When it comes to wall finishing, plaster types are frequently choices faced by homeowners. Decorative plaster and liquid plaster are two commonly suggested options. Both have distinct advantages and are aesthetically pleasing, but they are used for different things and have different functions.
Making an informed choice for your upcoming wall project can be facilitated by being aware of the main distinctions between decorative plaster and liquid plaster. Understanding what each plaster offers is crucial, regardless of whether you’re going for a textured, artistic look or a smooth, contemporary finish.
The key distinctions between decorative plaster and liquid plaster will be discussed in this article so you can make the best decision for your room.
- General properties and differences with decorative plaster
- Comparison of materials
- Decorative plaster
- Liquid wallpaper
- How to apply liquid wallpaper
- Video on the topic
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General properties and differences with decorative plaster
In order to provide clarification, we will refer to this material by its more widely recognized name, which is Danish plaster liquid wallpaper. It is a blend of natural fibers (seaweed, cellulose, cotton, flax, etc.) and a binding agent, usually CMC glue.
The mixture may also contain different dyes, fillers made of minerals, and additives. The substance is merely diluted with water prior to application; it is supplied as a dry mixture.
Actually, the only similarities between liquid wallpaper and decorative plaster made of cement or gypsum are as follows:
- Method of preparation: liquid plaster mixtures are also obtained by diluting the dry mass with a certain amount of water.
- Creation of a seamless decorative surface.
- Partly, this can also include the method of application – both compositions are applied with a spatula, but working with liquid wallpaper is much easier.
These materials have different properties because their compositions are so dissimilar.
When it comes to wall decoration, liquid plaster and decorative plaster have different uses. The main purpose of liquid plaster is to provide a level, smooth surface; it frequently acts as a foundation layer for additional finishing. Decorative plaster, on the other hand, is intended to give walls texture and artistic elements, providing a finish that is more visually arresting. Although both materials improve walls, there are significant differences in their uses, functions, and end results.
Comparison of materials
You must compare the qualities of both decorative plaster and liquid wallpaper, as well as the area of application, in order to determine which is superior. Even so, it will be impossible to provide a definitive response to this question because finishes are chosen based on a variety of factors, including the room’s intended use, practicality, durability, and other considerations, in addition to personal taste.
Decorative plaster
Decorative plaster can mimic a range of natural materials and have a variety of textures depending on the composition and surface treatment technique used.
- Textured (relief)– created using various devices (rollers, stamps, combs), with which a pattern or ornament is applied to a fresh surface.
- Structural plaster– with additives in the form of large mineral particles, which roll under the trowel when leveling, leaving grooves of different directions on the surface.
- Venetian plaster – a special plaster that looks like real marble, shimmering in the rays of light.
Kindly take note. Because of the intricate application instructions, only a skilled craftsman can complete the task to a high standard.
- Mosaic – it includes colored marble and granite chips, quartz, mica and other minerals that create a small multi-colored mosaic texture.
All of the aforementioned decorative plaster varieties are often made using cement or polymer binders, which harden to produce a coating that is resilient to moisture and hard. Water does not penetrate the plaster made with liquid glass, which is poured into the water prior to solution preparation.
Because of these qualities, the material can be used to finish any space, even places with a lot of humidity (like bathrooms and balconies). additionally for adorning the facades of buildings.
Liquid wallpaper
The texture is the primary visual distinction between decorative plaster and liquid wallpaper. It is never uneven, lacks prominent relief or grooves, and has a texture similar to that of a "fur coat."
This material was created and used first by the Danes, and Casavaga, a Danish decorative plaster liquid wallpaper based on paper fibers, is still one of the most well-liked products among consumers.
It is worthwhile to focus on their traits and attributes in greater detail:
- In addition to decorative properties, the material also has heat-insulating and sound-insulating properties;
- Unlike decorative plaster, it is warm and soft to the touch, so it is preferable for decorating walls in children"s rooms and bedrooms, as well as in institutions such as schools, kindergartens and hospitals;
- Environmental safety – liquid wallpaper Danish decorative plaster does not contain toxic substances that are released into the air;
- Special technologies used in the manufacture of the material give it antistatic properties, the ability not to attract dust;
- Elasticity and frost resistance allow the composition to be applied to the walls in new houses that are still shrinking, as well as in unheated rooms – the coating will not crack;
- Ease of application and restoration with your own hands is another plus in favor of liquid wallpaper;
As a point of reference. The damaged area can be cut out and replaced with a small amount of soaked material that is leveled with the surface using a spatula. The restoration site will turn invisible as it dries.
- Possibility of application to not very smooth, not putty surfaces. Liquid wallpaper fills in small irregularities.
When comparing the merits of decorative plaster versus liquid wallpaper, it is imperative to acknowledge certain drawbacks associated with the former. Its poor water resistance and odor-absorbing capacity are the first things to note. As a result, they are inappropriate for finishing spaces like bathrooms or kitchens.
Furthermore, their surface is easily damaged due to their lack of mechanical strength. But you can’t focus too much on this drawback because restoration is so simple.
The range of colors available in liquid wallpaper is comparatively less than that of regular paper. On the other hand, any combination of the fundamental colors can produce any mix. Additionally, a skilled craftsman can quickly and simply use various color compositions to create a pattern, ornament, or other design on the walls.
Paper wallpaper is less expensive than liquid wallpaper. However, it pays off because it can repair damaged portions; in contrast, a dirty, torn, or painted paper sheet requires repair of the entire area.
How to apply liquid wallpaper
It’s very easy to work with a material like Danish decorative plaster liquid wallpaper. You must closely adhere to the directions regarding the volume, temperature, and holding time of the water in order to prepare the working solution.
Generally, a kilogram of dry mixture is combined with four to five liters of room temperature water, stirred, and allowed to sit for twenty to thirty minutes in order to cause the glue to dissolve and swell. The flaky mass that results is then smoothed and applied to the walls using a spatula.
Kindly take note. You can add dye to the solution while it’s being prepared. Nevertheless, in order to have enough for the entire amount of work, you will need to prepare a large amount at once in order to get the same shade for the entire wall area.
However, the surface needs to be cleaned, dry, and mostly smooth before anything else can be done. It has to be primed if its absorbency is high. The answer to the question of whether liquid wallpaper can be applied over plaster, putty, or whitewash is in the affirmative, but only after priming and drying.
To make it impossible to tell where the freshly applied composition ends and the already dried composition begins, liquid wallpaper is applied all at once, corner to corner. Using a spatula or roller to roll the surface to an even layer, you can level them. This is a simple task made easier by the material’s elasticity compared to using any kind of putty or plaster.
To improve the coating’s resistance to moisture and dirt accumulation, colorless acrylic varnish can be applied over the liquid wallpaper once it has dried.
Feature | Liquid Plaster | Decorative Plaster |
Application Method | Applied using a roller or brush | Usually applied with a trowel or spatula |
Texture | Creates a smooth, even surface | Can create various textures and patterns |
Drying Time | Dries relatively quickly | May take longer to dry depending on the thickness |
Finish | Gives a matte or satin finish | Can provide a variety of finishes, from matte to glossy |
Use | Best for a uniform, subtle look | Ideal for creating artistic or textured effects |
Both decorative and liquid plaster have special advantages for wall finishes, meeting various functional and aesthetic requirements. Decorative plaster enables more imaginative textures and patterns, whereas liquid plaster produces a smoother, more consistent surface.
Think about the look you want to achieve and the amount of maintenance you’re comfortable with when deciding between the two. In general, liquid plaster is simpler to apply and keep up, but decorative plaster can produce amazing effects but might need more attention.
In the end, both solutions can greatly improve the look of your walls, so it’s critical to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each to determine which is best for your project.