The decoration of rooms and facade surfaces these days can be carried out in different ways, which differ both in technical characteristics and in textured qualities. Traditional plaster is still the most popular cladding option, but in modern forms it is no longer associated with a monotonous gray finish without pronounced stylistic advantages. In design finishing projects, decorative stone-stucco is increasingly appearing. A photo of the relief version of such a coating is presented below.
Features of simulated plaster
In essence, this is the same facing coating as traditional plaster, but with the difference that it visually resembles the surface of natural stone. The imitation cladding is not limited to the stone texture, but this particular format is the most successful from the point of view of aesthetic perception. Stone as such is associated with naturalness, nobleness and quality. And these qualities have largely turned into stucco mixtures. Thanks to special ingredients, such coatings are characterized by protective qualities, durability and unpretentiousness in care. Of course, decorative stucco under a stone is not so strong in comparison with natural minerals, but the operating conditions in most cases are not as severe as in the natural environment.
Where is it appropriate to use "stone" plaster?
Due to the increased decorative and aesthetic value, this stone surface simulator is often used in places on which special design requirements are initially imposed. It can be both street architectural structures, and internal surfaces of rooms, as well as separate functional and decorative objects. For example, it is stylistically advantageous to decorate columns, constructions of street fountains, fences, etc. with such plaster. But, in addition to decorative qualities, this coating also provides an alignment function. Embossed decorative plastering of the basement of the house under the stone will hide the allowed surface flaws. Depending on the composition, the coating can also protect the initial surface from moisture and contamination. Imitating plaster is also used as a wall decoration. But here it is important to consider that not every stone texture will be appropriate in the usual apartment interior. However, a variety of styles allows you to choose the best option for every occasion.
Basics and components for plaster
The composition for such plasters is similar to the solutions from which the artificial stone is made. But for plaster, plasticity, viscosity and high adhesion are important, which allows forming a stable and tenacious coating on the spot. Conventional cement mixtures, lime base and even silicone fillers can be used as a base. The formation of stone texture and texture is facilitated by an auxiliary set of components, the list of which is much wider. Depending on the requirements for the result, the mixture from which decorative stucco is obtained under the stone may include crushed construction waste, fine lime, pigment dyes, quartz sand, mica particles, etc. Some of the ingredients ultimately provide the desired visual appearance for the plaster, and the other part is responsible for technical qualities. For example, dyes and mica chips allow you to simulate the effect of natural rock. The cement base acts as a binder, and lime is used for plasticization.
Types of texture performance
Visually recreate the surface of the stone is capable of many facing materials. But in creating such a coating with a characteristic texture without a special plaster mixture can not do. And they are also different. Today, four main varieties of stone textures are distinguished, among which are flat, convex, flat-relief and solid. Flat plaster usually mimics the surface of marble, showing a glossy sheen. Convex - on the contrary, it is distinguished by a pronounced texture relief. With its help, you can recreate the appearance of volumetric masonry. A flat-relief surface is provided by decorative stucco under a wild stone with the effect of imitating processing. In this case, the seams resembling the interlayer lines of traditional masonry are also reflected.
A special view is solid plaster. In this case, large-format finished panels based on limestone or sandstone are used. From the point of view of laying, this is the most convenient facing format, since it does not require measures to create a mixture. Among the disadvantages possessed by one-piece decorative stucco under stone, not maintainability and low mechanical resistance to damage are noted.
Surface preparation
Unlike conventional plastering, it is not necessary to achieve a perfectly smooth surface for such compositions. As mentioned above, the solution itself can correct possible defects of the rough surface, filling them with its own mass. The volumetric coating will hide both small pits and seams that could remain, for example, from laying old communications. However, there are other conditions that must be met. Firstly, the surface should not have weak and peeling areas that cannot provide optimal adhesion of the plaster to the base surface. Therefore, stripping should be carried out using light abrasives - they will help identify suspicious areas. Secondly, decorative stucco under a stone should be laid only on a dry surface. If prior to laying, priming or puttying work was carried out, then you will have to withstand the technical period so that the applied composition is completely dry. Next, you can proceed to create a working mixture.
Solution preparation
First, a suitable volume container is selected, a quarter of which must be filled with water. The mixture is selected based on the requirements for technical and operational characteristics and decorative qualities. Manufacturers produce formulations in the form of dry mixtures, which are diluted with water. The volume for the prepared water tank is selected in accordance with the instructions - this amount depends on the composition and physico-chemical qualities of the individual ingredients. Next, the mixture is thoroughly diluted with water. It is advisable to use an electric mixer, which will provide an optimal consistency, as well as remove air bubbles formed in the water. If it is planned to finish the walls with decorative stucco under the stone in the open air, then it may be necessary to include additional modifiers, which, if necessary, will increase moisture and frost resistance. The mixed solution should be left to stand for 10 minutes, after which it will be ready for use.
Styling process
The solution is applied to the work surface using traditional techniques. Using a spatula, you need to lay out a small mass on the wall and immediately distribute it over the maximum accessible area. Further, this action is repeated until a 10 mm coating thickness is reached. The second stage can be called creative. In this part, the user is required to have the designer’s imagination and skills, since he will have to form a texture that the laid decorative stucco under the stone will take. Do it yourself with a plastic film. Its layer is superimposed on the plaster, after which with a manual application you can form chaotic patterns on the surface. An even more reliable effect is achieved by applying a real stone with a natural texture. It will be enough to leave a mark on the laid mass.
Pros and cons of stucco stone
The main advantages include the original design and limitless possibilities for the formation of texture. Unless the panel ones are weak, you can’t change them to your taste, but the variety of collections on the market allows you to choose the best solution for your taste. The disadvantages are not the highest protective properties of some compounds. For example, if you need decorative plaster base for stone, which will be used outdoors, you should refer only to those mixtures that initially include the necessary set of modifiers. Accordingly, the cost of the dry base for the solution also increases.
Conclusion
The use of imitation cladding allows you to complement or diversify the local design or even the architectural ensemble. Correctly selected decorative stucco walls under a stone can decorate the fireplace area of the living room, the working space in the kitchen or decorate the basement of the house. It is advisable to select the laying location at the stage of basic repair work - this will allow stylistically optimizing areas adjacent to the future work surface. As for the further operation of such a finish, indoors, it practically does not require special care. External design, depending on the conditions of use, may require additional external treatment with protective coatings.