When a house is scheduled for repair, all household members, first of all, think about how to decorate the walls and ceiling in a non-standard and at the same time inexpensive way. The traditional whitewashing was replaced by decorative plaster, which has a number of indisputable advantages.
Features of the
Decorative plaster is not very difficult to prepare the composition, but even here there are a number of features. For example, to obtain a high-quality homogeneous mass, PVA-based binders are mixed with the base and coloring pigments, and sometimes water.
The main active substances in plaster are usually cement, clay and gypsum compounds, as well as various minerals. If the material is made on a polymer basis, then the main constricting elements are silicate or acrylic resins, as well as various synthetic composite fillers.
To obtain a denser composition that adheres well even to the most uneven and uncleaned walls, the base can be manually mixed with various natural ingredients, such as sawdust, hard mineral chips, crushed shells, sand and stone particles.
To understand how much plaster is needed for a large room, you can first buy one jar and, using a practical method, determine the amount of material per 1 sq. m. Accordingly, these calculations will help to select the optimal amount of not only the base, but also thickeners, solvents and other related products.
It's harder to calculate how much wax you need if you want to add it as a finishing coat for a shine. It is better to proceed from the calculation of 70 g per 1 sq. m.
Do not think that, in addition to the plaster mix itself and one spatula, you will not have to buy anything else. The process of applying the composition to the surface only seems simple, but in fact, the technology involves many additional tools that facilitate the process.
To plaster an entire apartment, you will need a set of spatulas, floats, trowels, brushes and rollers for different surfaces and hard-to-reach places. The big rule also comes in handy, to make it easier to smooth the surface, and an angle leveler, coupled with a laser level.
As for whitewashing with putty, for the preparation of plaster it is better to take a disposable unnecessary plastic container for diluting the composition, and also prepare a drill with a special mixer nozzle.
The plastering process itself is quite simple and does not require special professional skills:
- First of all, it is necessary to prepare the wall for coating, that is, remove all previous layers, degrease, clean, level and then prime.
- Mix the solution immediately before starting the repair, because the composition for plaster hardens quickly enough, therefore, after dilution, it is better to use the entire mass within 1-2 hours. If you are not sure that during this time you can complete the required amount of repair, you can mix the plaster in small portions for each wall separately.
- Direct application of the composition to walls or ceilings. Here it is better to spread the plaster not at a right angle, but with a sharp one (60 degrees), so that the mixture adheres more evenly to the surface, and not just spreads out in lumps.
- Until the solution has frozen on the wall, using any objects that you have enough imagination for (graters, crumpled plastic bags or even a hair comb), you need to quickly apply a pattern or a certain texture. If the master has artistic talent and special paints for painting on raw plaster, then you can try to make a fresco, as it was in Gothic cathedrals or Venetian palazzo. With the correct fixing of the paint with the top layer of varnish, such a picture may not fade and stay on the wall for decades.
- Before any additional manipulations with the plaster layer, it is necessary to let it dry for at least 6 hours (ideally, two days). The longer the plaster is in direct contact with oxygen, the more it is absorbed into the base of the soil, and the longer it will please the eye.
- To give the desired color to plaster, even decorative, sometimes it is necessary to additionally paint - this is best done with acrylic-based compounds. A layer of varnish or wax will not only give the surface a glossy shine, but also protect it from damage.
- By adding fine-grained natural materials to the plaster, it is possible to improve the level of noise insulation in the room, as well as increase the ability to resist high humidity and not crack from sudden temperature changes.
Advantages and disadvantages
Decorative plaster has a number of advantages over other types of wall coverings:
- Good adhesion. The material is endowed with the ability to adhere to many surfaces, even rough ones - wood, concrete, aluminum.
- The ability to resist moisture absorption, but at the same time has good vapor permeability properties. That is, the plaster allows the wall to "breathe", but at the same time it does not retain water in itself and does not swell. This feature is useful when plastering areas such as kitchens or technical buildings with steam installations. In such an environment, the likelihood of mold and mildew formation is minimized.
- Without negative consequences, plaster can absorb excess moisture, so surfaces such as the facade of a building or a kitchen countertop do not fog up.
- Some types of plaster, for example, acrylic, are immediately ready for application and do not require dilution with water or synthetic solvents. This allows the plaster to be more flexible and durable than comparable mineral-based coatings.
- If it is impossible to obtain exclusively by applying plaster of the desired shade, in harmony with the rest of the interior of the room, for walls or ceilings, then this surface can be painted.
- Certain types of plaster are stored for a long time - up to a year. If the integrity of the sealed packaging is not violated, then the material will not deteriorate for two years.
- Most types of decorative plaster are environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, do not emit toxic substances into the atmosphere even when heated, therefore they are suitable for application, including in a children's room.
- High degree of aesthetics of the coating with a minimum number of application steps. Such a coating is seamless, so no additional sealing step is required. Separate layers of topcoat or primer are also optional.
- Ease of maintenance is confirmed by the fact that if the plastered wall is heavily soiled, it can be wiped off not just with a damp cloth, but even with strong cleaning agents.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the expensive cost of decorative plaster, especially one that is capable of creating complex textures. The durability of the material will eventually pay off the final cost, especially if you initially focus on better quality manufacturers from Germany or France.
Separately, it should be highlighted plaster wallpaper popular in the renovation of residential premises … They are easy to install and do not require calling a special team of craftsmen. Such wallpaper will cost less than full plastering, because less material is required on a paper surface than on a bare wall.
Special preparation and cleaning of walls for this type of repair is not required, therefore, there is less construction waste at the exit than from powder plaster.
Criterias of choice
Depending on the composition of the plaster, it is used for various types of premises and climatic conditions.
There are a number of patterns here:
- The price of the final product depends on the grain size inside the mixture. For example, pebble plaster with a silicone base is usually higher than a similar granular material, but on an acrylic base. Silicone adheres better to the surface and is more flexible when applied and hardened - hence the difference in cost. It is also moisture resistant, therefore it is used both for poorly heated areas of the house and for the external facades of the building.
- In addition to the acrylic component, potassium silicate, cement-lime polymer, and synthetic latex can be mixed in the base. The latter option is more durable and, accordingly, more expensive than cement or gypsum composition.
- There are mixtures diluted with water, or water-borne, which are among the most budgetary options, but at the same time the weakest. The next in the line of plasters, the type, diluted with solvents, is the solvent-borne composition, which is a more expensive, but durable material. The most famous are samples of plaster "Fur coat" and "Bark beetle". The most convenient and expensive is a ready-made version of decorative plaster. It fits well on almost any surface, dries quickly and is completely absorbed into the soil.
- A separate category includes lime-based plaster mixes, which are most often used to repair closed or at least simply glazed balconies. They are also applicable for living rooms, because after hardening, a beautiful texture remains, reminiscent of natural rocks.
- Mineral plaster is very durable and washes well, but does not withstand low temperatures, so it is rarely used for unheated rooms or open loggias.
- Plaster compositions with the inclusion of plant fibers are considered the most environmentally friendly. Such a filler has not only insulating properties, but also increased resistance to excessive moisture, therefore it is also suitable for balconies and country attics.
- Vinyl plaster allows you to achieve uniformity of the entire interior as a whole due to smooth and seamless transitions from one surface to another. Due to its special strength and toughness, vinyl is loved to be used both on the balcony and in the living room to embody bold design ideas.
When choosing a plaster, the price is influenced not only by the composition or size of the grains in the mixture, but also by the fashionable color, manufacturer and specific store.
Views
Depending on the type of plaster coating, a material is chosen for a certain type of room:
- Silicone plaster it is considered the most reliable, albeit expensive, especially since you need to buy special primers for it. The cost is justified by its high elasticity, "breathable" surface and the ability to apply to almost all known types of surfaces. Most silicone mixtures are sold in the form of a ready-made composition, which eliminates the possibility of spoiling the entire jar without observing the proportions.
- Acrylic plaster the base is one of the most demanded in the renovation of residential premises. It is viscous and plastic, and also quite moisture resistant due to the inclusion of acrylic resins in the composite composition. The disadvantages of acrylic include its flammability, therefore, it is better not to combine this plaster with flammable components such as mineral insulation.
- Mineral plaster It is considered the safest in terms of the environment, because it contains natural minerals in the form of small crumbs in combination with quartz soil. The complexity of its preparation lies in the fact that in the basic configuration it is a white powder, to which it is necessary to add pigments of the desired color to obtain a tint mass.
- Silicate plaster many confuse it with silicone, although in this case the basis is a particularly strong and heat-resistant silicate glass. Due to these characteristics, the material is often used for plastering the facades of buildings. In addition, the silicate base hardens very quickly, so you need to work at a fast pace or mix the composition in small portions for application to a specific section of the wall.
It is difficult to do without professional skills, therefore, it is better for novice craftsmen not to take risks and not overpay for the silicate composition.
- Textured type of plaster differs in the type of filler that creates volume on the wall. Pebbles of natural or artificial origin, wood-based fibers or mica particles are used as grains. The surface acquires a variety of patterns when thoroughly grouting such plaster with a brush, roller or a special stencil.
- Structural plaster outwardly similar to the textured version, and the grains inside are composed of natural materials such as quartz. Due to the homogeneity of the composition, the drawings on the wall are not as chaotic as when applying textured material. If you spread this mixture with different strengths in opposite directions to each other, you can get interesting depressions of different sizes, imitating the surface of the moon.
- Venetian plaster got its name from the noble gloss and smooth surface. It is based on marble chips and several tint pigments. Overflows on the wall are pearlescent if there are more than two coloring additives in the mixture.
- Flock plaster creates the effect of "wet silk" on the surface and, due to the use of sophisticated modern manufacturing technologies, is quite expensive. Natural silk fibers are really present in the mixture, so the surface after applying such a plaster in texture resembles a fabric coating, which is not very easy to clean, but at the same time extremely beautiful.
Shagreen - This is a special decorative plaster, which is used more often as a finishing layer of the coating, hiding irregularities that protrude from the wall by a few millimeters. It is very durable, does not react to mechanical shock, does not fade in the sun. After hardening, the surface becomes lacquered and smooth, like colored glass, so it is difficult to write or scribble on the plaster. Such features are good for finishing the facades of buildings, as well as common areas - staircases or bathrooms, where there is a special load on the walls
Shagreen stone adheres to almost any surface: concrete, masonry, chipboard sheets, cement and asbestos blocks, as well as plywood. Plaster can be used to cover a surface with remnants of previous similar materials or oil paint, which allows you not to waste time on a complete cleaning of the wall.
The formed layer goes smoothly and without joints, if shagreen is applied correctly - usually a mechanized method is used: from corner to corner, without waiting for the previous layer to dry.
In order to avoid irregularities, masking tape is glued to the already treated areas, and at the right time it is simply removed, obtaining a seamless perfect coating.
Texture
The most common texture for plaster is considered to be smooth, because it is easy to apply and outwardly similar to conventional whitewashing, only with a longer service life. The smooth texture of different colors, most often of the same tone, is used for finishing public premises, where the load on the walls and the likelihood of mechanical shock are high. This composition is the easiest to clean, because on a smooth surface, the rag simply has nothing to catch on.
They like to use embossed decorative plaster in the decor of living quarters when they want to highlight a particular wall in contrast. Grooves and cracks are more difficult to wash off, and the dust settles on them more often, but the surface looks much more spectacular.
Mixes that create three-dimensional patterns and even paintings on the surface of the walls are often used by professionals. It is quite difficult to mount the volume even using ready-made stencils, because you need to know the exact ratio of the layer of plaster to the thickness of the surface so as not to overload the wall.
If, nevertheless, one is puzzled by the observance of the technology of layering, for example, paintings from volumetric plaster, then even the most daring ideas in the interior can be realized.
Design
Decorative plaster can be incorporated into the design of almost any room thanks to the wide range of different textures and patterns that the material can create.
There are several basic coatings, depending on the effect they form on the surface:
- "Bark beetle" Is a plaster with a texture that imitates the grooves left in the wood after it has been eaten by a bark beetle. A similar effect is achieved by including in the composition of marble fractions of various sizes, on which the depth of the grooves depends. The larger the stone chips are, the more the result is similar to tree bark. If you distribute the material with translational movements of different strengths and directions, you can get other patterns on the surface.
- Patinated plaster with an imitation of a semi-antique wall, made on the basis of latex polymers capable of forming natural cracks or craquelures. In places where individual particles rub against each other, certain areas are brightened, as if on the surface of an old bedside table.
- "Graffito" is a type of textured decorative plaster that creates a surface very similar to a real surface, as if from masonry. This effect can only be achieved with the help of a uniform mechanized application of the mixture using an automatic spray gun. It is not difficult to work with it, so the "graffito" effect can be created even during self-repair.
- "Sgraffito" slightly different from the previous version of the plaster. She can create not only imitation of masonry, but also many other relief patterns. A unique design is obtained by applying several layers of plaster of different shades one after another through special stencils.
- "Fur coat" - This is a plaster with the effect of small, dense fibers, like the well-known winter coating. They achieve such a rough texture by spraying small drops of the composition, for example, with a broom.
- Plaster called "Terrazite" imitates natural rocks, which masters especially like to use when decorating building facades. The material is quite difficult to apply and requires professional skills. Since the plaster layer turns out to be quite heavy and voluminous, it is better not to use it for interior decoration.
- Allocate decorative plaster to create volumetric patternsfor example, roses, where the petals are obtained by applying the material through a crumpled plastic bag along the stencil lines previously applied to the wall. Most often, the drawings are placed on the white background of the plaster base, and only then the individual protruding parts are additionally painted in the desired shade to make the flower natural.
Patterns can be scratched on black plaster applied over white, and then a kind of "shadow theater" is obtained.
Styles
A different atmosphere is achieved in the room, including due to the special style of decorative plaster on the walls and ceiling:
- Structural plaster called "Marsiniada" is especially popular for the renovation of bedrooms and children's rooms to create a soothing mood by simulating the cold surface of a distant planet. For building facades, this technique is also used. The composition of the mixture here can be any, for example, Desan Versagel structural plaster is often used. The drawing is formed due to a special mashing technique, which can be found on the Internet or after an invitation to the designer's house.
- Previously, the Provence style was more loved by the owners of country houses, but now it can often be found in small rooms of high-rise buildings. The secret of the success of this decoration lies in the noble combination of rural motives and elegant luxury. Antique white furnishings and simple whitewashed walls are skilfully combined with individual luxury items.
As for decorative plaster, this style involves rough textured mixtures applied in a thin layer on concrete slabs or brickwork. This is done in such a way that the shapes of the base material stand out on the surface of the wall. Colors are usually pastel and muted.: beige, ivory, milky, not boiling white, cutting eye. With the help of rollers and special floats, you can age the surface of the walls in the manner of a noble estate.
Often the Provence style is complemented by light paintings on the walls.depicting landscapes of the same countryside. Imitation of paintings can be done on the wall independently with structural plaster of different shades, applied in layers.
Plaster can be completely smooth and look like a simple whitewash to make the design look authentic, but the walls retain their original appearance for much longer.
Application area
A bedroom, living room or children's room can be decorated with almost any type of plaster, intended, including for interior decoration. The microclimate here is favorable, there are no sudden temperature changes, as well as accumulation of moisture. In the children's room, it is better not to be zealous with the original textures of the plaster., because babies can get hurt on an uneven furrow if the wall is decorated, for example, with plaster "Bark beetle". Also, during games, plastered surfaces will be exposed to frequent mechanical shocks, and the more the plaster is exposed on the surface, the more likely the pieces will begin to fall off.
In this case, it is better to plaster the ceiling with no frills., because from increased vibrations, when they are constantly running around the room, heavy decor can partially crumble. It is better to give free rein to imagination in the manufacture of patterns using plaster "graffito" and the liketo create a fabulous atmosphere. Let the drawings be higher than the child's growth level, so they will last longer intact.
For those who want to slightly increase the space, there are plasters with a glossy surface, when, due to numerous reflections, the room visually becomes wider.
Shine can also be achieved with waxused as a finishing coat. Shades are best done dim so that the walls give the room a relaxing effect. Contrasts can be added to individual trim elements.
For example, in a hall where family members are mostly awake, one wall can be made in a contrasting color, and the other three can be hung with paintings or a TV. If a fireplace is installed in the living room, then they often try to choose decorative plaster to match the fireplace frame. If it is made in the form of masonry, then sgrafitto plaster is perfect.creating the same effect. Plaster with the addition of clinker bricks is often offered by eminent interior designers, as an example of a successful framing of a fireplace portal or wall TV-plasma.
In apartments where the kitchen is combined with a living room or a living room with an entrance hall, it is customary to turn two rooms into one large one with the help of a single design with the same plaster. The main thing is not to forget that the kitchen is subject to increased formation of moisture and steam, therefore, in it, as in the living room combined with it , it is better to use materials with a hydrophobic effect.
There is another problem with the hallway - a large number of people pass through it and constantly with clothes or the same bicycle, people touch the walls. That is why for rooms subject to frequent mechanical damage use plaster of increased strength - such, for example, as "shagreen" or "fur coat".
In the bathroom, special types of plaster are traditionally used, suitable for constant interaction with water and steam, as well as with high temperatures. For instance, mixtures of the "Rotband" brand specialize precisely in premises with a similar microclimate, that is, they prevent the absorption of moisture, as well as the appearance of fungus.
Compared to analogues, this manufacturer is not the most expensive, so it can also be taken for the kitchen, where the environment is not so aggressive for the surface of the walls.
The sanitizing plaster can even be used in public showers where the stress on the walls is extremely high. This material creates very good waterproofing and adheres tightly to the ground even without the use of a reinforcing mesh.
The composition is absolutely harmless in environmental terms, and in terms of wear resistance it is not inferior to the tiles popular in bathrooms.
Depending on the region of residence and the climate of the territory, sometimes the hallway is referred to as rooms with high humidity, if it rains or snows most of the year. Residents of an apartment in this situation often spray liquid dirt on the walls, so a protective layer of water-repellent plaster will not hurt here.
To protect the walls from the vagaries of nature, as well as from mechanical stress, sometimes plaster is applied in the hallways with the "bark beetle" technology, although it is usually used for cladding the exterior facades of buildings. If you correctly place color accents and correctly proportions when creating a mixture, then this option can create a completely cozy atmosphere in the room.
A separate story is a balcony, because here with the help of decorative plaster you can create a special small world with any texture both on the walls and on the ceiling.
The main thing is not to forget that the balcony is often open and is exposed to the same aggressive environmental influences as the outer wall of the house. It is better to choose moisture-resistant types of plaster with a sanitizing effect.
Tips & Tricks
Applying decorative plaster to the surface of walls and ceilings is a simple process if you follow the elementary instructions with the same jar of plaster mixture.
There are a number of life hacks and recommendations from people who have already completed the repair, and if you follow these simple notions, you can save money and plaster everything quite well:
When applying flock plaster with the effect of silk fabric, you need to pay attention to the observance of all stages of repair so that the material lies on the wall correctly. First, a glue-base is applied, it is allowed to dry slightly (about 20 minutes). Next, the wall is plastered directly with flock, giving it time to dry (at least a day). The last layer is a fixing varnish, which can be applied several times. If this simple algorithm is followed, the plaster will lay down without unnecessary roughness and joints, and will also be strong and wear-resistant
When coloring pigments are added to the plaster base, it is better to mix two colors instead of one - as a result, decorative cracks will shimmer in different shades and differ from the base, creating a cosmic atmosphere.
It is more expedient to apply textured plaster "Bark beetle" using such improvised means as a trowel and a sponge slightly moistened with water. If you press the crumpled sponge into the still wet plaster harder, you will get grooves unconventional for the "Bark beetle", and small pores with the effect of patinated aged walls
The surface will sparkle in a new light when you try to apply a double application of plaster in different colors. The starter layer is used in dark colors and applied with a soft, often fur roller. From above, cover it with an increasingly lighter tone of plaster, while applying hard tools (rules or grouting) so that the light layer adheres better to the surface. Contrasting colors that come through will create truly fantastic designs on walls in natural daylight
It is not always possible to easily pick up a roller in the store to create the exact texture of the plaster that the designer intended. In such cases, the roller is made independently, using the old version and adding new parts to it. For example, a thick rope is wound from above and interesting elongated grooves are obtained. A foam rubber roller can simply be cut in its soft part in the manner of applique work, choosing the desired pattern. A piece of soft fabric such as flock, velor or velvet is rewound with a thread cord, getting interspersed with the "Marsiniada" pattern
You can also use an old rolling pin as a base for an impromptu roller, wrapping it with rubber or even metal blotches with an unusual texture.
Manufacturers
There are many different names and manufacturers of decorative plaster on the shelves of hardware stores. In order not to get confused and choose the right material in terms of price-quality ratio, it is better to inquire about some brands in advance.
Volma
In recent years, this brand has become very popular among Russian consumers, which is affordable and economically consumed. This plaster is an alternative to plasterboard wall cladding with less visual aesthetics. Due to its gypsum-based polymer composition, the mixture adheres well to almost all known surfaces, even without requiring special preparation of the walls and ceiling.
Although the instructions state that the surface can be left alone and plastered as is, it is still better to clean and degrease the wall as little as possible without using a primer mixture.
Polymer additives also have an effect on increased strength, resistance to mechanical damage and durability. Among the advantages of "Volma" are also noted good resistance to high levels of moisture and vapor permeability. This plaster is very easy to apply even to an inexperienced person, because thanks to modern plasticizing inclusions in the composition, it lays down evenly and smoothly.
Even on an uneven wall, plaster can be put in one thick layer of about 5 cm and then not putty, since it will still hold well. The mixture used for walls and ceilings does not shrink strongly, therefore material consumption will be minimal.
The composition of "Volma" is environmentally friendly, because natural substances are used to create it. Due to the lack of a large number of synthetic composites, the scope of application of plaster is not so wide.
It is better to apply the mixture indoors with a room temperature of no more than 30 ° C and without sudden weather jumps. For this reason, Volma is not suitable for facades of buildings and technical structures.… Also, of the minuses, a rather long drying can be noted - a full cycle takes about a week. At the same time, the plaster is grabbed instantly, and it is not recommended to keep it diluted for more than half an hour, although a period of 45 minutes is indicated on the box before hardening.
If the master is not sure that he will have time to plaster the entire room during this time, then it is better to knead the composition in small portions and cover section by section. This method of application is more labor-intensive, but you can not be afraid to spoil the whole composition at once.
Volma plaster, applied in a thin layer to the surface, "breathes", thanks to which the air in the room is always fresh. Despite the specified moisture resistance, the material still absorbs some of the water, therefore, it is better not to use it outdoors, especially in regions with constant rains.
More often "Volma" is taken for minor repairs and plastering damaged areas of the already applied coating … Sometimes this plaster helps to level the surface in order to create a texture with the next layer. She is quite viscous and plastic, so it is also convenient for her to model various structures on the surface of walls and ceilings: arches, stucco elements and even simple sculptures. Masters like to use such plaster as a finishing layer., because it forms a beautiful glossy film on the surface.
The process of applying Volma decorative plaster is not considered difficult, because it requires minimal preliminary surface preparation. If, after removing dirt and debris, open irregularities are visible, then they can be cut off and covered with putty. When the walls are frankly uneven, it is better to install traditional profile beacons and measure the plaster layer along them.
After applying the first layer, wait two hours for the mixture to set and cut off the excess to create a smooth surface. The final stage is the process of glossing with a metal float, since the application of varnish or putty is not necessary here.
Decorative plaster VGT
It is famous for its ability to create unique textured patterns and designs. It originates from the old Venetian plaster, which was used to decorate wealthy houses. This composition is used both for outdoor work and for decorating living rooms.
The plaster mix, along with synthetic polymers, includes natural rocks based on crushed marble chips. It is thanks to the last ingredient that VGT forms a smooth surface with a noble shine.
The plaster is supplied in a pasty form, which contributes to good performance in leveling walls, hiding roughness and cracks. Also, the paste is taken to create relief elements on the surface - patterns and even the likeness of paintings … All these crafts will be resistant to humidity and low temperatures, so they will last for a long time.
It is extremely easy to take care of the walls with such plaster - they can be wiped with both a regular damp cloth and active detergents. Also, the material does not absorb odors, which allows it to be used in the kitchen or in the restaurant hall.
Because of the marble chips in the composition, the craftsmen like to decorate the fireplace portals and the space near them in country houses with this particular plaster. The VGT composition successfully imitates the texture of natural stone, but at the same time it costs several times cheaper.
In combination with a variety of colors, they love to use it for the most daring design ideas, both in living quarters and in conceptual art spaces.
Moroccan decorative plaster
It has long been used for wall decoration in wealthy homes due to its stunning exterior. Earlier in Morocco, not only the walls were plastered to it, but also dishes were made from it. This speaks of its environmental safety and harmlessness in everyday life, because it contains only natural ingredients.
Previously, Moroccan plaster was called tadelakt and consisted of quartz sand, clay, alkaline impurities and ash. Now, in addition to the above ingredients, manufacturers add cellulose compounds, hydraulic lime, and marble chips ground into a flour composition.
If the choice falls on colored plaster, then in this case you can be sure that natural coloring pigments will be included here too: ocher, umber or henna. The combination of these components gives Moroccan plaster special strength and durability, so it can be applied both in living rooms and on the facades of buildings.
Thanks to marble chips, this composition is not afraid of minor scratches and other mechanical damage. Even under the influence of an aggressive environment and under frequent rains, the color of the coating does not fade or erode, and the wall does not crack. Water and active cleaning agents also do not frighten this plaster, however, as well as dust, so you often do not have to wash the walls.
In expensive hotels and SPA centers, it is often even the floors and sinks in the bathroom are trimmed with a similar material, because the plaster has increased resistance to moisture … Now this technique is used by designers when drafting projects for private houses, offering their clients a worthy alternative to the already boring tiles. Also, Moroccan plaster withstands high temperatures well, so they like to use it when laying fireplaces, of course, not in the part where the chimney is located, but it will withstand a fireplace portal.
The main advantage of such a composition is its appearance, which gives the noble appearance of an oriental palace even to a small room. Walls with gold and silver touches are pleasant to the touch and have all the advantageous properties of marble. For instance, in cold weather, plaster will retain heat, and in hot months, on the contrary, it will give coolness to the room.
To make the gold blotches more noticeable, at the last stage of application, a special wax-based composition is used, which is able to imitate golden reflections.
Since Moroccan plaster is quite expensive compared to the same gypsum or cement option, it is worthwhile to evaluate in advance your professional capabilities and functional purpose of the room being repaired. If the walls of the room are thin and not load-bearing, then you should not cover them with a thick layer of rather heavy plaster.bearing a tangible load on the struts.
Yes and preparation of walls for this composition should be serious, similar to preparation for gluing wallpaper … The materials applied to the base before the Moroccan plaster must also be natural and of high quality, otherwise the top layer will begin to peel off from the incompatibility of the compositions after a short time.
The situation may also be problematic if, unknowingly, a primer is applied along with Moroccan plaster, which cannot be done.
Having familiarized yourself with the technology of using such plaster, you can divide the whole complex of works into three stages. First, the plaster itself is applied in layers to the carefully cleaned surface. Each layer dries for about half a day, so you need to be patient and three days to repair the walls.
The first layer is left unchanged, and the next two are preferred to be polished. The third application, most often the finishing one, is sometimes left smooth or with the help of special grouts they make the surface embossed. To give the wall the effect of a glowing gold coating, you can purchase a special wax, thanks to which the moisture resistance of Moroccan plaster will increase.
Italian plaster
It has functions similar to the Moroccan version, that is, in addition to strength, it creates the visual effect of a beautiful palace. In addition to the noble pastel tone of the walls, this material contains inclusions of ocher in the form of grooves and cracks. The Italian version of decorative plaster is more picky to use, and it is better to clean it with special slightly alkaline agents.
The composition does not absorb moisture, but in places where steam clouds constantly rise, it is better not to use it.
Testimonials
According to numerous reviews of people who have recently made repairs, it can be concluded that the plaster "Shagreen" is the most common in everyday life and the most unpretentious to use. It is easy to apply, and you can clean it by any means, which is very convenient in places with high traffic of people.
As for professional design work, here the preference is given to the Moroccan or Venetian version, after all, thanks to such plaster, imitation of frescoes and marble paintings on the walls is obtained.
Not having professional skills, it is better not to take such expensive types of plaster, because if you do not guess with the proportions of water or solvent, then the entire composition can be spoiled.
Plaster "Bark beetle" is characterized by consumers as one of the most versatile, although laborious to apply. She has to buy a whole set of special curly rollers, spatulas and graters, which entails additional costs.
Also, it is not very economical per 1 sq. m, so it is better to purchase material with a margin.
Beautiful examples in the interior
Skillful production of volumetric plaster made it possible to create an artistic masterpiece on the surface using just one beige tone. Most often, the patterns in the form of roses are applied using structural Venetian plaster, where cold splashes of gold grains are visible among the warm beige hue. The plaster on the wall is in harmony with the furniture and the color of the floor in the interior, so the boundaries between the floor and the ceiling are blurred, creating a single space.
The unique design of the room was obtained here due to the zoning of the room using plaster of different textures and colors. For example, the functional area opposite the bed is decorated with an ocher-colored textured material against which a black plasma panel and a white curbstone look contrasting.
The space on the sides is finished in a calmer milky color using smooth plaster, because the atmosphere of relaxation and comfort should be created in the bedroom. The ceiling is made using plaster in the form of coffered slabs, where the same ocher material serves as a rim at the squares, echoing the plaster on the wall and uniting the whole room together.
In this video you will find a master class on applying Versailles plaster.
