Plaster "Bark beetle": characteristics and application features

The modern type of plaster called "Bark beetle" is one of the most demanded finishing materials. The original coating is renowned for its aesthetic and protective properties. Simplicity, ease of use makes it a universal material in all respects.

The main components of the plaster are granules and powder. The size of the grains varies from 1 to 5 mm. It affects the amount of material required. The coarser the grains, the more mix is ​​required... It also affects the expressiveness of the drawing.

The mixture can be composed of gypsum, cement or acrylic. Marble or mineral grains of sand are used as granules. The disadvantage of a gypsum or cement mixture is that, unlike an acrylic composition, they must be diluted before application.... It is important to observe the cooking technology and proportions here.

The advantages of plaster include the presence of a huge selection of compositions. Each manufacturer cares about improving the quality, increasing the versatility of their products. Therefore, despite the presence of the main components of the mixture, additional substances are introduced there. Depending on the desired result, you can always choose the most optimal characteristics.

The name of the plaster "Bark beetle" comes from the name of an insect - a bark beetle, which leaves peculiar recesses on the tree.

The unique appearance of the outer surface is formed by small or large depressions that mimic the track of a beetle. The pattern is formed by marble, mineral chips or titanium dioxide. Creates the effect of a tree eaten by a bark beetle.

The compositions differ in purpose:

• for interior wall decoration;
• for exterior decoration of houses;
• universal formulations.

Differences in structure:

• with large grains;
• with an average grain size;
• with fine grain.

Difference by type of main component:

• Mineral mixtures based on cement or gypsum have a service life of at least 7 years. Due to their resistance to low temperatures and high humidity, they are used for finishing the exterior surfaces of houses.
• Polymer mixtures based on acrylic are very plastic. Thanks to this property, the risk of cracking is eliminated. Under favorable conditions, the composition can retain its qualities for 20 years. Acrylic mixtures are more often used for interior walls and ceilings.
• There are also silicone resin mixtures, which have plasticity, moisture impermeability. Under favorable conditions, their service life is 10-15 years.

Differences in the degree of readiness for use:

• ready-made solutions;
• dry mixes requiring dilution.

The advantages of textured plaster "Bark beetle" also include:

• Strength... The plaster can withstand mechanical stress and vibration. Has a long service life.
• Ease of care... Dust, dirt can be easily cleaned with water or any detergent.
• Resistance to temperature extremes... The material easily tolerates temperatures down to minus 50 degrees.
• Lack of harmful substances in the composition prevents the appearance of poisonous particles in the air. This allows the material to be used inside living quarters, children's rooms.
• Fire resistance... The material is not flammable, which makes it possible to use it in the kitchen, next to the fireplace.
• Easy to apply... Compliance with the correct technology allows you to make repairs indoors with your own hands.
• Original texture... The unusual pattern blends harmoniously with almost any type of interior design.
• Relatively low cost... The presence of a huge number of manufacturers allows you to choose the most optimal option for any budget.
• Ease of composition... The material does not create additional load on the supporting structures, which significantly reduces the risk of damage or wear.

Knowledge of the characteristics of the formulations makes it easy to navigate in all the variety of offers on the market.

Unique plaster patterns decorate any room. As a decoration, finishing can be done on the ceiling, on several or only on one wall.

If initially the mixture is white, then when preparing a solution or subsequent staining, you can create a different color scheme. Monochromatic shades of pastel, beige tones are relevant. You can also create contrasting reliefs. The color palette can be represented by bright red, brown, yellow, silver, blue tones.

To obtain a rich color, the color is produced in two stages:

• The first layer of paint is applied with a brush. At this stage, the emphasis can only be on the grooves.
• After the paint has dried, apply a second coat of paint with a roller. So that the paint does not smear the plaster drawing, the work is carried out at a fast pace. You can use lighter shades.

You can also choose a color mixture. In this case, there is no need to add a dye.

Depending on the applied technique of applying the material, the type of pattern is formed... If the mixture was applied in circles, then the pattern will have oval depressions. If the movements were even in the direction up, down or to the right, to the left, then thread-like straight depressions are obtained. You can make diagonal movements, then the grooves will be directed to the sides of opposite corners.

The saturation of the picture depends on the selected grain size... If a small fraction was used, then the pattern will be more refined, less noticeable. Such a design is more suitable for decorating small areas, interior walls or ceilings in a bedroom, children's room.

If a coarse fraction of grains was used, then the pattern will be more noticeable, coarse. This design is more often used in the decoration of external surfaces. Inside the room, a deep drawing will be relevant if there is a large area, for example, in a living room, a hall. In modern design styles, for example, industrial, minimalism, hi-tech, such decor will also look appropriate and harmonious.

Ready-made finishing examples, as well as expert advice, which should not be neglected, will help to decide on the design, the color of the plaster.

First of all, you should decide on the characteristics of the composition. Different types of mixes are suitable for interior and exterior decoration. The calculation takes into account the thickness of the required plaster layer, which depends on the grain size, operating conditions, mechanical, chemical or temperature effects. The shelf life is also important, as well as the price.

Giving preference to ready-made compositions that are more convenient to use and plastic, it should be remembered that they cannot be stored. Unused mixture dries quickly and becomes unusable. It is also important to note that these solutions tend to be more expensive.

In this plan the consumption of dry mixes is more economical, and they are cheaper.

Depending on whether the repair will be carried out by a professional or a beginner, a certain type of tool and technology for applying the material are selected.

Wall decoration indoors or corridor should be made taking into account the use of environmentally friendly components, persistent dyes, moisture resistant materials. To form an exquisite beautiful pattern, the size of the granules is usually chosen less than 2.5 mm... Lovers of extravagant reliefs may prefer large sizes.

When choosing a plaster for finishing a balcony, especially if it is not heated, you should choose a mixture with more reliable characteristics. They must be resistant to high humidity, temperature extremes.

Mixtures are selected with a large granule size - not less than 2.5 mm... Since the plaster will be exposed to various adverse environmental influences, it is necessary to choose compositions that have the greatest strength, resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, and mechanical stress. As a rule, such compositions require preliminary preparation, therefore it is important to correctly calculate the required amount of material.

Plastering material is used to decorate both interior walls in an apartment and exterior facades of private houses. It is also used to decorate public spaces. However, this happens much less frequently. Due to its versatile properties, it can be applied to a base of concrete, brick, plasterboard, panels, as well as to cinder block walls.

The composition is not used for finishing wood, metal, glass and plastic substrates.

If you want to finish the walls with your own hands, you must carefully study the process of applying plaster. Compliance with the sequence, as well as the rules for using the material, will allow you to get the desired result, which will delight for many years.

Before applying the composition to the finished surface, it is necessary to prepare the necessary devices and containers in advance. Ready mix can be applied immediately... It does not require additional training.

Solution preparation sequence:

• Prepare a container with the required amount of water. The exact proportion is indicated on the packaging. The water temperature should be at room temperature.
• The dry powder is slowly poured into a container with water. In this case, the mixture is thoroughly stirred until a homogeneous mass is obtained. It is important to prevent lumps from forming.
• Homogeneous gruel is allowed to brew for 5-10 minutes.
• Stir thoroughly again. You can use a special mixer.

The amount of the mixture is determined based on the area of ​​the surface to be coated, grain size, compositional characteristics. For 1 sq. m can take from 2 to 5 kg of the mixture. The exact proportions are indicated on the packaging.

To apply the solution, tools are used, for example:

• Trowel, trowel, spatula... Level the surface, remove excess.
• Grater... This tool serves to form an absolutely masonry surface. The most reliable material from which the grater is made is metal. It is characterized by a long service life. For beginners, it is recommended to choose a polyurethane tool. But professionals often choose polystyrene, which is extremely fragile.

For one-time work, a plastic grater is suitable... The wood-based tool also has a relatively short lifespan. There are rubber, latex-based floats.

The tool is chosen depending on the purpose, ease of use, cost.

The surface on which the plaster will be applied must be flat and clean. Cracks, irregularities of more than 2 mm are not allowed.

The day before the repair, the walls or ceiling are primed to match the finish. This is done so that the applied material is in close contact with the base. As a rule, mixtures containing quartz sand are used. The concrete base is allowed not to be primed, but only to be moistened with water.

When carrying out repair work, it is important to follow the sequence of actions:

• The prepared mixture is evenly applied to the surface, spreading over the entire area. The tool is held at an angle of 30 degrees. Each subsequent furrow is applied in such a way as to overlap a part of the previous groove by 4-6 mm.
• A grater is used to form the pattern. Uniform pressure on the composition in different directions allows you to obtain the desired image. Pressing is performed in sections of 1-1.5 meters.
• So that the solution does not freeze quickly, it is periodically stirred during operation.
• After about 2 days, the walls or ceiling are sanded, removing excess material, and then primed.
• If the paint has not been added to the plaster, then after the surface has dried, you can start painting.
• After the paint has dried, the base is leveled, then varnished.

The finishing of the external facades deserves special attention. It is not allowed to take breaks from work for more than 4-5 hours... Otherwise, the surface appearance will be uneven. Therefore, repairs are carried out with the involvement of a team. Also, mechanized means of applying the mixture are used, which significantly reduces the repair time.

The end result largely depends on the plastering technique. These can be straight horizontal movements, vertical movements, circular rubbing.The more perfect the technique, the better the result will be.

How to apply the bark beetle, see the video below.

Walls finished with Bark beetle plaster do not require special maintenance. It is enough to keep them clean by doing wet cleaning. However, in order to obtain the desired result, resistant to various influences, it is necessary to follow the rules for applying the material.

Before starting to paint, make sure that the walls are dry, level and clean. If necessary, they are leveled with trowels. If staining is carried out outdoors, it is better to choose dry, calm weather.... You also need to take care that direct rays do not fall on the drying paint. If the staining is carried out in several stages, then it is necessary to withstand the time between the stages.

The surface is coated with varnish after the paint has dried. Moreover, if the process is carried out outdoors, it is necessary to choose a suitable weather, and also provide maximum protection from negative external influences.

The staining process begins no earlier than 2-3 days after applying the plaster... The exact dates are indicated in the instructions on the packaging of the textured mixture. It also indicates the types of paint that will ideally combine with the given composition of the mixture.

There are a huge number of foreign, domestic manufacturers on the market that produce mixtures of different composition and characteristics.

The most common grades used for exterior finishes include:

• Ceresit CT 175 ... Ready-made solution based on silicone resin. According to reviews, it looks very beautiful on the wall, but it requires special skills when applied. Possesses good adhesion, frost resistance, durability.

• Ceresit CT 35... A mixture based on cement, minerals are used as additional substances. The plaster is easy to apply and is durable. Has a relatively low cost.

• Unis "Coarse-grained" Bark beetle "... A mixture based on cement, flour with marble filler. The material is strong enough, not scratched, resistant to temperature extremes, moisture resistant, but does not tolerate exposure to sunlight during drying.

• "Bergauf Dekor"... Dry mix based on cement, marble flour, mineral filler, additional modifying components. According to reviews, this finishing material tolerates frost, moisture well, and is easy to apply.

Interior grades include:

• Ceresit CT 64... Ready-made solution based on acrylic with mineral fillers, pigments. Requires special skills when applied. Possesses good adhesion, pleasant appearance. The base must be perfectly flat. It has poor thermal insulation, is quickly consumed, and is not cheap.

• Knauf "Diamond Bark beetle 1.5 mm"... Dry mix based on cement with the addition of mineral granules. According to reviews, the material is easy to apply, has strength, ductility, and good quality. However, there are reviews that the material crumbles after drying.

• Osnovit Exterwell "Bark beetle 2 mm"... A cement-based mixture with the addition of mineral grains. According to reviews, it has strength, is inexpensive, easy to apply. There are also reviews that, after drying, the material crumbles.

• "Prospectors" - dry mix based on gypsum. Easy to apply, inexpensive. The surface "breathes" with it. Requires a putty after application. Among the negative points, there is a quick drying of the composition.In general, among the advantages of the "Bark beetle" plaster, users distinguish an excellent appearance, resistance to moisture, temperature extremes, long service life, ease of use, the ability to apply paint several times.

Among the negative points are the accumulation of dust, dirt particles in the grooves, cracking, material shattering, the complexity of application, and cost. Many associate the negative consequences with the use of the wrong technology during application, a combination of materials from different manufacturers.

Original ideas allow you to create a unique image, comfort, beauty in the room. The photo shows examples of creating a warm, cozy home atmosphere using Bark beetle plaster.

• An interesting design of the kitchen with the use of textured finishes.
• The harmonious combination of different colors with openwork ornaments creates an atmosphere of warmth and mystery.

• The design of the bedroom in a modern style with the use of decorative plaster creates an atmosphere of mystery and tranquility.
• Possibility of using plaster for finishing one wall.

• The unusual drawing is striking in its originality and scale. Facade decoration with textured plaster transforms the building, makes it neat and modern.