Pebble decorative plaster: types and methods of application

Decorative plaster with pebbles is a novel way to give your walls character and texture. Natural stone fragments are used in this type of plaster to give surfaces a unique, eye-catching finish that makes a statement in any area. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, pebble plaster is a practical option for both indoor and outdoor applications due to its strength and resistance to wear.

Pebble decorative plaster comes in a variety of forms, each with a unique range of aesthetic possibilities. The variety of options, from larger, more rugged stones to smaller, smoother pebbles, enables you to create a unique look that fits your design preferences. The application procedure is simple, but in order to get the desired result, care must be taken.

This post will explain the various kinds of pebble decorative plaster that are available and walk you through the application procedures. It will be easier for you to make an informed decision and accomplish expert results if you are aware of your options, whether you want to add a feature wall or renovate an area.

Description and features of pebble plaster

It is evident from the material’s name that pebble plaster contains tiny pebbles. Applying small pebbles to the surface results in intriguing patterns, pits, and depressions that contribute to the wall’s unique design.

On the other hand, the material’s stones have unique qualities. Their uniform size and shape aids in dispersing the mixture throughout the surface equally. Stones that have been specially prepared and their edges pre-processed to give them the right shape are used in the mixture.

Granite chips, marble pebbles, synthetic materials, and binders are all present in modern mixtures. The walls are reliably protected from the effects of environmental factors by the combination of the components presented.

Types of pebble plaster

Different types of materials with varying compositions, qualities, and fundamental characteristics can be found in construction stores. Among the various types of material that are currently available, the following stand out:

• Cement plaster consists of cement and binders that provide strength and plasticity of the mixture. This option is one of the simplest and most affordable types of mixtures.
• The acrylic version of the solution adheres well to the surface, is easily applied to walls, and is usually sold as a ready-made mixture.
• There are options using silicate additives. Such options make the coating waterproof and also provide additional protection.
• Silicone mixtures are suitable for a wide variety of walls. Synthetic rubber, which is part of the composition, creates an additional protective layer. The wall after applying silicone plaster becomes stronger, in addition, fungus does not appear on it due to the water-repellent film.

The amount and caliber of pebbles used in the plaster determine the kind of coating that is produced. The following are pebble plasters:

1. Mosaic. Contains marble and granite chips of different colors. When applied to a wall, the coating resembles a mosaic.
2. Marble or granite. Here, marble or granite chips are also included, but monochromatic, usually black. Such plaster can be pre-tinted in the desired color.
3. Bark beetle. Differs in the number of chips, here there are much fewer of them, this allows you to create a unique pattern.

Requirements for the use of pebble plaster

Examine the plaster’s application features before using the version that is being presented. The following are some of the primary characteristics of operation that builders stress:

• Decorative coating should be applied only to pre-prepared walls.
• The temperature at which plaster can be applied is in the range from +5 to +25 degrees Celsius.
• The material hardens quickly, this should be taken into account when applying to the wall. If the work involves a large area, the wall should be divided into several sections in advance.
• You cannot apply raw mortar on top of the applied material, this can damage the structure and also worsen the quality of the coating.

If the wall is exposed to direct sunlight, you cannot apply the material.

Working tools

Prior to beginning wall finishing work, get the necessary tools ready:

• A container for mixing the solution;
• A set of trowels, spatulas and rules for evenly distributing the mixture over the wall;
• A set of pencils and masking tape for applying marks;
• Soft and textured rollers for creating patterns;
• A mixer for preparing the working solution;
• If it is necessary to perform work on the upper part of the wall, you should prepare a ladder or stepladder;
• Personal protective equipment for safe and comfortable performance of all stages of work.

The features of the wall decoration may require adding to the list of tools used while working.

Preparing the mixture

It is advised that the purchased mixture be properly prepared before applying the coating. To accomplish this, prepare the solution according to the following guidelines:

1. For a 25 kg bag, you need to add 5 liters of water. For smaller volumes, you should proceed from the fact that for 1 kg of the mixture you need to add 1 glass of water (200 ml).
2. Usually, the granules in the mixture are not always selected equally finely, there may be heterogeneous particles. In this regard, you should thoroughly mix the solution with a construction mixer. Experts recommend mixing the solution for 2-3 minutes, and then take a break. A similar procedure must be repeated several times to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
3. When the mixture is ready, you need to have time to apply it to the wall within an hour, since the material dries quickly, and also forms a uniform structure.

Pebble decorative plaster combines the robustness and adaptability of plaster with the inherent beauty of small stones to create a distinctive and textured wall finish. There are several styles available for this kind of plaster, and each one offers unique visual effects that can improve surfaces on the inside as well as the outside. Gaining expertise in the various varieties and application techniques is essential to producing a polished, long-lasting finish that infuses any area with personality and charm.

Wall preparation

The first step in any wall finishing project is surface preparation. In this instance, the planning process follows a typical schedule:

1. Initially, you should remove old coatings from the wall, for this you can use any available materials. It is important that there are no foreign materials left on the wall.
2. Small parts can be sanded with sandpaper or a grinding disc.
3. Contamination and fungal colonies are often found on the walls. The surface should be washed and treated with disinfectant solutions.
4. If the walls of the house have cracks and chips, they must be repaired to create a smooth surface.
5. The final stage of preparation is the application of a primer in order to level the coating and improve adhesion with the solution used. It will take about 12 hours for the primer to dry completely.

Application according to the rules

You should abide by the current regulations if you want finishing work of the highest caliber. Finishing work, both interior and external, must be completed strictly in compliance with the guidelines:

• First, apply a uniform layer, after smoothing it out, leave the mixture for 5-6 hours.
• After applying the second layer, the surface should dry for 5-10 minutes.
• Using a trowel, smooth out the mixture.
• Additionally, after drying, you can begin to form a pattern.
• It is necessary to carry out the work continuously until the completion of the selected square, otherwise the shade and structure of the coating will differ in different areas.
• The mixture will dry completely in about a day from the moment of application.

Do it yourself

The size of the granules in the mixture should be taken into consideration when selecting a manual application method. This will determine how thick the layer is that is applied. Applying plaster in a thin layer is worthwhile when working with fine-grained mixtures; it is best to enlist the help of an expert for this task.

Enough coarse-grained material, comprising sizable granule fractions, is needed to spread the solution uniformly across the wall.

It is important to keep in mind that because the material dries quickly, uneven coating formation may result. Coating the entire surface at once is the solution to this issue.

Machine method

You can apply the mixture using a machine to save time and effort. This kind of coating is most frequently applied during exterior finishing.

You can evenly distribute the material over the wall using the facade version of the coating with the aid of specialized equipment. After being automatically combined, the mixture is applied to the wall with great pressure. Using a trowel, the material is smoothed after application.

Consumption of pebble plaster

When utilizing decorative plaster for finishing work, one of the most crucial metrics to consider is the amount of material used. You can make lovely patterns on the wall by using plaster, but it’s important to estimate the amount of material needed beforehand, as it depends on the following:

• The size of the granules included in the composition. If the average size of the granules reaches 2 mm, 2 kg of solution will be required per square meter of coverage. With granules of 3 mm in size, 3-3.5 kg of the mixture will be needed.
• The characteristics of the surface and the presence of depressions in it. If the base contains many depressions, then when performing finishing work it will be necessary to increase the consumption of the material in order to create a layer for leveling the surface.
• The degree of adhesion of the material used. The better the material adheres to the wall, the less mixture will be needed.

It will take about two 25 kg packages with standard packaging to cover 10 square meters.

Popular manufacturers

You should look at the options that are currently available from reputable manufacturers if you want to find a composition that works well for finishing work. Notable among the most well-known pieces are the following:

• The most famous manufacturer of building materials is the company Ceresit. Pebble plaster Ceresit CT60 contains a mineral filler, while the solution is produced on an acrylic basis. Among the varieties of plaster from this manufacturer, Ceresit CT 72, CT 137 stand out.
• Plaster from the manufacturer Bolars is made of natural mineral chips. The material may differ in color and structure, most often this option is used for interior decoration.
• The mineral composition of the material from the company Knauf Diamant can be used for both interior and facade wall decoration.

Practical recommendations for applying facade plaster

It is worthwhile to use helpful guidance from knowledgeable artisans, builders, and designers to obtain a high-quality and lovely wall covering:

• If you want to create a unique design, you should listen to your own wishes. There are a huge number of finishing options, no master can tell about all the types. The variety of patterns that will be on the wall is limited only by the imagination of the finisher. It is worth trying to create a pattern on a small area. If it turns out well, you can decorate the entire wall in a similar style.
• When performing work, it is recommended to complete a section of the wall to the end. If you cannot complete the work from the end, you should stick masking tape, and then apply plaster to the marked line.
• If you want to increase the strength of the material, you can use varnish. To do this, after the plaster layer has dried, evenly distribute the varnish over the surface with a soft roller.
• So that the color of the wall does not differ in different areas, you should purchase material from the same batch. The packaging with decorative plaster indicates the batch number, before buying, you should check the compliance of the numbers on all packages.

Decorative plaster with pebbles is a beautiful and adaptable way to make your walls look better. Any room can benefit from its distinct texture and organic appearance, which exudes elegance. You can select the type that most closely matches your design requirements and tastes by being aware of the various types that are available.

Even though it involves some skill, the application process is simple enough for individuals who are willing to do it themselves. You can achieve a long-lasting, professional-looking finish with the correct equipment and preparation.

Pebble decorative plaster is a long-lasting and visually appealing option for refinishing walls or adding a focal point to a room. You can create artwork on your walls with a little effort.

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