Finishing stucco balconies : step by step instructions

Finishing balcony differs from the works in the apartment.This is a special room that is closest to the street, and therefore more exposed to the risk of moisture penetration, light, dust, etc .That is why not all the finishing materials are suitable for balconies and loggias, but decorative plaster is not one of them.It is a versatile material that can transform any room.In this article we'll show you how to hold the finish decorative plaster balconies and reveal some secrets of the beautiful decoration of the walls.

Levelling plaster for walls

plaster - a special type of finishing material, the composition and method of application of which depends on the desired goal.So, if you want to make a smooth wall for the final lining, use a leveling plaster.Over it is convenient to hang wallpaper, laying tile or apply decorative plaster formulations.They often contain consisting

solid particles, pigments, and various additives to create the original effect.

plaster on the balcony to withstand temperature changes and an increased level of humidity, as well as provide additional protection premises.Make a smooth wall is not a problem if clearly follow the instructions and prepare the right blend.

Any finish starts with the alignment of the walls, and often it is necessary to use a special plaster, because it allows you to hide the obvious surface differences.Moreover, the leveling compound improves the performance of floor slabs and takes up little space, in contrast to drywall plates.

To prepare the walls in such a way using cement-sand or plaster solution - the choice depends on the material of construction of the wall.To heavy mortar kept on a vertical surface, it needs support in the form of metal profiles and reinforcing mesh.Gypsum is also much easier and firmly attached to the wall without further support.However, such plaster is not recommended for use in environments with high humidity levels, so if you are going to choose her for balcony, make sure it is securely isolated.Basically, arrogance plaster used for finishing with a layer thickness of not more than 20 mm.

specifics of the material

Alignment wall plaster can be divided into three phases: preparation of the walls, proper preparation of the solution and applying it to the surface.To prepare the wall, you must remove the old paint.It is best to finish the balcony plaster immediately after installation of hydro and thermal insulation.

If you are working with a "bare" walls, then on a smooth concrete surface mixture will not be able to hold fast, so you should make it rough - to put a burr or small chips.This is usually used rigid steel brush or conventional chisel.For reliable setting plaster any wall must be covered with an adhesive primer deep penetration.Before applying the plaster wall is necessary to moisten, to all the water from the mixture is not absorbed into the brick or concrete.Also, the surface should be de-dusted and wait for the complete drying of the primer.

Prepare plaster strictly according to instructions on the package to avoid unpleasant surprises.No need to mix too much at once - you can not manage to spend it to pour (especially gypsum).Thoroughly mix the composition, so that there are no lumps.To get a perfect flat surface, use the guide rails.They define the desired plane and do not allow the plaster to fall off.Such beacons installed at a distance of about 50 cm, and then hide them under plaster.

From the first time no one turns a perfectly smooth coating, but do not worry - 2 - 3 hours after application of the plaster it can wipe sandpaper, thereby Concealed in in ce defects.According to the technology necessary to adhere to certain layer thickness, so useful for measuring instruments.Over time, this will turn out to do "by eye", but the main thing - remember that the thinner the layer, the better.

Yet another important mome nt etc. and working with cement-sand plaster - reinforcing mesh.It is necessary to increase the rigidity of walls and prevent the plaster crumble under its own weight.When buying, check with the seller that the mesh is designed specifically for in-house work.Attach it to the wall with the same solution and slightly utaplivajut in it .

Tip: To plaster certainly not fallen off, apply several thin layers , giving the previous dry completely.In total, the coating should be thicker than 30 mm.

If you first make a plaster balconies with their hands, better use a wide spatula - apply makeup on the wall and stretch his bottom-up .Trowel is also designed for this purpose, but it should be able to seek to make the surface smooth and beautiful.

Working with brick walls

If the walls on the balcony made of brick, is to plaster firmly held, first smooth out the seams to a depth of 8 - 10 mm.In fact, working with brick and block walls, a little harder than concrete.The fact is, bricks that have a porous structure that absorbs water very quickly, and there is a risk, that plaster is crumbling and swell.To do this, at the preparatory stage it is necessary to cover the wall 2 - 3 layers of adhesive primer.

Important: If the house is built recently, wall putty is not recommended - the building is required to give a little shrinkage, and all your efforts will be wasted.

layer of plaster to a brick wall should have a thickness not less than 10 mm.Be sure to strengthen its reinforcing mesh, because it helps to smooth the surface.To protect the plaster from cracking and deformation, you can use ordinary masking grid.This is especially true in places near the door and window openings .

We briefly describe the technology of plastering the brick wall on the balcony:

1. Strip joints.
2. Cover the wall with primer 2 - 3 bed, waiting for the complete drying of the previous one.
3. Apply a little plaster mixture and drown in it reinforcing mesh, attaching it Cuts overlapping 10 -. 15 cm
4. Wait for the complete drying of the storage layer.
5. Apply a leveling layer on the guide bar and beacons.
6. Wait a few hours and powertrowel surface defects sandpaper.

As you can see, this is no big deal, and the plaster walls on the balcony can be a great practice for repairs in the apartment itself.

Decorative plaster

When walls become flat and smooth, you can proceed to the most pleasant part of the work - a beautiful drawing of decorative plaster.The peculiarity of modern compositions, not only in their showiness and diversity, but also in a solid performance.They can easily withstand temperature changes, do not fade from sunlight and help keep the heat inside the house and is completely safe in terms of ecology.Create a unique interior on the balcony with the help of plaster the power of even those who have never picked up a trowel or roller!And best of all, that the costs are mainly low - much lower than that of wallpaper, tiles or panels.

Decorative plaster may consist of one, two layers and more.Usually already included in the adhesive additives, dyes, plasticizers and other components to enhance the practicality and aesthetics of the coating.At the heart of almost all the plaster composition is lime, gypsum or white cement and quartz.Mineral mixture sold in powder form, which should simply be diluted with water to the consistency required, but if you're not afraid to handle, you can buy a ready-made pasty plaster in the bucket.

Neither modern plaster does not contain harmful substances, and the amount of plasticizers and additives usually does not exceed 3%.Because of its natural composition of the surface safely passed couples and do not interfere with the natural microventilation premises.Most of the compounds do not accumulate dust and even withstand wet cleaning.

Decorative plaster on the balcony rather than wallpaper or wooden panel still and because it is completely fireproof and does not fade in the sun.Lifetimes can be easily calculated for decades, while wallpaper recommended changed every 3 years.

Tip: There are special plasters with antiseptic additives, which prevent the appearance of mold and mildew, which is important for the balcony.

And, of course, the main reason due to which many people choose decorative plaster - an amazing variety of colors and textures.Even not being designer you can create stylish and original interior.

It would be wonderful, do not bear decorative plaster flaws, but, unfortunately, they could not have done without.So, due to its mineral nature, it can be covered with cracks due to incorrect application or after some time.In most cases, restore the surface there is no difficulty, but the fact remains fact .This is a controversial disadvantage that disappears, if you buy a mixture of various synthetic additives and plasticizers to improve flexibility.They cost more, but you can be sure of a successful outcome of the case.

Types of plaster

As we have said, the decorative plasters can be very much, but to facilitate you a choice, we have classified them into groups according to the effect produced.

Classification of decorative plasters:

1. structural - are a part of crumbs quartz or mica, so that the substrate forms a chaotic scratches and abrasions .Popular plaster "bark", imitating the moves of bark beetle, refers precisely to this type.It is noteworthy that for such mixtures do not need to pre-align wall - they mask small defects ourselves.Structural plaster can create an imitation not only wood, but also cracked stone and even snakeskin!For work on balcony and inside the house fly better water-based mixtures, since they do not have a pungent smell.
   
2. Invoice - have inclusions of granite or marble fractions, organic fibers ( flax , cotton).If you want to create a surface that reliably simulates natural stone, choose a textured plaster.Also it can be used to "fake" leather, velvet and wood.
   
3. flokovye - present in the composition of fine particles of acrylic, which helps simulate silk surface.This finish looks very impressive and ornate, but requires special care and careful treatment.To flokovye plaster lasts longer, apply it on acrylic paint, then cover with a transparent protective lacquer.
   
4. Venice - one of the most popular types.Mixtures are created on the acrylic base with the addition of special dyes.They sell them in the form of a thick paste, to which we must add the pigment and stir.With the help of Venetian plaster can simulate silk , marble, paper, and even pearls.
   

Secrets of the original finish

As we promised, reveal a few secrets spectacular design finishing plaster.Smy seq Sun ex the following methods is to further influence on the plaster , until she still wet.

techniques creating an original relief:

1. Nabryzg - take a small trowel, scoop a little plaster and pounces on the wall.
   
   Another option - to dip into a mixture of a broom, bring closer to the wall and gently knock on it with a stick, to a fine spray dotted the surface.This technique is described in detail in the video below:
   
2. Sponge - when you are dealt an even layer of plaster, take a sponge and gently push the wall, to leave no gaps ( apply overlapping ).Better to take the sponge from the loofah (natural, not synthetic), to get a more natural and unpredictable mark.Periodically rinse the sponge in the soapy water.
   
3. Cellophane - to get the effect of crumpled paper, attach the plastic bag to just applied plaster.Before that, a good crumple package (better to take large bags of durable cellophane).After drying, the wall walk on all folds spatula and do not be afraid, it will spoil the result - a spatula only removes excess fragile items.
   
4. Brush - Apply the plaster layer of 2 mm, and then a spatula small portions Lay the mixture on the wall and smear it rigid synthetic brush in different directions.Since the first layer still not dry, then brush will smoothly slide on the wall and create a beautiful "wave".To make the walls more volume , after drying walk on by surface color scheme to match the plaster, making a circular motion and rubbing grooves.
   
5. effect "dry land» - very nice effect, which is quite easy to do.To do this, wait until the plaster is a little grab, and then drive it into wooden dowel to him have gone cracks and indentations.
   
6. grooves - if you have an extra building grater with serrated edge, be sure to try it in.Apply the plaster layer 2 - 3 mm and swipe it float, changing the angle of inclination her to get the grooves of different depths. Prettier all looks a little unkempt arbitrary terrain.
   
7. More one original way to "revive" the walls of the balcony - structural work roll.In DIY stores you can find rollers with different patterns - spend it on fresh plaster and even get a neat impression.The purchase composition can be supplemented with your strokes to "did not like at all» - wooden stick add points, lines, ticks or other elements.
   

Finally invite you to view helpful videos on the balcony of plaster, which describes the many ways it interesting and unusual application:

Finishing stucco balconies: photo