Decorative plaster properties and characteristics. Technical characteristics of decorative plaster for interior walls and building facade. Decorative plaster: photo in the interior of the living room

An important step in preparing the walls for further finishing is the plastering of the walls. It is used during major or cosmetic repairs to level walls or as a top coat. Facade plastering creates a layer that protects them from the negative effects of precipitation, wind, and ultraviolet radiation. In addition, the coating provides an additional thermal insulation effect. This reduces the energy consumption for air conditioning in summer and for heating in winter. For this purpose, different types of plaster are used, differing in composition, characteristics, application features.

The classification of plasters is carried out according to several indicators. By location, they are facade and interior. The former are used to work on the street, and the latter - in the middle of the building. The facade is more exposed to mechanical stress, so the plaster must create a strong, stable, durable coating. There are more requirements for decorative properties for indoor materials. Modern mixtures for plastering can often be used both inside and outside the house. The choice of material depends on the type of base, the desired effect. Different types of plaster have common advantages:

increase sound insulation;
allow you to insulate the premises;
improve fire safety;
protect walls from moisture, temperature changes.

Plastering walls is a labor-intensive process that requires high qualifications from the master. According to the functional features, plasters are ordinary, heat-insulating, acoustic, waterproofing, special, decorative. Let's figure out what features are inherent in each type, and how they affect the use of the material.

Ordinary plaster

The main task of its use is to level the walls in preparation for further finishing (painting, laying tiles, panels, wallpapering). As a result, a monolithic layer is obtained that is resistant to mechanical stress and the influence of weather factors. According to the composition of the mixture, the following types of plaster are distinguished:

Lime. It is used for walls inside a building. It can not be used on gypsum surfaces, in rooms with high humidity.
Cement-lime. Their basis is cement, lime mixed with sand and synthetic additives. This type is used inside and outside the house. Cement provides the solution with strength, resistance to moisture, and lime - plasticity.
Lime-gypsum. It can be applied to walls made of wood, stone, plaster, but not to concrete surfaces. The advantage of the coating is its resistance to moisture.
Cement-sand. This is a traditional look that has proven itself to be durable and reliable. Its disadvantage is the possible dampening of the surface, which contributes to the appearance of mold.

The advantages of conventional plaster are durability, versatility, cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages include the complexity of implementation, the need to withstand time to dry each layer.

It can be applied inside the house or on the outside of the walls. Its feature is the presence in the mixture of a binder component (cement, lime or gypsum) and various fillers. Due to the porous structure, the fillers increase the heat-insulating ability of the material. As fillers use:

Foam glass. Obtained from foamed quartz sand. Under the influence of high temperatures, a porous material is formed, with low water absorption, non-combustible. The glass beads inside the foam glass do not shrink.
Vermiculite. Formed from expanded mica at high temperatures. The filler is able to withstand large temperature differences. Its disadvantage is high hygroscopicity, which can be reduced by applying a top coat.
Perlite. During the firing of volcanic glass, air bubbles form in it. They give the material heat and sound insulation properties. The disadvantage of perlite is that it strongly absorbs water. It must be covered with a protective layer.
Styrofoam. It has excellent thermal insulation properties, but is a combustible material. This limits its application.
Sawdust. Cheap and quite effective filler that you can cook yourself. It is used for interior work.

Warm plaster is used as an additional heat-insulating layer. It can be applied with a layer of up to 50 mm, otherwise it will slide off the wall under its own weight. If it is necessary to achieve good thermal insulation, then plaster can be applied inside and outside the walls with a total thickness of up to 100 mm.

The advantages of warm plaster are its fire resistance (except for polystyrene foam) and environmental safety, practicality and functionality. It fits perfectly on any base, creating a single structure with it. The technology of applying the solution is practically no different from plastering with a conventional mixture.

To reduce the influence of external factors on the atmosphere at home, special compositions are used. They are indispensable for the complex configuration of walls, the impossibility of using other methods of sound insulation. Often it is used for finishing industrial buildings, concert halls. In an apartment or house, it will make living more comfortable, especially when decorating rooms with hard materials (marble, tiles).

A feature of the acoustic mixture is the presence of sound-absorbing additives in it. These include expanded clay, pumice, vermiculite, perlite, slag. It can be applied to any previously primed surface in several layers. The final layer is leveled with a trowel. The hardening of the solution should take place in warm, dry air. The coating must not be painted, so as not to impair its soundproofing properties. Therefore, it is tightened with a cloth or covered with bars. The advantages of this type are the absence of joints, the ability to choose any color, if damaged, it can be repaired.

Waterproofing plaster

For finishing rooms with high humidity - basements, bathrooms, balconies - plaster compositions with waterproofing properties are used. The mixture consists of mineral binder (cement), filler, mineral and polymer additives. It is closed with water, mixed thoroughly.

The surface of the walls before application must be cleaned of dust, debris, grease. Apply the mixture at positive temperatures. During the curing process, the solution should not be subjected to freezing, drying or moistening. It must be protected from damage.

Special blends

Often, for wall decoration, it is necessary to use mixtures with unusual properties. These materials include. Its main component is barite concentrate. Such a solution is much cheaper than a lead screen, which is a reliable protection against electromagnetic radiation. The plaster is applied in a layer up to 50 mm. For better protection, barite plates are used. The application of barite plaster is carried out at a time, since the surface should not have joints. The air temperature should not fall below 15 degrees.

Another variety is acid-resistant plaster. It is used in rooms exposed to aggressive chemicals. The basis of the mixture is liquid potash glass with the addition of stone flour and quartzite. To protect the coating from destruction, a covering layer of cement-sand mortar is used, rubbing it with cement milk (iron).

Decorative plasters

To make the walls not only functional, but also beautiful, decorative plaster is used. The coating can be structural, textured and Venetian. The first two can be used outside and inside, and the Venetian can only be used inside the building. There are several types of mixtures that differ in the binder component:

Acrylic. Due to the acrylic resin, it has a high plasticity. Due to the pigments, it is given the desired color. The plaster has high strength, creates a smooth coating. Its disadvantage is low vapor permeability, susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation.
Mineral. The main component in it is cement. It is relatively inexpensive, the strength of the coating increases over time. Does not fade in the sun, but does not tolerate mechanical stress.
Silicone. Due to the synthetic resin, the plaster has acquired resistance to moisture, good plasticity. It is easy to apply and comes in a variety of colors.
silicate. The binding component of the solution - liquid glass - gives it strength, makes it resistant to moisture. Plaster is suitable for any surface. It is refractory, has a long service life - up to 50 years.

The basis of mixtures of structural plaster are silicates or acrylic with the addition of granules of different sizes. Due to this, the coating acquires volume. With the help of various application techniques, various decorative elements are created on the surface. Apply to facades and internal works.

A feature of textured plaster is its high plasticity, which makes it possible to form any pattern on the coating, to create an imitation of natural materials. To do this, use a variety of rollers, spatulas, sponges. Vegetable fibers, small stones, stone chips are added to the mixture. Due to this, the coating hides minor imperfections of the walls, does not require their preliminary alignment.

It has a unique decorative effect. It perfectly imitates the marble surface, conveying its inherent brilliance and depth. This is achieved due to the unique composition, which includes marble flour and an astringent component (acrylic or lime). The solution is applied in a thin layer in several stages. This type is the most expensive and labor-intensive, but in terms of decorative properties it is difficult to find a finish that would look so luxurious and unusual. The final stage of application is waxing, which gives the coating a glossy sheen and protects it from damage.

How to choose plaster?

The variety of species raises a logical question: which one is the best? However, it is impossible to give a definite answer. The choice of material depends on the specific conditions in which it will be used, the requirements for decorative properties.

An important role is played by the cost, compliance with the general style of the house or apartment. Luxurious "Venetian" is not always appropriate in a small room. But in a spacious hall or living room, she will be able to fully show all her beauty.

Features of plaster work

The key to the durability and quality of the coating is the observance of certain rules for preparing the walls and the technology for applying the solution. The first step is always the cleaning of the walls from the remnants of the old coating, dust, grease, their priming.

When working with a wooden base, a lime-gypsum mixture is used, applying it to a fixed shingle. In order for the plaster to adhere to the concrete wall, a spray is first done. To do this, prepare a liquid solution, which is sprayed onto the wall. It creates a rough surface that improves the adhesion of the base layer.

Conventional plaster most often consists of 3 layers: spray, primer and finish coat. Decorative finishes can include many more layers (8-12). However, its thickness usually does not exceed 20 mm.

To prevent cracking of the coating, it is necessary to observe the temperature and humidity conditions. Work is recommended to be carried out at an air temperature of 15-25 degrees, so that the solution does not dry out too quickly. In extreme heat, the plastered wall needs to be moistened.

Finishing the side surfaces in a modern home is made using all kinds of materials. However, various types of plasters continue to be actively used in brick and block structures. They may differ in external characteristics, physicochemical properties, purpose, method of application, so ordinary consumers may have problems when choosing.

Leveling and decorative compounds

All types of plasters can be divided into two broad categories. The first of them are necessary to hide irregularities, and the second - for finishing surfaces. They differ in the thickness of the applied layer, as they perform completely different functions. Leveling compounds form the base, and decorative ones cover it to improve the aesthetic characteristics.

Plaster, intended for leveling walls and other surfaces, is made on the basis of cement, gypsum or lime. The choice of the main component is made taking into account the operating conditions. For dry rooms, gypsum mixtures are usually purchased, for wet rooms - lime. From the street side, cement compositions are most often applied.

General advantages of leveling solutions:

after application, a significant improvement in insulating abilities is noted;
steam can pass through the finishing layer, due to which a pleasant microclimate is established inside the dwelling;
due to the low cost, the material is actively used for finishing large areas;
when using a reinforcing mesh, it is possible to eliminate even strong defects.

Existing types of decorative plasters for interior decoration and facade cladding are both mineral and polymeric. In the first case, the same binders are used in the manufacture as for the production of leveling analogues, and in the second, high-molecular compounds such as acrylic resins or silicone are used.

Classification by binding components

When grouped into the above categories, the types of work carried out were the basis. Plaster, as it became clear, can be used to level or decorate walls. However, it is also classified directly according to the substances that are introduced to achieve a stable bond between the fractions of the filling materials.

Mix type	Description
Cement	Differs in durability and resistance to influences of environment, but at the same time has low plasticity. It is mainly used for facade cladding.
lime	The most important advantage is the presence of antibacterial properties, which makes it possible to protect the surface from the appearance of fungus. Most often used in wet areas.
Gypsum	It has high plasticity, so it is relatively easy to apply. Suitable for indoor use only. At the same time, an increase in the level of moisture should not be noted in the finished premises.
Acrylic	It is characterized by fast drying and ease of application. Of the minuses, one can note the relatively low resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
Silicone	It has good adhesion to various surfaces. Does not enter into a chemical reaction with inert gases. Stands out resistance to acidic and alkaline environments.
silicate	Basically contains liquid glass. It has a good ability to pass steam. After drying, cracks, as a rule, do not form. Most often used in conjunction with a silicone primer.
Combined	Some types of plasters can be combined with each other to achieve special physical and chemical properties. For example, there are cement-lime and silicate-silicone mortars.

Methods for applying leveling compounds

During the work, various types of plastering on the finished surfaces can be used. On packages with dry formulations, you can see special inscriptions. The mixture can be intended for both manual and machine use.

When applying the solution using special equipment, it is possible to increase the speed of the work. This option is relevant if the area of \u200b\u200bthe finished building is large enough. When using automated equipment, the deadline for the delivery of a large object can be significantly brought closer.

Usually, machine technology is somewhat cheaper due to the number of people employed. To finish large buildings in an automated way, you will need a group of 2-3 people. However, it should be understood that the equipment itself is not cheap, so it does not make sense to purchase it for one-time use.

As for manual application, it is carried out with a spatula. The solution is thrown between special beacons. Of the other tools during work, you may need: a trowel, a building level, a rule and a falcon, which is a wooden or metal shield.

Textured finishes for decoration

Embossed surfaces are relevant in modern design. For their formation it is necessary to use all kinds of textured plaster. They allow you to create special aesthetic effects. A variety of effects is achieved through the use of special tools and application options. Fixing the form is provided by introducing resin and wax additives into the composition.

Only a few application schemes have become widespread.

	Description
	Obtained by surface treatment with a plastic grater. Movements can be either horizontal or vertical. The expressiveness of the coating depends on the size of the fraction of the solution used in each particular case.
	Created using the same grater. However, when applied, circular counterclockwise movements are made. After the mixture hardens, a texture is obtained with often laid small pebbles.
	It is formed by means of a short pile roller, which is rolled directly over the wet layer. Such a relief looks very impressive.

The applied types of textured plaster must meet the operating conditions. Some compositions are intended only for indoor premises, while others are for the street. Mixtures used outside must have not only moisture resistance, but also resistance to chemical attack.

Structural solutions for application

There are special types of decorative plaster with a heterogeneous composition. They include granules or fibers of various materials. After application, the surface takes on a rather interesting appearance. Most often they are used when working inside the building to achieve an aesthetic effect in interior design, but they can also be used from the street side.

Structural mixtures can be applied to many types of surfaces. With their help, the flaws of the draft base are well masked. Microcracks, remnants of old paint, small swellings become invisible after coating with compositions.

Special look - Venetian plaster

Mixes that imitate a marble surface deserve special attention. They allow you to successfully convey all the charm of a noble stone. However, these types of plaster are suitable for interior decoration. They are not used for cladding the facades of buildings.

The compositions are based on the same components that were used many centuries ago. They contain marble and lime flour. For dyeing in different colors, special pigments are introduced. Thanks to modern technologies, it was possible to significantly expand the range of products.

In the classic version, Venetian plaster is applied in three layers. Before laying the composition, it is mandatory to treat the surface with a deep penetration primer. Already the first two layers are applied to it. They should be unevenly distributed. After drying, they are covered with a translucent layer. At the final stage, the entire surface is treated with wax.

Other types of plaster for interior decoration have a simpler application technology, but they do not look as impressive. Therefore, such compositions occupy a special place among other types of products, although they are classified as quite expensive.

Special purpose formulations

Ordinary wall plastering cannot always be carried out. In some cases, the types of mixtures have to be selected taking into account the functional features of the room. Special compositions are needed to give surfaces certain properties that provide the ability to withstand various influences and effects.

Waterproofing compositions are used to finish walls in wet rooms and facades of buildings with increased precipitation. During production, they will include hydrophobic additives that repel water.

Acoustic plasters are actively used in sports halls, clubs, restaurants, studios and other commercial establishments. They effectively protect the interior or exterior space from the penetration of sound waves. It may include: pumice, slag, perlite.

Sometimes chemical resistant coatings are needed. For these purposes, acid types of plasters are used. They are simply indispensable in the chemical industry, where various substances affect the surfaces to be finished. Protective functions are usually performed by: quartzite, liquid glass, stone flour.

X-ray protective solutions stand apart. It is designed to protect people directly from radiation. Often used in radiology departments. The active ingredient is barite, the crystals of which have a high density.

Types of decorative plaster: brand names

To purchase quality products, you need to navigate the diversity of existing manufacturers. Not all brands of plaster compositions can be of high quality. As a rule, products of manufacturers that have been on the market for a long time are distinguished by reliability.

First, the types of facade plasters that have suitable properties for use in the Russian climate will be considered. Of all the brands, those listed in the table deserve special attention.

	Description
Ceresit Decor Plus	Made from cement. Supplied dry. Material consumption averages from 3 to 4 kg per square meter. Suitable for different types of bases.
	Produced on the basis of silicone resins. It is supplied to the market in a ready-to-use form. Approximately 2.5 kg is consumed per square meter. It is recommended to use for foam concrete bases.
	It is made from a cement-lime mixture. It is a dry composition, for the preparation of which water is added. Ideal for application to concrete surfaces.

When applying various types of facade plaster, do not forget about additional protection in the form of a paint layer. This primarily concerns compositions based on mineral binders. Polymer mixtures usually do not need to be processed after curing.

As for plaster mixtures for interior work, their range is wider. They are subject to less stringent requirements in terms of resistance to chemical attack and ultraviolet radiation. The following brands are primarily among the highest quality products:

Valpaint;
Oikos;
loggia;
Baldini;
Pratta.

The listed manufacturers have a wide range of products, which can include more than 50 items. However, it must be understood that such compositions are not cheap, especially when compared with Russian counterparts.

For wall decoration, experts use different types of materials. Wallpapers that have been popular for several decades are losing their relevance. And they are being replaced by ultra-modern materials, for example, decorative plaster. It has a number of advantages. With the help of plaster for decoration, builders achieve the effect of marble, metal, granite, silk. With it, you can even imitate denim or moire fabric.

Advantages of decorative plaster

The time and financial investment when working with it are small. Decorative plaster looks good in any environment, although most experts insist that it is only suitable for a classic interior. But if you choose the right color and texture, then such a finish will perfectly complement the decor of other styles.

Decorative plaster tends to hide wall imperfections, such as cracks and uneven surfaces. Thanks to this finish, the room can become a little warmer, because plaster is a good heat insulator.

This type of finishing material consists of natural components, does not absorb odors and does not emit harmful substances. Thanks to this, you can be sure of the environmental friendliness and safety of finishes for health.

This wall covering is characterized by durability, resistance to temperature changes and requires almost no maintenance. Does not have any joints and seams.

Types of decorative plaster by filler

There are several types of fillers for plaster, which determine its type.

Textured. The most common and not very expensive, has a coating relief with a height of 0.2 to 2 millimeters. Fillers - wood fiber, mica, small stones.

Structural. It is filled with fine grains of quartz, and other minerals are also used. Unlike textured plaster, the structural surface is more uniform. The microgranules of which it consists burst after application, and as a result, colored spots appear on the surface.

Venetian. It contains marble "flour", and the pattern accurately imitates marble. The surface has a smooth, mirror structure.

Flock coating. It is more modern and has an interesting appearance. Small colored particles are applied to the adhesive in several layers.

Types of decorative plaster by filler by composition

The composition of the material plays a large role in application and further use. There are several types of plaster depending on its components.

Mineral. Its basis is cement. It is packaged dry and diluted with water before use to form a homogeneous mass. In this process, a special construction mixer is used. Such plaster is additionally painted. The advantage of this type is the low cost, although if there are fillers in the composition (shine, marble chips, etc.), then this type of plaster will cost more.

Acrylic. It is based on acrylic resin. The material is plastic, capable of repelling water, but not resistant to burning, therefore it is recommended to use it away from mineral wool insulation. Working with acrylic plaster is easy. It is easy to apply and texture. But before that, it is necessary to prepare the base and primer very well. This type of plaster has a finished look, so you don’t have to spend time on breeding it. It is necessary to take a closer look at the deadline for the final implementation. If it is nearing the end, it is not recommended to take the plaster, otherwise it will be harder to work with it.

Silicone. It is characterized by high elasticity, durability, suitable for different types of base. The material is modern and versatile. It is easy to look after plaster, it even has property to self-cleaning. Produced in a wide range of colors and sold in finished form.

silicate. Its basis is potash glass. Rarely used indoors, but perfect for facade work.

Basically, decorative plaster is packaged in buckets. Then, if necessary, it is mixed with the necessary additives and applied to the wall. The composition is applied in layers that separate certain periods of time so that the previous layer dries out. Most often used from 2 to 12 layers.

With the help of plaster, you can get a huge number of different decorative effects. The surface is easily cleaned with water or detergent, retains its appearance for a long time and does not react to negative external influences.

Decorative plaster is a solution used for finishing walls outside public buildings and private houses, as well as inside apartments, offices and other premises. Its main purpose is to improve the aesthetic and decorative qualities of the surface. In the article we will consider all types of decorative plaster for walls.

The word "plaster" is of Italian origin and literally translates as "gypsum" or "alabaster". The composition of the plaster mixture for decoration has common components with ordinary plaster - sand, lime, cement, but its main difference lies in the addition of various granulates - dry bulk substances in the form of small granules, for example, stone chips, wood fibers, etc.

Decorative plasters can be sold ready-made, that is, previously diluted with water or a special solvent, such mixtures can be used immediately for work. Dry components can also be supplied, which must be diluted according to the instructions before application.
Depending on the end result and the design idea, various fillers can be added to the decorative plaster: small pieces of mica, shells or small pebbles, which, after the plaster layer has hardened, will look organically on the wall. In addition, in this way it is possible to achieve the effect of additional surface volume.

Types of decorative plaster for walls

The surface can be decorated in various ways, for example, simple plaster can decorate a wall, giving it a perfectly smooth structure. Of course, thanks to the special composition, it became possible to obtain a relief effect, achieve a glossy surface or imitate any natural materials without much effort.

Decorative plaster is distinguished according to several principles. For example, according to the type of filler, it can be:

textured;
structural;
Venetian.

The textured and structural appearance form a rough surface and they are usually called embossed plasters, and the Venetian forms a perfectly flat surface, so it is referred to as a smooth type of plaster.

All of these types are made on the basis of environmentally friendly substances, due to which they are considered safe, reliable and durable materials.

There are several types of plaster according to the binder used.

Acrylic. The binder is a high molecular weight polymer (acrylic resin), which provides good elasticity of the applied layer. It may contain organic and inorganic pigments, due to which the composition acquires a different color. Acrylic decorative plaster is sold as a ready mix. The disadvantage of this type of coating is low vapor permeability, so the material is limited in use. Also, plaster is exposed to UV rays, over time, the coating may begin to crack. Acrylic resin in the composition, allows you to paint the mixture in any desired color using pigment pastes.

Mineral. The binder is cement. It has a relatively low price and is most often produced in the form of a dry mixture, which must be diluted with water before work. An excellent option for decorative plaster for bathroom walls and for outdoor use. In humid weather, slightly less water should be added to the solution. It is considered the most environmentally friendly decorative material. Over time, such a coating only becomes stronger, has good resistance to UV rays, but is afraid of mechanical damage, in addition, it is not advisable to wash it with devices that use high pressure. The standard color of such plaster is considered to be a light range.
Silicone. The binding component is synthetic resins. It is used for exterior decoration and for interior work, it has plasticity and ease of application. They are resistant to UV rays, do not attract dust and odors. Forms a water-repellent layer during application, due to which silicone decorative plaster is used for facing external walls in a zone of high humidity. Produced in the form of a ready-made mixture, various colors.
silicate. The binder is liquid glass (alkaline potassium carbonate, quartz sand and potassium hydroxide). It is distinguished by high strength of the applied layer, resistance to mold and decay, as well as the ability to repel water. The mixture has impregnating, adhesive and astringent qualities. It is applied practically on any surfaces, has an excellent indicator of fire resistance and vapor permeability. Supplied as a ready-mix, various color shades. One of the most reliable plasters, the service life can reach 50 years or more.

Silicate and silicone plasters are most often used in facade decoration and construction in humid climates.

Textured plaster

This is a plaster with a coarse, highly viscous structure. The filler is linen fibers, wood, mica, mineral chips (granite, marble) or small pebbles. It is used for decorating brick, concrete, plastered and wooden surfaces. Great for outdoor decoration and interior work.

Due to the special particles in the composition, textured plaster hides large defects and most surface irregularities. For its application, it is practically not necessary to pre-prepare the walls, it is enough to dry and clean them, if there are peeling coatings, they should be removed, and then an adhesive composition or a special “concrete contact” solution should be applied, this is necessary for reliable adhesion of the plaster to the wall.
The applied layer has high hardness, water resistance and forms an air-permeable coating. The surface obtained as a result of application can be an imitation of natural stone, natural leather, wood or fabric. Among the types of decorative plaster, textured is the most common, in addition, it has a relatively low price.
The plaster is supplied for sale in various containers, weighing 9, 18, and 50 kg, dry and ready for use. It can be tinted in any color during application, or painted after drying. Average consumption up to 2 kg per 1 m2. The larger the filler, the more composition is required for applying one layer. It is not recommended to use plaster for outdoor work during rainy or damp weather, and at temperatures up to + 7 degrees.
It is possible to apply textured plaster without the use of highly specialized tools, and there is also no need to involve professionals, even with self-decoration of walls, many design options are obtained.

Subspecies of textured plaster

Lamb- plaster has various sizes of stone grains, is applied to mineral bases, the surface is rough and uniformly grained.

Fur coat- the surface after application is rough, in the form of a slight "hairiness", the main component of this mixture is cement.

bark beetle- composite plaster, with fine stone filler, when applied, forms a grooved texture resembling the surface of corroded wood.

The peculiarity of textured plaster is that the surface relief appears immediately after application.

Structural plaster

A material having a thin layer structure, made on an acrylic or silicate basis. As a structure-forming substance, marble chips or quartz elements are used. Outwardly, it looks like a granular heterogeneous mass. It is applied to decorating of walls in rooms and finishing of facades.

It may be fine-grained and look like an almost even layer when applied, as well as medium-grained, after drying such a plaster, a kind of relief appears. It adheres well to most mineral surfaces, drywall and chipboard.
Structural plaster forms a layer with excellent air permeability, resistant to moisture and atmospheric phenomena. Available in 9, 18 and 50 kg packages. Supplied in the form of a ready-mix, it is not allowed to add coloring pigments to the composition. Apply with a trowel to a dry, clean surface, previously treated with a deep penetration primer. The consumption rate when applied in one layer is 3 kg per m2.
It is not recommended to use in damp rooms or during rain during outdoor work, the air temperature should be above +7 degrees. Plaster can be applied in various ways and with tools: with a smooth spatula, roller or sprayer. So, to obtain the effect of waves, coarse-grained plaster is used, which is applied in a circular motion with a spatula.
Very often, structural plaster is used for finishing walls in corridors and bathrooms, as well as for finishing facades, fences and gates. For interior work, it is recommended to use a material made on a water basis, quick-drying and odorless. The resulting surface is sufficiently impact-resistant and resistant to mechanical damage. Wet cleaning of the plastered wall is allowed.

Venetian plaster

This phrase appeared as a result of the literal translation of the phrase "stucco veneziano". It is a decorative multilayer coating. Such a plaster mixture is made with the addition of marble chips and slaked lime. It has a fairly homogeneous structure. It became widespread in ancient Rome, when a lot of dust and small particles remained when working with marble, which began to be used as a material for facing.

Visually finished layer resembles the surface of natural marble or onyx. Proper finishing with Venetian plaster requires special skill. It should be applied with a flexible rubber spatula, in thin strokes, in several layers (5-6), each of which requires thorough drying. The material is quite expensive, but the resulting effect fully justifies its price. Most often, Venetian plaster is used in rooms decorated in antique or classical style, as well as in baroque style.
Thanks to various application methods, matt or glossy surfaces can be achieved. The plaster is intended for indoor use only. The mixture may be tinted. Available in containers of 8 and 16 kg. The surface to be decorated must be clean, level and dry. Before facing the walls, it is recommended to pre-reinforce, and then putty and prime. If the technology is violated, cracks can form on the decorative plaster, which are very difficult to get rid of.
In addition to the stone surface, Venetian plaster can imitate precious metals, due to the special staining with special pigments. Using such a finish indoors, you can achieve the effect of increasing space, due to the refraction of light. This coating often acts as a basis for complex panels and frescoes.

Specific types of decorative plaster

Colored plaster - made on the basis of acrylic and marble chips. Possesses high adhesion to mineral surfaces, water resistance and sufficient hardness. The color scheme is represented by fifteen shades. It is applied to a dry, cleaned surface, in one layer. To prevent noticeable joints, the mixture must be brought to the corner. Equally suitable for both outdoor and indoor work.

Roller plaster- contains a filler of natural origin of various fractions from 1 mm to 2.5 mm. When applied, a texture is formed with small channels-recesses. It is applied to registration of facades and decorating of walls in office and premises. Tinting or surface staining is allowed. It is applied to the surface with a wide spatula, and then rubbed with a trowel in circular, cross-shaped, vertical or horizontal movements.

latex plastic- allows you to create a smooth finish with a slight gloss, imitating the texture of a smooth stone or marble, as well as various relief surfaces. The material is resistant to cracking, has high moisture resistance, so that the plastered surface is easy to clean. The mixture can be tinted in various colors, while in order to achieve the effect of the structure of natural stone, the colors should not be thoroughly stirred. The mixture is applied only on even walls, previously puttied and treated with a deep penetration primer.

"Wet Silk"- the coating, which resembles the surface of a fabric, contains mother-of-pearl particles, the overflows of which imitate the overflows of flowing silk. Tinting in any color is allowed, several color variations are initially produced: white, gold, garnet, silver and bronze. The formed surface possesses high moisture resistance and perfectly transfers damp cleaning. An excellent option for decorative plaster for kitchen walls.
"Sea breeze"- the coating has a translucent structure, with a slight pearly sheen. Fine-grained sand is added to the composition. Can be tinted, several basic colors are available: gold, white, garnet, bronze and chameleon. Used for interior design.

Advantages of decorative plaster

Plaster-based decorative coating has won the love of many designers, thanks to its special properties and qualities that distinguish it from other materials for interior decoration.

Able to hide irregularities and defects of the decorated surface;
applied to most known materials (brick, stone, concrete, wood, drywall and many other coatings);
does not absorb odors;
has high sound-absorbing properties;
has a unique and inimitable design;
application does not require special surface preparation;
differs in high indicators of resistance to any atmospheric phenomena;
The resulting coating has breathable properties;
forms a moisture and frost-resistant layer;
due to the special plasticity, it is possible to process structures of any complexity, as well as create all kinds of patterns and drawings;
forms an environmentally friendly, practical and durable coating that is resistant to mechanical stress;

Decorative plaster walls in the apartment

To obtain a high-quality decorative coating, the mortar should be applied using tools that do not have defects, damage, chips, cracks or nicks. Each type of plaster mixture involves its own finishing methods and techniques, to give the surface expressiveness and special artistic properties.

Venetian plaster

Venetian plaster, for the manifestation of the necessary pattern, requires multi-layer application. The work is carried out with various widths of stainless steel painting tools (spatula, trowel). The main layer is applied with the widest tool, while gaps should remain on the surface. Strokes are made wide and asymmetrical. All subsequent layers should cover the gaps of the previous application. To give more expressiveness, each layer can have its own color shade.

The applied layers are dried in turn, each of them is leveled and additionally polished with a smooth steel tool. This method is called ironing, due to which the surface acquires a glossy appearance. If additional gloss is required, then the plaster can be covered with a special varnish or wax. Due to the translucent layers, the effect of depth and volume is achieved.

Relief decorative plaster

A slightly different finish is embossed decorative plaster. In this case, no special treatment of the walls is required, as for applying smooth plasters. It is enough to remove old finishing materials (painting, wallpaper, whitewash), clean and dry the surface.
After that, the walls are treated with a primer. This procedure is carried out about a day before finishing with embossed plaster. It is best if the primer will have antibacterial properties that prevent the development of fungi and mold.
The plaster mixture is applied to the primed surface with a wide soft spatula. Immediately after that, you need to give the layer a relief. It is worth doing this very quickly, as the composition instantly seizes.

You can get the desired pattern on textured plaster using tools such as spatulas, sponges, rollers, trowels or stencils. For example, using a rubber roller, before each application of the texture, moisten it in water. The work is carried out immediately over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe wall (from corner to corner), otherwise noticeable seams cannot be avoided.

Structural plaster

Structural plaster is applied with a stainless steel trowel. The layer should slightly exceed the grain size. The treated surface is kept for 2-3 minutes, and then smoothed in a circle with a plastic trowel.
This method provides a uniform distribution of the granules present in the composition over the treated surface. The excess mass of the mixture is regularly removed from the trowel with a small spatula.
Structural plaster, as well as textured, forms joints when applied, so the work is carried out from corner to corner at a time.

Tip: if there is a need to paint relief plaster, then it is worth doing it 10-14 days after application.

Basic coating care

The decorative coating formed by embossed or smooth plaster is sufficiently durable and resistant to mechanical damage and atmospheric phenomena, therefore, in the first year after application, no special care is required.

This material does not absorb odors and does not attract dust, and also contains water-repellent substances, due to which the surface, if necessary, can be easily washed with conventional detergents without chemical fillers. When cleaning, it is best to use a soft cloth or sponge, avoiding hard brushes, metal scrapers, pumice or plastic.
To increase the service life of the plaster coating, special waxes or glazing compounds are applied over the dried decorative layer. Artificial or beeswax helps to increase the waterproofing of the surface, and when applied to Venetian plaster, it gives extra shine.
The wax composition is supplied ready-made. With it, you can emphasize the smallest details and the depth of the relief applied decorating mixtures, while increasing their resistance to mechanical stress, there is additional protection from dust, dirt and moisture. Protective wax is available in two versions: with a mother-of-pearl effect, which has a silvery-white tint and in a translucent form, with a yellowish tint.

It is necessary to apply such a product in a double layer, using a spatula, sponge or brush, and after drying, polish with a soft cloth. Wax surfaces must not be cleaned with solvents, only soapy water or clean water is allowed.
Glaze is an almost sheer, light coating designed to give additional shade, in addition, it adds volume and emphasizes the contours of the relief. It can have several shades imitating gilded, silver or bronze surfaces, as well as simply white, transparent or iridescent. The agent is applied with a brush, sponge, rubber spatula or a special mitten. Can be washed with detergent or soapy water.

Protective compounds are used for all types of plaster used for wall decoration indoors and outdoors. Thanks to such means, it will last longer, will not crumble or crumble, which means that care for it will be minimal.

How to update the decorative plaster coating

If necessary, remove the decorative coating from the wall, you can use several methods:

repainting in a different color - is made in the case when it is required to change the color scheme;
removal to the concrete base - when it is necessary to apply another version of the plaster;
puttying on top of the layer to the state of a smooth, even wall - such a surface can be finished with a light decorative material, such as wallpaper.

Decorative plaster for walls video

When choosing decorative plaster, it is impossible to say which kind of it is better or worse. It all depends on the personal preference of each and the requirements put forward for the finished result, as well as on the availability of a certain budget, because the price of decorative plaster for walls sometimes differs by an order of magnitude. It is quite easy to apply one mixture, for example, textured and structural, and you can do it yourself, but you will need to involve specialists to apply Venetian plaster. It is necessary to remember this when purchasing a decorative coating.