Decorative plaster gives walls a distinctive touch and improves any space’s aesthetic appeal. But proper painting is necessary to ensure durability and bring out its true beauty. Knowing the proper supplies and methods for painting decorative plaster can have a big impact on the outcome.
The type of decorative plaster used has a major influence on the paint selection and application technique. Certain finishes might need specific primers or paints to keep their look and feel. The decorative elements of the plaster can be preserved while still achieving a smooth, even coat by using the appropriate products.
The intended finish also affects the application techniques. Depending on your preference, there are advantages and optimal applications for brush, roller, and spray techniques. Long-lasting effects and a professional appearance are ensured by using paint application techniques correctly. You can achieve a beautiful finish and effectively enhance your decorative plaster by adhering to these guidelines.
| Material | Description |
| Primer | Prepares the surface for paint by ensuring better adhesion and coverage. |
| Decorative Paint | Specially formulated paint for adding color and texture to decorative plaster. |
| Brushes | Used for applying paint in detailed or small areas. |
| Rollers | Effective for covering larger areas with an even coat of paint. |
| Sprayers | Quickly applies paint and is ideal for large surfaces or textured areas. |
| Sealant | Protects the painted surface from damage and weathering. |
| Drop Cloths | Used to protect floors and furniture from paint splatters. |
| Painter"s Tape | Used to mask off areas that should not be painted for clean edges. |
Choosing the appropriate materials and applying them correctly are crucial for achieving a perfect finish on decorative plaster. This article discusses the essential supplies, such as paints and primers that work well with decorative plaster, and provides application techniques that produce a finish that is vibrant, smooth, and long-lasting. You can improve the aesthetic appeal and durability of your plastered surfaces by adhering to these guidelines.
What colors to choose
In addition to finishing repair work, coloring decorative plaster lets you create a one-of-a-kind design. Furthermore, paint coverage adds another layer of protection.
Plastering designs like "fur coat," "bark beetle," and "American" are frequently used to decorate facades. Usually, only one color is painted on such textured plaster. Paint options include silicone, silicate, and acrylic. These varieties come in a variety of colors, are suitable for outdoor work, and are resistant to moisture. They are also superior to oil and alkyd paint in terms of vapor permeability.
Once they have dried, facade paints leave behind a sturdy layer that is immune to weather and temperature fluctuations on the plaster’s surface. The manufacturer’s shade table is followed when tinting them, and white is the color that is most frequently offered. The consumption of textured plaster varies slightly. For instance, when applied in a single layer, acrylic paint will weigh between 0.17 and 0.2 kg/m2. Regarding silicate, 0.15–0.3 l/m2
Water-based paint works well for interior painting. It can be used to paint decorative plaster manually with a brush or roller, or automatically with a spray gun. Painting turns the walls into a matte surface.
Acrylic paints are also widely used for interior repairs. They are appropriate for humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Because acrylic coating has a higher wear resistance than water-based paint, it is frequently used to shield decorative plaster in hallways.
The characteristics of latex paints are strikingly similar to those of acrylic paints. They are also highly adaptable, easily adhering to gypsum and cement bases.
Which paint is more suitable for painting? Technically speaking, ornamental plaster is irrelevant; any combination of hues and tones is possible. Customers therefore frequently consider the material’s price when making a decision. Look for the matching marking on the can if you are selecting a coating for the facade.
Painting decorative plaster
The final step in finishing is choosing the paint. This is a simple, yet responsible, process. We’ll look at a few common techniques for painting decorative plaster below, including painting in one color, multiple shades, using a "dry brush" technique, and "washing."
In order to complete the task, get the required tools ready:
- roller (depending on the chosen method, it can be with long, short pile, foam or rubber);
- wide and narrow brush;
- roller tray;
- stepladder.
Using a spray gun with a compressor makes sense sometimes when painting a large area.
Painting is done after the plaster has completely dried to prevent streaks from showing through or the texture from being compromised. Use a primer before painting.
In one color
The simplest technique for painting plaster in a single color is known as "in one pass." In this instance, the wall must be covered in a seamless, even layer. Initially, the paint is applied carefully into the relief’s grooves using a spray gun or a roller with a long pile. Smudges and excesses are removed using a roller.
The protective coating is applied by raising and lowering the roller. Every vertical layer that is applied captures the one before it.
For consistent painting, when using a large brush, the movements should be made first in a vertical direction and then a horizontal one.
This technique works with any kind of decorative plaster.
Two shades
Using a roller with a long pile, the first tone is first applied to the wall in a thick layer.
Use a sponge or foam roller for the second tone. Apply a thin coat of paint to the roller by using the tray’s spikes. The textured plaster is then covered only where it protrudes. The original color of the recesses is still present.
Another method for painting in two colors is to color the primer first, and then paint the areas that stick out.
Dry brush technique
Applying the first tone follows the same steps as the previous technique. Using a brush, apply the second and subsequent colors sparingly to the parts that protrude. The key to the technique is how little paint the brush picks up. Only the very tops of the relief are painted evenly on this occasion. Usually, a lighter tone is selected for the second tone than the first. You can apply glitter or coat in gold, bronze, or silver colors.
Removing paint for highlighting
Interior work is a good fit for this technique. First, a single color is painted on the plastered walls. Apply a thin layer of water-based paint on a small portion of the wall. After that, use a moist sponge to wipe off all of the paint. It only stays in the ornamental plaster’s nooks and crannies. In this instance, highlighting the depressions is the primary goal. One of the aforementioned techniques can be used to tint the tops of the relief a different color if desired.
Removing paint is another way to achieve a color contrast. Completely paint the plastered wall and allow it to dry for a minimum of one day. Next, using a hand or power tool, lightly sand the textured surface to eliminate the paint and any plaster protrusions. A spatula can be used "to strip." As seen in photo No. 3, it transpires.
Venetian plaster effect
Natural stone, such as marble, granite, or malachite, is mimicked by venetian plaster. Stone chips were actually used in the classical technology, and this was an extremely costly coating. For such decor, commonplace glazing compounds, paints, and mixes for gypsum plaster are now utilized. Anyone can imitate "Venetian" culture if they have the right skills. Let’s examine each method sequentially.
A base color has been painted on the wall. To ensure that the paint gets into all of the nooks and crannies of the ornamental plaster, use a roller with a long pile. Using a narrow brush makes painting the door frame’s joints and corners easier.
The second hue is chosen to have a metallic sheen, such as bronze, silver, or gilding. The easiest to obtain is "silver" aluminum powder. It is diluted in a 1:1 ratio on a transparent base, such as a universal primer. Next, simply roll over the texture’s tops with a tiny foam roller. In the voids, the base color is still discernible. The roller needs to be shaded in order to prevent streaks from being left behind.
Applying varnish to the Venetian plaster is the third step. Variations in the composition of this finishing coating allow for the creation of various shades, shines, and effects. First, you’ll need water-based acrylic varnish. It is diluted with 30% water so that there is no visible crust on the wall. Then, for every liter, add one teaspoon of glitter. Sparkles with a shimmering effect are called glitter. The entire surface of the ornamental plaster is covered with the resultant mixture. Once more, a tiny foam roller is employed. The glitters eventually sink to the bottom of the container, so you have to stir the varnish.
Wax, varnish and glazing compounds
To add another decorative and water-repellent layer, wax is applied. Ideal for all kinds of plaster, but particularly for imitation and Venetian stone. Brighter shade and a lovely sheen are the end results.
Varieties of wax
- liquid;
- gel;
- natural;
- synthetic.
For smooth walls as well as relief, liquid wax is utilized. With a gentle cloth, it is applied. Apply gel using a rubber spatula. Becoming a beekeeper’s product, natural wax is seldom used for finishing. A product composed of synthetic materials is impervious to variations in humidity and temperature. The surface is matte and robust.
Wall processing of this kind can be colored or transparent. You must ensure that the wall is free of dust before applying. No breaks are taken while working on the coating. You still have four hours to correct errors. One square meter requires 50–80 grams of material.
See our article for more information about decorative wax, including recipes for its application and preparation.
Varnish is the final coat that strengthens the plaster’s surface, shields it from moisture and mechanical damage, and—most importantly—improves the way the decorated walls look. Water-soluble acrylic varnishes are used for interior decoration, while organic solvents are used for the facade.
If desired, add glitter or pigment (kner) and stir before adding the varnish. A gentle foam roller is used to apply a single coat of paint to the walls.
Varnish comes in three different types: glossy, matte, and creature (cracks).
Paint with a translucent topcoat known as glaze or glazing composition. Use on a textured or level surface. Both indoor and outdoor use is acceptable. Use the mixture when the temperature is at least +10˚C. Use a sponge or a special glove to coat. Divide the surface into squares visually, then gradually apply the composition using strokes, highlighting the joints. A glazing composition allows for the creation of a lovely color transition.
This subject is covered in a different article called Varnish for Decorative Plaster. It describes the process of self-preparation and application.
Painting decorative plaster can greatly improve the appearance of your walls and give your room a special, personalized touch. A beautiful finish that brings out the texture and personality of the plaster can be achieved by selecting the appropriate supplies and techniques. To guarantee durability and a polished look, it’s critical to use premium paint and equipment designed for decorative surfaces.
The secret to a successful painting project is preparation. Painting over a plaster surface that has been cleaned and primed properly will improve paint adhesion and minimize problems with peeling or uneven coverage. Maintaining proper application techniques will also help ensure a uniform and flawless finish. Depending on the texture and pattern of your plaster, there are benefits to using a brush, roller, or sprayer.
Maintaining your painted plaster regularly will keep it vibrant and new-looking. Paint longevity can be increased and wall aesthetics preserved with regular touch-ups and mild cleaning. You can make sure that your decorative plaster in your house lasts a long time and looks great by putting time and effort into the painting process.
