Ceiling, painted water-based paint or covered with wallpaper, is not very relevant today. IN modern interior this surface is not given less attention and strength than the walls and floor. If desired, you can create an original and exclusive design. One of the technologies is finishing the ceiling with decorative plaster.
Introduction to decorative plaster
In a hardware store, the consumer will be faced with a large assortment of decorative plaster for the ceiling. To do right choice, you need to navigate their properties, structure and appearance. It is according to these criteria that mixtures are divided, but, first of all, they are divided into 3 main groups:
- For interior decoration;
- for exterior decoration;
- universal.
You should choose materials intended for interior decoration. But here, too, not everything is so simple; plaster is divided into several types depending on the components that are included in the composition:
- acrylic;
- polymers;
- polyurethane;
- epoxy resin;
- marble, granite and quartz chips.
In addition to differences in composition, the plaster mixture also differs in aesthetic properties. Thus, two groups are distinguished: structural and textured types. Structural plaster has white base, so most often the finishing stage is painting. Textured mixtures are divided into 4 main groups depending on the size of the granules:
- large;
- average;
- small;
- thin.
To choose decorative plaster with high waterproofing and antiseptic properties, choose options that contain thickeners, antiseptics and preservatives.
Benefits and Features
The special components that make up the decorative mixture provide finishing material a large number of positive properties and advantages. Among these, several main ones can be identified:
- practicality;
- water-repellent properties;
- antiseptic properties;
- strength;
- ease of application (all steps are performed by hand, without outside help);
- decoration of any type of surface;
- masking minor defects;
- environmental friendliness.
An important advantage and positive property plaster is an opportunity to quickly transform the interior. Using it, you can create any pattern or design, and then paint it in the desired shade, which will be combined with the decoration on the walls and ceiling.
When using decorative plaster, there is no need to carefully prepare and level the ceiling surface.
Nuances when applying decorative plaster
- spatulas of various sizes;
- perforator;
- mixing container (bucket);
- graters.
If alignment is necessary ceiling surface, then you can use special putties or mount plasterboard construction with aluminum profile. If you are new to the construction business, then you need to carefully review and study the instructions on how to apply decorative plaster to the ceiling.
It is also worth considering several nuances that will improve the desired result:
- The ceiling must be clean and dry (this will prevent the appearance of fungus and mold).
- Before application, it is recommended to apply a layer of deep penetration primer and wait until it dries completely.
- The mixture should be thoroughly mixed using a special construction whisk (it is not necessary to use high speed for this, as the texture may be damaged).
- The movements when applying decorative plaster are identical to the puttying process (smooth from bottom to top).
- To add texture or pattern, it is recommended to use a grater, roller or spatula.
- After applying the plaster, at least a week should pass, after which you can begin the next steps: painting or varnishing.
- Large construction stores initially sell mixtures white, which are painted with pigment paints in the tone desired by the client.
Various techniques are used to achieve a variety of effects. For example, when performing circular movements, the result can be a shell pattern. Using a plastic grater, you can achieve the formation of grooves in different directions.
After the layer of plaster has completely dried, you need to treat the surface with wax. This will give the ceiling a glossy effect and also add additional protection.
How to work
If you doubt your abilities or do not have the required quantity time, it is better to trust with professional specialists or choose a different type of finish.
Now we can draw some conclusions and summarize. Decorative plaster nowadays is the most popular view finishing. With its help and a little imagination, you can transform the ceiling beyond recognition in a few days and at the same time hide small errors in the surface. As a result of the work done, the room will delight you with its beauty every day.
Decorative plaster on the ceiling is one of the beautiful, but labor-intensive types of finishing. The complex technology is complicated by the horizontal surface. However, the durability and attractiveness of the coating are fully justified.
Material advantages
Thanks to its special composition, this plaster is practical. So, depending on the purpose of the room, you can choose a material with antiseptic and moisture-repellent characteristics, thermal insulation and other features.
All types of decorative plaster have the following characteristics:
- environmental friendliness;
- the ability to mask small irregularities;
- lack of scrupulous preparation of the surface for finishing;
- ease of application;
- increased strength, which ensures long service life;
- Possibility of decorating any surface.
Another important advantage is the variety of textures. However, it is the wide range that requires careful selection, since the main stages of finishing differ depending on the texture. For example, a material with the smallest particles does not have reinforcing functions, because a thin layer will repeat all the surface irregularities. Therefore, working with it involves preliminary leveling of the ceiling.
It is very important to decide in advance what type of surface you will apply the mixture to. Some types will only spoil main material. For example, water is not used on surfaces that lose appearance and shape when wet, it can be drywall or wood.
The advantages also include the property of original and quick transformation of the room. Finishing the ceiling with decorative plaster allows you to create any design or pattern and paint it in the desired color.
Combining with decorative elements you can create a non-trivial style.
Material characteristics
Mixtures are classified depending on the binder into four groups, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages, which determines their use.
Mineral decorative plaster for the ceiling comes with the following base:
- limestone;
- plaster;
- cement.
It is applied to a previously primed surface.
Advantages of mineral mixtures:
- resistant to high humidity;
- durable;
- vapor permeable;
- easy to apply;
- fireproof;
- allow you to get a silk surface.
The mixture is affordable and involves the use of flocks, chips and other elements. Regarding the disadvantages, the formation of cracks during shrinkage of the building is noted.
Acrylic plaster for ceilings is sold in finished form. She's different increased level adhesion to different mineral surfaces, low moisture absorption coefficient and high elasticity. However, it is flammable and is not suitable for cladding.
Silicate decorative ceiling plaster is based on “liquid” potassium glass, an emulsion that is mixed before use. The mixture is characterized by its ability to pass steam and elasticity. Exposed plaster must be applied quickly. The silicate mixture surface is easy to care for. This type It is characterized by a long service life, water resistance and vapor permeability. It is suitable for different coatings. If necessary, it is easy to create any color by adding tint.
Filler for mixture
Varieties of plaster differ in the type of stone chips. Manufacturers use several natural stones, which are crushed. Its size varies from 0.5 to 5 mm.
Each type has unique properties:
- marble - has excellent adhesion characteristics to the base, but is not resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion;
- quartz - has average adhesion to the binder base;
- granite - has excellent resistance to mechanical damage.
Classification by surface type
The composition of the plaster influences the method of applying the mixture. There are several techniques:
- simulated;
- furrowed;
- uniformly rough.
For any type of coating, choose the material that suits it best. The manufacturer places compatibility data on the labels. Please read the information before starting work.
Before you make a purchase, you need to check the expiration date. Expired material turns into flour.
Manufacturers produce decorative plaster in different forms:
- dry;
- ready.
The most popular types are considered to be textured “sea breeze”, roller and Venetian mixtures.
Application method
Before starting work, remember that silicate plaster is not used in finishing coatings that are treated with a dispersion or water-based primer. It is applied to the sandy ceiling. For silicate material, it is better to use plaster with a mineral base.
The decorative mixture is applied only after thorough mixing. For this purpose they use special tool— auger. It runs at low speeds. At high speed stirring the granules will collapse.
The ceiling can be finished only after full preparation. It must be clean and dry.
The advantage of such plaster is that, compared to paint, it is applied to ceilings with flaws. It is important to remember that this is possible when the size of the unevenness is no larger than the grain of the filler. To enhance adhesion, the surface is primed special composition with quartz sand.
The method of applying plaster is similar to the puttying method. The material is applied from bottom to top and leveled. Then comes one of the most important points- formation of the desired pattern. The plaster is processed using a spatula, a special structural roller or a plastic trowel. To create relief patterns, use the following application techniques:
- Forming patterns with brushes, graters and spatulas. For example, using circular movements with a spatula, the effect of sea shells is imitated. A plastic grater creates grooved patterns.
- Forming the structure using a roller. If you make rotational movements, you will get a homogeneous surface, and with light rolling you will get a unique pattern.
Usually, after the plaster has dried, no additional processing is required. In some cases, to increase operational and decorative qualities it is covered with paint. It dries out in a couple of hours, but this is completely possible only after a few weeks.
The owner of a house, apartment or office, depending on his wishes, as well as operating conditions and characteristics of the coating, can choose a certain type of decorative mixture, the desired texture and shade. This material is suitable for decorating bedrooms, living rooms and hallways.
Thanks to the availability of options with different textures and the ability to choose any shade, decorating a room with decorative plaster on the ceiling is an easy, quick and even interesting process. It can be used in any room, and high quality material will ensure durability of the finish even in conditions of high humidity or constant temperature changes.
Positive properties
Thanks to its special composition, decorative plaster has a number of positive properties that provide practicality of such material. For example, depending on the room in which you plan to decorate the ceiling, you can choose plaster with water-repellent and antiseptic properties, the possibility of thermal insulation and many other features.
In addition to these characteristics, the advantages of using decorative plaster when finishing the ceiling include the following:
- high material strength, ensuring the durability of the use of decorative plaster;
- easy application process on the ceiling surface, which does not require significant effort;
- Possibility of decorating absolutely any surface, thanks to which the structure of your ceiling does not matter;
- no need for careful ceiling preparation for subsequent finishing with plaster;
- Possibility of masking minor irregularities on a surface;
- decorative plaster is an environmentally friendly material, not causing harm to human health.
Attention! Despite the lightness and versatility of such a material, if you have no experience working with plaster, it is advisable to entrust it to specialists.
One of the advantages of decorative plaster is variety of textures However, a wide range also requires a strict approach to selection, since depending on the chosen texture, the main stages of finishing work may differ.
For example, plaster with small particles is unable to perform reinforcing functions, since a thin layer of material will follow all the unevenness of the ceiling. Therefore, when working with such plaster, it is necessary to level the surface.
It is extremely important to think ahead What type of surface will this plaster be applied to?. Some types of plaster can spoil the base material, for example, decorative plaster on water based unacceptable for finishing surfaces that can lose their shape or appearance when in contact with water (this includes wood, drywall and other materials).
Another positive property of such plaster is the possibility of quick and original interior transformation. Using this material, you can create any pattern or design on the ceiling, paint it in the desired shade, and when combined with additional decorative materials– and emphasize the unusual style of the room.
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Thanks to ease of use, beneficial properties and a wide variety of textures, such materials are highly popular, as evidenced by numerous reviews of decorative plaster on the ceiling.
Andrey, Krasnoarmeysk: I thought for a long time about how to transform the ceiling in the corridor: I wanted to choose something original, but not complicated. I settled on decorative plaster - and was pleased with the result. Very easy to apply to surfaces, even uneven ones. I was worried that the patterns and curves I made with my own hands would shift and lose shape when they dried, but everything turned out great.
Among other advantages I can highlight durability and high quality. Applied on top of the plaster bright paint– as a result, the shade turned out to be saturated, and there were no stains on the ceiling at all. I think it’s an excellent material, I plan to use it in other rooms!
Svetlana, Saratov: I have only positive impressions from decorative plaster. I decorated the ceiling in the nursery for my daughter, I wanted to create a semblance of flowers on the surface - it turned out great! I chose the plaster myself, relying on my intuition, and it did not let me down: the material is excellent, durable, environmentally friendly and looks great in any interior.
To decorate the ceiling, I invited specialists who, by the way, coped with their task very quickly. It turned out to be a spring design; soon I plan to paint the ceiling in bright colors. I advise everyone: this is what you need for quick finishing!
Oksana, Odintsovo: At one time I really struggled with decorating the bathroom: plastic panels, tiles and other materials did not confirm their quality, but I tried quite a lot of options. I accidentally came across an article about decorative plaster and, after reading the reviews, decided to try it. For the ceiling I chose structural plaster, because I didn’t plan to decorate the surface, and the relief material looks simple and original.
My husband did the application of plaster on the ceiling, everything turned out very easily and quickly, I purchased the ceiling the new kind and has not yet spoiled our impression. The only issue I'm worried about is. - this is the possibility of the appearance of mold and mildew, but, judging by the reviews, they will not appear on such material. Over time, I will check the quality of the plaster, but for now I don’t see any disadvantages.
Sergey, Nizhny Novgorod: The more friends used plaster to decorate the ceiling, the more I realized that it was time for me to try this material. I decided to redo the ceiling in the kitchen, I chose textured plaster white. I applied it to the surface myself, created a semblance of waves - it turned out very stylish and unusual. By the way, I was pleasantly surprised by the cost: I thought it would be more expensive.
For a better effect, I leveled the ceiling in advance, but I can say with confidence that this plaster does not require surface preparation: thanks to the relief, no one will notice the flaws. I applied two layers of blue paint to the plaster to create a sea wave. My wife is still delighted, and I can confidently say that this is a great way to decorate a room.
Marina, Ekaterinburg: I have always been demanding of materials, as I try to take care of the health of my family. For the ceiling in the bedroom I chose plaster, starting from its environmental properties. I learned from the specialists who applied decorative plaster to my ceiling that this material still has many useful qualities.
About six months have passed since the decoration: the plaster is still did not fall off, retained its color and continues to please me with its quality. An excellent option for the ceiling at the best price!
In order for decorative plaster to meet your expectations, it is not enough to make the right choice. It is necessary to observe all the features of its application to the ceiling, and also do not forget about proper care behind the surface.
A video about decorative plaster on the ceiling will help you understand the details of these processes:
Decorative plaster when finishing the ceiling is used not only for aesthetics, but also to level the surface and slightly adjust the height. However, the latter is not very important - not a single person will notice a difference of 1-2 cm by eye. Plastering a ceiling is quite troublesome and dirty, you should be prepared for this. On average, finishing the ceiling in a room of about 16 m will take two and a half days at a calm pace of work. So, why is all this necessary, and is it worth the effort?
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Arguments for and against plaster on the ceiling
Traditionally, it’s worth starting with the advantages of plaster coating on the ceiling surface:
Disadvantages of finishing the ceiling with plaster:
Initial stage: how to mark and prime the ceiling
Marking is the first thing to do before starting the main work. Consider the fact that beacons must be placed in the direction of the light. In a corner room with two windows, ceiling beacons are installed lengthwise. For what? For example, you have already placed 3 rows and made a mistake somewhere, which is why the middle one came out lower than necessary (the most common problem). If the beacons are placed in the direction of the rays, a small error will not be visible. If the beacons are placed across, it will not be possible to hide the mistake.
To calculate how many rows of beacons need to be installed, you need to know the width of the room. If it is less than 3 m, 2 rows placed at a distance of 60 cm from the walls will be enough. Thus, the rows will be 180 cm apart, which will allow you to work comfortably with the 2-meter rule. In this case, the middle row is plastered first, and then those on the sides. If the width of the room is from 3 to 5 m, you will need 3 rows, and with a width of 5 m - all 4.
Ceiling primer professionally
So, let’s say the ceiling width is 3.5 m, for marking you will have to install 3 rows of beacons. The central row is installed exactly along the central axis of the ceiling, the rest should be at a distance of 1.55 m from it, or, more simply, 20 cm from longitudinal walls. Places for self-tapping screws are marked with a marker or pencil; it is better to immediately write the length of the beacons so as not to constantly check them. At the marked points, holes are drilled into which dowels are stuck.
Self-tapping screws are screwed in after priming. You need to prime the ceiling without sparing material. When the primer is completely dry, you need to find the lowest point. The fastest way to do this is with a laser, but not everyone has such a device. To identify the lowest point, you can use a simple bubble level; it is best used in conjunction with a rule. The process is tedious and long, but this is one of the most important stages of finishing the ceiling with plaster. Tape the rule and level to each other using masking tape and begin measuring the ceiling.
It doesn’t matter which corner you start from, the main thing is to remember to make marks at the holes for the screws - which ones are higher and which ones are lower. This is very important not only to avoid waste of material, but also for the convenience of carrying out the work as such. It’s not so scary to use a little more mixture if you make a mistake, but what will you do if you run into a rough foundation? The work will be ruined.
As soon as the lowest area is found, a self-tapping screw is screwed into the hole, protruding outward by 6-7 mm. The next self-tapping screw is first inserted by eye, then you need to apply a level to both self-tapping screws and see if the horizontal line meets. Of course, this is unlikely to work the first time. Screw the second screw deeper or, conversely, unscrew it back until the horizon is perfectly level.
Using the same method, install all other pairs of screws, making sure to check the level. If the rule is long enough, you can check the level of 1st and 2nd and 1st and 5th several times - this way there will be less chance of error. Get ready to spend at least 1.5 hours on this whole thing with a bubble level. With a laser everything will go much faster - 15 minutes with the right skill.
How to plaster
According to the technology of work, do-it-yourself decorative plaster on the ceiling is no different from wall version. You simply spread a thick plaster solution using a spatula, and remove the excess using a rule. It's simple, but there are a few small differences. Unlike the wall on the ceiling, gravity has a much stronger effect on the plaster. If you mix the solution too thickly, it will adhere less well to the ceiling. There is no need to explain what this entails, given the weight of the plaster and the laws of physics.
So, if the ceiling is not perfectly flat, and there are differences in height, then different areas required different thickness mixtures. If the difference is less than 1.5 cm, the solution is quickly and easily spread using a metal spatula. Place a heap of the mixture on a spatula and spread it across the ceiling in a forward and upward motion.
Thicker layers have their own characteristics. In this case, there is a risk that the plaster will bubble - voids appear in those places where the solution could not adhere to the ceiling and began to sag. The most vulnerable places in this regard are the corners. What to do to remove bubbles? There is a little trick. First, apply a thin layer of plaster - it is quite light and is 100% likely to adhere to the surface. Don't wait for the layer to dry - sculpt the next one on top of it. Plaster and plaster adhere perfectly, and in the end nothing will sag. You only have half an hour to apply this technique - after this, the thin layer will dry, and when applying a new one, you can get a dump. It’s good if at this time no one is in the place where a thick piece of plaster falls.
The fact is that wet plaster does not adhere to dry plaster at all. If bubbles have already appeared, you can do this simply - scrape the plaster down to the base and reapply the mixture. To quickly scrape off a poorly applied coating, wait until the plaster sets.
It will be much more convenient to work with your back to the window. So the sunlight will not blind your eyes, but on the contrary will help you see everything better. Excess plaster is removed by moving towards yourself, while finishing movements using the rule - in the opposite side. This way you can easily notice if there is a gap between the solution and the rule, and correct the mistake in time before the mixture dries.
Constantly check the plane along the beacons each time you are about to apply freshly mixed plaster. Ideally, such checks should be carried out after each new batch. This way you will immediately notice if one of the layers overlaps another. If you do not correct the mistake immediately, it will be very difficult later.
The last areas to be plastered are the areas along the walls and, in some cases, the central axes of the screws.
These areas are covered with plaster only after the central part of the ceiling has dried. Before work, remove all screws. Firstly, they can interfere with the movement of the rule, and secondly, they will be clearly visible after the ceiling is plastered and puttied. It won't decorate the interior.
When the ceiling is completely leveled, it is necessary to remove all the beacons without missing a single one. There are usually grooves left in place of the beacon - they also need to be carefully sealed so that they are not visible.
Grouting process
The final finishing of the ceiling is done using putty and a wide spatula. The mixture is applied in two thin layers (as it dries), and then the surface is sanded. A special grater is used for grinding, but if the ceiling is large, this will be a very long process. You can sand the ceiling much faster using grinder. In both cases, use a face mask and goggles to protect your eyes and respiratory tract from dust.
To decorate the ceiling you can use a beautiful Venetian plaster. Usually it is used to cover walls, but it will also look very good upstairs. Originally the composition of the Venetian plaster mixture was made of marble chips and natural wax. Nowadays it is used acrylic resin, in no way inferior natural analogue, and more economical in price. This plaster imitates a marble pattern, but it has several disadvantages:
- vulnerable to water, so it cannot be used in rooms with high humidity- in the bathroom and kitchen;
- if the neighbors from above flood you, the plaster will peel off, further repairs are impossible, since it will not be possible to accurately match the same tone - you will have to plaster your ceiling from scratch.
Textured plaster for the ceiling, like Venetian plaster, is not suitable for the kitchen. But the reason here is not humidity, but dust. Dust and dirt firmly eat into the decorative depressions and cracks; it will be incredibly difficult to clean such a ceiling. To simplify the task, it is better to use a polymer mixture - it is easier to clean and is not so afraid of moisture. With different tools you can achieve the most different textures. Use paint rollers or a trowel to apply the desired design to the ceiling.
If it happens that bubbles appear, the plaster will need to be tapped over the entire surface of the ceiling - this way you will immediately identify the presence of voids. All discovered weak spots must be cleaned down to the base before applying a new coat of plaster. If cracks appear, they must be widened with a knife or spatula and primed with a primer, over which putty should be applied.
If you want to paint the ceiling after you have puttyed it, apply an additional coat of primer. This will allow the paint to adhere better to the surface. In addition, you can save on paint consumption, since a layer of primer instead of a water-based base will be cheaper in price.