Mosaic plaster is a reliable decorative coating for the walls of a house

For finishing walls both inside and outside, mosaic plaster is a flexible and long-lasting choice. This kind of plaster, distinguished by its unique mixture of colored granules, produces a textured surface that is resistant to weather and wear in addition to looking fantastic.

This coating is frequently used in places where both practicality and aesthetics are required. Because of its special construction, it is especially well-suited for outdoor applications as it can withstand moisture, impacts, and UV rays. Additionally, homeowners can express their creativity with the vast array of colors and textures that are available while still guaranteeing long-lasting protection.

Composition of plaster, its advantages and disadvantages

After experimenting a little with the components of stone, producers of plaster mixtures have obtained a variety of coatings that are unique in their surface. They are symbolized by rolled chips, which are densely packed stone grains with rounded edges. The type of stone determines the coating’s non-fading color, and the size of the grains determines the surface texture. The mosaic pebble mixture consists of several modifying additives, stone chips, and a binder base. These compositions have stone granules as their primary determining factor, with the base binders acting as a secondary factor.

The primary benefits consist of:

• durability,
• resistance to ultraviolet radiation, maintaining a fresh bright appearance for many years,
• withstands climate "upheavals" well – heat, cold winters, wind, hail and torrential rain,
• the plaster is vapor-permeable, the walls underneath breathe, dries a little longer, but does not allow water to reach the walls,
• is neutral to detergents, can be washed with water under pressure from a hose,
• polymer-based compositions are not subject to cracking at all ,
• easy application of the composition, due to the fact that it is only required to lay it evenly,
• suitability for any base that is leveled and has no serious flaws,
• versatility of use,
• resistance to mold, rot,
• high decorative qualities, due to the color range and variety of textures,
• forms a seamless coating.

The drawbacks consist of:

• high cost,
• possible shedding of grains if the work technology is violated,
• difficulty in dismantling the finished coating.

Types of mixtures

Mosaic plaster is created on one or more binder bases, just like any other plaster mixture. These binders, which can be natural or synthetic, have a big impact on the characteristics of solutions and the final coating. For example, silicate mineral compositions are not used for finishing rooms in areas susceptible to earthquakes or where there is a railway nearby. Silicone ones work well for facades and rooms.

Mosaic plasters are categorized as follows based on the kind of binders used:

• mineral (lime, cement),
• acrylic (binders – acrylic resins),
• silicone (internal connection of components due to synthetic resins),
• silicate (liquid glass acts as a connector),
• mixed (silicate-silicone).

The type of filler used also distinguishes mixtures. The following factors determine color tonality and spectacular appearance:

• marble,
• onyx,
• granite,
• malachite,
• quartz,
• lapis lazuli.

Travertine and other minerals have been utilized for a long time in addition to these popular varieties of stone. Mixtures of mono-rocks, such as marble and granite or marble and malachite, go well with mixed stone combinations. The plaster’s name has the stone’s name on display.

The size of the stone grains is another factor used to differentiate mixtures:

• grain size 1.5-2 mm distinguishes coarse-grained mixture,
• 1.2-1.5mm – medium grain mixture,
• 0.9-1.2mm – fine-grained composition,
• 0.5-1.8mm – fine-textured mixture.

The range of applicability serves as the selection criterion.

• for interior decoration,
• facade plaster,
• universal application,
• for basement coverings.

As a result, unique acrylic decorative plaster is meant for the base’s mosaic finishing.

Necessary tool

In order to work, you’ll need:

1. spatula,
2. stainless steel trowel or trowel,
3. priming tool – brush,
4. masking tape,
5. marking tools,
6. mixer,
7. clean rags.

Surface preparation

For this kind of plaster, the base must be level, sturdy, and free of significant surface flaws. Efflorescence, grease stains, mold, and chalk stains with weak adhesion are not acceptable. The proper methods must be used to eradicate this. It’s also necessary to dry the base. Gouges and cracks need to be "healed," and products with metal protrusions need to be coated with specific primers to prevent rust from developing later. Apply a drying oil coat to wooden walls.

1. A thoroughly cleaned and dried wall is brushed with an impregnation that can penetrate deep into the pores of the wall.
2. After 4-6 hours, coat with a quartz primer using a brush or roller with a short coat. Brush strokes should be in different directions so that a rough coating with good adhesion is formed on the wall. It is better if there are 2 soil layers.
3. When using a colored pebble mosaic mixture, the primer must be tinted to match the color of the stone granules so that after drying, white spots of the primer do not show through the plaster layer.

After priming, it is best to begin plastering the next day to allow all chemical reactions to finish.

Technology and conditions of application on the facade and base

Environmental conditions

The feature of polymer-based decorative plaster mosaic is as follows. Its base turns transparent as it dries, making only the pebbles visible. You shouldn’t use dark tone combinations for the facade if it will cover a large area because it may appear slightly whitish after rain. It is preferable to use light tone solutions for larger areas.

Since plastering outdoors necessitates extra attention to detail when applying the mosaic mixture, it is best done in late spring or early summer.

It is recommended that the outside air temperature remain between +10 °C and +25 °C. Maximum allowable air humidity is 80%. The sun’s rays shouldn’t heat the surface of the wall or base.

Shading is required until the plaster solidifies. The facade’s mosaic plaster dries in three days. In addition, it needs to be shielded from precipitation. Additionally, working on days with wind is prohibited.

It is preferable to postpone the work until a later time if the air temperature does not match the one that has been specified. Rain can wash off a hardening that has slowed down due to temperature violations. Defects also result from wind drying the adhesive composition on the surface prematurely. The scaffolding needs to be 40–60 cm away from the wall in order to prevent raindrop splashes from discoloring and damaging the mosaic covering.

Basic rules for application

Because stone chips are made of natural materials, their color may differ from batch to batch. Therefore, purchasing ready-made compositions in large quantities at once is recommended. If that fails, you will need to mix the required number of prepared mixtures in a large container with a small reserve using a mixer.

There is one more feature to decorative mosaic plaster. It cannot be pressed firmly or rubbed in circles as this will force the base milk out and cause it to flow down. Consequently, the crumbs stick together and stick to the wall even more.

For the base, a meter-wide mosaic plaster is applied in strips. The strips are slightly flattened after application to improve the crumb grain distribution. To prevent damage, capillary suction of moisture, and contamination, the bottom of the coating should not come into contact with the ground.

A video showing how to apply the substance to a building’s foundation.

The application is completed uninterruptedly from corner to corner. Preserving the edge of the treated layer from drying out is also essential. As a result, it is preferable to divide the work among two or three persons when working on a large wall. Masking tape needs to be used to protect the treated area’s edge.

1. Before use, mix the solution with a mixer.
2. Apply the mixture with a trowel in an even layer one and a half grains thick.
3. If the coating is done in two layers, the second layer is applied without waiting for the first to dry.

Applying pebble mortar is simple. Following all guidelines and regulations is crucial.

House walls look better and last longer when decorated with mosaic plaster, which is a flexible and long-lasting material. Its distinctive mixture of vibrant granules set in a resilient binder produces a visually appealing, textured surface that is resistant to weather, impacts, and general wear and tear. Mosaic plaster is a popular option for both indoor and outdoor spaces because it is simple to apply and maintain, adding style while giving your home’s walls strong protection.

Technology of indoor use

Indoor mosaic wall plastering offers several technological advantages as well. Every task needs to be planned first. Plaster needs to be kept out of areas that aren’t meant to be covered in it. For protection, masking tape is adhered to the demarcation lines. After applying the layer and smoothing it out, it is immediately removed. Use covering material to cover the floors (this kind of plaster crumbles easier than others).

You want to give the solution at least a finger swipe because of something magical about it. Therefore, when plastering, it is best to ensure that no strangers are present.

Making an effort to prevent impregnation or primer from getting on the masking tape is crucial. They have the potential to damage the base and dissolve the adhesive layer. You must take immediate action with a moist cloth or sponge to remove any working mixture that may have gotten on nearby surfaces.

Mosaic plaster, which has medium and fine crumbs, is used to decorate walls in interior work. The thickness of the layer is roughly 2-3 mm. You can only apply two layers at a time. Wet-on-wet method of application.

Use masking tape to create colored patterns or designs by using different colors to separate the areas. Tape is used to cover an area of one color on the outside perimeter. The tape is taken off after the layer is applied. Next day, nearby areas are plastered. The dried edge of the coating that was applied the day before is taped off, and a fresh coating is applied flush with the surrounding area.

A video that demonstrates how to make colorful patterns.

Stencils can be used to make patterns. The stencil is applied over the coating if the plan calls for the color detail to stand out in relief. The pattern detail is created using the stencil first if there is to be no relief. The surrounding area is then covered (after a day, and with the tape protection mentioned above).

Drying and finishing

The mosaic mixture should dry naturally—that is, without causing the process to be accelerated—after application. 48 hours will pass during drying (touch – 12 hours). Batteries and radiators should be turned off or insulated because of the high temperature surrounding them.

As a protective layer, a varnish coating is occasionally used. It adds more sheen to the surface. It is not, however, at all required. To prevent chemical resistance, the varnish is chosen based on the foundation of the plaster mixture. Using a roller, the varnish is applied to the coating.

Mixture consumption and restoration of damage

Because of the weight of the stone material, mosaic plaster is a little heavier than other plasters for wall decoration, but not heavier than imitation natural stone. The size of the grain fraction and the overall thickness of the coating layer determine the average consumption per square meter:

• fine-fraction – 2-3 kg;
• fine-grained – up to 4 kg;
• medium grit – up to 5.5kg;
• coarse-grained – up to 7.5 kg

The mosaic covering is robust. It will be removed with it if it was applied over a soft primer. In many cases, the mosaic is repaired by simply puttying the old coating over it. You must wait two days if you need to apply a fresh layer after the first one has started to dry out. Applying a layer will be more challenging in this scenario, and consumption will increase. An old, well-worn coating is primed with quartz compound, puttied level, and painted with impregnation.

Feature	Details
Durability	Mosaic plaster is long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for exterior walls.
Appearance	The decorative finish comes in a range of colors and textures, adding style to any wall surface.
Application	It is easy to apply and can cover small imperfections, giving walls a smooth and even finish.
Weather Resistance	Mosaic plaster withstands harsh weather conditions, protecting walls from moisture and damage.
Maintenance	The coating requires minimal upkeep, keeping walls looking fresh for years.

For those looking for a wall finishing solution that combines durability and beauty, mosaic plaster is a great choice. Its special formula, which combines resin with real stone chips, produces a resilient but aesthetically pleasing coating that can withstand inclement weather and normal wear and tear. It is therefore a sensible option for both internal and external walls.

Mosaic plaster is strong, but it also has design versatility. It is simple to locate a style that goes well with your house thanks to the large selection of colors and textures. You can achieve the look you want with this material, regardless of whether you like a more striking or subtle finish.

Finally, with the proper planning and execution, applying mosaic plaster is simple. The outcomes are worthwhile even though it necessitates close attention to detail. You’re left with a durable, low-maintenance coating that protects and improves the appearance of your walls.

Video on the topic

June 21, 2024. Decorative paint Fascino