Decorative plaster for stone: self-application

Decorating rooms and facade surfaces these days can be performed in many ways, which differ in both technical characteristics and texture qualities. Traditional plaster still remains the most popular version of the cladding, but in modern forms it is no longer associated with a monotonous gray coating without pronounced stylistic virtues. In the decorative design projects, decorative plaster under the stone is increasingly appearing. A photo of the relief version of such a coating is given below.

Features of imitation plaster

In fact, this is the same facing coating as traditional plaster, but with the difference that it visually resembles the surface of a natural stone. Imitating cladding is not limited to stone texture, but this format is the most successful from the point of view of aesthetic perception. Stone as such is associated with naturalness, nobility and goodness. And these qualities largely went into plastering mixtures. Thanks to special ingredients such coatings are characterized by their protective properties, durability and unpretentiousness in their care. Of course, decorative plaster under the stone is not so strong in comparison with natural minerals, but the operating conditions in most cases are not as severe as in the natural environment.

Where appropriate to use "stone" plaster?

Due to the increased decorative and aesthetic value, this stone surface simulator is often used in places on which special design requirements are initially imposed. It can be both street architectural constructions, and internal surfaces of premises, and also separate functional and decorative objects. For example, such stucco it is stylistically advantageous to make out columns, constructions of street fountains, fences, etc. But, besides decorative qualities, this coating provides the function of leveling. Embossed decorative plaster base of the house under the stone will hide the admitted flaws of the surface. Depending on the composition of the coating can also protect the initial surface from moisture and contaminants. Simulating plaster is used as a wall decoration. But here it is important to take into account that not every stone texture will be appropriate in the usual apartment interior. However, a variety of styles allows you to choose the best option for each case.

Basics and components for plastering

The composition for similar plasters is similar to solutions from which an artificial stone is made. But for plastering plasticity, viscosity and high adhesion are important, allowing on site to form a stable and tenacious coating. As a basis, conventional cement mixtures, lime base and even silicone fillers can be used. The formation of a stone texture and texture is facilitated by an auxiliary set of components, the list of which is much broader. Depending on the requirements for the result, the mixture from which the decorative plaster under the stone is obtained can include crushed construction waste, finely dispersed lime, pigment dyes, quartz sand, mica particles, etc. Some of the ingredients eventually provide the plaster with the desired visual appearance, and The other part is responsible for technical qualities. For example, dyes and mica chips can simulate the effect of natural stone. The cement base acts as a binder, and lime is used for plasticization.

Types of texture execution

Visually recreate the surface of the stone are capable of many facing materials. But the creation of a similar coating with a characteristic texture without a special plaster mixture is indispensable. And they, too, are different. Today, four main types of stone textures are distinguished, among them flat, convex, flat-relief and solid. Flat plaster usually mimics the surface of marble, showing a glossy reflection. Convex, on the other hand, has a pronounced texture relief. With its help, you can recreate the appearance of bulk masonry. Ploskoreffnuyu surface provides decorative plaster for wild stone with the effect of simulation processing. In this case, also the seams reminding interlayer lines of a traditional laying are reflected.

A special kind is a single plaster. In this case, large-format finished panels based on limestone or sandstone are used. From the point of view of laying this is the most convenient format for facing, as it does not require measures to create a mixture. Among the shortcomings, which has an integral decorative plaster under the stone, there is not maintainability and low mechanical resistance to damage.

Surface preparation

Unlike conventional plaster for such compositions it is not necessary to achieve an ideally smooth surface. As mentioned above, the solution itself can correct possible defects of the rough surface by filling them with its own mass. The volumetric covering will hide both small pits and seams, which could remain, for example, from laying old communications. However, there are other conditions that must be met. First, the surface should not have weak and flaking areas, which will not be able to provide an optimal coupling of the plaster to the base surface. Therefore, it should be cleaned with light abrasives - they will help identify suspicious zones. Secondly, decorative plaster under the stone should be laid only on a dry surface. If priming or puttying work was done prior to laying, it will be necessary to withstand the technical period, so that the applied composition is completely dry. Then you can proceed to create a working mixture.

Preparation of the solution

To begin with, choose a suitable capacity for the volume, a quarter of which you need to fill with water. The mixture is selected on the basis of the requirements for technical and operational characteristics and decorative qualities. Manufacturers produce compounds in the form of dry mixtures, which are diluted with water. The volume for the prepared container with water is selected in accordance with the instruction - this amount depends on the composition and physicochemical properties of the individual ingredients. The mixture is then thoroughly diluted with water. Here it is desirable to use an electric mixer, which will ensure the optimum consistency, and also lead out the air bubbles formed in the water. If it is planned to decorate the walls with decorative plaster under the stone in the open air, it may be necessary to include additional modifiers, which, if necessary, will increase the moisture and frost resistance. The mixed solution should be kept for 10 minutes, after which it will be ready for use.

The laying process

The mortar is applied to the working surface using traditional techniques. Using a spatula, it is necessary to lay a small mass on the wall and immediately distribute it to the most accessible zone. Further, this action is repeated until a 10 mm thick coating is reached. The second stage can be called creative. In this part, the user needs the imagination and skills of the designer, as he will have to form a texture that will be placed decorative plaster under the stone. With your own hands, this can be done with a polyethylene film. Its layer is superimposed on the plaster, after which a manual application can form chaotic patterns on the surface. Even more reliable effect is achieved by using a real stone with a natural texture. It will be enough to leave a trace on the stacked mass.

Pluses and minuses of plaster under a stone

The main advantages are the original design and limitless possibilities for the formation of texture. Is that the panel is weak can not be changed to your taste, but the variety of collections on the market, and even allows you to choose the optimal solution for your taste. The disadvantages are not the highest protective properties of some compounds. For example, if you need decorative plaster of the plinth under the stone, which will be used outdoors, then you should only apply to those mixtures that initially include the necessary set of modifiers. Accordingly, the cost of a dry base for a solution also increases.

Conclusion

Using imitating facings allows you to complement or diversify the local design or even an architectural ensemble. Correctly selected decorative plaster walls under the stone can decorate the fireplace area of the living room, the working space in the kitchen or decorate the base of the house. The choice of the place of packing is desirable to be made even at the stage of basic repair works - this will allow to stylistically optimize adjacent to the future work surface sites. As for the further operation of such finishes, it does not require any special care inside the premises. External design, depending on the conditions of use, may require additional external treatment with protective coatings.