The wallpaper that decorated the walls of the dwelling is no longer relevant. They were replaced by the decoration of the walls of the rooms with decorative plaster - a universal material that combines elements of a building and aesthetic type. With the help of plaster, you can achieve imitation of granite, metal, marble, silk. It allows you to hide flaws in the walls, does not harm your health, and is durable in operation. How to choose the desired type with an eye to its features, how to properly decorate the walls with decorative plaster, how to create the desired texture?

In the composition of decorative plaster, manufacturers indicate such components as a water base, special fillers, substances for binding the elements of the mixture, types of thickeners, antiseptics, and the like. In addition to the filler, they differ in their composition.

There are the following types of plasters for interior decoration:

• Mineral decorative is sold in dry form and is offered by the manufacturer on the basis of cement. Before use, it will need to be mixed with water with a construction mixer. Suitable for mineral substrates. Pre-application of a quartz primer to the walls is required. After you finish applying such a coating, it should be painted over. The price when buying mineral plaster will not seem high to you. Although there are expensive options with marble chips or glitter.
• Acrylic is a synthetic material. It is based on acrylic resin. Such a wall covering will provide them with a moisture-repellent effect, excellent plasticity and other qualities. Please note that the material is poorly resistant to possible ignition. Easy to do it yourself. For work, you only need a roller and a spatula. Preparation of base and primer is necessary before starting application. The mixture can be bought ready-made. It should not be stale, which will inform you about the expiration date on the package.
• Silicone has such qualities as plasticity, durability, vapor permeability and many others. Shows the property of self-cleaning, therefore it can be used for outdoor work. It is offered by the manufacturer in rich colors and finished products. After its application, no wall painting is required. The material is convenient to work with, it is easy to apply it with your own hands, even without special skills.
• Silicate glass is produced on the basis of special potash glass. It is more often used for outdoor work. Sometimes they are used for wall decoration, which we will discuss below. Silicate is capable of releasing in environment substances that are not particularly useful for human health. It is difficult to apply it with your own hands - you need to hurry, since the material quickly solidifies on the surface.

Decorative wall plaster still differs in the type of finished surface - with imitation of granite, rain, marble chips, etc. There is a division of coating types depending on the type of filler.

Textured plaster is one of the most demanded on modern market building materials. Its advantages include an acceptable cost and ease of application.

To create a beautiful pattern on the wall of your room with the help of such a coating, you do not need special tools or knowledge. The filler of this type of plaster can be flax and wood fibers, mica, crumbs of various minerals, small stones. This material perfectly proved itself when performing external and internal work. Textured plaster allows you to hide and correct flaws in the surface of the walls. Make sure it is dry before starting work. Experts recommend to treat the surface with the "concrete contact" composition before applying it.

Structural contains such components - marble, quartz chips, as well as pebbles. The main components of this material are liquid glass and acrylic. It is customary to use structural plaster to cover the walls in the bathroom, corridor. It is also well suited for outdoor work. The material is appreciated by professionals and those who prefer to do all types of work with their own hands, for moisture resistance, normal carrying of temperature jumps, and the ability to withstand shocks. To complete the work, you need a roller, spatula and sprayer.

Venetian plaster is the most refined and presentable material for wall decoration. Venetian plaster appeared in ancient Rome and continues to this day at the peak of its popularity.
The advantages of Venetian plaster are high level the strength of the resulting coating, durability during operation. Venetian plaster is always in trend. The technology of applying Venetian plaster to the walls requires a high degree of skill. The result of the appearance of Venetian plaster on the walls of the room will be the creation of a magical fabulous interior that will shine before your eyes with many facets.

Venetian plaster is made by manufacturers from marble sand or dust with the addition of an aqueous emulsion and hydrated lime. The resulting plastic solution of transparent Venetian plaster is used to decorate walls, carved cornices, columns, structures without joints. The technology of applying Venetian plaster allows you to achieve the visual effect of a single piece of marble. It is difficult to apply it correctly with your own hands, it is better to invite a professional.

Flock material allows you to create an interesting surface on the walls. Application takes place in several stages - done adhesive base, then flocks - insoluble particles of different colors. The final stage of work will be the application of varnish. Most often used for indoor than outdoor work.

Preparation

Decorating walls with decorative plaster requires serious preliminary preparation. Each stage is very important for everything to go smoothly in the future. You should choose such materials and tools - a container for plaster, a piece of soft cloth, a set of spatulas, a trowel (to create the desired relief), special brushes, a sponge (toilet for grouting, coral - to apply a pattern to the surface, horse - for rough grout) , boles, rollers, primer, putty, cement mortar, gloves, stick (stir the plaster solution).

This is followed by the choice of plaster. The pigment gives it its characteristic color, it can be sold separately. Pigments can be arranged to obtain the desired color. Modeling components and special fillers of the material will help create a beautiful embossed pattern on the walls. The polymer elements intended for bonding determine how strong the created coating will be. Before proceeding with the technology of applying plaster, it is imperative to prepare the surface of the walls. The requirements for it are not so complicated.

Remnants of finishing materials or solutions must be removed from the walls. The surface is cleaned of dust, it is finished with a primer. Wait a while for the primer to dry properly. Next, the existing grooves and cracks are closed. It is customary to use a cement mortar when large cracks are found. The putty is applied carefully to fill all pores, cracks and cavities. You can easily do it yourself. The surface is coated with cement putty. The layer of this solution is made medium in size. You do not need to try to get a perfectly flat surface, because after decorating, the roughness will disappear.

Next, a layer of plaster is applied. It should be based on expanded vermiculite. Mixtures of this kind are commercially available in dry form. When stirring them before use, check the packaging for how much water is required. Leave this layer to dry as well. The next step will be the application of a primer that has the ability to deeply penetrate the surface structure. Do not forget to vacuum the applied primer. If you have made your choice in favor of an exquisite Venetian, then applying this type of plaster does not imply a priming of the walls.

Experts recommend using a sand substrate at the stage of preparatory work. For her, quartz sand is combined with acrylic paint. The resulting composition covers the desired surface in the room. A more expensive option is called the use of pearl powder for these purposes. He, too, is able to serve as a solid basis for the further creation of the relief of the Venetian. When carrying out preparatory work before finishing the walls with your own hands, remember that each of the applied layers needs at least two days for normal drying. In order to prevent cracks from occurring, it is advised to use a self-adhesive mesh called "serpyanka".

Treating the walls with an acrylic primer promotes adhesion of the decorative surface. If you prefer a filler that has good absorbent characteristics, you can make the primer layer stronger - a special impregnation will protect it from delamination in the future. The requirements for applying the primer are as follows - the thickness of the resulting layer should not exceed 2 cm. During grouting with sandpaper, it must be compacted.
During the week, the surface will have to be regularly moistened. It is advised to finish the preparation of walls for plastering with a test check of the surface. A trial application of the plaster allows you to check how ready it is for processing. Not far from the corner of the room, a section of the wall is selected, on which a small amount of mortar is applied. This test will allow you to see the quality of the selected material, evaluate the beauty of the texture and shade of the color scheme. Notice how smooth the transitions appear between the textured and smooth stripes.

How to create texture

Do-it-yourself plastering on the walls can be done by spraying, decor using a trowel, by "shading-fleece", by stamping with a roller. The spraying method is easy option creating an invoice. It is done using a broom, mesh or industrial devices. The technique involves spraying the mortar in layers. Each of them should dry normally after application.

Using the usual blows of the broom on a stick or through a mesh, the solution is distributed over the surface of the primer. The result is the appearance of a beautiful graceful pattern. The texture depends on how thick the solution is taken. A coarse-grained texture will appear if you spray through a mesh with large compartments, a fine-grained texture due to working with a roller. The use of a trowel involves the creation of a non-standard pattern on the primer. First, a covering layer is applied, on which the solution is then placed using a tool with a mixture in longitudinal movements. As a result, you can create a mysterious mysterious drawing.

Evgeny Sedov

When hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

Liquid wallpaper, flock, compositions imitating masonry(wood species) are very popular nowadays. All this refers to the fashionable way of interior and exterior decoration. How to apply decorative plaster, what is this mixture? You will learn the rules for preparing the composition from the presented review. This seamless finish is an excellent substitute for wallpaper and other materials.

Types of decorative plaster

Manufacturing technology finishing is divided into three types:

1. Textured has a rough structure of high viscosity.
2. Structural contains marble chips, the result of application is an even granular surface. Works well on drywall and other mineral surfaces.
3. Venetian - decorative plaster for a stone, has a homogeneous texture. As a result of application, it forms a perfectly smooth surface similar to natural marble.

Depending on the resulting surface relief, textured plaster is divided into several subspecies:

1. The lamb makes the surface of the wall uniformly grained.
2. Bark beetle. The surface treated with such plaster resembles pounded wood.
3. A fur coat makes the wall rough and fleecy.
4. Travertino is an imitation of brick or masonry.
5. The panel is a three-dimensional drawing.

Binder classification:

• acrylic (based on acrylic resin);
• mineral (based on cement);
• silicone (based on synthetic resin);
• silicate. (With liquid glass).

Additionally, specific types of this finishing material should be highlighted:

1. Color is presented in 15 shades. It is used both for interior and exterior.
2. The roller contains a natural filler in the composition.
3. Latex plastic gives the surface a smooth and glossy appearance.
4. "Wet silk" contains pearlescent particles, giving the surface of a wall or shelf the appearance of a shiny fabric.
5. "Sea Breeze" contains fine sand and is used only for interior decoration.

How to make decorative plaster

After applying the primer to the walls, you should start preparing the decorating composition. How is decorative plaster made? There is nothing complicated in this, the material is realized in the form of a dry mixture, which is diluted according to the instructions. If you add solid components (pebbles, pieces of tiles) to the composition, the surface will acquire an unusual pattern. To give the desired color, paint is added in a ratio of 1/10.

Decorative plaster from ordinary putty can be prepared independently at home. This option is relevant for those who would like to save money by making repairs in the apartment. The plaster is prepared in a bucket: the putty of any manufacturer (Ceresit, Dufa) is mixed with the grout and water. The composition is supplemented with the selected dye and other decorative elements.

Materials and tools

Before starting work, it is important to take care of the preparation of the tools. You will need the following:

• drill with an appropriate attachment;
• bucket;
• structural roller;
• spatulas;
• structuring spatula;
• grater or sandpaper for leveling;
• brushes and sponges.

Materials for the preparation of the composition are used depending on the selected type of putty. Can be applied:

• wax;
• acrylic lacquer;
• white putty;
• grouting agent;
• dyes.

Application methods

The technique of applying decorative plaster is a creative process that does not require special skills. Anyone can be in the role of a master painter, decorating his room with this material. Before starting work, the walls are leveled and primed. The composition is applied with a layer of 2-5 mm using a spatula, trowel or roller. It is advisable to choose a tool that allows you to capture a large area.

Wall decoration with decorative plaster is done in different ways, depending on the composition and consistency of the mixture:

1. Spatula application method. The composition is distributed along the wall or ceiling in a circular motion or up and down.
2. Spreading with a large brush will create a wave-shaped pattern.
3. A pinion, trowel or stamps provide a repeating embossed pattern.
4. The use of crumpled polyethylene will allow you to get a non-standard surface relief.

At the end of the distribution of the mixture, it will take some time until it dries completely (8-48 hours). Over time, the walls are leveled and dust-free with a sheet of sandpaper. After that, be sure to apply a protective layer or wax to the surface. As a result, the plaster will be protected from premature destruction by moisture and dirt.

Whether decorative plaster can be applied to plaster depends on the type and texture of the mixture. If it is coarse, then it is allowed to apply the composition directly to the primer. Fine-grained decorative plaster applied by roller requires an additional layer of conventional plaster. At the same time, it is important to wait until it is completely dry before starting application (this may take several days).

How to paint decorative plaster

Decorating walls with decorative plaster sometimes requires additional painting. Depending on where the walls are decorated (external or internal, it is a kitchen or a corridor), the design is complemented by new shades or whole paintings. Thanks to this, the plastered surface becomes voluminous, and the interior becomes full. It is important to choose and apply the right paint.

Facade and interior paints are made on the basis of acrylic, silicate, water or silicone. In addition to the choice of paint, it is important to know its consumption, it is indicated on the package. As a rule, the height of the surface relief significantly increases its consumption. The method of applying paint to decorative plaster differs depending on the surface relief and the type of plaster mixture.

Today there are many different finishing materials. The most popular of these is decorative plaster.

Its market leadership is due to its many advantages. It is durable, easy to care for, moisture resistant, while its cost is low.

Consider how to make decorative plaster yourself.

Types of plaster

This material for decorating rooms and facades can have various properties. Depending on the:

• Chemical composition and components.
• Texture and style.
• Number and size of granules.

Chemical composition and components

Mineral, excellent value for money. Made from cement and lime. In stores, it is sold as a dry mix. Therefore, before starting work, it must be diluted in water.

It is used not only for interior work, but also for decorating facades. Since it contains water-repellent substances.

In addition, it has a number of advantages:

• vapor permeability;
• fire resistance;
• resistant to mechanical damage.

Acrylic plaster is sold ready-made, in the form of a water-dispersible material for decoration.

In its production, a polymer solution is used, which connects the filler. This type of plaster is tinted, so you can choose any shade.

Silicone is used for decorating external walls. Because, as it has various positive characteristics:

• Long service life.
• Elastic structure.
• Self-cleaning material.
• High vapor permeability.
• Resistant to weather conditions.

Silicate or mineral plaster is very expensive, but reliable and practical. Since the main component is potassium glass. This will protect the walls from the growth of fungus.

It is customary to use this plaster in the decoration of building facades. But you can find her in decoration interior walls.

If it is not possible to buy a ready-made mixture, then at home you can make decorative plaster from putty. With it, you can create textured images.

Texture and style

Venetian creates walls in marble. In the photo of decorative plaster, you can see how the room is being transformed. It is made from aqueous solution, lime and marble sand. This type of material is applied only to flat walls.

Structural is a heterogeneous mass with granules. It is made from latex and water. Its granules can be of any color. The color scheme is color-coded at the factory. However, it is not difficult to choose the color, since the manufacturers offer large palette different shades.

Textured is the most popular among consumers. Because with its help in the interior of the room, you can create a relief or image on the wall.

Note!

Flock turns the wall into a mosaic. As a rule, it is sold in two containers. The first contains glue, the second contains mosaic elements. They are already pre-painted by the manufacturer. The wall is applied in stages, first the glue, then the mosaic particles.

Scaffolding is used in cases where it is necessary to create a certain effect on the surface of the wall. For example, the effect of silk, velor, sandstone. Decorative plaster can be applied to the building facade.

Instructions for applying decorative plaster with your own hands

First you need to complete the preparatory work. It is necessary to remove the old finishing material.

The surface is cleaned, in the presence of cracks and holes, putty. After that, the wall must be treated with a primer.

After all the preparatory work is completed, plaster is applied using a construction tool. The material is laid in horizontal or vertical movements. The thickness of the application is measured by the granules. After application, it dries for about a day.

This completes the application of decorative plaster. If desired, it can be painted in a different color or decorated with different design elements.

Note!

Decorative plaster of walls, a great way to quickly and inexpensively change the interior of a room.

DIY decorative plaster photo

Note!

Decorative plaster looks not only very attractive, but also significantly expands the possibilities of masters in interior design. The cost of the finished building mixture for decorative wall decoration is quite high, which significantly limits the possibilities of its use. In some cases, experts reveal their secrets of craftsmanship and show with examples that the decorative plaster made with their own hands is in no way inferior to ready-made solutions.
It is to such a master that I would like to make a separate gratitude for the clear and accessible video instructions that allow you to implement various ideas for decorating premises. The review includes the cumulative experience of the masters, which is collected in a separate publication. The recipe and tips will help you experiment endlessly with decorative design in any room where each wall can acquire a unique appearance.

Decorative plaster in different techniques

Versailles plaster from conventional mixes

How to make do-it-yourself decorative plaster like walls in a Versailles apartment? It turns out that a similar texture can be achieved using the usual dry starting gypsum plaster and finishing putty, which, when mixed and applied, give an attractive texture with light inclusions of the middle fraction. This finish requires the use of acrylic lacquer, metallic paint and glitter. A detailed master class from the studio "REDecoration" is given in the video at the end of the publication.

The sequence of works for the application of Versailles plaster:

• glue the perimeter of the future coating with plaster tape;
• prime the surface with quartz-primer, which will ensure good adhesion and allow you to work longer with the model mass. Ceresit "Priming paint for thin-layer plaster and paint" is suitable for these purposes;
• the model mass for decorative plastering is mixed with water in a 1: 1 ratio of the finishing putty and starting gypsum plaster. The manufacturer of the mix is ​​not important, but you can use, for example, dry mixes G-Start and Satenpro;
• the mixture is mixed with a mixer twice, the first time immediately after adding the mixtures, the second time after the mass has stood for several minutes;
• the plaster is applied to the wall with a layer of 2-3 mm using a spatula and a trowel, making random stains to create the desired texture, special attention is paid to the corners and space near the ceiling molding and the door;
• the model mass is applied evenly on the wall, and then with the help of a plastic trowel an additional “textured” layer is made, which creates the required volume;
• after the plaster has dried, the resulting irregularities are smoothed out and sanded with a spatula, paint float and sandpaper (No. 60), the result is a beautiful smooth coating with a pronounced but shallow texture;
• at the next stage, a primer is applied deep penetration, well smearing all irregularities and avoiding smudges;
• after priming, the surface is painted, for this white paint is mixed with any selected dye, it will take about 2 hours to dry this layer;
• with the next layer, the wall is painted with a metallized decor, silver is diluted on a primer in a 1: 1 ratio, then lightly applied with a foam roller onto the first layer of paint, without filling all the irregularities (note that there are no traces of the roller);
• the finishing layer of the surface is made with varnish with the addition of glitter. First, the varnish is diluted with water by 30% to avoid a varnish "crust" on the finished coating, then glitter is added at the rate of 1 tsp. for 1 liter. During work, the varnish must be regularly stirred in order to "lift" the deposited glitter.

Obviously, in this way you can make plaster in any color with a metallic paint finish of any shade and decorate with colored and monochromatic glitter. You can also change the manner of applying the plaster, creating various textures. The varnish gives the coating a fairly high strength and protects the wall from fading in the sun; both matte and glossy varnish can be used for coating.

Flemish plaster - mass tinted two-tone

Working with Flemish plaster differs from the above Versailles and Venetian method of application and decoration, it is also done from ordinary putty based on the model mass, the recipe for which is given above. The approximate consumption of such plaster is 80 g per 1 sq. m.

The key difference between this coating is that the finished decorative putty is tinted in the mass, that is, the dye is added exactly to the plaster finishing mixture, and not applied in a separate layer. In the video lesson, yellow-brown and coffee plaster is used, which is applied with a large spatula to the prepared surface with movements "from yourself to yourself", thus creating a beautiful two-color texture.

In the next step, the wall is smoothed out with a trowel or trowel. In this case, you do not need to achieve perfect smoothness. The main goal is to mix two colors of plaster and get an interesting two-tone finish.

Flemish plaster is applied in three layers using spatulas different sizes, decreasing their size from layer to layer. On the second and third, you can use a 20 cm instrument. Subsequent layers are applied in such a way that a texture is formed on the wall and irregularities are formed inside smooth surfaces. The size of the "islands" will depend on the volume of mixture used in one putty application cycle. The more model mass is on the spatula - the "islands" bigger size the smooth surface can be done on the wall. The last layer can be applied with a Venetian trowel according to the “press-flat” scheme, in this case a different texture is obtained.
After applying the plaster, the wall is painted with a deep penetration primer. After complete drying, the plastered area is covered with azure using a trowel. The mixture can be prepared according to the following recipe (consumption 120 g per 1 sq. M):

• glue for non-woven wallpaper, diluted according to the instructions - 2 parts;
• panel varnish - 1 part;
• paint "Silver" - 0.5 parts.

In its structure, glaze is a regular wax, which is used to cover the plaster as a finishing layer. Please note that the wax is not completely removed in the recesses, due to which the texture is obtained with areas of different degrees of silvering. Instead of silver, you can use mother-of-pearl or gold to make azure, which allows you to achieve different lighting effects.
If desired, the wall can be additionally decorated with varnish, which will give the coating strength. For wet rooms can be used yacht varnish or waterproof façade plaster.

Prague plaster

Prague plaster or, as some masters call it, "Venetian fresco" is applied to a previously tinted surface. To do this, add to the soil facade paint and the tint of the desired color. The main task is to make a colored base coat at the same time as applying the primer. When applying a primer, there is no need to achieve uniform coverage.

In order to prepare a model mass of decorative Prague plaster, any acrylic putty is used, 1/10 of the sand and color are added to it (preliminary consumption is 1.5 kg per 1 sq. M). The first layer of putty is applied with a Venetian trowel, forming an uneven surface in the form of "islands". Due to the sand, a more voluminous texture and a rich type of finish are obtained.

The second layer of putty is applied to the wall by trimming with a trowel. Movement involves pressing the trowel with mortar to the wall in a chaotic manner. Please note that the required two coats are applied one after the other. First, approximately 1 sq. m of surface and the first layer is applied, then the same area is decorated with a texture using the facing method.

In the same way, the next section is covered with a solution. After that, you need to return to the previous area and smooth the plaster "along the tops" with a 20-cm spatula, removing the remaining mortar from the tool. After about five minutes, the finished surface must be polished with a Venetian trowel, while not applying much effort. The degree of readiness of the coating for this operation can be determined by touching the hand; the putty should not stick to the fingers.

At the final stage, the finished surface is painted after applying a layer of deep primer and its complete drying. For the topcoat, it is used special composition paints based on Venetian plaster, diluted with water (consumption 150 g per sq. m). Using Venetian plaster as paint will result in a more interesting, slightly shiny surface.

At the final stage, the tiled surface is covered with a special wax for decorative plasters, this is done with a plastic wallpaper spatula. For these purposes, the so-called Parmesan blue can be used, which gives a very beautiful effect of noble shine.

Decorative plaster for facades and fireplaces - stone finish

The proposed technique for decorating surfaces can be used for finishing facades and fireplace portals, but other mineral fillers are used for these purposes. Dolomite plaster can be considered a good choice for finishing "like a stone", but, unfortunately, its price is high enough for finishing the facade.

To reduce the cost of the initial decorative mixture, dolomite flour is used, which is added to styor-acrylic dispersion (UCAR ™ Latex DC 640) for outdoor use, which has a high water repellency, or acrylic putty (Sniezka Acryl-Putz) for indoor use. V finished material dye, metallized filler, glitter or mother-of-pearl are also added.

It is necessary to apply dolomite putty on the fireplace in two layers, first - with an even layer with a large Venetian trowel, then make a drawing layer by facing the surface with subsequent smoothing with the same trowel.

The surface is lightly sanded with sandpaper No. 150, primed and then decorated with Venetian plaster. It is applied diluted with water like paint using a conventional roller. After application, the plaster is polished with a trowel.

The natural texture of the stone is always distinguished by shiny inclusions, therefore, the surface "like dolomite" is also decorated with a coating with a metallized filler. To do this, copper is added to the wax, it is applied according to the surface texture, bypassing the smooth areas of the cladding. At the final stage, the surface is covered with glitter-free wax and polished with a soft trowel. A two-tone plaster "like a stone" can be obtained by the Flemish application method described above. As you can see from the examples, do it yourself decorative rock on any surface it is not at all difficult and it will not cost much, and the effect will surpass all expectations.

Facade decorative plaster

After gaining experience in applying decorative plaster for interior work, the question arises about exterior decoration. For this purpose, you can use liquid glass, with the help of which a waterproof version of the plaster is made:

• first apply a primer coat using a diluted solution liquid glass;
• a model solution of waterproof (hydrophobic) plaster is mixed in the following proportions: a ready-made solution of a plaster mixture is used in a ratio of 7: 1 to water glass or a 1: 2: 5 plaster is prepared from water glass, cement and sand.

Video instructions for applying decorative plaster

In conclusion, we give examples of how do-it-yourself decorative plaster is made video using all the above techniques. Good luck. These examples will help you make expensive, low-cost renovations to your home.

The desire of many owners of private houses to give their home a completely unique look is quite understandable. They are helped by relief plasters, which are made from solutions on various bases and are applied to the surface of the walls either with special tools, or by improvised, sometimes completely unexpected objects, depending on what effect is planned to be obtained.

Do-it-yourself decorative plastering of walls is a great way to stand out from the general background. Before deciding on the choice of the desired pattern and the technique of its reproduction, it is necessary to consider various options finishes. After the desired relief has been determined, it is advisable to carry out practical lesson, and plastering it as intended.

Some techniques for working with decorative plaster can be called art, since three-dimensional paintings with various subjects are molded from it, which can become an exclusive decoration of the wall of an apartment or a country mansion. Experienced craftsmen, using them, create real works from ordinary plaster mass that set the style for the entire design of a room or facade.

Decorative plaster - what is it?

For a long time, decorative plaster was used to decorate the walls, and with the change in interior styles, its plot patterns and relief changed, becoming more complex or, conversely, for the sake of fashion, simplifying. It has not lost its relevance to this day - in our time, with the help of this technology, both the facade parts of buildings and the interior walls of the premises are finished.

Most often, a plaster coating is used, which, in addition to being decorative, also performs a protective function, preventing moisture and dust from penetrating to the main wall.

Indoor walls can be decorated with a uniform pattern or a relief plot panel. Choosing a relief in the form of a picture for decorating your home, you can be sure that it will be guaranteed to be original, since it is almost impossible to depict the same drawing in this technique twice in exactly the same way.

Reliefs applied to the wall are usually covered with one or more shades of color, which give them a deeper volume. Optionally, when original color decorative plaster will get bored, it can be easily changed to another one. Moreover, this process can be carried out both on a homogeneous coating and on a panel. The paint is applied to the relief panels with a brush and a sponge, and on a uniform surface using a spray gun or roller.

Decorative plaster can have a deep relief, which is called a bas-relief - it protrudes above the wall surface by 8 ÷ 15 mm, or it can be almost smooth and stand out only in color. Today, in hardware stores, you can find compositions that are capable of forming a relief surface when applied with an ordinary spatula, and for some of them they are used special attachments installed on rollers. They are able to imitate tree bark, tall grass, layered rocks and many other three-dimensional patterns.

Plaster mixes used to create relief are quite plastic. They can be easily applied to a pre-prepared wall surface and converted into various patterns.

Fundamentals of technology for applying textured plaster

The work on decorating the walls with decorative plaster is carried out in stages, in accordance with the requirements of the developed technology. It includes several stages.

• The first step is to define the drawing that will decorate the walls, as well as the tools needed to reproduce it. The pattern of the relief during work should be in front of your eyes so that you can repeat its contours. This is especially important if the plot version of the panel is chosen.
• Next, you need to prepare the tools that will be used to mix the plaster composition, apply it to the wall and create a relief pattern.
• When everything is ready, you can move on to preparing the walls. This process is carried out in almost the same way for both facade and indoor walls - it includes cleaning surfaces from old coatings, rough leveling, and then priming them. It is better to choose the composition of the primer with antiseptic additives, then the walls will be protected from damage by mold, fungus, moss, etc., as well as from creating nests by insects.
• Then a starting leveling layer of plaster is applied to the prepared, well-dried surface - it will become the basis for the textured finish layer.
• After the starting layer is well dried, the wall surface is recommended, once again, to create a higher adhesion between the layers of the plaster.

• The next step, again, after the soil has completely dried, is applied the finishing textured plaster, from which the relief is formed. In some of the techniques used, the upper part of the applied plaster is compared into one plane, and textured depressions remain inside, creating a uniform but chaotic relief.

• When reproducing some drawings, it is necessary to apply several layers of decorative plaster, in which case each of them requires good drying.
• Further, if the color was not added to the plaster mixture, the paint is applied on top of the textured layer. If the surface is given a uniform pattern with recesses, then it is best to carry out this process with a spray gun. If you plan to make an uneven coloring, then you can use a sponge or a brush for tinting. The paint should be applied in such a way that it emphasizes the beauty of the relief decorative coating... When tinting a panel, paint is applied in several stages to create a visual perception of its depth.

When performing work, you should strictly adhere to step by step instructions... Making any changes to the technology for making the relief can have a bad effect on the design result. Therefore, you should not rush - you must carefully dry each of the layers, observing their sequence. It is better to immediately prepare for the fact that it will take more than one day to create a high-quality embossed wall covering.

Now that are known general principles decorating the wall by applying decorative embossed plaster on it, it makes sense to consider the tools that can be used for these technological operations.

decorative plaster

Tools for working with embossed plaster

Finishing the wall with decorative plaster and forming a relief pattern with it, use the following tools:

• For kneading plaster mortar you will need a drill and mixer attachment. With their help, you can easily and quickly enough, without special efforts make the mixture plastic and homogeneous.

• Spatulas of various sizes - these tools can be called the main ones in working with any plaster, since they cannot be dispensed with when applying any of the finishing layers.
• or a trowel is also often used to cover surfaces with plaster solutions.
• A special mitten that is used both for creating a relief and for dyeing it.

• Hard or soft bristled brush, plastic wrap, rubber gloves, sponge or plastic dishwashing net.
• The use of a roller and rubber attachments to it can be called the most popular way to make a wall embossed. The variety of these devices allows you to choose one of the many textured patterns offered by the manufacturer.

In addition, using this technique, the work is faster, and the print on the wall is neat and aesthetic, however, such reliefs cannot be called exclusive. Roller nozzles can have patterns of plant patterns, waves, various curls, geometric shapes other.

Reliefs that imitate the texture of leather or tree bark, as well as other natural materials, look especially impressive.

Nozzles can create a textured pattern, located vertically or horizontally, chaotically or perfectly correctly - this factor will depend on the preference of the owner of the finished home.

Textured plaster expands the possibilities of transforming walls, and the presence of a variety of tools opens up scope for creating numerous drawings. It should be noted that masters professionally engaged in this art, when making reliefs, often use completely unexpected tools and household items, for example, wood chisels, manicure spatulas or even ordinary teaspoons.

Materials for decorative plaster

In addition to well-chosen tools, it is necessary to choose the optimal plaster composition. The assortment is quite wide, since many well-known manufacturing companies offer special ones that allow you to easily transform the facades and premises of houses.

Starter plaster

In addition to the decorative mixture, it is necessary to purchase starting plaster, with which it will be possible to level the surface of the wall, preparing it for embossed decoration. For this purpose, it is better to purchase formulations made on the same basis as finishing, then it is safe to say that a good adhesion will be created between the base and the outer plaster layer. So, for a starting, leveling layer, the following are suitable:

• Gypsum-based starting plaster. A distinctive feature of this mixture is a short time before setting, so you need to work with it very quickly. If there is no experience in leveling walls, then it is better to choose a mixture that will allow for longer work.

• For example, a solution for cement base perfect for both experienced craftsmen and beginners. You can buy it ready-made, or you can make it yourself from cement and well-sifted sand, taken in a 1: 3 ratio. For the plasticity of a homemade mixture, PVA glue is often added to it or liquid soap... Thanks to these components, the mortar will become softer and at the same time "sticky" to the walls, and it will be easy to work with it.
• Sometimes clay is used for the starting layer, which can also be purchased at a hardware store in an already prepared form. Often clay mortar used for plastering a wooden surface, but lately, craftsmen still prefer more modern materials... Although clay has numerous positive qualities, such as elasticity, good adhesion to the surface, environmental friendliness, and in addition, it is a "breathable" material.

Decorative plasters

For decorative finishing, special plaster compositions are used, which are also made on different bases. They are intended for a variety of relief patterns, so some of them are equipped with various additives. On the packaging, the manufacturer indicates the name of the relief for which this mixture is intended, since hard crumb from different materials can be used as additives, which has a large and small fraction and gives various effects finishes.

The proposed table shows some types of decorative plaster, which are most often used for finishing the front of the house and walls inside the premises.

As you can see from the presented table, plaster mixes are produced in a dry and pasty state. Ready-made, diluted to the desired consistency, pastes will usually cost a little more than dry mixtures, but they are much easier to use, since you do not have to calculate the proportions when mixing.

Ready-to-use plasters can be used immediately after the primer has dried on the prepared wall. At the end of the work, the rest of the mixture is closed in a packing bucket, and during the next stage, the paste can be reused, since it can be stored in a closed state for a long time.

If you want to create your own plaster, you can take as a basis the recipes given in the table below:

Primers

Wall primers used on preparatory stage, are sold in a pasty and liquid consistency.

plaster

• For the treatment of the wall for the application of the starting layer, it is recommended to use deep penetration liquid formulations, which include antiseptic additives.

• After the starting plaster has dried, it should also be primed, thereby creating good foundation for the finishing decorative layer. For this process, it is best to apply a primer that has a thicker, closer to pasty, consistency.

Each of the layers applied to the wall must be completely dried, and only after that the next one can be applied. Otherwise, the plaster may begin to crack or flake off the surface.

Coloring compounds for decorative plaster

They can be tinted, or they are painted before starting work. Sometimes the color is applied by the manufacturer to the plaster kit, in other cases, color additives are purchased separately and also added to the paste or dry mixture before kneading or applying it.

Another option for giving the finished decorative plaster the desired color is to paint it with a spray gun, roller or brush. In this case, a composition of white or gray, and then, after it dries, it is given a uniform or volumetric color.

For painting textured plaster applied to the wall, water-based paints are used - these are emulsion and water-dispersion ones. Such paints are produced in various colors, but if you wish, you can give them a shade on your own, by purchasing a separate white "base" and the color you like. They are mixed immediately before being applied to the wall, and in this case, you can achieve a darker or, conversely, a lighter shade, which will help to give the picture on the wall volume and depth.

Decorative plaster varnish

For textured plasters with shallow relief or a relatively smooth surface structure, a varnish or wax protective decorative coating is usually used.

Varnishes can be matte or glossy and can significantly enrich the color of wall finishes. Thanks to even one layer of varnish, the plaster will retain its original appearance much longer.

In some cases, in order to achieve the desired effect, it is better to apply varnish to the wall surface in several layers. For example, if the imitation of polished stone or crocodile skin is reproduced on the wall.

Wax is most often used as protective means for Venetian plaster, which can acquire a matte or even mirror shine after application. The wax is odorless and environmentally friendly. It is able to protect the wall covering from dust and yellowing, and in addition, it creates a water-repellent layer, and at the same time has good vapor permeability, that is, the walls do not lose the ability to "breathe". Due to these qualities, the wax coating can be applied in living rooms and in rooms with high humidity.

The wax is produced in a colorless version and retains the color of the decorative plaster in its original state. In addition, it can be tinted with metallic pigments or pearlescent additives. For example, the CERA wax shown in the illustration is produced in three color options- it is colorless, silver and gold, which allows you to enrich the decorative finish with a pleasant soft sheen.

Masking tape

In some finishing works you cannot do without the use of masking tape. It is used to protect adjacent surfaces when working on one of them, as well as in cases where it is necessary to separate different textured or color patterns among themselves. The tape is easily glued to any surface and removed without leaving any marks. It has a low price, therefore, in any case, stocking up with all the materials necessary for finishing, it should be purchased as an auxiliary tool.

When buying any materials for decoration, it is very important to pay attention to the manufacturer's specifications, which is placed on the packaging - about what kind of work they are intended for, internal or external. Many compounds for external use are also well suited for wall decoration, but materials for internal use when applied to the facade, alas, they will not last long.

Versailles plaster

Preparation of wall surfaces

Now, having figured out how to choose a material, and what tools will be needed for work, you can proceed to consider the process of preparing walls for applying plaster solutions.

Preliminary preparation of wall surfaces

To get a high-quality result, it is very important to clean the wall of old coatings well, and similar actions are performed both on the external walls and on the internal ones. It is imperative to remove old wallpaper, paint or whitewash from them, otherwise the starting layer of plaster will have insufficient adhesion to the surface.

The main measures for the preparation of wall surfaces are shown in the table below:

Illustration
	Removing the old layer of plaster from the walls. This process is especially important to carry out very carefully in the event that the old decorative coating began to peel off from the capital surface. If you need to take off thin plaster layer, then for this purpose you can use a grinding machine or a construction float with coarse-grained sandpaper installed on it.
	In the event that the walls are covered with wallpaper, the old canvases must also be removed. Usually pasted old wallpaper is moistened with a spray gun, and this process is performed several times, since the canvases should get wet to the wall. After that, the finishing material is removed with a spatula.
	Another option for clearing wallpaper from walls is steaming. For this purpose, a special tool or a steam iron is used, and in addition, an air humidifier can be used, which is directed towards the wall, which needs to be cleaned of wallpaper.
	If the wall is painted, then the paint layer must also be cleaned off, otherwise the plaster layer will simply not lie on the wall. The paint is removed with a scraper, with the softening of the old paint with a hot stream from the building hair dryer. You can also apply the abrasive method using grinder with an iron brush or an electric drill with an abrasive nozzle.
	After the old decorative coating is removed from the wall surfaces, the leveling plaster layer or simply the capital concrete base itself will open. On concrete, depressions and irregularities are often found, which will have to be leveled by applying a putty layer.
	If plaster is found good quality, not separating from the main wall, then it can not be cleaned off. In this case, notches with a depth of 5 ÷ 7 mm are made on the surface of the wall with an ax or chisel. They will be necessary to ensure better adhesion of the leveling starter layer to the wall. However, they often do without them, using modern primers such as "betonokontakt", which provide excellent adhesion of the applied plaster compositions.
	However, quite often the situation is such that the old plaster has to be removed completely, as it crumbles and does not reliably adhere to the surface. This flaw can be found when the incisions are applied, since when tapping in some areas of the wall, the plaster layer can "bunch", or even just fall off. If the layer separates on a large section of the wall, then it is best to remove the old coating completely - the process, as they say, has already begun, and no one can guarantee that the remaining areas will be held stably.
	After the old plaster layer has been removed, serious damage in the form of deep cracks can be found on the wall. They must be repaired, otherwise they will eventually appear on new plaster layers, and the work will be ruined.
	The cracks found are embroidered, that is, they are made wider and deeper. They are then cleaned and treated with a deep penetration primer. Their filling is carried out with a plastic repair compound. Special repair mortars are on sale, and for interior work, you can use a regular starting putty. The repair mortar must fill the entire volume of the cut crack, to the full depth or width. If a wide crack is found, then it can be filled with polyurethane foam with a slight expansion. Its excess, protruding outward after the material has solidified, is trimmed flush with the wall. In some cases, to strengthen the crack and to avoid its manifestation through new finishing layers, a reinforcing mesh-serpyanka is glued on top of it to the putty mortar.
	After the repair "patches" on the cracks dry out, they must be cleaned with a construction float with an abrasive mesh installed on it first, and then with sandpaper.
	The next step is to cover the wall with a deep penetration primer antiseptic. If the first layer of primer is absorbed into the surface of the wall without leaving a trace, then one or even two more coats of primer are applied. The primer will penetrate the pores of the plaster or wall material, strengthen its surfaces and create good conditions for adhesion of materials. The mortar can be applied with a roller or with a wide brush. Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried.

Plastering can be done on a primed and dried wall.

Application of a basic leveling layer of plaster

Next important stage- this is plastering work, which finally prepares the surface for the further application of decorative plaster. Leveling is carried out on a primed and well-dried wall.

Methods of plaster leveling of surfaces may differ slightly - depending on the wall material and surface quality. But general technology still general, and more about it - in the table below:

illustration	Brief description of the performed operation
	If, when checking the wall with building level it was found that it requires major alignment, then the first step on the surface is exposed beacons made of special metal profiles. They are fixed on the wall with a step of 1000 ÷ 1200 mm, controlling vertically and horizontally using a building level and a long rule. The fixing of these profiles is carried out using a cement mortar with the addition of gypsum or only a gypsum mixture, since this material quickly sets and does not delay the performance of subsequent work. Between the slides of the mortar, on which the beacon profiles are attached, a distance of about 400 ÷ 500 mm is maintained.
	Having exposed the beacons, you can proceed to mixing the plaster solution. It must be homogeneous, without hard inclusions, otherwise it will be problematic to align it to the ideal, since voids can form near large hard fractions, which will weaken the coating. Before applying the solution, the wall can be slightly moistened by spraying it with a spray bottle or brush. The next step is to throw a thick layer of plastic solution onto the surface, which should be 30 ÷ 50 mm higher than the beacons. Excessive mortar will be removed by the rule when leveling the plaster.
	Further, the wet solution applied to the wall is leveled by a rule moved along the guide beacons. Work begins from the bottom of the wall - as a rule, without haste, it rises up, while it is slightly moved from side to side for better distribution of the solution in the space between the beacons. At the same time, excessive plaster mix, which can later be used to apply to adjacent sections of the wall.
	After plastering the surface, it should be left for 2 ÷ 3 days for setting. At the same time, it is recommended to periodically spray the wall with water to obtain greater strength of the applied layer. Further, the still wet plaster is rubbed, throwing cement milk on it. These works are carried out using a plastering trowel or grout, which is lightly pressed against the wall and rubbing the surface in a circular counterclockwise motion, making it even. The trowelled surface is left to dry completely, which depends on the thickness of the layer and can take from 5 to 15 days.
	A dry plastered wall should be well primed using a thick, pasty primer applied with a roller. Hard-to-reach sections of the wall are processed with a narrow brush. A water-based primer dries quickly enough, therefore, very often, after 2 ÷ 3 hours, it becomes possible to proceed to the next stage of work.
	When it comes to internal works, then in order for the result of the wall finishing to turn out to be of high quality, it is recommended to apply a thin, 1.5 ÷ 2.0 mm, layer of gypsum-based plaster on the leveling plaster layer. It will make the surface smooth, correcting all the imperfections of the base layer. The plaster is applied with a metal trowel or with a wide spatula, making semicircular movements. It should be remembered that gypsum mix quickly grasps and hardens, therefore it is impossible to knead a large amount of solution, since it will not be possible to "revive" it by adding water. It should be noted that as this starting layer for decorative plaster, you can use a ready-made mixture on a cement basis, or one of the common putty compounds. After this layer has dried, it must be primed.

Decorative plaster - application and painting

When all the leveling layers are dry and the wall is fully prepared, you can proceed to the finishing stage of work - applying a decorative plaster layer.

Several popular ways to apply relief

This is perhaps the most interesting creative process, after which the wall will take on a completely renewed look. For this stage, a decorative pasty plaster mass or a dry mixture is used, which is mixed independently, in the same way as the base solution, that is, using a mixer installed on an electric drill.

In any case, the mass must be plastic and homogeneous, unless, of course, such a coating as "bark beetle" or "lamb" is chosen, which contains additives from stone chips. But even with such a solution, the solid fractions should be distributed in the plastic mass completely evenly.

Illustration	Brief description of the performed operation
	Venetian plaster can have a different relief pattern, but it is always shallow and chaotic. However, sometimes it is the backdrop for clear geometric or floral patterns. Decorative plaster is applied using a metal or rubber trowel in thin layers, the number of which can be from 5 to 8. Despite such a considerable number of layers, the total thickness of the plaster made using this technique is only 3-4 mm.
	To reproduce Venetian plaster, an already tinted composition is most often used, otherwise it will be necessary to paint after the completion of its application and drying, and in this case, part of the intended effect will be lost. The desired effect of the "silk" surface is achieved by the presence of several layers of the same color, each of which is applied and rubbed in different directions. Thanks to this technique, strokes that differ in direction give different reflections of the light falling on the wall. Thus, the surface shines with a silky sheen. In some cases, in order to create the effect of a deeper spatial volume, translucent from the inside, several color shades close to each other are taken.
	Each of the layers of the plaster composition applied by strokes is smoothed, but this process is performed with tangential movements with the application of certain efforts. For each of the layers, professional craftsmen use spatulas and trowels of different thickness and width, creating a multilayer chaotic relief pattern from the solution. Using this plastering technique, you can imitate the pattern structure of various finishing stones on the wall. To enhance the effect of imitation, after the completion of the work on applying the plaster, after waiting for it to dry, the surface is polished with wax or covered with a matte varnish.
	A more affordable option for a layman for embossed plaster. The composition is applied using an ordinary spatula in one or several layers, each of which must be dried. The relief of each layer can be smoothed, or its protruding fragments can be left in their original form. Smoothing the solution is carried out with a metal trowel, with gentle touches. Using this technique, you can create various reliefs, and their shape and direction will depend on the creative mood of the master.
	If you intend to create a relief that has regular smooth shapes and lines, you can use a notched trowel (trowel) to reproduce it, usually used for applying glue when finishing surfaces with ceramic tiles, or a special comb.
	This type of relief drawing will not be difficult to reproduce for a master who first picked up a plastering tool. The first step is to apply a layer of plaster mortar to the wall using an ordinary wide spatula, and it is not necessary that it be perfectly even. Then it displays a relief in the form of semicircles, staggered lines or other patterns that you can come up with yourself.
	Another version of the relief available in reproduction for any creative person is a print from an ordinary plastic film on wet plaster applied to the wall. In this case, the imagination can also not be limited, since the film can be used unfolded or rolled into a roller, as well as simply crumpling it up randomly. In addition, you can come up with your own version of using this material, since, in order to achieve the desired pattern, you can safely experiment with a solution and a film.
	When removing the film, after it has been pressed against the wet plaster, it will inevitably pull the solution along, and as a result, a kind of relief protrusions are formed, which can be smoothed out with a spatula or trowel. Using this method of creating decorative plaster, you can use a tinted solution, or paint it after the wall dries out after applying the relief.
	Quite popular for the decoration of both internal and external wall surfaces is such a textured pattern as "bark beetle". For this, a special composition of plaster is used, which includes hard stone fractions with a size of 1.5 ÷ 3 mm. Such a solution is applied using a metal trowel, and it can be distributed on the surface in different direction, depending on what kind of relief it is intended to get. When plaster is applied, the harsh fractions leave furrows that mimic insect damage to the surface. These recessed stripes can be located vertically, horizontally, diagonally, in the form of a semicircle or whole circles - the direction of the embossed pattern will depend on the preference of the master and the design conceived.
	A frequently used tool for applying relief is a roller, which leaves a textured pattern on the surface of the wall. This method of volume reconstruction can be used by any homeowner, even one who has never been involved in plastering work before. It is enough to purchase a roller with the relief you like on its rubber nozzle and leave an impression on the fresh solution applied to the wall. The choice of attachments is so great that they can be chosen for any, even the most sophisticated taste. If desired, the roller attachment can be made independently, using pieces of foam rubber, a wound coarse rope, plastic wrap, fur, fabric with a deep relief or other materials that can leave the necessary impression on wet plaster.
	If it is planned to create the correct plant pattern on the walls, in the form of grass and leaves of various shapes and sizes, then a roller with such a pattern will have to be purchased ready-made. The work on decorating the walls using this technique takes place quite quickly, since there will be no failures in the process - the plaster mixture is applied and distributed on the surface with a spatula, and while it remains wet, a roller is passed over it, which will leave the selected pattern on the surface.
	And this is a completely simple method that does not require special expenses for the purchase of an instrument for reproducing the relief. For the finishing process, a regular flat brush with a soft or hard bristle is used, depending on how clear the pattern is to be obtained. The relief is recreated to it according to the same principle as when using a trowel with a toothed comb - using fresh plaster applied to the wall.
	Another decorative plastering technique, performed not over the entire surface of the wall, but only in its individual areas. One of the types of shallow relief described above can serve as a background for it. Panels are usually made from gypsum plaster mortar. The composition is applied in slides to the marked area of ​​the wall according to the drawing and left to dry. After drying, cutting tools are used - it can be a knife, cutters of various shapes and a spatula - with their help, the necessary shapes are created. In addition to the cutters, you will need sandpaper with fine and medium grain, which smooths out the cut out elements of the volumetric pattern. In order not to spoil the wall, it is recommended to experiment by creating a small panel or its individual parts on a plywood sheet. Only after making sure that everything works out, you can proceed to reproducing the intended relief pattern on the wall.

In addition to those listed above, there are other objects that can serve to create relief patterns on the surface of the wall. For this purpose, not only professional tools, but also improvised devices or even plant fragments, for example, tree leaves or branches of various thicknesses.

Painting decorative plaster

As mentioned above, you can buy colored decorative plaster in hardware stores, but it is much more difficult to work with it, since all complex ones must be reproduced in one color. Therefore, most often a white plaster mixture is chosen, which, after final drying, is covered with the selected shades, which significantly expands the creative possibilities of the home craftsman.

In addition to applying color to the finished embossed wall, there is another technique for creating a colored surface. In this version, a certain color is added to the white plaster before it is applied, and then a relief on the wall is made from material of different shades. This is a fairly complex technique, and can be mastered by a professional artist or a person with the appropriate talent. Therefore, the best option is to paint the finished relief.

Usually, water-based paints are used to paint decorative plaster, to which the desired color is added. It is recommended, when choosing a color, to make it one or two shades darker, since when the paint dries, it will brighten.

Illustration	Brief description of the performed operation
	The most used technique for giving color to embossed plaster is to cover it with a light tone of the selected shade. Such coloring will become unifying for the whole composition. The paint is applied to the entire plane using a roller, pre-squeezing it on the ribbed surface of the painting tray. If the relief has a depth of more than 5 mm, then a roller with a long nap is used to tint it, or especially deep fragments are tinted with a soft brush.
	Apply the first paint coat in one go, otherwise the paint will be uneven. Therefore, if the paint is tinted on its own, it must be kneaded so much that it is enough for the first layer for all walls in the room or at least for one wall, but always for its entire area. This is especially important if the surfaces will be painted in one color without additional shades and streaks. Coloring is carried out in different ways, depending on the depth of the relief and the desired end result.
	One of the options for uneven staining is done with a sponge. Then, on the still wet painted surface, they are passed with a soft cloth or dry sponge, barely touching the protruding relief elements. This technique of execution is aimed at enhancing the "depth of space" of the relief not only with the help of volume, but also with the use of a play of color.
	This method of finishing decoration consists of two stages - painting and cleaning the protruding elements of the relief with sandpaper. The first step is to paint the entire area of ​​the walls with a general color - this process can be carried out using a roller or spray gun. The second stage is performed after the paint is completely dry. Fine-grained sandpaper is installed on a construction float, after which this tool is used to pass over the protruding parts of the relief. In this way, paint is removed or lightened from the surface, thereby showing a three-dimensional pattern. If desired, the cleaned surfaces can be coated with a paint similar in tone to the main color, darker or lighter, depending on what effect you want to get. Usually a light shade is chosen, since it visually increases the volume of the relief.
	A relief panel can only be made experienced master, but you can try to paint it yourself. However, it should be borne in mind that this process is quite complicated and time-consuming, since it will have to be done with thin brushes, so the work will take a lot of time. It is recommended to cover the finished plaster panel with a primer, dry it, and only then start painting. You should not take pure bright colors, as the relief will not be visible behind them. Therefore, they are diluted to the state of shades of the selected color, or a certain amount of them is added to the white paint.
	In this variant of staining decorative plaster, two colors are used - one is the main one, and the second is an auxiliary one, which will highlight the relief pattern. The work is carried out in two stages. First, the entire surface is covered with one, basic color. This process can be carried out with a roller, wide brush or spray gun. Then this layer should be well dried. The second stage consists in applying paint with tangential movements on the protruding parts of the relief using a soft brush, foam sponge or mittens worn on the hand. The paint to be applied must be sufficiently thick and the brush or sponge dry.

Video: an interesting example of painting a wall finished with embossed plaster

The final stage of work on decorative plaster is to cover the walls with varnish or wax. This process must be carried out carefully, as applying the finishing coat carelessly can ruin the entire work.

In conclusion, I would like to say that if the experience in performing decorative plastering is small or absent altogether, it is not recommended to choose too complex design techniques. In the same case, when a specific drawing is selected and a decision is made to reproduce it on the wall by all means, you should carefully study the instructions and practice on small area walls or plywood board.

Video: demonstration of various techniques for applying and decorating decorative plasters

"Versailles plaster": technology available to everyone - step by step

In the final section, as an example, the design of the wall of the so-called " Versailles plaster". In the proposed finishing technology, instead of the plaster composition, two types of putty are used - starting and finishing, which allows you to save a decent amount on finishing. In addition, the advantage of this method of original decorative wall decoration is that even a novice master can do it. The main thing is to purchase quality material and use it correctly.

In addition to two types of putty, to obtain the desired result, you will need "Quartz-primer" to be applied to the wall under decorative cladding, which creates increased adhesion between materials, and also prevents the putty from drying too quickly. The presence of this material is a prerequisite for decorating a wall using a similar technology.

In order for the plaster layer to turn out to be aesthetic, it is necessary to purchase two more components, without which the desired effect will not work.

This is, firstly, a decorative paint coating such as "Adagio Silver" - on an acrylic binder, containing small metal particles of various shapes. Gives a very interesting iridescent effect, giving the wall a silky look.

Secondly, the so-called glitter is used, consisting of the smallest particles of polyester film of different shapes. This component is also added to one of the decorative wall layers.

Illustration	Brief description of the performed operation
	The first step is to knead the model mass, consisting of starting and finishing putty in a 1: 1 ratio. Mixing takes place as follows: Part of the starting and part of the finishing putty is poured into a container with water in turn, then the sequence is repeated, and so on until the required amount of dry mixture is poured. If necessary, a little water is added to the bucket, and then the mass is mixed using a mixer attachment. Further, the ready-made solution is left for 10 ÷ 12 minutes - this time is necessary for it to "mature". After this time, the mass is mixed again until smooth. It should be very well mixed and have a medium consistency, that is, not very liquid, and not thick.
	The ready putty composition is applied to the prepared, leveled, treated with "Quartz-primer" and dried wall surface. If the mass is applied not from the ceiling, but below, along the broken line on the wall, then it is recommended to first stick masking tape along it, which will help to leave the upper part of the wall clean and keep the upper border of the decorative finish even. Work starts from the top line. First of all, the putty mixture is distributed along the masking tape.
	The applied layer should have a thickness of 2 ÷ 3 mm. Particular attention should be paid to filling the joints of the planes, for example, if the putty will be applied from the ceiling line. The mixture is applied to the wall with a trowel, in a relatively even layer. This work can also be done with a spatula having a width of 300 ÷ 350 mm. It should be noted that in this version of the finish, you can not try too hard, leveling the mortar to perfect smoothness, the main thing is that the layer of material has the same thickness over the entire plane of the wall and is fairly even. The smoother the putty layer, the easier it will be to see the flaws in the relief pattern.
	An even facing layer is applied at a height of 1000 ÷ 1500 mm from the top down the wall. Then a relief pattern is formed on a wet putty. For this, a plastic trowel with a plate pointed in front is used - in shape it resembles an iron. Work starts from the corners or top line of the wall. The master makes undulating movements, stretching the mass, at the same time creating a chaotic pattern in the form of stripes going in different directions. With the help of a trowel, the mass, as it were, rises above the surface, creating a larger volume of decorative coating and leaving furrows behind different widths, most often located on a diagonal surface. The convenience of creating a relief in this way is that the drawing applied to the solution can always be corrected if the master does not like it in some way.
	Having developed the first batch of putty, and having reached approximately the middle of the wall in height, the next portion of the solution is made. During this time, the mass applied to the wall will already have time to grab. Therefore, many craftsmen have the problem of combining the plastered area of ​​the wall with the already set mortar and fresh, just mixed mass, which will be applied below. The joint between the two areas of the wall should be completely invisible.
	In order for the union to proceed neatly and become completely invisible, the fresh solution is applied overlapping the already applied layer by 150 ÷ ​​200 mm, and then the overall layer is smoothed out. This process must be carried out along the entire line of combining two zones - upper and lower.
	The overlap line must be well smoothed, and then a general relief pattern must be applied to it.
	Embossing starts from the area where the drawing has already been applied. It turns out that it is, as it were, "picked up" with a trowel and extended onto an evenly applied unifying putty layer along its entire length.
	When combining the two zones of the wall, it is important to ensure that there are no deep dents or pronouncedly even stripes from the trowel on the wall. Such defects must be smoothed out and given to these areas a general relief, since in these zones they will be especially noticeable. When working on the unifying line, it is recommended to step aside and inspect the work area from a distance. This way, you can more clearly identify the shortcomings and immediately fix them.
	Then, the model mass is applied to the entire lower part of the wall in an even layer, and a relief is formed on it in the same way. When the wall is completely covered with this primary layer of putty with applied relief, it is left to dry completely for two days.
	When the wall dries out, a spatula is passed over its surface, which must be used to clean the protruding sharp edges of the embossed stripes, since they must be rounded.
	Then, the entire surface is processed with a construction float, with sandpaper No. 60 installed on it. Grouting is carried out with slight pressure, in a circular motion counterclockwise.
	After processing, you should get a relief surface with smoothed protruding edges of the pattern. An additional check of the surface, that is, its smoothness, can be done by swiping over it with the palm of your hand. If you find untreated areas that scratch the palm, then this flaw must be corrected immediately. The treated surface must be thoroughly cleaned of putty dust - this process is carried out with a soft wide brush or brush.
	The next stage is the surface treatment with a deep penetration primer. The primer is applied with a roller with a pile attachment. The composition must be well distributed along the wall, collecting all the resulting smudges. This layer dries for 1.5 ÷ 2 hours.
	Next, a white water-based paint is taken, the color of the selected shade is added to it (in this case, the master used a beige dye), and the mass is well mixed until smooth. The paint should be applied easily and not be too thick, therefore, if necessary, the solution is diluted to the desired consistency with water. The relatively liquid composition of the paint, when applied to the wall, will become translucent, which, in combination with other layers of different shades, will create the illusion of space.
	The paint is first applied to the edge of the wall with a brush, and then the main part of the surface is tinted with a roller with a pile nozzle. It distributes the mass well over the embossed surface, filling all the recesses of the pattern with paint, and when rolling out the composition, collects its excess. As a result, the surface should be neat and evenly colored, without smudges. After the entire surface is covered with a tinting compound, it is left to dry completely. A thin layer of water-based paint will take about two hours to dry.
	Next, a composition made from a conventional primer and "silver" - the dye "Adagio Silver" is applied to the surface with the help of a foam roller. The mixture is prepared in a 1: 1 ratio, that is, in this case, the master took 250 × 250 grams of these materials. The resulting mixture should have a fairly thick consistency and not drip at all. The mass is applied to the wall without pressure, so that only the upper protruding elements of the relief are covered with it. Depressions should not be painted with this composition.
	The mixture is gently rolled over the entire surface of the wall, highlighting the relief with color.
	Next, you need to prepare a finishing compound that will transform the surface of the wall beyond recognition. It consists of a water-based varnish and a small amount of glitter. The varnish is diluted with water, in proportions of about 1: 3, and mixes well. The addition of water is necessary so that a hard, uneven, glossy crust does not form on the surface of the wall, after covering it.
	A small amount of glitter is added to the varnish, about a tablespoon per 0.5 liter of composition. Then the solution is thoroughly mixed with vigorous shaking. Before you start shaking, the lid of the container with the composition must be tightly closed.
	Further, the finished varnish composition is applied to the embossed plaster using a foam roller and is well distributed by rolling over the wall surface. Having completed this stage of work, the finishing can be considered complete. It remains only to wait for the wall surface to dry, and then remove the masking tape that limits the wall.
	The last illustration shows the result of this sufficiently long-term work over the wall decoration. But on the other hand, you must admit that the technology is not so complicated, and the resulting finish looks very original.