Venetian polishing. Wax for decorative plaster: an overview, application technology. Mixing and coloring
Venetian plaster is a relatively new decorative coating that contains stone dust and marble particles. This coating gives the walls the effect of natural stone of valuable breeds.
The use of such plaster allows you to bring some stylistic solutions to the renovation of the premises that require a thorough and fundamental finish, without spending a lot of money on the purchase of natural stone.
In addition, the walls covered with plaster retain the warmth and comfort of the house. And with competent and proper protection, the marble pattern on the walls will delight for more than one year.
In order for the skillful pattern to last on the walls for a long time and keep the this species for several years, and maybe decades, it is necessary to take care of the protective material.
Best of all, wax for plaster copes with this task. It creates a light, thin, shiny film on the surface, which prevents fading, fading and protects the decorative coating from dust and possible accidental damage.
Important! A thin layer of wax will give the plaster beauty, practicality and durability
Wax for Venetian plaster: types and differences
There are many processing compounds on the market. Some of them require professional application skills, others are quite simple and economical. To pick up best option, consider the types of wax to protect Venetian plaster:
. gel wax: has a hiding power suitable for hard coatings and a dense layer of plaster;
. liquid solution: suitable for fragile, porous surfaces, creates a thin protective layer and is quickly absorbed;
For a glossy shine, you can pay attention to natural compositions based on beeswax, such mixtures contain a large amount of water and natural ingredients;
Matte and discreet surface gloss give synthetic solutions, consisting of polymer compounds that are more resistant to indoor use and pollution;
Based on style considerations, you can apply as transparent, and colored wax for plaster, if the surface needs toning or color correction.
The cost of a protective coating depends not only on the volume of the material, but also on the components included in the composition, the name of the manufacturer, the equipment and raw materials used by him.
Important note! It is better to purchase products from European manufacturers, its quality is beyond praise, although the cost is quite high.
You should not save on the finishing solution, since the overall impression of the repair and how practical and durable the coating will depend on it.
Nuances and features of the application process
Apply wax to decorative plaster necessary after complete drying of the surface.
Important!
How to wax venetian plaster
If the plastered wall has already stood for some time after drying, it is worth cleaning the surface of dust and dirt. This task is best handled by a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush. Use gentle and gentle movements to collect dust, being careful not to damage the coating!
Many masters, of course, have favorite tricks, thanks to which they apply wax for decorative plaster in a uniform and smooth layer. If you doubt your skills, it is better to entrust this work to a professional, so you can get confidence in the quality and durability of the result.
However, it is quite possible to apply wax on dried plaster yourself, if you stock up on enough time and patience.
Main stages:
1. let the treated surface dry completely;
2. if necessary, clean the plastered area from contamination;
3. cook handy tool; many wax manufacturers recommend using a trowel, however, without sufficient skills, it will be quite difficult to deal with it. Therefore, we recommend using rubber spatula. This is a simpler and more flexible tool that will allow you to evenly distribute the protective layer.
4. Apply the composition, starting with small areas, having processed one, move on to the next, moving along the surface of the wall.
Important! To avoid unnecessary seams and irregularities on the surface, treat the entire surface or at least 1 wall at a time.
5. Once the application is complete, take a piece of soft, lint-free cloth and gently rub the surface until it shines.
Remember that all flaws can be removed within 4 hours after application. Too thick a layer of the composition is easily removed with a cloth, and already frozen areas can be cleaned with a rag moistened with white spray.
In order to give the walls the desired shade, use colored compositions. Transparent mixtures are suitable for complex or ideally colored surfaces.
To perform all steps continuously, stock up on a sufficient amount of material.
Depending on the porosity of the surface and the composition of the plaster, the consumption of wax may be different. However, as a rule, it does not exceed 50-80 grams per 1 square meter.
If all the work is done correctly and accurately, then thanks to the decorative Venetian plaster, the wall will look like it is finished with natural marble, and the use of gold-plated solutions will give a luxurious and festive look to the surface.
Use quality materials: savings are unacceptable here
If you have chosen Venetian plaster to give your walls a noble and sophisticated look, it is important to take care of good protection. Choose the best and proven materials for a decent result. You should not save on the finish coating and working tools.
If you are confident in your abilities and have enough time, it will be quite possible to apply protective wax for decorative plaster on your own. You will need accuracy and concentration, attentiveness and scrupulousness.
Decide what effect you want to achieve, whether you need a glossy shine in the room or it is better to choose a matte finish, whether you need to adjust the color of the already applied plaster.
Calculate the surface area and buy a solution based on a consumption of 80 grams per 1 square meter. It is better to have a surplus in stock than urgently buy more composition, making a forced break in work, which may affect the final result for the worse.
Prepare your tools. Take both a rubber spatula and a trowel, in the process it will become clear what is more convenient for you to work with.
Also prepare enough clean, lint-free cloth to finish the wall.
Just in case, keep a thinner nearby, it will help to remove an already hardened layer applied too thickly, which can darken the wall section too much.
Applying a protective coating is the last stage of finishing work. All "dirty" work must be completed before the polishing stage.
Let the solution dry and enjoy the result of the work.
Properly applied plaster appears as a single plate or poured material with a radiant sheen. She looks stylish and expensive. Accuracy, thoughtfulness, following the instructions and a little practice are the keys to the success of any kind of decorative work. There is nothing super complicated in applying wax on your own, if you work clearly and without haste.
Waxing Venetian plaster
- 1. Composition of wax for Venetian plaster
- 1.1. Waxing Venetian plaster
After the main layers of Venetian plaster are applied, the most important stage comes - waxing the surface. The final result depends on how correctly and efficiently it will be executed, and, of course, the degree of similarity of the Venetian with natural marble.
Waxing Venetian plaster is the most complex and painstaking process. Wax should be applied in such a way as to protect the surface of the plaster as much as possible, while giving it a certain sheen.
No less important here is the composition of wax for Venetian plaster, which must be of high quality and reliable in operation.
Wax composition for Venetian plaster
Today, on the shelves of hardware stores, you can mainly find several varieties of wax for Venetian plaster.
Forum of interior designers, architects and decorators
Natural wax, which contains beeswax and its various synthetic analogues.
You should be aware that synthetic-based Venetian wax has a longer service life. In addition, it better protects the finished surface from moisture. Its disadvantages include only the fact that the wall turns out to be a little matte after its application.
Natural wax, on the contrary, gives the highest possible gloss to the surface, after processing it with Venetian plaster.
Wax can also vary in color. There are compositions, both completely transparent and colored. Colored wax is used to process white coatings, but transparent wax should be chosen for waxing Venetian plaster.
It is not difficult to make wax for decorative plaster with your own hands, because for this you will only need to have:
Nevertheless, before using this composition for finishing Venetian plaster, it is still better to first consult with a specialist who knows his business.
Waxing Venetian plaster
In order for the waxing of Venetian plaster to be done correctly, you need to follow a certain sequence, as well as prepare the tools necessary to perform this work.
Well, firstly, you will need soft napkins and a cloth, a trowel (a metal spatula with rounded edges), wax itself and a little patience.
At the first stage, Venetian wax is applied with a trowel and evenly smoothed over the surface to be treated. The thickness of the applied layer should be minimal, which is very important to prevent the formation of stains on Venetian plaster.
At the second stage of waxing the Venetian, after the surface has dried sufficiently (at least 24 hours), you can start polishing it. Venetian plaster is polished with a soft suede cloth, and the process itself is somewhat reminiscent of grouting the surface after puttying it.
Despite its antiquity, the decoration of residential and public buildings with plaster is still very popular. This is explained and practical benefits similar design of the walls, and an unusually attractive appearance. Do you want to make your home more beautiful without resorting to third-party craftsmen? Then do-it-yourself Venetian plaster is one of the most preferred options for you.
Venetian plaster itself has been around for a couple of thousand years and predates its current name. Even in ancient Rome, builders noticed that quarry waste in the form of dust and small fragments can be used to prepare a finishing mixture, which, with a certain application technique, is in no way inferior to normal marble in appearance.
Subsequently, the recipe for such plaster became very popular in Venice during the Renaissance, and from there it bears its current name, which in the original sounds like stucco veneziano. Now let's figure out what kind of finishing material it is and what it consists of.
The main component of Venetian plaster is very fine stone chips. Moreover, it can be not only marble, but also onyx, malachite, granite, quartz and other minerals. Between themselves, this stone crumb is connected with the help of slaked lime. However, lime has recently been replaced with a synthetic component - acrylic. Such Venetian plaster in its appearance is in no way inferior to the “classic” composition, but at the same time it is much more convenient to work with it. Complement the mixture with various dyes, also called colors. They give the Venetian plaster a certain shade, necessary for the owner of the finished premises.
Important! If desired, and if there is time, Venetian plaster can not only be applied, but also prepared independently. To do this, you will need stone chips, which can be obtained from a workshop that works with marble and granite. Hydrated lime can be found in a building supermarket, and colors can be found in stores selling paints and plasters. But remember that factory formulations already have a seasoned recipe and certain properties.
Venetian plaster - pros and cons
Separately, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of Venetian plaster as a material for interior decoration. Of the advantages, the following can be distinguished.
- A texture that imitates many types of natural stone (depending on the technique used by the master plasterer).
- The effect of "inner glow", due to the high light reflectivity of the material and the use of a wax coating.
- Long service life of at least 25 years (with the right technology for applying plaster).
- The absence of seams and joints on the decoration of walls and other surfaces.
- Color retention for a long time due to the wax coating.
- Resistance to water - Venetian plaster can be safely used in bathrooms or baths.
As for the disadvantages of Venetian plaster, these include the high cost of the material, the complexity of the finish and the high requirements for the base coat - it must be perfectly even and well puttied, without bumps and defects. Without the last factor, you may run into a problem when all the imperfections of the wall will be visible after finishing.
A wall finished with plaster, depending on the type of material, may have a different texture, color, look modest and discreet or, on the contrary, very expensive. is one of the types decorative finishes surfaces. It is used for various purposes, including for finishing facades.
Tools for working with Venetian plaster
Before proceeding with the description of the techniques for applying Venetian plaster with our own hands, let's get acquainted with the list of tools needed for this work.
Table. Do-it-yourself Venetian plaster - a list of tools.
| Instrument name | What is used for |
|---|---|
| Applying textured plaster layers and drawing veins on the material |
| Essential tool for applying Venetian plaster and wax |
| Transferring the plaster mixture from the container to a wider spatula, mixing and tinting the material |
| Grinding and cleaning of layers of plaster, removal of excessively protruding elements |
| Storage and mixing of white and colored plaster |
| Manual polishing of hard-to-reach or small areas treated with Venetian plaster |
| Machine polishing of a large area treated with Venetian plaster |
| Mixing large volumes of Venetian plaster |
Construction mixer price
construction mixer
Video - Venetian plaster from A to Z
Do-it-yourself Venetian plaster
From the description of Venetian plaster, its features, advantages and disadvantages, let's move on to the consideration of the main application techniques. But before that, learn how to prepare walls for finishing work and how to get a composition of a certain color on your own.
Important! As mentioned above, finishing walls and other surfaces with Venetian plaster is a complex process that requires some experience and skills. Therefore, before starting construction work, take a small amount of composition and practice on white and smooth MDF panels. At the same time, it is advisable to try several different plastering techniques and experiment with several colors.
Surface preparation for Venetian plaster
All work related to plastering begins with the preparation of the walls. If there is any old finish(paint, wallpaper or anything else) - remove it completely and as carefully as possible. The walls are also cleaned of involuntary traces of repair in the form of stains and building dust.
After removing the previous finish, proceed to fix large wall defects. Cover cracks and crevices cement mixture, remove the protrusions with a grinder, rub the rough places with sandpaper. As a result, you should get a relatively flat surface without any special flaws, suitable for further finishing work.
Next, apply a primer, starting and finishing putty to the surface in sequence. After sanding with the last sandpaper, you should get a perfectly smooth wall, devoid of any flaws. Remember that all surface imperfections after finishing Venetian plaster will be very noticeable.
Finish preparing the wall for Venetian plaster by applying two (or in some cases three) coats of primer. At the same time, its color should be either neutral white or close in shade to the future finish.
Venetian plaster tinting
Before starting to apply the finish, the owner of the premises or the master who does the work for him must choose the color of the future Venetian plaster and “cook” it using a base white mixture and several different dyes. This process is called tinting, and from step by step instructions, given in this subsection, you can familiarize yourself with how it happens.
Step 1. Choose the right shade of Venetian plaster. In this case, use a tinting fan. It contains not only the primary colors, but also their shades, the total number of which can reach several tens or even hundreds.
Tinting fan
Step 2 Prepare tools for tinting - a clean sheet of thick paper, on which you can see if the prepared Venetian plaster matches the selected shade, a small container for mixing the composition, a narrow spatula and a set of dyes.
Step 3 Prepare a small amount of neutral white Venetian plaster. Choose the right dyes. In this case, the master will achieve a dark red hue with an offset to brown. For this, basic red, red-brown, brown and black dyes are used. The latter is necessary to reduce the brightness of Venetian plaster and make it more similar to natural marble.
Step 4 Select a container of base dye (in this case, red), shake it up, and add a generous amount to the white plaster.
Step 5 Stir the plaster and dye with a narrow spatula until the composition acquires a uniform color.
Step 6 Apply with a narrow spatula White list paper a small strip of plaster mixed with the base color scheme. Compare it with the desired shade on the color fan and determine which dyes and how much to add. In total, several such checks will be made during the tinting process, with the help of which you can gradually achieve the color that was originally intended.
Step 7 Add a second color to the plaster, which will shift its shade to the pre-selected one. In this case, we are talking about red-brown color. As before, stir the plaster until smooth, apply a small strip of the mixture to the paper and match the color with the selected shade on the fan.
Important! When giving the plaster a color, keep in mind that after drying it will be lighter than at the moment, by one, and sometimes two tones.
Step 8 Add literally a few drops of black color to the plaster for a more consistent look. natural stone and some reduction in brightness, which for this finish will be redundant.
Step 9 Apply a stripe of plaster to the paper and match with your chosen shade. Adjust the mixture with dyes until it reaches the desired appearance. After that, the tinting can be considered complete - then you will prepare Venetian plaster according to the same principle, but on a large scale, for application to the wall.
The price of powder paints
Powder paints
Applying classic Venetian plaster
Let's start by looking at the basic technique for applying Venetian plaster. It is called classic and requires a mixture of only one shade. In this case, Venetian plaster of milk chocolate color will be applied.
Step 1. With the help of tinting, prepare a certain amount of plaster of a certain shade and select the place where it will be applied. Keep in mind that the "Venetian" dries quickly, so work with small areas of about 1 m 2. Different places should overlap a little.
The example uses a training canvas
Important! If Venetian plaster is applied by two different person, then periodically they should change places - each has its own way of working, but at the same time it is necessary to achieve approximately the same appearance of the walls and their individual parts.
Step 2 Apply the first layer of Venetian plaster using smooth rounded movements with a spatula. It eliminates invisible wall defects, levels it and is link for subsequent layers of finishes. Remember that you need to apply a small amount of plaster and a thin layer. At this stage, the presence of small bald spots is acceptable.
Step 3 Wait 60 minutes for the first coat of Venetian plaster to dry.
Step 4 Apply a second coat of Venetian plaster using a trowel. It should be as thin as the previous one, but at the same time form veins and other elements here, which in the future will become a “pattern” on the wall, imitating natural marble or any other stone.
Step 5 Apply a third coat of Venetian plaster, known in the classical technique as "rubbing". For this work, use a Japanese spatula, while pressing it against the wall with considerable effort. With this tool, apply a small amount of plaster over the second layer, and immediately make movements to remove the excess.
Step 6 Without waiting for complete drying (but not immediately after application), sand the third layer of Venetian plaster with an abrasive sponge or very fine sandpaper. Shake off the dust formed during this operation from the treated area of the wall.
Step 7 After the final layer of plaster has dried, wax it. A small amount of it is applied to the spatulas according to the same principle as in the previous operation - first the composition is on the wall, then its excess is removed with pressure. Wax will make Venetian plaster one tone darker, give it shine and protect it from abrasion and moisture.
Step 8 20 minutes after waxing, the section of the wall finished with Venetian plaster is wiped with a dry and clean cloth. Before that, you can “grind” it again with a Japanese spatula, removing excess wax.
Applying Venetian plaster in two tones
Now let's look at a slightly more complex technique for applying Venetian plaster - here we work with mixtures of the same color, but different tones - one is lighter and the other is darker.
Step 1. Using tinting, prepare a certain amount of plaster of the same color, but in different containers and with different shades. As mentioned above, the first composition is lighter, the second is darker. Also determine the area of 1 m 2, from which the application of Venetian plaster will begin using this technique.
Step 2 As in the previous technique, apply the first layer of Venetian plaster with a Japanese trowel in a rounded motion with medium pressure and without much wiping. In this case, use a mixture of light colors.
Step 3 Wait for the first layer to dry before applying the second. He will be responsible for the texture of the wall decoration with Venetian plaster. Apply the main part of the second layer in a light tone, drawing small veins and other elements in height. Then, on a Japanese spatula, take a small amount of dark-colored plaster and leave small spots and streaks on the surface. Thus, form a certain pattern by copying a real stone.
Step 4 Apply a third coat of light-colored plaster. At the same time, work with a spatula with serious effort, in semicircular movements, “on the peel” of the newly applied plaster. Then polish these areas. The process is similar to what happens when describing the previous finishing technique.
Step 5 Wait for the third coat of plaster to dry and sand the wall section (or practice canvas in this case) with sandpaper or a sponge.
Step 6 Wipe off the dust left on the plastered area of the wall after using an emery sponge, and apply a layer of wax. As soon as it dries, wipe everything with a dry and clean cloth. After that, a section of the wall can be considered successfully plastered with a "Venetian" in two tones.
Important! Use the technique of applying plaster in two tones, taking into account the size of the finished area. If it is large, then the difference between the shades should be minimal - otherwise the wall will be "full" and annoy rather than evoke positive emotions. But for small areas, it is allowed to use plaster with a difference of several tones.
Application of Venetian plaster with imitation marble
And finally, let's get acquainted with the third technique of applying Venetian plaster - with imitation of real marble. Please note that this is quite difficult option finishing, requiring a certain experience in this field.
Step 1. Prepare the base color plaster (in this case, the red that was discussed in the tinting section), as well as black and white mixtures, with which marble imitation will be performed. Apply the first layer of "Venetian" using the composition of the main shade. At the same time, lay the plaster on the surface diagonally from right to left, leaving characteristic stripes.
Step 2 Wait for the first coat to dry and apply a generous amount of base color plaster to the spatula, add some white mixture to it and mix lightly. Then complete with black. An example of applying plasters of three shades on a spatula can be seen in the photo below.
Step 3 Apply a mixture of three plasters different color second layer. At the same time, move the spatula diagonally from right to left, drawing a strip with veins.
Step 4 Using the instructions from the previous step, continue applying multi-colored mixtures of plasters until the second layer is fully formed. Let it dry.
Step 5 Sand the Venetian marbled stucco with fine grit sandpaper. Wipe off any dust generated during operation.
Step 6 Apply a coat of wax with a Japanese spatula to protect the plaster and give it a sheen.
Step 7 After the wax dries, wipe the surface with a clean rag or a special attachment for the angle grinder.
Prices for marble plaster
Marble plaster
Now you know about the basic methods of working with Venetian plaster. Try this type of finish as soon as possible - the difficulties associated with working with it will turn into an amazing result.
Venetian plaster. How about noble finishing material, they started talking about Venetian plaster relatively recently, although they have been using the "Venetian" for a very long time.
Venetian plaster was invented in Ancient Rome, and not in Venice, as is commonly believed. In general, the history of the appearance of Venetian plaster is very commonplace. The main finishing material in ancient times was marble. It was sharpened, sawed, ground and polished. After working with marble, a large amount of waste remained, it was marble dust, crumbs and sand. All these wastes were mixed with slaked lime, which was the binding element for this material. The result was a mass that could be easily applied to the walls using it as a finishing material or as a base for frescoes and artistic paintings. And only then, after many years, it was revived in Venice and received its "Venetian" name "stucco veneziano" ("Venetian plaster"). Various natural dyes began to be added to it, to give color and variety.
In the future, not only marble, but also quartz, onyx, granite, limestone and many other stones began to be used for the production of Venetian plaster.
The composition of the "Venetian".
In fact, for many centuries the composition of this material has not changed. The proportions of the components are somewhat different due to the use of synthetic additives, but the base remains the same. First of all, dust is granite, quartz, marble and other types of stone. Another component is the binder, as mentioned above, in those days it was slaked lime, and today synthetic binders, acrylic and other similar materials are used instead of lime. The remaining components are water and dyes, now mineral dyes are also being replaced with artificial ones.
The plaster itself, after polishing, becomes transparent, which makes it possible to achieve an indescribable play of light. Therefore, the preparation of the surface on which the Venetian plaster will be applied must be done very well. Otherwise, all cracks and irregularities on the finished surface will be visible.
Venetian plaster applied to the surface begins to absorb carbon from the air, as a result of which the process of carbonization takes place in it, i.e. a solid carbon film is formed, which provides unique performance characteristics.
The texture of the coating can be matched to any interior and furniture, this is completely your personal decision, you can create exactly the pattern that you need in accordance with the general plan.
How to do painting work.
It should be noted right away that the main difficulty in creating such a finish coating lies in the technology of its application. This is a complex, time-consuming and lengthy process, but the final result depends on it. Consider the classic application of Venetian plaster. If the operations are performed correctly, after all the work is completed, you should have the result, of course, there are an infinite number of shades and texture options, but in the classic application it is like this: We take a small amount of Venetian on the edge of the trowel or spatula with a spatula (choose a tool that is more suitable for you) and apply, starting from the corner. Distribute the material in small areas of 10-15 cm with chaotic strokes, strokes should go at different angles, the more chaotic, the better. The size of the strokes will be easy to hold because the width of the spatulas and trowel for applying this material varies just in size 10-15 cm. Hold the trowel (trowel) tightly at an angle of 10-15 degrees to the surface. Layers should be very thin (about 1-2 mm). After the first layer has completely dried, the surface is sanded and rubbed with a spatula. Do this carefully so as not to clean off the applied - just remove excess material from the surface.
Then, similarly to the first, we apply a second layer, trying to keep an even thinner and more uniform layer. After complete drying, we also clean it. We make the third finishing layer “on the strip”, applying and scraping the material with a spatula at an angle of 80-90 degrees, the thickness should be less than 1mm! Dry again. Then we carry out the procedure of ironing (glossy) with a trowel to develop the pattern. There is a risk of scratches here, so you need to iron very carefully and carefully, and what is very important, do not save on the tool, use only high-quality spatulas and trowels for this operation, because in an expensive tool the quality of steel and the level of polishing the edges are much higher, they do not "blacken" and do not scratch the Venetian. Work with a tool with pressure, but try to avoid damaging the layer, “pinching” will immediately lead to the peeling of the decorative layer from the wall. Keep the trowel clean, there should be no dried excess material on it (otherwise scratches will appear immediately). So, upon completion of ironing, the Venetian plaster coating is ready.
After all the above work, you can start waxing with transparent wax. We distribute it with a thin film along the wall (with a cloth, mitten, spatula or trowel) and rub it with a clean woolen mitten or soft cloth. Waxed Venetian is resistant to dirt (it can be easily washed), water and steam, which is suitable for the kitchen, bathroom and other wet areas. The above application method is a classic application. Naturally, there are many techniques for applying Venetian and it makes no sense to paint them, because you can easily find all this on the Internet.
But, I would like to say a little about some of the problems encountered in the application process in order to save you from global mistakes. First mistake. Let's start with the fact that there are mineral and synthetic Venetians (as mentioned above) and, as many craftsmen and manufacturers say, there is no fundamental difference in application between them, there is only a difference in composition, but in fact it is, and it is very large if not huge. If you are planning a “classic” application or “marble imitation”, it is better to use a mineral Venetian, it is definitely more suitable for these purposes. Mineral water was originally created for such applications, it is more plastic and top coat looks more natural, has a noble luster and it does not “blacken” when ironed, and synthetics in this design will look like plastic. For textured coatings such as “Moroccan” or “weathered stone”, you need to use synthetic Venetian, it does not flow and keeps the texture very well, it is much easier to control it with such rather complex application operations.
Second mistake. One Venetian for all colors. There are Venetians for light and dark tones. Base "A" for light, base "C" for dark. But different bases are found in very few manufacturers, as an example of Iris Deco, they even have three bases, the third base is neutral. But the bulk of manufacturers sell the same base for all colors, and as a rule, this is the base for light colors (because it is the most popular), as a result, you have a problem, you wanted to get dark walls, and instead of, say, deep black, you get cloudy black with an active gray coating. This is all due to the large amount of white in such materials. Therefore, under dark tones, you only need to use Venetian base "C" for dark tones if you want to get really deep dark colors.
Third mistake. Tinting with poor quality colorants. This is one of the main mistakes that leads to muddy walls. You will never get a noble, pure and resonant color on cheap colorants, try to use only high-quality pigments, Italian or American, as an example, these are Shimmer Stone series colorants from Modern Masters.
Fourth mistake. Waxing. Wax for the best protective coating, although it is a classic protective composition, imagine the walls rubbed with candle wax. During operation, it smears, dust sticks to it, but since there are no other protections, you buy wax. In Venice, the old masters rubbed the Venetian plaster with laundry soap, it was soap in those days that was the protective composition for such walls. But today, there are varnishes for Venetian plaster, although only a few manufacturers, such as McCloskey "Protective Finish" or Iris Deco "Velato" are examples. Varnish as a protective coating is superior to wax, it is tougher, it does not get dirty during operation and dust does not stick to it. By the way, the lacquer is very easy to polish, which gives an incredible depth of color to the Venetian, after applying and polishing the lacquer, you get completely different walls.
Fifth mistake. An attempt at machine polishing. The polisher is only good for polishing the Venetian top coat mentioned above. It is not suitable for all other surfaces or protective compounds, especially do not try to polish its mineral Venetian, there will be no sense in this. The only way to polish Venetian plaster well is with a good spatula or stainless steel trowel.
Well, the sixth mistake. I remember how I came across instructions for applying Venetian plaster with cracks. A certain craftsman described how to create cracks with a hair dryer, he heated the newly applied material with a hair dryer, subsequently cracks formed. Firstly, this technique is more suitable for loft coatings, with the help of a hair dryer, rashes, peeling and aging of the material are made, and craquelure varnish is used to create cracks, which can now be bought at any store with decorative coatings. If, however, you still decide to create cracks with a hair dryer, get ready for the fact that, firstly, the edges of the scales that form cracks will turn out, and that’s all, and all this will be very clearly visible after patination, when you apply color to them highlight, and secondly, after drying and further processing, the material may generally spill out or peel off, because. elementary it will not have sufficient adhesion to the primer.
Venetian plaster is an excellent material for decorating ceilings and walls. Styling under various natural materials is possible. This decorative coating has a rather large-scale potential, which allows you to achieve original textured and color solutions. Currently in the domestic market building materials many different decorative coatings are presented, which are grouped under common name- Venetian plaster. Venetian plaster professionals call only coatings that are as close as possible to the original in terms of composition and application technique.
Choosing a material for wall decoration is not easy. It must be beautiful, practical, durable and, preferably, inexpensive. Venetian plaster meets almost all of these requirements. It is beautiful - it looks like natural marble, it is practical - the waxed surface can be washed repeatedly, it is durable - if it is not scratched on purpose, it is not damaged, it can be applied to any surface - even, curved. Just the perfect finish. But, as usual, there is a "but". She is expensive. This is the first negative. The second is that it is difficult to apply it with your own hands. Rather, it is easy to apply, it is difficult to get a beautiful surface without experience. But you can try or hire a master. But before concluding a contract, ask for customer contacts. If you succeed, see the results of the work yourself, or call and ask about your impressions.
What is Venetian plaster and its composition
If the wall resembles a marble surface in appearance, but there are no seams on it, it is finished with Venetian plaster. This finishing material was invented centuries ago in ancient Rome. When someone came up with the idea of mixing marble dust and slaked lime. The result was an elastic composition that looked like natural marble on the walls. For a clearer pattern, natural dyes were added to the mixture.
Clay was the most popular. The walls had reddish or pinkish (depending on the color of the clay) stains, which made the decoration more similar to natural marble. To make the coating durable, the plastered surface was covered with a layer of wax, which was then polished. The walls were indistinguishable from marble. Only there were no seams.
And only centuries later, during the Renaissance, Venetian plaster appeared in Venice, where it began to be used instead of marble slabs. The technique of its application was not simple, but working with Venetian plaster is much easier than fitting and polishing marble slabs. Because this type of finish has become very popular. She trimmed walls, ceilings, columns in palaces. The finish was beautiful and durable, weakly reacting to changes in humidity and temperature, which, in the conditions of high humidity of the Venetian canals, led to the widespread use of this material. Contributed to the popularity and the fact that marble dust is easier to bring, and it costs less. The remaining components were added locally mined. The fame of the most beautiful finishing material was quickly spread by merchants, and they called it Venetian plaster. Since then, this has been the case.
The composition of Venetian plaster described above - marble dust, slaked lime and coloring additives - is still used today. Absolutely natural finish. But there are compositions in which synthetic dyes (acrylic) are added or modern binders are used instead of lime. There may also be rubber tree sap, crushed granite. All or some additives are contained - it depends on the manufacturer, but this material is also called Venetian plaster, since the main component - marble dust - remains the same.
Application technology
Applying Venetian plaster with your own hands is a difficult task. The problem is that this is a creative process and there are a lot of ways to apply it. From different movements, a surface of different appearance is obtained. Without experience, it is impossible to predict what you will succeed. To find out what movement will lead to what result, you can only experimentally, that is, you have to try. But. Venetian plaster is not cheap at all, so the experience is expensive. Although, you need to study somehow ...
The only thing that can be advised is to plaster a piece of plywood with an area of at least 1 square, and preferably 2, sand it, cover it with a primer and try to apply Venetian plaster on this surface, honing the technique. It is not recommended to start finishing immediately. Most likely, you will have to remove everything and redo it again, which is insulting, expensive, long. If you're lucky, you can get to dealers who teach how to work with Venetian plaster. They provide material and a stand for work, show how to do it. But, this rarely happens.
Preparatory work
The base on which the Venetian plaster is applied must be perfectly even. It is pre-puttied and leveled to absolute smoothness. Use latex putty. If you apply the composition on an uneven wall, it will only emphasize the flaws and increase the consumption of the Venetian. Alignment can be done with a base layer, but such alignment will be very expensive.
A flat wall is coated with a deep penetration primer. Preferably two layers. This will ensure good adhesion of the finish, remove the dust that remains after grinding the plaster, and prevent the development of fungi. After the wall dries, work can begin.
Mixing and coloring
Sold Venetian plaster in buckets, the appearance is pasty. The basic version is white, colors are added to obtain color, for different effects there are decorative additives - mother of pearl, sparkles, etc. You can tint the composition in the store or on your own.
For self-tinting, you will need a drill with a mixing nozzle. In some cases, Venetian plaster is covered with a layer of water to prevent it from drying out. In this case, before using or tinting, the water is drained. Then, using a nozzle on a drill, the composition is mixed until a homogeneous state. And only after that, the dye is poured into the mass, mixed for several minutes (5-10) with a drill and a nozzle.
When mixing, be careful: near the walls of the bucket, the composition often does not stain. After removing the nozzle, take a clean wooden block of small section, run it along the walls. Most likely, there are places where the dye did not get. Run the bar several times along the walls, making sure that the walls have painted material. Re-mix the composition with a drill until a uniform color is obtained. This procedure can be repeated again - for greater certainty. There is one more nuance: some manufacturers recommend waiting 12 hours after staining.
When self-tinting, it must be remembered that in some compositions the color changes when dried (not all). Therefore, to determine the future color, it is necessary to make samples: apply a couple of strokes and wait until it dries. According to the results, either add a dye, or - an untinted composition.
Also remember that with manual tinting, the same color cannot be repeated. The new batch will be different. Therefore, the material must be painted in a larger quantity than the expected consumption: it is better to have something left than not enough.
Layer rules
Layers when applying Venetian plaster can be from two to a dozen. It all depends on the desired result. And the correspondence between the “desired result” and the actual one is a matter of experience.
You can make such beauty with your own hands ... if you practice before that
Layers are applied in different ways, but each of them is leveled and polished to smoothness, each must be allowed to dry. And only after applying and drying the latter, the surface can be covered with wax - bees or synthetic. Depending on the type of wax, either a glossy surface (beeswax) or a matte (synthetic-based) surface is obtained. The walls covered with a synthetic protective compound also become water and moisture resistant, so if you want to finish the walls in the bathroom with Venetian plaster, take synthetic wax.
Base
The first layer is the base. It is applied evenly, according to the rules for applying ordinary plaster - it must be even. It can be tinted, it can not. Depends on what kind of background you want to have - white or colored. If 2-3 layers of material are applied, it will shine through them. If there are 5 or more layers, most likely it will not be visible (again, it depends on the type of composition).
Second and subsequent
The second layer of Venetian plaster, and all subsequent ones, are applied in chaotic strokes. The composition is taken on a flexible thin metal spatula or a special Venetian trowel. The composition is applied to the edge of the spatula / trowel, applied to the wall with small strokes in different directions. At the same time, one should try not to see the trace from the first touch of the surface tool. The subsequent smear, as it were, closes, lubricates this place. Moreover, it is not necessary to achieve uniformity. The whole point is in the randomness of directions, shapes, lines, bends. Approximately the same as in natural marble.
Application of the second layer - chaotic or in one direction - depends on the desire
Venetian plaster dries 1-10 hours - depending on the composition, manufacturer, temperature and humidity. Exact time look at the package. After drying, the surface is rubbed with a dry trowel. At the same time, all the differences that remain after applying the layer are smoothed out. The next layer is applied to the cleaned surface, dries, smoothes. And so on until you get the desired result. And the result - usually this - darker stripes shine through thin layers in those places where, during application, the composition lay more densely. The depth and brightness with which the stripes “shine through” depends on the number of applied layers.
Finishing
The last layer of Venetian plaster must be applied with a thin metal spatula. The technique is called "on a strip" and the layer is almost transparent. They take a little composition on a spatula, apply it to the wall, firmly pressing the blade, collect the composition from the wall back. At the same time, a very thin layer of material remains on the wall. Here at this stage it is necessary to try to make the surface even. Small irregularities will be removed during grouting, but you need to try.
This is a tool for applying Venetian plaster - a special trowel
Ironing
We do not completely dry the last thin layer of Venetian plaster. After 20-50 minutes, we begin ironing the surface. Please note that some compositions must be ironed in small sections. Venetian plaster was applied to a small area (about half a square meter), rubbed off. Other manufacturers allow a longer period of time. You should definitely look at the packaging or ask the manufacturers.
The ironing process itself is a grout with a dry, clean metal surface. We take a Venetian trowel clean, without stripes, scratches or other defects and smooth the surface in a circular motion. In the process, a pattern appears, shine appears, gradually the Venetian plaster acquires “depth” and layering, which distinguishes natural marble.
When ironing Venetian plaster, care must be taken to ensure that scratches and rips do not form. To do this, there should be no grains of sand, grains of material, etc. on the trowel. It is also necessary to iron the wall with the plane of the trowel, without touching its edges. We process a small area at a time, when a drawing appears on it, we move to another area, not forgetting to pay attention to the boundaries of the two areas.
Ironing Venetian plaster may be the last step. In this state, you can leave the walls or ceiling in the rooms. For corridors, baths, kitchens, a protective wax coating is required.
Wax application
Wax is applied after the Venetian plaster is completely dry. To be sure, it is better to wait a day. Wax is applied with a wide spatula in a thin layer “on the sdir”. A thick layer begins to flake off and peel off over time, so we leave a minimum on the wall.
Approximately 30-50 minutes after application, we begin to polish the wax. For this, a fleecy nozzle on a drill or grinder is suitable. The pile of the nozzle should be short and soft, should not crumble. We set the speed to no more than 3000 rpm. At higher RPMs, the wax is rubbed off rather than polished. Polishing lasts until you get the desired degree of gloss (depending on the type of wax).
Complete drying of wax - about two weeks. Only after this time it is possible to wipe/wash/rub. When it comes to the bathroom, it's best not to use it too much (if possible).
Several application methods
Self-stuffing cones with a case of Venetian plaster is an expensive business. At the same time, it is almost impossible to understand from the description what and how to do, how to apply strokes is incomprehensible, the phrase “in a chaotic order” explains absolutely nothing, because there is still no complete chaos. There is some order or bias of application. So, to make it easier to find your own way, we will tell you at what angle to apply strokes in each layer. So there is a possibility that after a couple of tests “on plywood”, self-laid Venetian plaster will please you.
Method one: the drawing is not too bright, not very clear, smooth lines, without sharp transitions. Apply layers like this:
A good option with a good effect. Not too heavy technique gives hope that the Venetian plaster will look normal even if it was applied by a beginner without skills. But first test everything on plywood.
Method two: with a color base, multidirectional strokes in each layer. The application order is:
This method is also not bad if you can master multidirectional movements. At the same time, do not forget that the strokes should be thin. In general, we try.
Venetian plaster: video tutorials on application techniques
Wax serves as a coating for decorative plaster and is the final touch in creating a coherent picture. In order for a wall finished with plaster to have a complete look, wax must be applied to it. It differs in composition and features of application. The waxed surface will not fade over time. The protective wax layer prevents the paints from losing their original color, they remain the same juicy after many years.
And not only in this advantage of wax. It is able to protect the walls from moisture, but at the same time allows air to pass through, so that the walls breathe, mold and fungus will not appear on them. That is, any most luxurious repair, on which considerable funds have been spent, will delight its owners for many years. But, of course, the application of wax is directly related to the application of plaster, and the preparation of walls or ceilings. In order for everything to be beautiful and functional, the technologies of all processes must be observed. There will be no proper effect if at least one link fails in this important chain.
Some are afraid to apply the composition on their own, considering it a difficult process. In fact, this is quite a feasible task, if you do everything according to the instructions and choose the right wax. You can even make it yourself using a proven recipe, as well as achieve the desired shade with the help of additional components.
Variety of coatings
Today, without much difficulty in construction supermarkets, you can choose exactly the wax that suits a particular surface, read the application instructions and get advice from the seller.
When making Venetian plaster, wax acts as a protector from moisture., which creates a thin film. In addition, the wall treated with such wax looks elegant and acquires additional shine.
There are two options for choosing wax in this case. It comes in liquid or gel form. A glossy surface can simply be covered with liquid wax. A porous surface will suit gel-like wax.
Wax may contain substances with natural or synthetic ingredients. Natural is beeswax, thanks to which you can create a thin layer on the wall, thereby giving it shine.
If the shine has no special significance, you can use a composition made artificially based on synthetic materials. It tends to give the wall a haze, but it is believed that this coating is much more reliable and will last longer.
Each type of wax is based on water. Based on this, you can slightly adjust the composition purchased in the store. If it looks too thick, it can be slightly warmed up, but not on an open fire, but simply placed near a warm place, for example, near a radiator. When it melts, you can add water. Its quantity should not exceed three percent. Then the composition is recommended to be left for three days, so that the mass acquires uniformity. After that, you can start finishing work.
We select for different surfaces
It is impossible to consider the wax coating separately from the type of plaster, since it is the wax that is the logical conclusion of the work that began with the choice of plaster and wall covering. For gypsum plaster one coating option is required, for Moroccan or Venetian - another.
It is necessary to dwell on several types of decorative plasters that are especially popular today and their coating options.
A variety of decorative plasters and wax will allow you to think over the style of the room to the smallest detail. and create a coating so that it matches its performance characteristics. For example, provided that the plaster is treated with wax or varnish, you can decorate with it the bathroom, the bathroom, and the kitchen.
If the choice fell on Venetian plaster, then the coating in the room will have a glossy smooth structure, the pattern will be translucent. All this will be possible thanks to the technique of applying several layers. As a result, you can achieve an imitation of marble, granite, jasper.
Venetian plaster is applied in several layers. Thanks to such "stone" walls, the effect will be simply amazing. Wax will complement the composition, thanks to it reflections and overflows will appear on the wall. Plaster and wax coating together will create not only original design but also strength. Such a coating will not crack or fade over the years and will last at least 15 years. In addition, after the final drying, it can be safely washed without fear of spoiling something. After all, wax creates a protective film for such an expensive coating.
There is another option to achieve the effect of antiquity - using a special varnish, after drying of which cracks will appear on the wall. But this is only a visual effect. The strength and quality of the coating will not suffer from this.
There is Venetian plaster, which already contains wax, and such a coating, due to its waterproofness, can even be used in bathrooms.
Venetian plaster is most often preferred to be treated with transparent wax, since the color of the plaster itself is usually thought out so much that it does not require an additional shade. The only exceptions are those cases when, in addition to brilliance, it is also necessary to achieve an ebb of gold or silver. This effect is easily achieved by adding special components.
For other types of plaster, you can use colored wax, which allows you to create a variety of shades on the wall. This option is suitable for Moroccan plaster.
It contains wax and linseed oil which also creates a water-repellent effect. The preparatory and relief layer create unique patterns on the wall. The top protective layer, the application of which is necessary at the final stage, is applied with wax. And his presence is essential. Therefore, experts recommend purchasing a finished product so that the coating turns out exactly as it should be. Then for a long time of operation there will be a guarantee that the plaster will not undergo destruction and deformation. At the last stage, gold leaf can be added to the wax to create a veined effect. Moroccan plaster is just the case when you can, if desired, treat areas with colored wax to enhance the effect, give the colors depth and saturation.
How to apply?
In order for the wall to have a uniform shade without transitions, work cannot be interrupted. Then the wall will have a uniform structure and color. If one is not quite experienced master It can be difficult, but together with this task it is much easier to cope.
When buying wax, it is recommended to calculate in advance the area to be covered. Consumption can be different, but it depends on the composition of the wax and plaster that the wall was treated with, as well as on the final effect to be achieved.
After all layers of plaster have been applied to the wall and they have dried well, you need to prepare the surface for the wax application procedure. It is necessary to once again carefully examine the entire area for any previously unnoticed flaws. After waxing, fixing them will be very problematic. The wall must be dust-free. If it was previously wiped with a damp cloth, you need to give it some time to dry.
When waxing, the surface must be absolutely dry and clean.
The most important thing is accuracy and no haste.
Professionals usually apply the wax with a trowel, you can also use a rubber spatula. For beginners, it will be easier if you take a small amount of wax and work on small surfaces. This is more likely to avoid defects, since the wax dries quickly and if you are not fast enough, the surface may turn out to be uneven. The wax is rubbed over the surface with a clean white soft cloth, preferably a flannel, until the wall begins to shine.
The drying time of the wax depends on which company it is produced by. Some manufacturers promise that the wax will dry within three hours, while others have the number six on the packages. But in any case, complete curing will occur in a period of two to three weeks. After that, it will not be dangerous to treat the walls with a damp cloth and use detergents non-aggressive influence.
Wax has endless possibilities.- it is this final chord that will give zest to your room. The main thing is to master the technique of applying it well. If necessary, you can create a relief on the surface or experiment with different colors. But it's just not worth it. There should be a clear idea of what it will look like in reality. And a well-thought-out sketch will not hurt at all. This will avoid unnecessary disappointment. Even better, if you start with a small wall and not central, but inconspicuous. This will allow you to get the first experience and take into account errors when continuing repairs on more visible surfaces.
Error correction
If after the completion of work on the wall some flaws are found, then it is not too late to fix them right away. But after four hours, it will be difficult to do this. Therefore, it is better to hurry. Excess is well cleaned with a clean cloth. If it does not work, you can slightly moisten it in white spirit and wipe the surface.
It also happens that the composition has completely hardened, and only then some flaw caught my eye. Do not panic. In some cases, a building hair dryer can come to the rescue. With its help, the area where the defect is detected is heated. Then hot water the coating is washed off. You can try to treat the damaged piece with a special solvent that removes the primer from a wooden surface.
It should be taken into account the fact that after all the manipulations, this area may look different than the entire wall.
Therefore, it is better to eliminate all errors at once, as they say, “in hot pursuit”. Better yet, avoid them altogether.
To do this is not so difficult. When working with wax, do not take too much on a trowel or spatula. It is better to take a little, grind it well, work gradually in small areas, moving gradually in one direction. Then the coating will lie in a uniform layer.
According to masters with experience in applying plaster and wax, there are types of coatings on which, after a few days, nothing can be fixed and you don’t even need to try so as not to make it worse. We are talking about wax, which includes an acrylic component. It cannot be melted with hot air and washed off with any chemicals. The film is very durable. This is a very good and high-quality wax, but, most likely, it is better to use it if you have confidence in your abilities and at least a little experience with plasters.
Wax is the final stage, thanks to which it is possible to achieve shine and an interesting effect on the surface. But sometimes it happens that the color of the applied plaster in reality differs from that which was originally intended. This often happens to those who work with this type of material for the first time. Remodeling a wall is difficult and troublesome, and expensive, given that decorative plaster does not differ in low cost. There is a chance to fix everything with wax. You can purchase yellow, which will give the effect of light gilding. If you add silver to colorless wax, you can achieve a silvery tint on the surface.
In most cases, transparent wax or a yellow tint is used when covering walls. There are also colors that allow you to make a shade yourself.
For decoration textured plaster compositions containing mother-of-pearl, gold or silver components are often chosen. Colored wax is more suitable if you want to create a Moroccan interior or imitation of natural stone.
How to do it yourself?
Homemade wax can also be used, but it's a good idea to test it on a surface first before applying it to the wall as a final finish.
The basis will be glue for non-woven wallpaper. It must be diluted according to the instructions, mixed very well with a construction mixer or a special nozzle for a drill. If neither is available, a regular mixer will do. You should get a homogeneous mass without a single lump. Then panel glossy varnish is added, all this is thoroughly mixed. If it is planned that the wax should have a shade, a paint with the effect of gold or silver is added at the end.
You can go the other way. The basis of the wax will be a transparent wax purchased at the store, and silver, bronze or golden fine powder will be suitable for it as additional components. Such a composition will give the wall a gloss and ebb - bronze, silver or gold, depending on the selected component.
Cost and quality
The price of wax depends on the manufacturer and the materials (natural or synthetic) from which it is made. To roughly navigate how much wax you may need, you can take as a basis the average figure, which is from 50 to 70 grams per square meter. The price of a coating for decorative plaster varies from four hundred to four thousand rubles.
For example, a kilogram of VGT wax produced in Russia can be bought for 440 rubles, the same volume for Venetian plaster is only ten rubles more expensive. This type of coating is made using synthetic materials. With natural ingredients, the mixture is much more expensive. Coating "Cera di Veneziano" (Russia) will cost 3900 rubles per liter. That's the amount in the package. Colored wax from Sweden from Parade will cost from 700 to 800 rubles.
The choice, of course, is up to the consumer. But the masters strongly recommend not to save on the purchase of wax, if only for the reason that if the differences can not be seen initially, it is not known how the wax will behave after several years of operation and how the surface will look like.
This, first of all, concerns Venetian plaster, where wax is considered one of the most important components. Whether the top layer will protect the wall and delight with shine and gloss depends on finishing work that are done with wax. And one more plus in favor of natural wax - only this product can be said with confidence that it is one hundred percent non-toxic. In addition, high-quality wax is more pleasant to work with, it lays down and spreads better on the surface. This means that working with him is a pleasure.
One of the leaders in terms of the number of sales and the quality of the products offered in this area is the Italian company Cebos-Ecocera. The content of white beeswax in this coating guarantees long-term reliable protection surface and bright gloss, which, of course, will please with its colors and tints.
What to replace?
You can’t do without the final treatment of plaster with wax, because it will not get the finished look that it was planned to give it. But in some cases, when, for example, there is not enough skill when applying wax or it was not possible to buy the right option, there is an alternative. Varnish performs the same functions as wax. It protects the surface from harmful influences, keeps the paint for a long time, gives shine.
A few days after varnishing, the surface can be safely washed with a damp cloth without fear of damaging the coating.
Lacquers also have their own classification. For decorative plaster, those that have safe compositions for humans and are soluble in water are intended. The varnish may be more matte or glossy, it may vary in drying time.
The main thing you need to pay attention to when choosing one or another composition is that it is breathable and at the same time moisture resistant. These characteristics are the most important.
Usually, acrylic lacquer, which has a water base, is chosen for processing decorative plaster. It is odorless, non-toxic and considered an environmentally friendly material.
The white liquid, when dried, turns into a protective transparent layer, which gives the wall a glossy sheen and does not change colors at all. Sometimes this solution is tinted if there is a need not only to give the surface a gloss, but also to add a shade.
The varnish usually dries very quickly. Three hours is enough for complete drying. In addition, varnish is used when it is necessary to give the surface the effect of antiquity and make cracks. In such cases, mother-of-pearl varnish is usually used. It gives silver or golden tints.
Applying varnish to the wall is not a difficult process, but even a pleasant one. But you need to take into account some points that will facilitate the work and improve the quality of the final coating. Before applying varnish to a plastered surface, it must be treated with a primer. It will protect the surface in the future from mold and fungus, strengthen the plaster and reduce the consumption of varnish. It is applied in several ways: by spraying or using a brush, roller, sponge.
As for varnish, it is easier to correct mistakes with it than with wax. It is enough to remove the old layer with a special solution and apply a new one.
