This “bark beetle” does not spoil the walls. Decorative plastering technology.

If you’ve ever seen patterns on walls that seem to have been created by a wood-boring insect, you may have decorative plastering that is called "bark beetle." Any room can gain character and depth from the textured, natural look that walls achieve thanks to this innovative technique.

In contrast to what its name might imply, this plastering technique won’t harm your walls. Rather, it’s a chic option for people who want to add a unique finish to their interiors. A unique plaster is applied and then worked to create a pattern that resembles wood grain or bark after it has dried.

Bark beetle plastering can be a great choice if you want to create a statement or go for a rustic vibe. It is a useful option for a variety of situations because it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust. Determining whether this technique is appropriate for your upcoming project can be facilitated by comprehending its workings.

Description

A textured decorative plaster known as "Bark Beetle" has surface grooves created by the mixture’s mineral granules. The grooves, which resemble the tunnels of a bark beetle in a tree, are often made randomly. "Rain" is the result if the texture is oriented vertically.

In public spaces where plaster is subjected to a high operational load, such as basements, stairwells, balconies, corridors, and halls, this decorative material is used to finish the facades of buildings. Because of the pattern’s simplicity, "bark beetle" is utilized less frequently in interior decoration of residential buildings than other textured plaster types.

Types

Plaster that has been "bark beetle" affected can be:

• Cement (mineral). Sold dry in 25 kg bags. Popular brands: Ceresit (Ceresit CT35), Knauf (Knauf Diamant), Bergauf (Bergauf Dekor), Perfekta, etc.
• Silicone (and silicate-silicone). This is a ready-to-apply white mixture in a 25 kg bucket. The plaster can be tinted directly in the container. Examples of manufacturers: Ceresit ct 75, Farbe Silikon Kratzputz, Baumit, Alpina Silikon.
• Acrylic. Similar in properties to silicone, also sold in plastic buckets. Brands: Farbe Acryl Reibeputz, Dufa Reibeputz, Raduga-34, Optimist Elite D710 a, etc.

Pros and cons

Benefits of using this ornamental plaster:

• Ease of application. No need to know complex techniques, anyone can do it.
• Durability and wear resistance. Suitable for finishing external walls, not afraid of moisture, resistant to temperature changes.
• Elasticity of silicone and acrylic coatings.
• Low price. This applies to mineral plasters. Cement dry mixes are much cheaper than polymer ones.
• Looks good in any color. Acrylic and silicone mixtures can be painted in bulk with any available color.

The following are some drawbacks of "bark beetle":

• Simple texture and single-color design. For interior decoration there is more beautiful options.
• Cement compositions require additional painting. After drying, they are covered with water-dispersion paint (acrylic, silicone, etc.).
• Cracks are possible if you use a mineral type of plaster mortar.
• The depressions in the plaster texture accumulate dust over time, so after a few years the color fades a little.

Technical characteristics

• The main characteristic of the "bark beetle" is the grain size, i.e. the size of the marble granules that form the grooves on the plaster. It can be 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm.

Crucial! One layer of decorative plaster is applied, with a thickness that corresponds to the size of the grain. Consequently, the "bark beetle’s" grooves will be deeper and its material consumption will be higher the larger the granules in the composition.

• Material consumption varies from 2.5 to 3.5 per 1 m2.
• Water consumption per 1 kg of mixture – 0.2 – 0.25 l.
• Viability of cement-based mortar – 60 min.
• Application temperature +5 +30 °C.
• Frost resistance – F50 – F100.
• Vapor permeability — 0.1 mg/m•h•Pa
• Base for application: brick, concrete, cellular concrete blocks, cement and gypsum plaster, putty, OSB boards, plasterboard.
• Service life from 5 years — cement-based, from 10 years — silicone and acrylic plasters.
• Shelf life 12 months — for cement, 24 months — for polymer.

In decorative plastering, the "bark beetle" effect is a technique that gives walls a distinctive texture and character without sacrificing their structural integrity. Using this technique, plaster is applied in a pattern that resembles the organic designs that bark beetles naturally create on wood. It’s a well-liked option for individuals who want to add character to their walls without sacrificing longevity or upkeep.

Photo in the interior and on the facade

The image below displays the interior of an apartment and the walls of a private residence with decorative plastering.

Preparation for work

The walls are prepped for work before plastering. It is preferable to remove any old coating to a solid base if there is one. There shouldn’t be any dust, oil stains, or crumbling sections. Rough plastering removes all wall imperfections and irregularities.

In order to improve the decorative plaster’s adherence, the base must first be primed.

The "bark beetle" primer uses the following:

• Universal deep penetration primer. It is used for porous bases with good adhesion: plaster, putty, aerated concrete, brick.
• Adhesive primer with quartz sand (betonkontakt). It is used to cover smooth surfaces: concrete, plasterboard, OSB boards, etc.

The following is a list of supplies and equipment needed for the project:

1. Decorative plaster with the effect of "bark beetle" (mineral or polymer).
2. Container for mixing cement-based compounds. A plastic bucket or rectangular basin of 20 liters or more will do.
3. Mixer or electric drill with an attachment.
4. Large rectangular trowel made of steel for applying plaster to the wall and leveling.
5. Steel spatula for applying mortar to a trowel from a bucket.
6. Plastic grater (ironing) to form a pattern on the surface.

To make a decorative concoction You must fill a bucket with clean, room-temperature water. For closing, five to six liters of water are needed for every bag of dry material (25 kg). After covering a container, mixing plaster with a mixer, and letting it sit for five minutes. Next, stir once more.

Depending on the grain size, 2.5 to 3.5 kg of the completed mixture will be required for a wall measuring one square meter.

Pastes and colors that dissolve in water are used to tint acrylic or silicone "bark beetle." To achieve this, mix in up to 2–3% of the dye mixture.

It is advisable to try painting a small area with ornamental paint first. Put the color proportions in writing. Apply the composition to a white surface, like a piece of paper, after it has been tinted. This will serve as an example for further work.

The "bark beetle" technique of decorative plastering gives walls a distinctive and long-lasting finish. This technique helps preserve the integrity of your walls by adding a layer of protection and improving their aesthetic appeal.

Applying a unique plaster mixture produces a textured surface that mimics the damage caused by bark beetles. This texture is a popular option for both modern and traditional interiors because it can give depth and character to any space.

All things considered, the "bark beetle" method is a great option for people who want to create a unique style without sacrificing the integrity of their walls. It is a useful addition to any interior design project because of its ability to combine beauty and functionality.

Video on the topic

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