Structural plaster for interior work has been known for a very long time. As a material for wall decoration, it was used several centuries ago. The classification of this type of coating is quite diverse. Such mixtures are used to align walls and ceilings indoors.
When considering the question of what structural plaster is, you should also take into account the possible need to use a finish like wallpapering or painting. Different types of plasters may have independent decorative value and do not require final finishing.
Classification of structural plaster by composition
In the market today, structural plaster is presented in a wide variety. The most popular are 4 classes, among them:
- silicone;
- mineral;
- silicate;
- polymer.
Mineral is also called lime-sand, and polymer - acrylic. Cement is the main substance in the mineral plaster, this mixture has a high vapor permeability, as well as good water absorption. After drying, the mixture is subject to moderate pollution. Inorganic substances are used as a pigment.
Mineral-based plaster has low elasticity, but is resistant to ultraviolet rays. It has medium microbiological stability and low abrasion resistance. Considering the benefits, you can consider that the mineral structural plaster is resistant to atmospheric precipitation.
Description of acrylic, silicate and silicone plaster
Structural plaster for interior use can be acrylic, silicate and silicone. In the first variety, acrylic resin acts as the main substance , in the second and third, water glass and silicone resin, respectively. As for the vapor permeability, acrylic plaster does not allow steam well, but the other two varieties are excellent.
Acrylic plaster has low water absorption, silicate - medium, and silicone - low. If you do not want to see contamination on the walls, then you should choose silicone plaster, it has a low susceptibility to pollution, like silicate. But the acrylic - high. The pigments in the latter embodiment may be inorganic and organic, as in the silicone variant. As for silicate plaster, the pigment will be inorganic. Acrylic or silicone plaster has a high degree of elasticity, while the silicate variety of this decorative material has medium elasticity.
Reviews of lime-sand plaster
Lime-sand structural plaster for interior work is often prepared with the addition of gypsum. This variety, according to customers, is the most environmentally friendly. In terms of wear resistance, the layer will be inferior to competitors.
Buyers choose mineral plaster for walls and ceilings in the bathroom, because such a surface is not afraid of moisture after drying. Consumers also like the affordable cost, because the components are basically low cost. That is why lime-sand plaster is the most common.
Reviews of polymer and silicone plaster
Polymer structural plaster for interior use has high ductility, which is very popular with customers. It is resistant to humidity and aggressive environments, durable and strong. But many consumers do not like that polymer blends have limited vapor permeability. As an alternative, you can choose a silicone mixture that can be applied to old coatings.
Buyers note that they like this finish because of their resistance to sunlight. Among other things, the walls and ceiling will not attract dust and will show the qualities of self-cleaning. This is explained by the fact that water and dirt are collected in droplets, and then run off from an uncontaminated surface, which is important for rooms with high pollution. The silicone plaster of consumers is also attracted by its long service life. It is produced in the form of convenient ready-made mixtures, due to this application does not imply efforts on the part of the master. However, silicone compounds are quite expensive, which sometimes limits their distribution.
Reviews of silicate structural plasters
Looking at the overview of structural plaster for interior work, you can understand that the silicate variety is resistant to mold and putrefactive formations. Consumers like the dry layer to be water repellent.
Among the advantages it is worth highlighting fire safety and a wide variety of shades and tones. Consumers emphasize that silicate mixtures are phenomenal in terms of service life, because durability sometimes reaches 60 years. However, at the cost of this type of plaster is the most expensive.
Varieties of structural plasters for decorative qualities
Structural plaster for interior work, the types of which by composition have been described above, is also classified by decorative properties. For example, on sale you can find mixtures with interspersed large particles. When applied with a trowel, the elements leave an uneven trace. The most common form of such a surface is the bark beetle, which imitates wood damaged by insects.
Textured plaster recreates a surface imitating natural stone. The surface is uneven, which is very popular among designers. The most popular variety of such coatings is Graffito or thin-layer printed concrete. As a result, it is possible to obtain a surface that conveys the form:
- moire silk fabric;
- porcelain stoneware;
- velvet
- wood;
- genuine leather.
Using textured plaster, you can hide wall defects; prior to application, preparatory work is not required. The main difference is that such structural decorative plaster can be applied to any surface, namely: plastic, wood, brick and concrete.
Description flock plaster and composition based on marble chips
Structural plaster in interior decoration is used quite often today. This should include flock plaster, which contains natural cellulose, mineral dyes and fillers, as well as silk fibers. In addition to the ability to create a highly artistic effect, the master will have the opportunity to form a breathable layer that perfectly insulates the room and allows you to keep heat in it.
You can achieve a very strong structural coating if you apply plaster based on marble chips. The composition may be marble or granite granulate. The sizes of elements can be different, depending on what the appearance is modified. As additional additives, quartz particles or additives are sometimes used to obtain the effect of golden shimmer. This coating is frost-resistant, not afraid of sunlight, does not fade, perfectly resists mechanical damage.
This plaster in the interior allows you to replace ordinary wallpaper, which is especially true for owners who have pets at home. Before applying the surface is primed, otherwise the base will shine through.
Application Technology: Preparation
Such a finishing material as structural plaster, application (a description of all the stages of the process you should study before starting work) requires preparation. The walls should be leveled, made smooth, and then coated with a primer. It is better to use a deep penetration mixture, but it is necessary to dry the wall well. Experts recommend using an acrylic primer. To give maximum strength to the base, it is necessary to strengthen it using special compositions.
Methodology
Structural plaster can be applied in several layers. A small portion of the mixture is collected on a spatula and evenly distributed over the trowel. After that, the tool is attached to the wall to apply the composition at an angle of 30 °. You can use for leveling a traditional paint roller. Instead, an ordinary sponge is sometimes used. Finally, they pass along the surface with a spatula, thanks to which it is possible to smooth out sharp corners.
Structural plaster for interior work, the reviews of which you were able to read above, can take almost any form. To do this, it is recommended to use different tools. Among them are the following:
- notched trowel;
- embossed roller;
- brush;
- simple spatula.
If you use a conventional roller, you will pass the finished drawing to the surface. You can find a roller with a printed pattern that will facilitate the work. This will minimize the cost of finishing material.
Cost
Structural plaster for interior work, the price of which can be very different, was described above. Choosing plaster of the Shagreen brand, you will have to pay 49 rubles. per kilogram. The consumption of this material per 1 m 2 will be approximately 2.5 kg. Decorative bark beetle plaster costs a little more - 59 rubles. per kilogram, and the consumption will be 3.8 kg / m 2 .