If you’ve never applied bark beetle plaster before, it may seem intimidating. However, it’s a task you can do on your own if you have the correct guidance. This particular kind of decorative plaster is well-known for having a textured finish that is akin to the patterns made by bark beetles, giving walls a unique appearance.
Knowing how to apply Bark beetle plaster is a useful skill, whether you’re looking to update a space or add character to an outside wall. It’s not necessary to be an expert to produce results that look professional. You can give your walls a long-lasting and gorgeous finish by paying attention to details and following a few simple steps.
This tutorial will lead you through the procedure, dissecting it into manageable steps. You will discover what supplies you need, how to prep your walls, and the methods that will enable you to achieve that distinctive textured look. Now let’s get going!
- What is this plaster
- Description of the process
- How to prepare the base
- How to mix the solution
- How to apply plaster
- How to give the desired texture
- Video on the topic
- "BARK BEETLE" without reinforcement and preparation.
- A guy took on the job without experience.. Bark beetle plaster alone.
- How to apply decorative bark beetle plaster if you have no experience.
- Facade finishing. Application of bark beetle plaster. Quickly
What is this plaster
A plastic granular mass made of different insoluble fillers and polymer or mineral binders is called decorative plaster. They are in charge of the final coating’s texture in the future. The most common filler materials are sand, stone chips, or granules.
There are differences in the size of the filler grains if you’re wondering how to make Bark Beetle plaster by hand.
- Granularity 0.3-0.5 mm will give a texture that imitates sandstone;
- A larger grain with a diameter of up to 1.5 mm will make the coating look like untreated stone;
- And only granules of 2-3 mm in size will allow you to achieve the effect of a surface eaten by a bark beetle, since only sufficiently large grains will leave grooves in the plaster layer during the rubbing process.
Kindly take note. The texture will be more noticeable the larger the grain diameter. Granules bigger than 3 mm, however, already resemble rough tree bark, which is not the texture we require.
Additionally, the grain size affects the layer’s thickness and the quantity of solution needed to cover each square meter of area. One of the most important parameters to determine before creating the Bark beetle plaster is the number of bags or kilograms of material to purchase.
However, the finisher himself determines the pattern on the surface by placing the granules in a specific direction when grouting a new layer of plaster.
Bark beetle can be made as a ready-to-use solution or as a dry mix. The latter is more expensive, but it saves you time and eliminates the need to mix and choose the ideal consistency.
You can make Bark beetle plaster yourself, even if you’ve never done it before, as long as you follow a few simple instructions. You can give your walls character and a polished, textured finish with a little perseverance and the correct supplies. This tutorial will lead you through the procedure, dissecting it into easy-to-complete steps that anyone can accomplish.
Description of the process
Watch the video to learn how to make Bark beetle plaster before continuing. This will help you visualize the procedure more clearly.
How to prepare the base
The first thing you should know is that when applying decorative plaster, the layer should not be thicker than 1.5 grain diameters. If it is, the granules will simply become submerged in the solution, creating a fuzzy texture. Furthermore, a layer this thin cannot conceal significant surface flaws.
It should therefore be fairly even.
- Alignment, if necessary, is most often done with cement-sand plaster or putty.
- Quite often, before the Bark beetle plaster is applied, the external walls are insulated with foam plastic (see. Facade insulation under plaster: types, characteristics, application rules). If the installation of the insulation is done well, then leveling plaster will not be required, it is enough to simply rub the seams between the slabs.
As a point of reference. A reinforcing mesh that is fixed with a specific adhesive solution is used in the plastering process on foam plastic. Since the Bark beetle has good adhesion and typically holds up well without reinforcement, in our case you can do without it. However, the mesh will shield the coating from any potential fractures.
- The next step is priming the leveled surface (see. Why do you need a primer: technological nuances of finishing work). It is applied to a dry base, cleaned of dust and dirt. It is highly desirable to use a leveling mixture and primer from the same manufacturer. If for some reason this is impossible, then do not skimp on the primer and purchase a high-quality composition that will penetrate deep into the base and strengthen it, and on the surface will create a rough layer for better adhesion to the decorative coating.
- It is recommended to prime the walls shortly before making the Bark beetle plaster, so that dust does not have time to settle on them. In warm and dry weather, it dries quickly, after half an hour you can already start finishing.
Suggestions. Since the base in the grooves can show through, the primer can be tinted to the desired tone if you plan to use colored plaster or paint the walls after you’re done.
How to mix the solution
If you purchased a ready-made mixture, all you need to do is open the bucket and thoroughly stir everything inside. It’s not quite that easy with dry plasters, though if you have a drill with a mixer attachment, you shouldn’t have any special problems.
Simply follow the directions on the package carefully to avoid miscalculating the ratios of dry mass to water, and follow the description exactly. The process is as follows: fill a clean bucket with room-temperature water, add the necessary quantity of plaster, let it settle a little, and then mix at a low speed with a mixer until a lump-free, homogenous mass is achieved.
After combining for five to ten minutes, you can get to work.
This is of great importance! The viability of the final solution rapidly evaporates and cannot be revived by adding more water and stirring. As a result, the portions ought to be such that you have enough time to finish them within the manufacturer’s recommended time frame.
Although it is not recommended, mineral plaster can be tinted. Should you choose to proceed nonetheless, make sure the volume percentage of pigments in the mixtures doesn’t go above 5% and use mixtures based on white cement.
How to apply plaster
Plastering is simple, even for novices, if the base is smooth and well primed. Using a wide spatula or float, the solution is "smeared" in an even layer across the wall. Using a smaller spatula, gather the remnants and return them to the working tool.
Bark beetle plaster must adhere to a number of requirements:
- The plaster layer must correspond to the grain diameter. Do not rub the solution too hard, otherwise the protective properties of the finish will deteriorate, but do not make a thick layer – its decorative effect will suffer;
- It is advisable to cover the wall from corner to corner in one go, without allowing the already applied strip to dry, since the border between different sections will be noticeable;
- If you do not have an assistant preparing a new portion of plaster, stick masking tape on the wall and plaster in stripes overlapping it. And before finishing the next strip, remove the tape together with the mixture stuck to it.
How to give the desired texture
Using your hands, you make the pattern on the surface. The filler crumbs will move in the thickness of the solution according to the direction of the grater’s movement, leaving distinctive traces in their wake.
- If you rub the plaster up and down or diagonally, you will get a "rain" pattern;
Suggestions. You have to keep the oblique "rain" at one angle of rubbing all the time to make it look nice. You can stay on course by using masking tape that has been glued at an angle.
- If you alternate up and down and right to left or diagonally movements in mutually perpendicular directions, you will get a cross-shaped "carpet" pattern;
- Circular and spiral movements give a texture reminiscent of sheep"s fleece – "lamb" (see. Facade plaster Lamb – practical “clothes” for your home).
You can also practice on a discrete section of the wall to generate your own pattern ideas. When the plaster has dried and ceased to adhere to the tool, about 15 to 20 minutes after applying the solution, you can begin grouting.
Step | Description |
1. Prepare the Surface | Clean and smooth the wall, removing any old paint or loose material. Apply a primer to ensure better adhesion. |
2. Mix the Plaster | Follow the manufacturer"s instructions to mix the Bark beetle plaster, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture. |
3. Apply the Plaster | Using a trowel, apply the plaster evenly on the wall, spreading it in a thin layer. |
4. Create the Texture | Once the plaster begins to set, use a special roller or trowel to create the characteristic grooves of Bark beetle plaster. |
5. Let it Dry | Allow the plaster to dry completely, which usually takes about 24 hours. Avoid touching it during this time. |
6. Paint (Optional) | If desired, you can paint the plaster after it has dried, using an exterior or interior paint, depending on the location. |
Applying Bark beetle plaster is a project that can seem overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, but it’s definitely manageable if you have the right tools and approach. You can give your walls a character-enhancing textured finish by following the instructions provided.
Recall that practice makes perfect. Take your time getting to know the tools and methods; don’t rush the process. In the event that something doesn’t work out as planned, minor flaws can frequently be corrected or covered up, enhancing the plaster’s distinctive appearance.
You can have a pleasant and fulfilling experience making a Bark beetle plaster finish if you have patience and pay attention to detail. Despite having no prior experience, you’ll also have the extra satisfaction of knowing that you completed it yourself.