What plaster to choose for wall decoration in the bathroom and rules of application
For many years, traditional bathroom solutions have been tiled or painted walls. Thanks to the development of technology, new materials have appeared that allow you to create a stylish and sophisticated interior even in rooms with high humidity. Consider the technology and options for decorating the walls in the bathroom with decorative plaster. With the help of this material, you can achieve unexpected effects, the coating will last a long time without losing quality.
Content
Features and benefits of using plaster in the bathroom
Unlike other rooms, all surfaces in the bathroom are constantly exposed to water, steam and detergents.When choosing a finish, you need to solve two issues - to give the room an aesthetic appearance and to protect the walls from destruction by aggressive substances. Traditional plaster absorbed water, was overgrown with fungus, so it was not used for the bathroom. Compositions for wall covering, created in recent years, are decorative, hygienic, do not lose their properties for many years.
The main advantages of decorative plaster are:
- Water vapor permeability. The coating "breathes" - it lets in steam, then it easily releases and dries.
- Easy maintenance. Plaster walls can be cleaned by any means. If the application technologies are followed, the loss of the decorative effect will not occur, dirt will easily come off the materials.
- Durability and long service life - 10-20 years without repairs.
- The components of the composition prevent the multiplication of fungi - the main scourge of damp rooms. Fungicides are contained in the materials.
- Plaster for interior work is distinguished by environmental friendliness, the absence of harmful substances in the composition.
- The ability to create a unique design.
Having studied the technology, you can independently plaster the walls without spending money on paying for the work of masters.
Note the disadvantages of plastering:
- finishing will be expensive;
- it is difficult to remove the cover.
Some types of plaster are not easy to apply, skill and know-how are required, so professionals will have to be called in.
The main used bases of decorative plaster
The properties and strength of the plaster are provided by the binding components of the composition. They determine the characteristics of the material, the appearance of the walls.The addition of additional components ensures ease of application. Accordingly, the components determine the properties of the coating.
Plasters are produced in the form of ready-made formulations and dry mixes, which still need to be diluted on their own.
Silicone
Silicone-based plasters are durable, impact and high temperature resistant. They are among the most elastic, stretch well, you can make a thin layer of them. Once solidified, the material can be diluted with water. Do not fade in the sun, do not fade. The coating does not scratch or come off the walls. Even after long-term use, it does not shrink or crack. Manufacturers do not recommend applying it on walls covered with oil paints or varnishes. It copes well on concrete, lime, gas silicate blocks.
Mineral
In mineral plasters, the main component is natural - crumbs of granite, marble, onyx and silicate sand. For communication use gypsum or cement. Such coatings are distinguished by high strength, they perfectly absorb steam. The material is not plastic, it is not easy for beginners to work with. To add beauty to the coating, staining is necessary.
Polymer
This type of plaster is prepared on synthetic components - polyurethane, epoxy resins, water-dispersing elements. Compositions are distinguished by high strength and durability. They are not afraid of aggressive effects, do not change color with long-term use.
Polymer compositions are plastic, easy to lay with a layer of any thickness. They are easy to tint. You can buy a ready-made composition or a dry mix.
Silicate
Liquid glass is the basis of silicate plasters.The material is durable, well withstands high negative and positive temperatures. Easy to clean without losing its appearance.
The material requires prior application of a primer layer, which increases the cost of finishing. It freezes quickly, so high skills are needed at work.
Which variety to choose
The design of the bathroom depends on how the material is applied and the type of plaster. With the help of materials of different types, you can give the walls a smooth or textured look, add shine, roughness, imitate brickwork.
Texture
This type of plaster is chosen by those who want to create decorations in the form of panels, bas-reliefs. The surface can take on the appearance of leather, velvet, brick, any textured material. Imitation of a raw rough stone is popular. By adding mother-of-pearl, you can turn the bathroom into a grotto that shines with an enigmatic glow.
Venetian
Fans of luxurious decoration should stop at Venetian plaster imitating an expensive stone. So you can make the walls of the bathrooms in a classic Baroque style. The Venetian visually expands the space, suitable for small bathrooms. You will need to layer several layers of material (5-8) in order to achieve the desired depth of the image.
Reference: Coating the walls with a special wax helps to reinforce the water-repellent properties.
Of construction
When using a structural type of plaster, do not add too much bulk to it, so as not to reduce the room. The material is a heterogeneous mass of granular character. Bark beetle, lamb and fur coat structures are popular. For the bathroom, a coating called "wet silk" is often used.
Moroccan
The Moroccan style comes from the Orient and is used to create luxurious bathrooms. The coating imitates marble, it is a kind of Venetian plaster with an indispensable strewn with golden fragments, which add richness and chic to the interior. The material is made from natural ingredients, which increases the price.
Main Manufacturers
Stores offer a wide range of moisture-resistant plasters suitable for decorating the bathroom. When choosing, you should focus on the features of the application and the reputation of the brand.
Dufa
The stylized hedgehog on the packaging of Dufa branded products emphasizes the high quality and safety of the German company. KRATZPUTZ AUSSEN D227 acrylic plaster creates an orange peel structure, has excellent adhesion, low consumption.
"Marcel"
The company produces moisture-resistant coatings that create smooth and textured surfaces of various types. The cement-polymer material is easy to apply, moisture resistance is guaranteed when applying a layer of 3 millimeters.
"Rodnik-art"
Plasters produced by the domestic company Rodnik-Art are distinguished by high quality. They are called liquid wallpaper. Silk Plaster creates an imitation of a silk surface that perfectly decorates the walls of the bathroom.
Silcoat
For decorating bathrooms, the Turkish company offers SILCOAT liquid wallpaper. They are easy to apply and durable. A large assortment will allow you to choose a material for every taste.
Choice of colors
When choosing a color scheme for a bathroom, several features are taken into account:
- room size;
- design style;
- taste preferences.
Color plays a vital role in creating mood. Older people should not choose dark or too light shades.Recall that aggressive tones quickly get bored and do not allow relaxation.
Reference: for small bathrooms, it is better to choose light pastel colors that will visually enlarge the room.
white
Classic white is considered ideal for the bathroom. It is synonymous with cleanliness and hygiene. It is worth combining white with black or any other color so that the bathroom does not look sterile and impersonal. White expands the space, a room with a predominance of white will seem spacious and bright.
Gray
Gray is considered sophisticated and versatile. It blends perfectly with any color, suitable for modern bathrooms. It is better to choose complex shades - gray-blue, gray-pink, pearl.
Black
The design in black is suitable for young people with HIV who are not prone to depression. The bathroom will be elegant, expensive, sophisticated and modern. There should be many lamps, shiny surfaces, lighted mirrors.
Beige
An unobtrusive beige color is neutral, pleasing to the eye, does not tire. Good for those doing renovations for years to come. Suitable for classic style rooms. In bright colors, accessories are usually chosen to brighten up the interior.
Gold
Gold streaked surfaces and gold accessories are gaining popularity. The interior of this design looks luxuriously oriental. Note that it is better to use gold flecks. Shiny gold particles will enliven the walls, add depth and mystery to the bathroom.
Green
Those who seek peace and relaxation should choose green tones - they relax, charge with positive, increase vitality. Natural colors look fresh and natural.
red
The color of blood and love is considered aggressive and exciting.The red hues wake up in the morning shower and awaken sensuality in the evening. Do not choose too bright a tone and make all the walls red. The bathroom will look extravagant and catchy.
Blue
Shades of blue are often used in bathrooms. They look like the sea on a sunny day. Cyan pairs well with rich blues and whites.
Possible design options
Plaster allows you to create different options for finishing bathrooms, giving them a unique personality and charm. Unpainted formulations make it possible to independently choose a color palette, introduce pearly crumbs. Using rollers, you can add texture, creating an individual pattern on the walls.
Marble
Marble walls give the bathroom a chic look, the plaster exactly repeats the pattern of natural stone, looks rich and exclusive. Walls imitating marble are suitable for classic furnishings.
Under concrete
The concrete finish gives the room a bit of roughness and brutality, you have to choose the color well so that the bathroom is cozy and pleasant to look at. This finish is used in the loft style.
Silk
The composition of the material includes silk, cotton, cellulose fibers. Due to the natural ingredients, the plaster looks like a silk fabric covering the walls without joints and seams. In case of damage, the surface is easy to restore. Splashes of mother-of-pearl seem to illuminate the walls of the bathroom.
Colored
Many types of plasters contain color pigment in their composition, so you just need to choose the desired color. The shade is fixed by the manufacturer. If the material is white, then the desired pigment is acquired independently.Then it is introduced into the mixture in small portions with constant stirring with a mixer, to obtain the desired shade. This way, you can create an exclusive color scheme for your bathroom and not depend on the options available in the store.
Combination with checks
The combination of plaster and tile is practical in high rooms, because different materials divide the wall, which makes the bathroom visually lower. This combination looks great in large rooms, adding complexity and decoration to the interior.
Style features
Plastic plasters can imitate the appearance of many materials, so they are relevant for different styles of bathroom decoration. Before choosing a material for wall decoration, you need to decide what color and texture of plaster is suitable for a style solution.
Minimalism
For small bathrooms, minimalism, which has gained popularity in recent years, is perfect. For walls, plastering materials are chosen in white, complemented by details of gray, light green or blue shade. These colors are especially appropriate in Scandinavian minimalism.
Classic
Classic decor has always been popular. The plaster is chosen in discreet pastel shades like stone or silk. Stucco moldings and a frieze are used as decorations. Carved mirrors and antique-style light fixtures suit the classic style.
Advanced technology
For a high-tech style, textured plasters are used, giving the surface of the walls the appearance of brickwork or masonry. To meet style requirements, chrome plastic trim is used.
Attic
In the loft style, the use of concrete is encouraged, so the plaster can have the appearance of concrete plaster.The visual division into slabs with imitation of nails or rivets looks elegant. Part of the surfaces can be covered with plaster imitating wooden panels.
Tools needed for work
When plastering the walls, a whole set of tools is used to facilitate the work and help achieve the desired exterior effect. If you stock up on inventory ahead of time, you won't have to interrupt the hard work of finding the right part. For the wall decoration you will need:
- Trowel. It is a small triangular spatula on a wooden or plastic handle. Plaster trowels are 60 to 100 millimeters in size.
- Containers.
- Brushes.
- Perforator with mixer.
- Ruler for leveling the lower layers, grater.
- Scotch tape for painting.
- Special plaster beacons for reinforcement.
- Spatulas. The material of the working surface is selected depending on the technique of application - rubber, plastic, metal.
- Rolls for drawing a picture.
It is also necessary to stock up on rags in order to quickly clean tools from solidified materials.
Reference: decorative plaster is purchased in one batch for the entire volume of work (preferably with a margin), since with an additional purchase the color may differ.
Installation rules
If a person has the skills to perform construction work, then it will be easier to cope with decorative plaster. Let's remember the basic rules:
- Work is carried out at a certain temperature - 5-35 °, so that the material does not freeze and flow. You should be guided by the recommendations of the plaster manufacturer on the product packaging.
- Indoor humidity - no more than 60%.
- Eliminates drafts.
- Disconnection of electrical wiring in treated walls.
Plasters harden quickly, you need to dilute or spread the packing material in small portions.Otherwise, a significant portion of expensive hardware will freeze in slow motion and get married.
Preparing for the procedure
The main task of the preparatory work is to clean and level the walls, otherwise the material will fall badly, it will peel off and the decoration will suffer. What must be done:
- Old finishing materials - tiles, paint, wallpaper, whitewash - are removed from the walls.
- Unfinished walls of new houses are leveled, grooves are made on the concrete for better adhesion.
- An important stage in the preparation of old bathrooms is the removal of the fungus, the stripping of the walls with fungicides. The part of the surface affected by microorganisms is scraped, removing as much of the layer as possible. Fungicide treatment is carried out at least 2 times.
- Remove nails, metal fasteners. What could not be removed is covered with anti-corrosion materials and painted. If traces of rust appear, the layer of plaster will have to be removed.
- Traces of rust, oils are scraped on the walls. Grease stains will appear over time and stain the decorative coating an unpleasant yellow-brown color. Traces should be removed by cutting part of the wall.
- Align the walls, cut the bumps and fill the cracks with cement. The joints are cleared of old materials, cleaned and filled with fresh mortar.
- The last stage of preliminary preparation is to remove dust with a vacuum cleaner or damp cloths and dry the walls.
Then move on to priming. It will take 2 steps with drying. If the room is large, beacons are made to fix the composition to the wall. The first layer is applied in broad strokes without careful alignment, the second is straightened with a ruler and carefully smoothed. The primed and dried wall is putty.
The finishing layer should have the same base as the decorative plaster, it is better to use materials of the same brand.
Application
After completing the imposition of the primer mixtures, they begin to apply the decorative material. There are several techniques:
- application (gluing) with the hands;
- spraying - the plaster is covered with tools (trowel, small bucket);
- layering with the tip of the brush;
- trowel distribution;
- roll with a roller, imitation paint.
The number of coats to be applied to give the plaster the appearance intended by the manufacturer is indicated in the instructions. It is necessary to form a layer of material through which the primer will not show through, and the drawing will shine with paints.
To create relief surfaces, certain techniques are used:
- special stencils - ready-made or made according to your own sketches;
- roll crimp with pads;
- draw patterns with large grains of the plaster itself;
- punching with tools (trowel, brush) or improvised means (mesh, crumpled bags);
- apply a pattern with strokes;
- imitation of seams, pattern cutting, scratching in two layers (sgraffito).
Some techniques (Venetian, sgraffito) require a lot of experience and are difficult to master. It is best for inexperienced craftsmen to try their hand at the rough-and-tumble first in order to acquire the necessary skills.
When creating relief patterns, you need to have good coordination, move the tool in one direction so that the grooves look harmonious, the pattern is clearly visible. When rolling with a roller, the strips should not overlap, the pressure should be even, otherwise the relief will have different depths.
Tip: embossed patterns should not be deep, when dirty they lose their decorative effect, they are more difficult to wash off, water accumulates in deep grooves, fungus can multiply.
Finishing Finishing Phase
The finish protection of the plaster gives the finish of the decorative plaster. The service life will be extended and the appearance will be more expressive if the surface is varnished or painted. Also, the water-repellent properties will increase. Moisture-resistant paints are used, based on silicone components or acrylic resins. To ensure adhesion strength, wait until the plaster coat is completely dry before painting (2-3 days).
Solve common problems
Let's take a look at the problems that inexperienced craftsmen can run into and how to avoid them:
- The appearance of spots. Brown rust spots can appear from underfinished metal parts in walls, leaky pipes. It is difficult to eliminate such defects, you will have to remove the plaster, remove or carefully process the metal. The spots may be of fungal origin. Before applying the plaster, the walls are dried and treated with fungicides. White-gray spots - efflorescences often occur in private buildings. It is necessary to determine and eliminate the cause of the movement of water in the walls.
- If during the execution of the work the plaster does not adhere well to the walls, slips, this may be due to the incompatibility of the compositions of the primer and decorative layers. It is better to buy products of the same brand, to be guided by the advice of the manufacturer. Poor adhesion at first can lead to chipping later.
- Cracks occur for many reasons - at joints of different materials, due to overdried primer layer, too abundant application of materials. Another reason is the shrinkage of the structure. The site is cut out and all the compositions are applied in new layers.
- Excessive material consumption is due to improper surface preparation. To save expensive plaster, you need to level the walls, fill cracks and dents with primers, choose primers with low hygroscopicity. The increase in consumption is also caused by the roughness of the plaster and tools that are not suitable for such work.
- The pattern of the finished surface is inexpressive, the bottom layer of the primer is visible if too thin a layer of decorative material is applied. The work will have to continue.
- Mineral-based materials can change color, yellow. It must be covered with a vapor-permeable paint recommended by technology, use protective waxes or varnishes.
The main reasons for the appearance of defects on the plastered walls in the bathroom are poor-quality preparatory work, a violation of the application technology. Note that it is not easy to remove defects on a decorated surface. Remove the damaged area, cover it with a layer of PVA, diluted with water, for better adhesion. Then cover with filler, smooth protuberances and irregularities, paint.
Examples of finished work
No other finishing material offers such a variety of design solutions as decorative plaster. It perfectly imitates natural materials, helping you choose the decor in the style you want.
Smooth walls without joints or seams look great in small tubs.Venetian and Moroccan varieties help to bring the spirit of luxury and splendor into the interior. Imitation of masonry, concrete is appropriate when using modern styles.
Adding gold, silver and mother-of-pearl revives dark walls, giving them depth and mystery. Decorative plaster is combined with tiles, large bathrooms are finished by combining these materials. Textured materials will add comfort and unique individuality to the bathroom.
Decorating bathrooms with decorative plaster is gaining popularity. Traditional tiles are no longer the only possible way to decorate walls. Plaster lasts a long time, retains its decorative effect, the material is easy to care for. Plastering the walls with modern materials makes it possible to create impressive and varied bathroom interiors.