How to apply bark beetle plaster on a wall

One of the most common wall coverings, both indoors and out, is decorative bark beetle plaster. This finish is competitive with other materials because it is fireproof, resistant to biological and atmospheric influences, and environmentally friendly.

Painting decorative bark beetle plaster is fairly simple; you can find video tutorials on how to apply it below. By adjusting the roller’s hardness or applying paint with a paintbrush in its place, the extent of surface painting can be changed.

Preparing the wall for applying decorative bark beetle plaster

Prior to using decorative bark beetle plaster, the walls must be leveled and repaired. We use a building level to check them, and if there are noticeable vertical variations, we fill in the gaps along the beacons with regular plaster. The removal of any small surface flaws is the second step. Putty is finished. Applying a primer to the walls at the end will guarantee that the finish adheres to the wall to a sufficient degree. The use of acrylic mixtures is preferable.

Bark beetle putty should only be selected from materials with strong binding. This is a result of the decorative plaster application technique. Strong pressure is applied to the surface during grouting, which may cause the low- and medium-strength putty layer to crumble.

Decorative bark beetle plaster: technology for applying the first layer

The instructions specify the proportions of water to dilute the dry mixture. It is best to use a drill with a mixer attachment that is set to medium speed for this task. After achieving homogeneity, let the mixture sit for ten minutes; this will allow it to develop the necessary viscosity. Using a spatula, we take a small portion of the composition to see if it’s ready; it should resemble extremely thick sour cream.

A rectangular trowel made of plastic or metal is used for the initial application of decorative bark beetle plaster. Applying a consistent finish layer that matches the thickness of the stone grains within it is the primary task. The mixture will stretch along the wall without running down if it is properly prepared. Using a spatula, remove any extra compound from the trowel after each pass and place it back in the center.

Technology for applying facade bark beetle plaster: the video walks viewers through every step of decorative finishing, from mixing the mixture to adding texture to the wall’s surface.

The creation of an invoice is a quick and easy process. With minimal effort, move the grater after firmly pressing it to the surface. The type of pattern we want to obtain determines the direction of movement. To create the "rain," for instance, we drive the hand vertically up and then down, making each line parallel to the one before it. In this instance, horizontal movements are prohibited. The texture we need will be created by the stone chips in the composition rolling beneath the float and creating a sort of groove behind them.

All that is left to do is wait for the composition to fully dry after the decorative finish is applied. The time is typically stated on the packaging and varies depending on the type of composition. If desired, the final coating can be tinted. If the raw mixture hasn’t been given a specific color by the manufacturer, painting it is not advised.

It is best to use a cool day in the summer to perform outside work with bark beetle plaster, a video of which is provided below. The second half of the day is the best time to begin because it is when the humidity rises and the air temperature falls. If not, the first layer will dry too quickly, making it harder to create a pattern of decoration.

DIY decorative plaster: This video explains the origins of the term "Bark beetle" for this kind of finish. Furthermore, this is an obvious illustration of how stone chips contribute to the formation of a distinctive pattern.

If work must be stopped without breaking through the wall entirely, you should take the following action:

  • Estimate the approximate area that you can finish in one session.
  • Apply strips of masking tape along the boundaries of this area.
  • Bring the layer of decorative plaster to the adhesive tape, and then remove the latter without waiting for the composition to harden.
  • To continue applying decorative bark beetle plaster with your own hands, apply the masking tape again. Only not on a clean wall, but on a frozen layer of finishing, along its very edge.

The only method to prevent the appearance of boundaries between areas processed at different times is to take these precautions, even though they may seem unnecessary.

Consumption of decorative plaster

The amount of material needed for a 1 m 2 shelter varies depending on its brand, composition, and usage circumstances. It first depends on how big the stone chips are. Consumption of decorative bark beetle plaster per square meter, average volume:

  • Fraction up to 2 mm – from 2 to 3 kg.
  • Fraction from 2 to 2.5 mm – from 3 to 3.5 kg.
  • Fraction from 3 to 3.5 mm – from 3.5 to 4.9 kg.

Understanding the advantages of natural bark beetle plaster and how to apply it to a wall are essential skills for applying this eco-friendly material. This post walks you through the processes of priming the surface, combining and applying the plaster, and attaining a long-lasting finish that improves the look of your room while also supporting environmentally friendly building and remodeling methods.

Less is used for interior work; a thicker layer is needed for façade finishing. Usually, the package containing the bark beetle mixture for decorative plaster has the required numbers on the back. It is easy to calculate the estimated amount of finishing material: just multiply the kg/m2 amount by the total surface area and add 2% error.

Video on the topic

Decorative plaster "Bark beetle" on the wall and preparation for it!

How to make decorative plaster "Bark beetle" with your own hands

Application of "Bark Beetle". Decorative plaster. With your own hands.

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How to CORRECTLY connect bark beetle to the wall. House facade.

BARK BEETLE on the Wall (Easy and Simple)

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Timur Kiselev

Professional builder with 15 years of experience. I know everything about the construction of houses, cottages, bathhouses and other buildings. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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