What is decorative plaster used for?
Finished decorative coatings also need additional finishing to add new properties, shades and more. In this article we will tell you how decorative plaster is covered, what effect it gives and why it is needed.
Why varnish decorative plaster
Most decorative coatings do not need to be supplemented with paints or other means. However, some solutions fully manifest themselves only in the case of applying varnishes and other compositions to them.
It is necessary to apply varnish on the surface covered with plaster for:
1. Strengthening the material at the base;
2. Protection from external factors: moisture, damage, chemicals and others;
3. Reducing the risk of fungal infections;
4. Preservation of the original finish;
5. Preservation of color saturation;
6. Provide protection so that the finish can be washed.
However, varnishes are often used in order to emphasize, enhance or complement the existing decorative features of the finish. A special varnish will add shine to the composition, accentuate the silvery and golden granules, if present in the composition, create the effect of gloss and mother-of-pearl.
What are glazing compounds
Glaze wax is a material used to coat plaster and give it additional decorative properties. Therefore, if you are wondering how to cover decorative plaster, adding additional features to it, glazing will be an excellent choice.
This material is used on both smooth and textured surfaces. After application, it forms a thin film, which, after drying, will give shine, add saturation or shade. The main feature of glazing compounds is that they do not change the texture and color tone of the plaster itself, but only emphasize its relief.
Also, after drying, the film becomes moisture resistant, at the same time increasing the strength of the main coating. As a result, the walls and places where the plaster was applied become more resistant to mechanical and chemical damage, and are not subject to fading in the sun. In addition, a room with walls covered with a glazing compound is easier to clean: the walls look like polished, wax fills in all the irregularities, which means cleaning and washing are much easier.
How to cover decorative plaster: the choice of funds
If there is a need to cover the plaster on the walls with something, you should familiarize yourself with the recommendations from the manufacturer. They clearly indicate the type of best materials for it, the application instructions to be followed.
Lucky
Speaking about what decorative plaster is covered with, one cannot fail to mention paints and varnishes.
Varnishes can be of the following types:
• Glossy, forming a moisture-repellent film on the textured surface;
• Matte, emphasizing the smallest details of the relief;
• Craquelure, creating semi-antique decorative cracks;
• Mother-of-pearl, having the effect of a pearl overflow;
• Holographic, giving certain effects;
• Colored, silver, gold and others.
The varnish can be applied using a regular brush or roller, as well as by spraying and other unusual methods.
Wax
When the question arises of how to coat decorative plaster for shine, the best option is wax. It protects against moisture, gives smoothness and shine, and is used for polishing decorative processing. Basically they are covered with marble imitation plasters. The wax is applied with a spatula, roller or painting mitten, depending on the desired decorative effect. Waxes can be either glossy or matte, as well as transparent, colored or have metallized pigments in their composition.
Velatura
Another popular decorating method is velatura glazing. It is a transparent composition with a thick paste texture similar in appearance to wax. If you add dyes to the velature, you can get a new shade, an antique effect and much more. If the volume of work is small, use a roller with a long nap. When there is a need to create original effects, choose a painting mitten.
Azure
Wondering what is the best way to cover decorative plaster? Then the version with azure will work best. It is quite expensive, but it does a good job of giving an additional effect on an existing surface. In order to apply it, it is better to use a large brush without a handle, with which you can form a non-uniform pearlescent shine. At its core, azure is one of the subtypes of varnish with a chameleon effect.
However, you should not confuse glaze for decorative plaster with its other varieties. There is wood glaze, which is a translucent oil-based paint. It is not suitable for painting decorative plasters.
And if you need help choosing what to cover the existing finishing materials - contact the specialists from Elf Decor!