DIY stucco is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Wall decoration with decorative plaster is gaining great popularity. This option during repairs became a serious competitor to ordinary wallpaper. There are different types of plaster for interior decoration. The main difference is the texture and method of application.
Types of decorative plaster can be as follows:
- structural, which contains inclusions of a certain size;
- textured, which allows you to form a smooth embossed surface;
- Venetian imitating marble.
Before applying decorative plaster, you need to carefully study the features of each option and the application technology.
Structural
Methods of applying decorative plaster to obtain a structure involve the use of heterogeneous granular compositions. A variety of material is obtained by adding small pebbles, fragments of quartz, wood fiber, etc. to the plaster. Finishing material is made on the basis of cement and limestone. Synthetic latexes or silicates are also added to the composition. It is better to choose a composition from ready-made mixtures. This is the only way to achieve good results. When mixing components on their own, good results are not guaranteed..
Wall finishing with textured plaster is easier if you use compositions on aqueous solvents. This is due to the fact that before applying decorative plaster with your own hands, you do not have to "evacuate" the residents of the apartment. Water-based material does not have a strong odor.
Wall decoration with plaster of the type in question is easy. This is justified by the high plasticity of the material and its obedience to work. The technology for applying decorative plaster is simple and convenient. Work can be done immediately. There is no need to prepare the mixture, since it is already sold in liquid form in cans or buckets.
The application technique is as follows:
- It is necessary to prepare materials and tools for decorative plaster. For the structural composition, a roller, trowel or spatula will be required.
- Before laying decorative plaster, you need to prepare the surface. A perfectly flat base is not necessary. The thickness of the plaster layer and its structure are able to hide small defects. First, the surface is cleaned of dirt, dust and grease. After this, the bulges are knocked down and large cracks and potholes are covered.
- A clean and dry base is strengthened with a primer. With it, decorative paints and plasters will better stick to the surface. This layer also prevents the exchange of moisture between the base and the finishing material. The application of decorative plaster with your own hands can only begin after the primer for the walls has completely dried.
- The principle of the work performed is suitable for all formulations: on a mineral, silicone or silicate basis. Plastering is carried out using a trowel or spatula in one layer. The coating is applied to the wall in a circular or rectilinear motion.
- After applying the layer, let it dry. At the same time, it is necessary to control that the room kept constant temperature and humidity, there are no drafts. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to a deterioration in the quality of the decorative layer, the appearance of cracks.
Do-it-yourself structural decorative wall plastering is perfect for decorating common areas, for example, an entrance hall, a kitchen or a corridor. In some interiors, it can harmoniously fit into the space of a bedroom or living room.
Before starting work, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions. It indicates a more specific application technique and how to use the material correctly.
Textured
The method of applying decorative plaster with your own hands allows you to get an original texture. The border between textured and structural plasters is rather arbitrary. The application methods of the composition in question provide complex options. For example, imitation of wood, crumpled paper, natural stone.
The option is suitable for almost any room. Performing decorative plaster textured type allows you to support any design.
Most often, lime powder is introduced into the composition as the main ingredient. But you can also find polymer-based plasters. Polymers can improve performance. Such a composition does not crack upon drying. In the work, polymers allow you to create a more relief and interesting pattern..
Finishing properties are largely dependent on fillers. Fiber of various materials, crushed granite or marble are introduced into the textured solution. The consumption of decorative plaster largely depends on the complexity of the selected pattern.
How to apply decorative plaster textured type:
- Before applying the solution correctly, you need to prepare the base. The inner surface is machined in almost the same way in all cases. Here the requirements are the same as for the structural composition: the absence of pollution and strong irregularities.
- Before working with decorative plaster, you need to cover the wall with a primer. This layer must be allowed to dry.
- After the primer, a substrate paint is used, which is applied with a brush. On sale there are compounds that combine two functions: a primer and a substrate. They are worth buying to reduce time costs and simplify the process.
- Decorative wall plaster, the application technology of which involves the use of a spatula, trowel or brush, fits into 1-2 layers. Thickness depends on the complexity of the terrain. The more interesting it is, the more solution will be needed. It is not recommended to apply a layer more than 20 mm thick at a time.
- A master class in decorative plaster should be finished with a finish layer. As such a composition, transparent paints, which are also called glaze, are used. They not only protect the surface, but also give it a pleasant mother-of-pearl shine. Options for applying decorative plaster may also consider using as a finishing coat of paint, impregnation or special wax.
Decorative plaster, with the pros and cons of which is worth exploring separately, will give the premises a complete and unique look. The advantage of this composition is its high ductility and the ability to give the finished surface a rather complex texture. But the coin has a downside: the complexity of the application. Get the original drawing is not so easy. For starters, you may have to take a master class in applying decorative plaster from an experienced craftsman.
This will help to understand how to properly and accurately plaster the brick walls inside the house and the surface of other materials.
Venetian
This type of decorative plaster for interior use allows you to get an imitation of marble. The texture is very beautiful. The material is perfect for almost any room.
The composition is sold in ready-made liquid form. The mass of the can or bucket is usually from 7 to 25 kg. The plaster includes marble flour and slaked lime. An aqueous emulsion is used, which avoids unpleasant odors during application.
Before plastering the brick walls, you need to level them. Apply decorative plaster on the walls only after the base is perfect. This type of material does not suffer from flaws. This is the difficulty of working with Venetian plaster.
If necessary, the solution can be painted in any color. Such stucco with your own hands can create amazing mosaics or whole pictures. The advantages include environmental friendliness and safety. The composition is suitable even for a bedroom. The surface is fireproof and wear resistant. After application, the layer dries quickly enough.
Training in decorative techniques may look like this:
- First you need to prepare materials and tools for applying decorative plaster. A small spatula and sandpaper with very small particles will be required here.
- After cleaning the surface, they begin to level the base. It must be perfect. First of all, get rid of chips. After that, it is necessary to smooth the cracks and depressions with a cement-sand mortar or putty. To maximize the elimination of defects, a leveling layer of Portland cement based plaster is applied. The thickness of the layer is assigned depending on the severity of the defects of the base. On average, 20 mm will be enough. Evenness is controlled using the rule for beacons. To do this, before starting work, special strips are installed on the wall with a certain step. Another option for leveling is drywall sheets.
- The leveling layer must be allowed to dry. After this, a primer can be applied. It will allow the finishing material to better grasp the wall.
- Venetian plaster is tinted before application. After that, they take a spatula and begin to apply the mass on the base with thin strokes. It is necessary to process the entire surface. If necessary, the solution is applied in several layers. The maximum thickness in one application cannot exceed 12 mm.
- After application, allow time to dry. It is important to control the temperature and humidity conditions. It is recommended that doors and windows be closed so that drafts do not occur. Violation of this rule will cause cracks to appear on the surface when dried.
- When the surface is dry, begin to clean. This will require sandpaper. The work is performed in circular motions. Doing everything is very neat.
- The last stage is protection. The finished layer must be coated with a special white wax in one layer.
Which is better?
An exact answer cannot be given to this answer. Each case must be considered separately. In one case, the plaster is better structural, and in the other textured. The choice should be made depending on the interior of the room. But at the same time, the experience of the master and his skill should be taken into account. Before choosing decorative plaster, you need to objectively evaluate your capabilities. For example, such an option as a Venetian cover is not suitable for everyone.
Ceiling Application
Repairing your home, you need to take care not only about the walls. Ceiling work is more labor intensive. Here you have to constantly raise your head, which can be very tiring. The general principle is practically no different from the technology for walls.
There is only one difference. If on the wall the maximum layer thickness for the structural and textured mixture is 20 mm, then on the ceiling it decreases to 5 mm. To level the base, it is recommended to use drywall, and not special compounds.