Plastering for concrete: decor in the style of “Loft”

Plastering your concrete walls can be a great way to get the loft style look if you’re drawn to its rough, industrial charm. The loft design, which is renowned for its unpolished aesthetics, embraces the inherent beauty of construction materials and is perfect for producing visually arresting wall surfaces.

When plastered properly, concrete walls can acquire a distinctive texture and look that goes well with the loft aesthetic. This method improves your space’s aesthetic appeal while also bringing in a touch of character and sophistication that is characteristic of industrial design.

This guide will show you how to use plastering techniques to enhance the visual appeal of your concrete walls and make them a feature that draws the eye. You will find all the necessary materials to completely revamp your area, from selecting the ideal plaster type to applying it in a way that accentuates the loft aesthetic.

What does it look like

A "loft" is defined by brick and metal surfaces in addition to concrete walls. If your apartment isn’t paneled, you can use ornamental plaster to mimic the concrete surface. Although lighter colors can be made, the texture is rough and the color is similar to gray cement. With its muted, cold color scheme, this decor gives the impression of a workspace.

View the image to get an idea of the interior appearance of concrete plaster:

Concrete rectangles are drawn on fresh plaster to resemble a slab wall, and decorative elements such as rivets and mounting components are added. Incidentally, the texture of gray cement plaster is utilized in both "high-tech" and "loft" settings.

Material

Now let’s look at compositions that work well for concrete finishing.

Micro concrete, or microcement. This is a relatively new material that is used to make kitchen countertops and aprons, as well as plaster walls and floors. Good plasticity, strong adhesion, simplicity of application, and most importantly, durability, are the qualities that define microcement. The top layer of two-component epoxy varnish provides this thin (1-3 mm thick) decorative coating with high strength and wear resistance, similar to that of concrete. Suitable for finishing both outside and inside.

Ornamental plaster. There are numerous finishing compounds that can be tinted to match the color of gray concrete to mimic its appearance. However, some brands are designed specifically for plastering beneath concrete. Take Decorazza’s Art Beton, for instance. This is a mineral filler-infused acrylic water-dispersion solution that is ready to use. Approximately 1 kg per square meter is consumed at a thickness of 1 mm.

You can mention Derufa, SAN MARCO, and other plasters as analogues of Art beton. You’ll need a specific wax in addition to the main decorating material. This wax is applied thinly to the finished surface to add gloss, tint, and moisture resistance. Many finishing coating manufacturers carry this type of wax in their product lineup.

Mortar made of cement. Given that cement serves as the foundation for concrete, adding plaster to it will inevitably result in the appropriate texture and color. Furthermore, this will be the most affordable method of adding a loft-style wall decoration. However, basic cement-sand plaster leveling has drawbacks. Because it isn’t meant to be a finishing coat, it will eventually wear out, crumble, and crack. For example, varnish can be used to reinforce cement plaster. However, finishing will become more expensive, and decorative plaster for concrete is easier to use right away.

Adhesive for tiles. This material contains adhesive polymers and is based on cement and sand. They give the glue its exceptional strength. The surface of such plaster will always feel rough to the touch because the grains are larger than those of decorative plaster. Unless you combine tile adhesive with pure cement, it is unlikely that you will be able to get the polished concrete effect.

Application technique

You should choose the wall’s eventual texture before plastering it on. It appears as though there is nothing to consider; is it concrete? However, its basic surface can have varying appearances. For instance, you could imprint something on the ornamental layer that appears to be made from a wooden formwork. or include components for attaching panels of concrete.

The walls’ preparation entails:

Orientation. If you follow SNiP, then better plastering is required, at the very least. This will determine how much material is used and how the finish looks overall. Because concrete plaster is applied thinly and cannot conceal significant wall flaws, wall preparation is crucial.

Tidying. The attachment between the decorative material and the base shouldn’t be weakened by dust or grime.

First. In order to enhance the plaster mortar’s adhesion, the walls must be primed using a contact primer containing quartz sand. "Betonokontakt" or something similar is a good example.

Division of the work area. Use masking tape or film to cover the portions of the wall that won’t be plastered beneath the concrete. Additionally, you must prevent contamination on window slopes and door frames.

Anyone who wants to can apply plaster with the appearance of concrete on their own; it’s a fairly simple technique. Let’s examine the work process in detail:

1. Applying the base layer of the decorative mixture. "Art concrete", microcement or their analogs are laid with a metal trowel on the surface to be decorated (walls, floor or ceiling) and evenly distributed in a layer of 1-3 mm. It is important to ensure that the joints of the layers are not visible.
2. Adding texture. Before the solution sets, create pits, rough protrusions, scratches and grooves with a stiff brush or paintbrush. You can work in any direction. Use a trowel or spatula to leave straight lines on the plaster, imitating traces from the formwork.
3. Smoothing. When the plaster begins to set, you need to smooth the protruding tops with a trowel, compact the texture. You will get the effect of polished concrete.
4. Applying decorative wax. To give a light gloss, typical of concrete, the plaster is covered with a layer of wax. It will also protect the coating from moisture, add a light shade and highlight the texture.

Plaster consumption for concrete is 0.7–1.2 kg/m² (with a 1 mm layer). It takes a full day to dry.

The "Loft" style of plastering concrete can turn an ordinary space into a chic urban retreat. This method places a strong emphasis on unpolished, raw aesthetics that bring out the unique qualities of concrete surfaces. A visually arresting space with an air of industrial charm can be achieved by embracing imperfections and emphasizing minimalist decor.

Use plastering techniques that bring out the best in the concrete’s texture and appearance to get this look. Select finishes that bring out the inherent qualities of the raw material while incorporating subdued decorative accents. This preserves the raw aesthetic of loft-style decor while enabling customization that can make your room genuinely one-of-a-kind.

Recall that the secret to a successful loft-style plastering project is striking a balance between sophisticated design elements and the toughness of concrete. Whether you’re building a new project or remodeling an old area, using these components will help you achieve a refined yet distinctly industrial aesthetic.

Plastering concrete surfaces in the "Loft" style gives any area a sleek, modern appearance by giving it an industrial, urban edge. By emphasizing raw textures and a minimalistic aesthetic, this method lets concrete’s inherent qualities be seen. Plaster is applied in a way that accentuates flaws while preserving a rough surface, giving the space a unique, contemporary feel that goes well with the raw appeal of concrete.

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