Modern building stores are filled with a variety of finishing materials that are used in the decorative decoration of external and internal surfaces. One of the latest innovations that have already managed to prove itself on the positive side is the Bark beetle. Putty with such an unusual name allows you to create an original rough texture on the walls. A special mixture is applied to various surfaces in a special way, after which they take the form of wood emanated by a bark beetle.
Many have already managed to try this material in their work, but those who are just thinking about its application will be able to familiarize themselves with the composition, characteristics and application technology of this product by reading our article.
The composition of the mixture and its types
To begin with, we will understand what constitutes a finishing material called "Bark beetle". Putty of this type has a couple of varieties that differ in appearance, composition and application. Namely:
• pastes on an acrylic basis;
• gypsum dry mixes.
After drying, the bark beetle on an acrylic base looks much more presentable and richer than its gypsum counterpart on the wall. Its main characteristics are durability and water resistance, which allows you to use this type on both internal and external surfaces. However, it is quite difficult to apply this material with your own hands, so such work is usually trusted by professionals.
Acrylic plaster is sold in the form of a paste, which is already ready for application to the surface. If necessary, it is tinted in the desired color, after which they immediately begin work.
Gypsum putty is presented on the market in the form of powder mixtures with the addition of marble granules of various fractions. By the size of the granules, you can determine for what kind of work this or that composition is intended. Typically, their diameter varies from 0.8 mm to 3.5 mm. Putty with small granules is used for interior work, and coarse-grained mixtures are used in the decoration of facades.
Despite the fact that gypsum putty brings additional efforts to prepare the working composition, it is much more popular than the acrylic analogue, since it costs several times cheaper.
Characteristics of decorative plaster
"Bark beetle" (putty) has a number of positive characteristics. These include:
• Environmentally friendly . The composition of the material includes only natural components, so it is durable and safe.
• A light weight. The mineral filler makes this cladding quite light, so that it does not exert an additional load on the foundation of buildings.
• Resistant to weathering. The mixture perfectly tolerates sharp temperature fluctuations and high humidity.
• Under the influence of ultraviolet rays, the color of the putty does not lose its original saturation.
• The material is fire resistant.
• Walls decorated in this way do not require special care. The surface can be washed with a damp sponge and a small amount of detergent.
• The resulting coating is not susceptible to colonization by mold, fungi and is sufficiently resistant to mechanical damage.
What surfaces can be applied Putty "Bark beetle"
As already noted, the decorative bark beetle can be used both indoors and outdoors, but not all types of substrates can be applied. The best adhesion can be achieved on the walls of concrete, drywall, stone and brick.
Also, the material is successfully used on chipboards and facades from sandwich panels. On these surfaces, the putty holds well both on the walls and on the ceiling. But for metal and glass surfaces, it is better to choose a different finishing method, since in this case the composition will simply roll off the walls.
Surface preparation for solution application
The basis for applying decorative plaster is prepared as follows:
1. The walls are cleaned of dust, dirt, oil stains and the remnants of the old finish. This is necessary so that dark spots do not appear through the decorative layer of putty. If there are deep grooves, chips and large defects on the surface, it is leveled with a layer of cement-sand plaster.
2. If there is a high level of humidity in the room to be finished, the walls are necessarily treated with antifungal compounds.
3. Deep cracks and seams are embroidered with an angle grinder, and then plastered with gypsum putty.
4. The prepared walls are treated with a deep penetration primer and covered with a 2 cm layer of base plaster. The dried base is wiped and compacted.
If the work will be carried out outdoors, the surface does not need to be prepared so carefully. In this case, the walls do not need to be primed at all. In order for the bark beetle putty to stick well on the walls, they should be spilled with plenty of water before applying the mortar.
How to prepare a working solution
When the preparation of the walls is completed, you can begin to knead the working mixture.
• First of all, you should study the manufacturer's recommendations indicated on the package. Pay attention to the volume of liquid that is required for mixing the solution, as this indicator may vary depending on the manufacturer.
• Pour the required amount of water into the prepared container, the temperature of which should be about 15-20 degrees.
• Gradually introduce a dry mixture of decorative plaster. The solution must be constantly stirred to avoid the formation of lumps.
• After all the dry composition has been poured into water, the resulting mixture must be thoroughly mixed until smooth and left in a closed container for 10-15 minutes. After this time, the plaster is re-mixed.
Pay attention to the fact that the finished mixture sets very quickly, so in the process it needs to be stirred periodically. In no case do not dilute it with water, as this will lead to a deterioration in the quality of finish and delamination of the plaster.
Features of the application of decorative putty "Bark beetle"
1. It is not recommended to knead a large amount of solution at once, since it will dry faster than you use it.
2. On a spatula, the mixture is collected in a small amount so that it can be quickly distributed on the wall with an even and not thick layer. The tool should be held at an angle of 60 degrees relative to the work surface.
3. When the applied composition is set (after about 30 minutes), a special grater is passed over the surface, giving the coating a special texture.
4. It is desirable that the entire wall is processed in one go. If you can not do without a break in work, the edge of the cladding must be sealed with masking tape. This will prevent the edges from drying out so that the border line does not form on the putty.
5. Bark beetle (putty) completely hardens 4-6 days after application. If the material was used to decorate the facade, it must be protected from contact with water for two days. Putty can be painted after 3 days.
Material consumption
Many are interested in the question of how economical the putty "Bark beetle" is. Consumption per 1 m2 depends on the size of the marble granules - the larger the fraction, the more material you will need. For example, if the diameter of the grains is about 2.5 mm, then for 1 m² you will need 3 kg of the mixture, and if the grain is 3.5 mm in size, then 4 kg of dry powder will take the same volume. Based on this, we conclude that it will take much more material to clad the facade than during the interior walls, since in the first case, coarse varieties of putty are used.
Putty cost
In conclusion, we should mention how much the bark beetle costs. The price of this finishing material depends on its type and composition. The cost of dry mixes varies between 500-600 rubles per 25 kg bag. Acrylic (finished) compounds will cost the buyer about 2500-3000 rubles for the same volume.