Structural plaster: every designer himself

The desire to decorate the habitat is peculiar not only to man, but only homo sapiens can transform utilitarian things into pieces of art. Such a metamorphosis occurred with plaster. Originally it was made from burned lime and water and used to remove defects of various surfaces, their alignment and protection from external influences. Over time, the plastic mass has undergone changes and has become a real find for decorative decoration of walls and ceiling, allowing to create unique samples of design art.

One of the types of this material is structural plaster, consisting of base, plasticizers, pigments and special additives in the form of pieces of quartz, wood fibers, particles of mica or small stones. Depending on the main component, mineral, acrylic and silicone plasters are distinguished . They are characterized by different properties and are intended for decoration of both external and internal surfaces of buildings. Mixtures on a water basis are odorless and used for finishing living quarters, and those made with the help of solvents are used for applying to facades of structures.

Characteristics and performance properties

A mixture based on cement and lime increases the refractory properties of the surface and its air permeability, so that the decorative layer does not accumulate moisture and does not crack with time. The material, which includes acrylic, is resistant to weathering and does not break down due to sudden temperature changes. Latex structural plaster repels pollution and liquid, it can be used in those rooms where the moisture values exceed the norm. The addition of special modifying agents determines the properties that plaster characterizes. The structural surface also depends on the type and size of the granules.

Ways of applying structural plaster

Before the application of the finishing layer, the walls must not be carefully leveled, only the largest defects and depressions exceeding the size of the granules should be eliminated. In order to avoid problems with the removal of the decorative layer, it is desirable to cover the surface with special wallpaper or paper. If the coating is applied for a long time, it will be enough to clean the walls, treat them with a certain primer (depending on the type of substrate) and dry.

Structural plaster is used for exterior and interior finishing of structures made of bricks, concrete, plasterboard, asbestos cement and other materials. It is sold in the form of a solution, which only needs to be thoroughly mixed, and then it can be applied to the prepared surface. Finishing works are performed in several stages. First, apply the first layer of the mixture with a spatula made of stainless steel or spray gun, evenly spreading it over the wall. When it dries, the surface is covered with a plastic mixture a second time and treated with a structural roller. Under the influence of air, the structural plaster solidifies and forms a strong breathable film. Finishing work should not be done when exposed to direct sunlight, as well as the air temperature is lower than recommended by the manufacturer of the material.

Decorative effect is obtained through the use of mixtures of different colors and surface treatment by a structural roller.

Decorative structural plaster can be painted with special pigments in the manufacture of mortar or paints on a water basis after the applied layer dries.

By combining color and texture, you can receive unique combinations and embody the most incredible fantasies. This material is appropriate to use to create interiors of any style: from a luxurious Empire style to a strict minimalism.