of ready-made mixtures,

Drawbacks:

• vulnerability to some acids,
• higher specific gravity of the coating due to the presence of stone components,
• plastering is performed only at temperatures from +5 to +35 °C,
• possibility of plastering facades only after the building has settled,
• not the cheapest (refers more to ready-made compositions).

Marble plaster transforms ordinary walls into gorgeous, polished surfaces that resemble real marble, bringing the timeless elegance and durability of natural stone into your home. It’s the ideal option for people who wish to have the opulent appearance and texture of stone without the weight or expense, providing beauty and durability to elevate any interior area.

Necessary tools

In order to complete plastering tasks, you’ll need:

• an electric drill with a nozzle for mixing the solution or a drill-mixer,
• masking tape,
• a container for mixing,
• a stainless steel trowel,
• wide, narrow spatulas,
• metal floats,
• roller,
• trowel,
• tape measure,
• flat brush,
• stepladder,
• building level,
• rags.

Covering material will make cleanup easier after the job is finished. Remember to put it to use.

Preparing the walls

The surface must be adequately prepared before applying marble plaster. It is not necessary to level a surface with small flaws before using decorative mortar with chips. The only surface that Venetian plaster requires is perfect. Prominent irregularities are filled in with putty or eliminated using a float.

After drying, the walls are primed (to improve adhesion). Rust must be removed from metal parts. If the wall was previously treated with drying oil or copper sulfate solutions, PF-115 enamel is applied to neutralize the effects. The surface is painted in a composition that closely resembles the color of the decorative coating (second primer) in order to improve the decorative effect and keep stains from showing. Each preparatory layer needs to be completely dried after application.

Technology for applying a solution with marble chips

Plastering is done between +5 and +30 °C in order to ensure that the finishing solution lies smoothly and firmly. Additionally, it is preferable to avoid working in the intense sun if, for instance, mosaic marble plaster is applied to the facade. Additionally, avoid plastering facades in the rain.

When using pre-made mixes (which are packaged in plastic bags), they should first be poured into a mixing container and mixed with water according to the package’s instructions (up to 1 liter for 15 kg of packaging). Using an attachment on your electric drill, thoroughly mix. The primary issue is that no more free water is available.

It is not advised to stop after applying one layer because the mixtures shrink and lose moisture as they dry, making the layer thinner. It is necessary to cover the entire plastered surface in a single day, without taking any extended breaks, working in horizontal rows (row by row) from corner to corner. Then, there won’t be much of a wait between applying rows. If not, all of the joints created during the break will be readily apparent after drying. Masking tape is used to restrict the area that needs to be treated if it is too big to finish in a single working day.

Video. Decorative marble coating the entire application process.

Applying the coating

Applying marble plaster is a simple process. The plaster solution is collected on a trowel using a spatula in small portions. Then apply a thin layer (1 to 2 times the size of stone particles) to the surface to be plastered with pressure. The trowel is first held at an angle of 15 degrees toward the wall, decreasing the angle until the mortar is completely transferred from the trowel. The small portion of the mixture remaining on the trowel is thrown back into the container, since the remainder is more liquid. After several cycles (3-4) of applying the mixture to the wall, the trowel is cleaned of its remains with a damp cloth so that the drying lumps do not lift the layer being laid.

Beginning at the bottom edge of the wall that needs to be covered, apply the layer corner to corner. After the layer is applied, it is rubbed for correction and smoothing using a steel float that has been moistened with water for a brief period of time (15 to 30 minutes). Following application, the layer is left to dry for a minimum of one day.

By giving facades, hallways, and rooms with significant cross-country capability a stone crumbs finish, varnish can be used to enhance operational qualities. This decorative coating can be brush-washed with detergents. The varnish is applied with a roller. For an entire day, the treated surface is left to dry.

The technology is as follows, to put it briefly:

• The base (wall, facade) is prepared, if necessary, defects are corrected,
• A layer of base primer is applied,
• The primer coating is dried for 24 hours,
• If necessary, a primer with a color close to the color of the decorative coating is applied,
• A layer of decorative mortar with stone granules is applied,
• After 15-30 minutes it is smoothed out and rubbed,
• Dried for 24 hours,
• A protective varnish or wax coating is applied with a roller,
• Drying for 24 hours.

Application to the facade

There are several ways in which the conditions outside and inside are different. Facades are subjected to extreme temperature swings, intense precipitation, including hail, and intense sunlight. Higher probability of impact effects. For exterior decoration, special facade plaster containing marble chips is used.

Plastering facades should ideally begin in dry, warm weather. The moisture content of the facade material that needs to be coated cannot be higher than 5%. The technology used to complete external work is comparable to what was previously mentioned. Is everything done the same as when working internally? No, there are a few subtleties.

1. Coarse-grained mixtures are mainly used for exterior finishing. Their specific gravity is greater, therefore there is a special requirement for the quality of processing of facade walls and compliance with all conditions ensuring high adhesion.
2. The mortar protruding from the joints is knocked down on the brickwork, and the masonry itself is plastered and dried.
3. The primer is applied in at least 2-3 layers, allowing each layer to dry. To do this, use a deeply penetrating acrylic primer. Cover with a brush or roller.
4. Marble or mosaic facade plaster should be stocked in such a volume that it is enough to finish at least one wall entirely (from corner to corner).
5. It is also necessary to have enough time to apply it. Therefore, if possible, it is better to work together. One person will apply the coating, the second will rub it in.

The task can be completed mechanically or manually. A pneumatic crumbler is used in mechanical applications. The nozzle is positioned half a meter away from the wall and sprayed from top to bottom. The solution is thrown, then rubbed in to prevent it from setting.

The finish is cleaned with a steel float after it has dried. Next, a layer of varnish is applied for protection. The varnish is chosen from outdoor-use varieties.

Application of decorative material indoors

Plaster is used indoors to decorate interior walls. This is typically a finely grained mixture. If a coarse-grained mixture is used, it should only be in small, focused areas because it visually weighs down the space. This also holds true for ornamental bark beetle plaster used for interior wall decoration. They attempt to keep the decorative layer’s thickness to no more than 1-1.5 marble chip sizes in order to maintain its thinness. A crumbler can be used if the wall’s treatment area is quite large.

The composition of marble plaster intended for interior use differs slightly from that intended for use in harsh environments (though it can still be used inside buildings). The binder is the primary distinction. A composition using an acrylic binder is utilized for facades. Any type of binder works well for compositions intended to cover the room’s walls.

It is preferable to work when it is not raining outside because the room shouldn’t be overly humid. Direct sunlight should not be shining on the wall. Until the final coat is fully dry, all built-in electrical appliances must be turned off. Wax is a better option than varnish since the latter releases harmful substances that take a long time to evaporate when it dries.

Creating a stone pattern

Decorative plaster marble chips, which come in a variety of colors, are used to enhance the design’s aesthetic appeal. Applying decorative elements with rectilinear outlines is not difficult at all. To stop two compositions with different colors applied next to each other from blending together, use masking tape. For the task, you will also need a pencil and a lath of the necessary length. Use templates if a drawing with more intricate outlines is needed.

The drawing is carefully considered first. After that, it is transferred to the wall surface with a lath and a pencil. Masking tape is used to adhere the plaster composition to the surrounding area, filling it with a single color. After that, the area is covered with the first composition. Try not to inadvertently "paint over" the areas behind the tape at the same time. After fifteen to twenty minutes, the adhesive tape is carefully removed.

One day later, an adhesive tape strip is also adhered to the composition’s edge that was laid the day before and allowed to dry. It will assist in preventing the border area from becoming contaminated by a different color composition applied to the nearby area. Additionally, the tape is taken off.

Video lesson on creating a "stone" pattern

Marble plaster provides an opulent finish that is both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly useful, bringing the timeless elegance and durability of natural stone into your home. Marble plaster’s versatility and charm make it the ideal choice for creating a modern, sleek design or a classic, sophisticated atmosphere.

Marble plaster is renowned for its strength and resilience in addition to its aesthetic appeal. Because it is long-lasting and resistant to deterioration, this kind of plaster will not fade over time. It’s an investment in the longevity and caliber of your walls, not just a style decision.

You can combine the practicality required for daily living with the natural beauty of stone by adding marble plaster to your home. Any space can be transformed by its distinct texture and rich, natural tones, which add a touch of luxury and coziness that is difficult to achieve with other materials.

Selecting marble plaster is choosing a material that is notable for its strength and appearance. Making this decision will improve the character and value of your house for many years to come by bringing the power and allure of natural stone into your living area.

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