What does liquid wallpaper look like?
Firstly, what do they look like? After all, this is important. The appearance of liquid wallpaper comes in several types: it can look like paper wallpaper with a relief pattern, it can be fleecy or similar to the structure of fabric. The color range of this material is literally unlimited by anything other than a flight of fancy! You can buy them already colored, you can tint them, you can mix them, getting absolutely stunning and individual colors.
Liquid wallpaper is produced from safe components. The main ones are cotton and cellulose, sometimes fibers of polyester components or lavsan can be added. Of course, there are additional additives - a binder, if necessary, dyes and decorative elements.
The decor can be flock or thread additives - the threads can be silk, wool, synthetics - each type of material gives the finished mixture a completely different look. Wool gives a fluffier surface, silk gives a shiny and smooth surface, synthetics can give a lot of different effects, depending on the type and properties of the material.
DIY liquid wallpaper. Manufacturing
We think you've wondered more than once whether it's possible to make liquid wallpaper yourself? Especially if we are talking about paper liquid wallpaper. We answer you - you can! The process is not tricky and anyone can do it. You just need to know a few nuances to understand how to make liquid wallpaper at home. In order to make liquid wallpaper from paper with your own hands, you will need knowledge about the composition and proportions of materials for them.
Liquid wallpaper composition
The composition of liquid wallpaper includes:
- Paper. Choose fairly thick, but not glossy paper. The best option would be office paper. But newspaper will also do.
- Water.
- Glue. PVA or wallpaper glue. The second one is better, because... it contains special additives against fungus and mold.
- Dye. The color is suitable for ordinary water-based emulsion.
- Gypsum.
- Various types of decor. Threads, fibers, pebbles, etc. at your request.
In order to make liquid wallpaper with your own hands, you will need the proportions of the components.
Liquid wallpaper proportions
- Paper 2 kg
- Glue 1 kg
- Plaster 1 kg
- Water 10 l.
- Dye (according to the instructions for your volume).
How to make liquid wallpaper with your own hands
Let's now take a closer look at the process of how to make liquid wallpaper with your own hands, made from paper.
- Choose a large bucket. It’s better to use a large 20 liter construction bottle with a lid.
- Pour warm and clean water into it. Don't pour too hot water, but cold water won't do either. The temperature should be slightly above room temperature.
- Add finely chopped paper in small portions to the water. The finer you cut it, the smoother the structure of the liquid wallpaper you will get. Large pieces of paper will create a more textured surface. Here you must decide for yourself what you like best.
- Mix the mixture with a drill, mixer or hands as you add paper.
- Add glue to the mixture.
- Add coloring and mix well.
- Close the liquid wallpaper with a lid.
- Now the mixture should settle and swell. This may take 12 to 24 hours. Stir the liquid wallpaper every few hours to avoid lumps.
- Before applying liquid paper wallpaper with your own hands, you need to add plaster.
Tip: if you use a decorative additive in liquid wallpaper, add it to the mixture last. After this, the mixture can only be mixed with your hands, like dough.
Properties of liquid wallpaper
The properties of wallpaper directly follow from its composition. Since they are made from cotton and cellulose, they:
- They have an excellent antistatic effect. Small specks, dust and other contaminants will not stick to them.
- Excellent sound absorption. Of course, this largely depends on the material from which the walls are made, but liquid wallpaper reduces noise quite significantly, especially when compared with other, less loose finishing materials.
- Can enhance the thermal insulation of a room. Naturally, you can’t insulate a room with wallpaper alone, but when you combine external insulation and liquid wallpaper, it increases significantly. This is especially important for those who have small children or those who are heat-loving people and are afraid of the cold.
- Adsorbent properties. It is clear to everyone that both cotton and cellulose perfectly absorb moisture. Accordingly, the liquid wallpaper that is made from them has the same property. This material is able to regulate the level of humidity in the room, absorbing excess, and without any damage to the appearance.
What it is
Liquid wallpaper is sometimes confused with decorative plaster. Probably because the application technique is very similar. - using a spatula. The fundamental difference is that the composition of the applied mass is completely different. Any plaster contains sand, and cement and lime are used as a binder. The composition of liquid wallpaper includes silk, cotton, and cellulose fibers. Some kind of glue is used as a binder.
Several types of liquid wallpaper with different types of glitter
To color the composition, acrylic dyes are usually used, and to obtain a different surface, glitter of different sizes, pieces of mica, mother-of-pearl, threads, and other natural or artificial materials are added. These decorative additives are called “glitters”.
What they look like on the wall
If we talk about appearance, liquid wallpaper is something between plaster and paper wallpaper. From the store you bring the dry composition, to which you add a certain amount of water according to the instructions. The resulting semi-liquid mass is applied to the walls or ceiling. The coating is seamless due to the plasticity of the material; when applied, minor surface defects are corrected - notches, cracks, etc. Due to the same plasticity, it is not too difficult to form a drawing, even a picture.
Liquid wallpaper can be used to apply even complex patterns to walls... or paintings
So liquid wallpaper looks different on the wall. Another difference is the different composition. If it is silk-based liquid wallpaper, the surface has a characteristic matte sheen. This composition is also called “liquid silk”. The cellulose and cotton variation is matte; even in the same shade and with the same decorative additives, the wall looks different.
And there are also mixed compositions - cellulose-silk or cotton-silk, in which there is a certain degree of shine, but not so pronounced. In general, it’s hard to say what liquid wallpaper looks like on a wall. If you like decorative plaster, you should also like this finishing option.
Kinds
Liquid wallpaper is distinguished by its composition. As already mentioned, they are made on the basis of natural fibers. According to the type of fibers they are:
- silk;
- cotton;
- cellulose
Silk wallpaper - low shine, textured surface
They differ not only in composition, but also in appearance. It is difficult to convey this in pictures - the difference is in the presence and type of gloss, its brightness, visual “looseness” or smoothness of the surface. Of all the options, silk formulations are the most expensive. More budget ones are cotton and cellulose.
Advantages and disadvantages of liquid wallpaper
As you can see, the material is interesting and has a number of advantages. Which ones?
- They look beautiful. They are able to decorate the interior, can be perfectly combined with other finishing materials, if not used in a continuous application, they can be easily combined.
- Easily restored. If you suddenly spoil an area with liquid wallpaper, there will be a stain or a dent - it will be easy to fix, even on your own! Liquid wallpaper can be soaked with ordinary water and removed with a sharp spatula. And then, disguise this area with a new portion of liquid wallpaper. After drying, there will be no differences left on the surface! It is only important to take the same wallpaper that was applied earlier, and not others - otherwise, at least, different colors cannot be avoided.
- Long-term storage possible. In dry form - naturally, but in diluted form - the wallpaper can last as long as needed, the only nuance that needs to be taken care of is an airtight container, closed, and hidden from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If the wallpaper has dried out, you can dilute it with water again and it will be ready for use.
- There is no need to completely level the walls for wallpaper. With paper wallpaper, any imperfections on the surface are visible, but with liquid wallpaper, they will not be there. Thanks to their texture, they are able to hide small grooves, cracks and similar imperfections.
- Thermal insulation and sound insulation - this has already been discussed above.
- Repels dust. If you want to be able to carry out wet cleaning in rooms with liquid wallpaper, then it would be better to cover them with a water-based protective varnish.
- Duration of operation. Liquid wallpaper will not lose its appearance for about fifteen years - this is a decent service life for interior decoration. They are not subject to temperature changes, which means they will not fall off the wall, as happens with their paper counterparts.
- Easy to install. An important factor, since even a master who has never held a spatula in his hands can apply liquid wallpaper. A couple of small trainings to adapt and you are quite capable of making repairs with your own hands! Perhaps liquid wallpaper is one of the easiest materials to apply.
In short, the product has quite a few advantages, all of them are significant and make you think about purchasing. But there are no ideal products, so naturally, this material also has its drawbacks. Look what:
- Low moisture resistance. As you already understand, wallpaper absorbs moisture well, but if it comes in endlessly, then of course it begins to accumulate in the coating and destroy it. Since liquid wallpaper is diluted with water, its excess is, accordingly, harmful to them. You can correct this drawback by using a special coating of walls with liquid wallpaper with acrylic varnish or primer.
- They can pull stains (especially greasy ones) from the walls. Yes, preparation of the walls is not necessary if they simply have unevenness or roughness, however, if they are dirty, then they must be cleaned or puttied, otherwise all or part of the dirt may end up on the newly finished walls. In principle, this can also be dealt with by pre-treating contaminated surfaces.
- Quite a high cost. Of course, manufacturers are trying to make their products cheaper, there are also liquid wallpapers available, everything will depend on the composition and size of the material cut - coarsely cut wallpaper will cost less, but will also have a less neat appearance.
To sum up all the properties of liquid wallpaper, we can say that this material is safe for health, comfortable, beautiful and easy to use. And even the existing shortcomings are not so significant as to cover these undoubted advantages.
Advantages and features of using liquid wallpaper: photos in the interior of rooms
When planning home renovations, you should not limit your choice to standard materials. If you want to get an interesting and unusual interior design, it is better to pay attention to radical and creative types of decoration. Most modern people do just that. It is for this reason that many apartment owners are interested in how to glue liquid wallpaper on a wall; there are enough video materials on this topic on the Internet, but the question of the disadvantages and advantages of finishing has not yet been fully disclosed.
Due to its high performance properties, liquid wallpaper can be used in the kitchen, but only if there is good ventilation
Versatility as an advantageous aspect of using liquid wallpaper in the interior: photo of finishing
Wallpaper is a universal type of decoration, the scope of which extends not only to living rooms, but also to office and administrative premises. But in practice, many apartment owners encounter difficulties when working with this material, due to various reasons.
Not every type of surface is suitable for gluing ordinary canvases, which is why visual videos of applying liquid wallpaper to walls are so popular among Internet users. In addition, operating conditions such as temperature changes and high humidity levels have a bad effect on standard finishing options.
Using liquid wallpaper you can paint on the walls, creating a unique interior design
The technology of applying liquid wallpaper shows itself advantageously in practice when finishing needs to be done:
- bay window;
- arches;
- columns;
- fireplace duct;
- ledges and niches.
Conventional wallpaper sheets are inconvenient to use in the areas listed above, which cannot be said about applying liquid wallpaper with your own hands; video reviews with a detailed description of the technology are not difficult to find. This type of finish is universal, although taking into account the palette and design, it is best to use it in a nursery or bedroom.
Due to the fact that textured liquid wallpaper is pleasant and soft to the touch, and also perfectly retains heat, this finish is often used to decorate children's rooms.
Helpful advice! One of the beneficial features of liquid wallpaper is improving indoor acoustics and providing a high level of sound insulation. Therefore, you can get the maximum benefit by using this type of decoration to decorate your living room with a home theater.
You can often find photos of liquid wallpaper in the kitchen online, because the coating is highly resistant to moisture, which is a significant advantage for rooms with similar operating conditions.
How to apply liquid wallpaper correctly: nuances of technology
The process of decorating walls with regular canvases should be carried out by two people, while one person can glue liquid wallpaper. There is no need to fuss with rolls and find free space for them. In addition, there is no chance of staining the coating, because unlike conventional canvases, the liquid material does not come into contact with the floor and does not need to be cut.
To apply liquid wallpaper you do not need to have special skills, so even a beginner can easily cope with this finish
The installation system is very simple and accessible. Any beginner can easily figure out how to apply liquid wallpaper with their own hands; video reviews of technologies, of which there are many on the Internet, can be successfully used as a visual aid for work.
Not only the application technology, but also the preparatory stage of work is accompanied by advantages that conventional wallpaper cannot provide. It is enough just to dilute the dry mixture with water and apply it in a thin layer on the wall using a spatula. Moreover, the mixing process is carried out manually, so the question of how to make liquid wallpaper yourself does not cause difficulties.
Advantages of using liquid wallpaper on the ceiling: photos and reviews
When using rolled materials, it is impossible to achieve a complete coating, because even the highest quality results cannot be achieved without seams. Photos of liquid wallpaper on ceilings, as well as on walls, show that this type of finishing allows you to get a beautiful and smooth surface without gaps or visible joints.
Due to its many advantages, liquid wallpaper is often used for interior decoration by modern designers.
Customer reviews from forums also confirm this advantage:
“Last year I decorated the living room with Silk Plaster liquid wallpaper. Most materials of this type are not intended for application to surfaces with defects. This option was recommended to me in the store, and I was pleased with the result. But I want to warn you that you should not use the material on surfaces with strong differences, unless you want to get different depths of color after drying.”
Maria Volonova, Saratov
“I was pleasantly surprised by the palette in the Silk Plaster liquid wallpaper catalog, as well as the lack of seams and transitions. This coating can be safely used for ceilings. In corner areas, you need to work carefully at the joints between the walls, although in general these places look much neater than the seams that form between the rolled sheets.”
Evgeny Samoilov, Moscow
Note! Liquid wallpaper resembles putty, so it can be used to eliminate minor surface defects, but not more than 3 mm.
Using colored liquid wallpaper you can divide a small room into functional zones
Environmental friendliness and variety of colors of liquid wallpaper
The finish in the form of liquid wallpaper consists of fibers of natural origin: cellulose, silk, cotton. The adhesive composition (CMC) acts as a binder. Also, a water-based dye is added to the mixture. The result is a coating with a high degree of vapor permeability. In other words, the surface of walls and ceilings under liquid wallpaper “breathes”.
The environmental friendliness and vapor permeability of liquid wallpaper eliminates the appearance of:
- musty air;
- mold;
- greenhouse effect.
Natural air circulation maintains humidity levels within limits optimal for human health.
Using a basic mixture of liquid wallpaper and several colors, you can decorate the interior in different colors
In fact, the standard color palette of materials is not as wide as we would like. The desired shade can be achieved by adding pigment to the composition. Consultants at a hardware store will advise which color for liquid wallpaper is best to choose. Pastes with pigments based on organic compounds are more environmentally friendly and offer a wide range of colors, but they quickly lose their brightness and fade. Colors of synthetic origin are resistant to UV. However, they do not have a large assortment of shades.
There are several ways to make your own liquid wallpaper with interesting effects. Special additives are used for this:
- mica shine;
- marble chips;
- colored flock;
- quartz chips.
These elements allow you to create a coating with an unusual structure and color scheme.
One of the features of liquid wallpaper is the ability to vary the fillers, color and texture of the finish.
Stencils for creating patterns with liquid wallpaper on the wall: photos of interior decoration
Liquid wallpaper is universal not only in terms of application technology. They allow you to support any direction of design or stylistic decision in the interior. The material can be used to express personal preferences and individuality. Decorating walls with patterns from liquid wallpaper in the photo looks especially attractive in the interior of a bedroom, living room and children's room.
Helpful advice! The easiest way to apply a design is using a stencil. You can make templates for work yourself or buy ready-made products in a specialized store.
Decor based on drawings with liquid wallpaper on the wall is created using the following types of stencils:
- volume;
- stencil for a single-color coating;
- multicolor;
- anti-stencil.
Using anti-stencil and liquid wallpaper you can creatively decorate the interior of a children's room
To decorate a bedroom with liquid wallpaper, you can add thin threads of gold or silver colors to the design. The result is a refined and refined finish. In the living room, experts recommend using material consisting of natural silk. Thanks to this, it will be possible to reliably imitate textile wallpaper.
An excellent option for decorating a children's room would be to create a drawing with a thematic plot, for example, seascapes with ships (for boys) or flower arrangements (for girls).
Related article:
DIY liquid wallpaper. Making a working solution: video
Making a mixture from scrap materials. Main characteristics and advantages of liquid wallpaper. DIY liquid wallpaper: video.
Types of liquid wallpaper
Many consumers, especially those who have just begun to be interested in finishing materials, confuse liquid wallpaper with decorative plaster. Often they do have some visual similarities, however, their structure and composition are completely different. Decorative plaster is usually made from a sand mixture, while liquid wallpaper is most often made from cotton.
In addition to this material, the mixture for preparing wallpaper may also include polyester, silk threads, cellulose, mother-of-pearl particles, special decorative additives and dyes. If we divide wallpaper by type, then roughly we can distinguish only three of them:
- with silk;
- with cellulose;
- silk-cellulose.
All types have their advantages and when choosing which ones to buy, you need to take into account all their advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at what it is.
Cellulose liquid wallpaper
They are made on the basis of cellulose fibers formed during wood processing. This is, at its core, paper, however, you should not even try to compare the liquid appearance of wallpaper with paper - these are completely different things!
The composition of liquid wallpaper, in addition to the cellulose itself, includes cotton, mica, pearlescent additives, gypsum, glue - all these components form the desired consistency of the mixture to treat the desired surface.
This type of wallpaper has a number of advantages, the main one of which flows smoothly from the base of the mixture. So, just as both cotton and cellulose have excellent thermal insulation properties, cellulose liquid wallpaper retains heat in the room very well. They can be used even in unheated buildings and walls finished with this material will not cool down too much.
This advantage is especially important if, for example, you are planning to decorate a children's room or are talking about saving energy resources. Walls covered with cellulose liquid wallpaper will always remain warm to the touch and pleasant to touch.
Cellulose wallpaper can be textured or almost uniform in texture. This depends on the size of the cellulose fiber fraction from which they are made. If the fraction is large, then the wallpaper can be visually similar to a cotton-paper surface; it is soft, slightly fluffy, and has pleasant tactile properties.
If there is a fine fraction, the structure of the wallpaper will be more uniform, and on the wall it will not look as voluminous, but this also has its advantages: such wallpaper is easier to clean from dust, and it is more resistant to dirt.
Is it possible to use cellulose liquid wallpaper in a room with high humidity?
Of course, they are not intended for use in rooms with high humidity. Everyone knows that paper perfectly absorbs any liquid, which means that wallpaper will not last long in such conditions.
- Wallpaper based on cellulose
To some extent, additional coating with acrylic varnish can help here, but there is a nuance here:
- Firstly, it is quite difficult to coat a textured surface with varnish without gaps, so that it gets on all parts of the coating,
- Secondly, even if it is possible to create such an ideal coating, it is very easy to damage it under normal household conditions, which means that there will be areas that are not protected from moisture.
In addition, acrylic varnish, although it looks completely invisible, can distort the appearance of the cotton-paper texture if the cellulose wallpaper is based on a large fraction of the component. An additional coating will protect the wallpaper from absorbing moisture, but it will completely destroy its main attraction: its fluffy and soft appearance.
From the above, it is easy to conclude: for rooms where there is still a possibility of evaporation or humidity may increase, when choosing liquid wallpaper, it is better to give preference not to the embossed, but to the smooth variety. It is much easier to open such a finish with a protective varnish; it will not spoil its appearance, and the general idea of the design of the room will not suffer.
- Pulp-silk wallpaper
They differ little in properties from purely cellulose ones. The fact is that they have the same base, they just come with more or less addition of chopped silk threads. In this case, silk will perform a purely decorative function, and does not bear the main load on the properties of the material. In a mixed type of liquid wallpaper, silk threads give an external effect to the texture - the shine and texture inherent in the fabric, but cellulose, being the basis of the mixture, still mainly determines its performance characteristics.
The main advantage of cellulose and cellulose-silk wallpapers, of course, is their low cost. Cotton and cellulose are environmentally friendly and inexpensive materials, therefore, these types of liquid wallpaper are completely affordable; moreover, some craftsmen even make them themselves at home from improvised materials, reducing the cost of the material to a minimum.
The main disadvantage of cellulose type liquid wallpaper
The main disadvantage of the cellulose type of liquid wallpaper, as well as the cellulose-silk wallpaper, is its low wear resistance. The coating is susceptible to moisture, gets dirty easily and can collect dust - this is especially true for families with small children and pets. This type of wallpaper will be appropriate in rooms with low operational load or, for example, in offices - where the microclimate and temperature are constant and there is no great danger of pollution.
In general, the balance: price - quality is absolutely justified here. These types of materials are not expensive, but not particularly durable; accordingly, by choosing cellulose liquid wallpaper you get a beautiful, stylish and warm finish, and how long it will serve you will depend solely on how carefully you use it.
Cellulose liquid wallpaper, however, continues to be in demand because it is an economical and attractive finish. It is used in apartments, hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, office and public spaces. They are easy to apply, allow you to repair or replace the damaged area, and are quite easy to remove.
Silk liquid wallpaper
They got their name from the main component material – silk fiber. They are made on the basis of threads from natural or artificial silk - they have different textures, they can be smoother or more embossed, depending on what silk they were made from. Basically, silk liquid wallpaper consists of at least half of silk, but there are manufacturers who make 100% silk material - naturally, their price is very high, since silk fiber is not at all cheap.
The first feature of this type of liquid wallpaper is its appearance. The coating looks impressive, expensive and can decorate any interior. Such wallpaper can be used not only as an independent covering - since this is not a cheap pleasure, but also as a finish for another type of covering.
They can be combined and combined with other materials - the main thing here is to add imagination and a little creativity. Silk, a very attractive material in itself, has not been used for home decoration for nothing since ancient times. Silk fiber makes the wallpaper visually similar to natural fabric, has a satin shine and velvety feel that can be easily felt with your fingers.
They can be used to create a variety of visual effects, ensuring maximum resemblance to the rich decoration of golden times. Modern technologies make it possible to make silk wallpaper colored, mother-of-pearl, pearl, and complement it with various glitters and sequins.
Silk coating, unlike cellulose, is not so hygroscopic; after complete drying, these wallpapers almost do not absorb moisture, but nevertheless have excellent vapor permeability - they are able to provide breathable walls and an optimal microclimate in the room.
But they have heat and sound insulation no worse than cellulose! They are also well able to retain heat and do not transmit sounds well. Liquid wallpaper based on silk fibers are not afraid of temperature changes, even significant ones - they can be used in poorly or even not heated rooms.
An important advantage of silk, as a material in itself, and, accordingly, of wallpaper based on it, is its low susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation. This finish does not fade in the sun or with uneven interior lighting - the finish will remain in its original form for many years. Therefore, it is convenient to use silk wallpaper even in dark or bright shades - they are not afraid of any atmospheric changes.
As for ease of use, there is no particular difference: both silk and cellulose liquid wallpaper are easy to apply and can be used even by novice specialists.
Of course, silk-based materials are considered luxury and few people would risk finishing them themselves for fear of spoiling the presentation.
In addition, if the cellulose type of finishing is often made in artisanal conditions, perfectly simulating industrial production, then this technique is definitely not applicable with silk wallpaper - since replacing silk fabric with something else simply will not make sense.
Silk wallpaper also allows you to repair or partially replace an already finished coating. You can remove a dirty or simply unnecessary area and replace it with the same wallpaper - there will be no noticeable joints or signs of repair.
The durability of silk liquid wallpaper should also be noted - it cannot even be compared with cellulose wallpaper, since this type of wallpaper is resistant to dirt, ultraviolet radiation, and can be subjected to gentle cleaning, for example, with a vacuum cleaner or brush.
A wonderful feature of this material is the antistatic effect inherent in silk - they are able not to attract dust, and thus will not often need to be cleaned. Such wallpaper can be used in a children's room and in public places; in principle, there are no special restrictions on their use, except in rooms with high humidity or very damp ones.
The main disadvantage, if you can call it that, will probably still be the high cost of silk wallpaper. Yes, they are not available to every consumer, but it should be borne in mind that the luxurious appearance, excellent strength characteristics and durability are well worth the price.
Comparing these two types is not very appropriate, since the only common characteristics they have are the production method and application technology. Completely different composition determines completely different properties. And although environmentally friendly materials are used to produce any type of liquid wallpaper, their appearance and operating conditions are completely different.
Main types of decorative plasters
This type of coating includes all compositions with the help of which a certain texture or imitation of any natural materials and objects is created on the walls . Let's look at the most common of them.
Structural plasters
Undoubtedly, the most common type at the moment, which is characterized by the following features:
- The mixture consists of an acrylic, silicone or silicate base, to which particles of natural minerals or quartz inclusions are added.
- When applied, small pebbles leave indentations on the surface, which create the texture that gives the composition its name. Depending on the size of mineral inclusions, the structure may vary. In addition, the pattern on the surface depends on the application method.
- The widest range of colors of compositions; you can buy them ready-made, add a coloring additive to the composition, or simply paint the surface - it all depends on your preferences.
This is how the structure is made on bark beetle plaster
Textured compositions
This type of composition also has some features:
- The mixture can be either homogeneous or with the addition of various fillers: mica, quartz and mineral inclusions, wood fibers and much more. Thanks to this, each type gives a special texture that can enliven any interior.
- With this composition you can achieve a volumetric effect on your walls. The relief inherent in the final result allows you to create entire compositions and ornaments.
- Adding different textures is done in a variety of ways: with a spatula, brush, sponge, various brushes, special spatulas, rollers and even just with your hands - it all depends on your imagination.
You can create texture even by hand
Venetian plaster
This option has a number of features:
- The composition includes marble chips, thanks to which this finish looks luxurious, giving the walls a touch of sophistication and richness. An indispensable option for lush interiors in a classic style.
- The result is a homogeneous surface, reminiscent of marble, which is highly durable and durable.
- This type of material cannot be applied efficiently without proper experience. That is, it is unlikely that you will be able to do the work yourself; you will have to hire specialists, whose services are very expensive.
- And of course, do not forget that the price is very high; this is one of the most expensive types of decorative finishing plaster coatings. So it's worth considering whether you need this option.
The surface that can be achieved by using Venetian plaster looks great
Gypsum compositions
This group of materials is quite common and has the following properties:
- This type of composition is characterized by a fairly affordable cost and ease of use - the instructions on the packaging will tell you all the features of the finish.
- Thanks to the gypsum base, the solution dries quite quickly, but this is both an advantage and a disadvantage: the mixture must be used without delay.
- From such compositions you can make a wide variety of surfaces: smooth, with different textures, and even with three-dimensional objects.
- The material is completely environmentally friendly and can be used in a wide variety of spaces.
Using gypsum compositions you can create entire paintings
Facade plasters with marble chips
Another rather interesting type of mixtures that have a lot of differences:
- The main feature of the material is exceptional reliability, because this group was originally intended for use outside buildings. All its components are distinguished by their strength, durability and resistance to adverse external influences.
- Marble chips and other high-strength natural materials are most often used as fillers. This provides the widest choice of color and texture solutions.
- Such compositions can be used both outside and inside. As a rule, types with larger crumbs are chosen for facades, and smaller ones inside.
Advice! It looks very good to decorate a wall with two or more colors, and the division can take place both horizontally and vertically, diagonally and even with broken lines - whatever you have enough imagination for.
This type can also create an interesting texture.
What is best to use depends on the specific conditions and characteristics of the finish. The decision is yours, so it's worth considering what will work best. Of course, the review would not be complete without considering another interesting lineup.
Manufacturers of liquid wallpaper
Of course, liquid wallpaper is not a finishing material that is presented in a huge assortment on the market, but there is still a pretty decent selection.
- Silk Plaster is the largest manufacturer of liquid wallpaper in Russia and has an extensive dealer network around the world. The plant has been operating since 1997, and its products are certified in many countries, including European ones. Liquid wallpaper of this brand is made from environmentally friendly raw materials using the latest, safe technologies. Here you will find a truly huge selection of textures and shades, since the designers of the manufacturer have developed quite a few collections for every taste and budget.
- Bioplast , a well-known Ukrainian manufacturer of liquid wallpaper, is also ready to present a good selection of wallpaper at average prices. These materials are easy to use, economical in consumption and are often in demand among customers.
- Leroy Marlene is a famous French brand that produces liquid wallpaper of excellent quality. They are known for the fact that even after complete drying, their wallpaper remains elastic and can easily withstand shrinkage of buildings and similar tests. Despite the big name and prestige of the brand, this manufacturer’s product range also includes various price categories.
- POLDECOR is a manufacturer from Poland, widely represented on the shelves of construction supermarkets and perfectly combines not too high prices and good quality.
- SILKCOAT - Japanese quality of liquid wallpaper will speak for itself. Liquid wallpaper of this brand has firmly established itself in terms of high quality and an appropriate price.
- BAYRAMIX KOZA is a more budget option. These liquid wallpapers are produced in Turkey, they can last a long time, and their price is amazingly affordable.
- Senideco is the highest quality achieved through hard work and precise adherence to European technologies for the production of liquid wallpaper. This French manufacturer is one of the founders of the production of liquid wallpaper. This is also one of the most expensive brands, however, the price of the product is absolutely justified by the quality.
- “Vot Tak” is another Russian brand, known for its maximum availability. Liquid wallpaper of this brand will be affordable for every consumer.
Pros and cons of liquid wallpaper
The main advantage of liquid wallpaper is the absence of joints. They lay down as a solid coating; there is no need to adjust the pattern or texture, which means finishing will take less time. Other advantages of this decorative material include:
- easy repair - traces of mechanical damage or abrasion can be removed by covering the damaged area with a fresh “portion” of material of the same color diluted in water;
- suitable for complex geometry - after drying, the wallpaper “sits” evenly, carefully bending around the figured elements of the walls, corners and curved parts;
- pleasant texture - the finish with liquid wallpaper is soft, textured and warm;
- heat and sound insulation - due to the porous structure and relatively large thickness (from 1 to 4 mm), the coating retains heat, dampens noise and “breathes”;
- antistatic - thanks to the natural base, the coating does not accumulate static electricity and is easy to clean from dust;
- suitable for creating drawings - compositions from the same manufacturer, as a rule, are easily combined, so when modeling graphic decor, the finishing layer is solid and durable, without gaps or overlaps.
This coating is environmentally friendly and safe. It does not accumulate odors, and for cleaning it is enough to work the surface of the wall with a vacuum cleaner.
Advantages of liquid wallpaper
Liquid wallpaper also has some disadvantages. Volumetric texture, both homogeneous and with inclusions, is not suitable for all styles. For example, it is difficult to fit into a conservative or high-tech interior. The second is sensitivity to water. The coating is removed when soaked, therefore, it should not be used in places with high humidity - the kitchen work area, bathrooms or balconies. In some cases, this problem can be solved by applying a special water-repellent varnish layer, but such a finish may change the texture.
Features of liquid wallpaper
A significant drawback is the absorbent properties of the decorative material. As the mixture diluted with water dries, it literally “pulls out” dirt and various substances, including toxic ones, from the walls, so when applying, special attention will have to be paid to preparing the base and priming. Liquid wallpaper dries when the windows are open. This is not very convenient during the cold season and if renovations are being carried out in one of the rooms of the apartment, and the residents do not have the opportunity to move during the finishing work.
Repair with liquid wallpaper
Recommendations for applying liquid wallpaper
Liquid wallpaper is an environmentally friendly type of finishing, since its production does not use chemically hazardous or aggressive substances. Therefore, in fact, contraindications for use here are only due to the properties of the material itself. There is only one thing: this type of finishing is not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity: bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools and the like.
Otherwise, liquid wallpaper can decorate the interior of any room, be it a living room, bedroom, nursery or office. Often, due to the high cost of this material, it is not used for a continuous covering, but is only used to highlight some parts of the room: arches, columns, inserts.
Liquid wallpaper is a universal material in terms of application, so they are equally often used both as wall coverings and for ceilings, arches - in a word, anything.
If we talk about a uniform coating with liquid wallpaper, then here too you can play with the design of the room in an interesting way. For example, combine several shades of wallpaper that are harmonious in color or, conversely, contrasting.
You can use one main background for the walls and ceiling, and highlight baguettes or make frames with another, darker or brighter one. There are a lot of photos with design options in the vastness of the World Wide Web, and if you use your imagination, the result will be absolutely unique, spectacular, and most importantly - completely your personal style.
Surfaces for applying liquid wallpaper
Strictly speaking, there are no restrictions here, in other words, any restrictions. The only condition is proper pre-treatment.
- Concrete, cement or clay plaster. If these are concrete, cement or clay plasters, then such surfaces must first be puttied. To do this, you can use finishing putty - ready-made or in a dry mixture - it doesn’t matter. After it has completely dried, the surface needs to be primed and wallpaper applied.
- Drywall . If you plan to decorate drywall with liquid wallpaper, then the technology here will be similar: first apply a primer, then putty with a thin layer - nothing needs to be leveled - then again a layer of acrylic primer and the surface is ready for wallpaper.
- Wooden or metal surfaces. If there is a need to apply wallpaper to wooden or metal surfaces, then they must first be opened with alkyd paint, for example PF-115, in order to avoid damage or corrosion of these materials from the water base of the liquid wallpaper.
All these preparatory measures are needed only to protect the walls from damage and give them a clean look - especially for cement and clay plasters. If you apply liquid wallpaper directly to them, then, firstly, they can significantly change their color, and secondly, they can become dirty from clay or cement and lose their appearance. Separately, it should be noted that the correct choice of primer is important.
Usually, an acrylic primer is used under liquid wallpaper - it is applied both to the surface before puttying, and then, before applying the wallpaper itself. The main feature of the primer is that it must be transparent or white. This is important, again because of the possibility of the wallpaper changing color after application.
There is no need to specially level the surface before applying wallpaper, since they are voluminous enough to hide minor unevenness or defects.
Ready mixes
Ready-made decorative compositions are supplied in sealed plastic bags. Dry mixtures can be neutral white or colored in any color. Each package of the factory mixture contains instructions for preparing and applying the material.
It is best to mix the solution in a deep plastic basin.
The dry mixture is poured into a container and filled with water at a temperature of about 30 degrees. It is better to fluff the composition first so that there are no caked lumps.
Mix the mass with your hands until it is homogeneous and plastic, cover tightly with film or transfer to a plastic bag, and leave for 10-12 hours to swell.
The decorative mixture can be stored in a hermetically sealed container for up to two weeks without losing its qualities.
Liquid wallpaper in the interior
Where is the best place to buy liquid wallpaper?
Liquid wallpaper is sold in construction stores, naturally, the larger the outlet, the more manufacturers are represented there, and the wider the selection of wallpaper itself; small shops, with a small turnover of funds, sometimes cannot afford such a product at all. It is most convenient to look for liquid wallpaper in large construction hypermarkets, as well as in online stores. You can also find the official websites of manufacturers on the Internet - the purchase there will be the best in price, naturally.
The type of packaging for liquid wallpaper is a dry mixture in bags or bags. Packaging may vary in weight, so depending on the required quantity, you can choose a convenient weight specifically for your needs.
Caring for liquid wallpaper
Caring for liquid wallpaper is not burdensome. With proper care, their service life reaches 5–10 years. Remember:
- Wallpaper should be vacuumed once every two weeks.
- Do not wash liquid wallpaper with water.
- If the liquid wallpaper is varnished, you can wipe it with a damp cloth.
Liquid wallpaper is an ultra-modern and popular coating. Ease of care and application to the surface, the possibility of restoration are the main reasons why many people love them so much. A huge range of wallpapers and colors will not leave anyone indifferent. Such a wide selection opens up the possibility of realizing any design idea. The only thing that can scare you away if you want to buy liquid wallpaper is the huge price. But still, the material has much more positive qualities. Therefore, for those who decide to make their dream come true, high prices should not become an obstacle to their path.
Detailed instructions for preparing the mixture before application and direct application of liquid wallpaper are in the video review:
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How to apply liquid wallpaper: videos and recommendations
1. Preparation for applying liquid wallpaper is a rather time-consuming process. This is due to the fact that wallpaper is sold dry and needs to be soaked to a certain consistency. This is not difficult to do: pour the contents of the package with liquid wallpaper into any plastic container, it can be a bucket or bowl, whichever is more convenient for you, and fill it with warm water.
The amount of water is always indicated on the packaging - and it must be strictly observed in order to obtain exactly the desired thickness of the finished mixture. It is also important to monitor the temperature of the water used to spread the wallpaper; it should be warm, but not hot, approximately 45 degrees.
After adding warm water to the dry mixture, stir it thoroughly. This must be done carefully, carefully and slowly.
It is not recommended to use a construction mixer for these purposes, since mixing too quickly will inevitably damage large fractions of the dry mixture, and this will lead to a disruption in the final appearance of the finished coating.
The mixed consistency must be covered with a lid or film in such a way as to prevent the evaporation of water. It is necessary to allocate at least eight hours for soaking, and possibly more.
When soaked, liquid wallpaper can be stored for up to five days, and during this time it will not lose its adhesive or other properties.
Immediately before use, the finished liquid wallpaper must be carefully mixed, achieving a uniform consistency. The finished mass is viscous and plastic, it has an adhesive structure of medium thickness.
2. Prime the walls. Be sure to prime the walls before applying; what kind of primer to use was described above.
3. Application of liquid wallpaper. First of all, it is worth noting that the process of applying liquid wallpaper is quite simple and can be done by any novice specialist, even those who have never done this before. Roughly speaking, the point of treating the surface with wallpaper is to apply it and distribute it evenly over the entire surface.
To apply, take a medium or wide spatula, or you can use a plastic grater. Here, it is advisable for everyone to choose a tool to their own taste and evaluate the convenience of each of them. The main task of the master is to obtain approximately the same layer of finishing material on the surface. Correctly distribute the wallpaper in a straight line, in any direction, trying to ensure equal pressure on the tool. It doesn't matter whether you move it in the same direction, but be careful not to make circular movements, as such a step can ruin the texture of the finished wallpaper.
The thickness of the wet layer immediately after application should be on average about 2 millimeters; if you make the layer thinner, bald spots may appear after drying; if it is too thick, there may be problems with leveling on the surface. A thicker layer may be justified if there are level differences of more than two millimeters on the wall being treated. As the wet solution dries, the wallpaper shrinks along the wall, and the layer becomes thinner - this circumstance should be taken into account when applying the product.
While working, you need to be careful and try to distribute the wallpaper using approximately the same movements, adjusting the pressure. At the end of each stretching motion, the float or spatula should come off the surface on which the wallpaper is being applied.
It is important to observe one more condition: one continuous surface must be treated with one mixed portion of liquid wallpaper. This will allow you to maintain the same texture pattern and shade on the entire surface from one corner to the other.
If there is an urgent need to interrupt work in the middle of the wall, then when starting to apply liquid wallpaper the next time, you will need to soak the free edge of the applied wallpaper with water - in this case, it will be possible to maintain the similarity of color and texture.
In the process of distributing liquid wallpaper, it is useful to ventilate the room - air flows perfectly contribute to the evaporation of moisture from the mixture and its rapid drying. If the ventilation process is difficult, then it is possible to use fans with warm air - they can be directed directly at the freshly treated surface.
You can apply liquid wallpaper in one layer or layer several layers of different colors - this will give an unusual texture and original design.
By the way, if you are interested in finding out what happens if you apply liquid wallpaper to paint, you can watch the video
Liquid wallpaper in the kitchen and bathroom
Let's be honest, these rooms are not for coverings that are afraid of moisture. However, if you really want to, then you can - away from the stove and sink, in the dining area, for example, liquid wallpaper can be used.
For the dining room, choose a coating with a high level of moisture resistance. There are such analogues, as indicated on the packaging. Some European manufacturers claim that their wallpaper is even suitable for the bathroom.
If you dare to use Danish plaster in the kitchen and bathroom, know that the preparation of the walls in this case must be especially careful. And the operation of the ventilation system is impeccable.
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Danish plaster is suitable not only for decorating walls. Liquid wallpaper also looks great on the ceiling. Framed with baguettes or moldings, a milky-white, matte canvas with the inclusion of fiber and stone grains of sand looks extraordinary and very impressive.
How to restore a damaged or stained area of liquid wallpaper?
Liquid wallpaper is one of the materials that can be easily restored. For example, if you need to restore a damaged or stained area, this is not difficult to do. It is enough to clean it well from the old wallpaper - for example, with a small spatula, completely removing the unnecessary object, and also slightly touching the normal surface, creating a small reserve.
Then moisten the edges of the wallpaper already on the wall with clean water and wait a little until it gets wet. The degree of readiness for application will be visible visually. Now you can apply the required portion of new liquid wallpaper, carefully comparing the edges with the old layer.
Naturally, for such repairs you need to take exactly the same wallpaper that has already been applied to the wall, otherwise they will have a strong visual difference and all the work will go down the drain.
Care and removal of liquid wallpaper
In everyday life, this material is quite unpretentious. Of course, they have the ability to collect dust - this is inevitable, since wallpaper has a fleecy, loose texture. But it is easy to cope with this circumstance.
The simplest thing you can do is simply clean the walls with a dry broom or an ordinary vacuum cleaner. And if we talk about a more global solution, then a protective coating with water-based varnish, preferably acrylic, will come in handy - then the surface will become smoother and there will be much less dust collecting.
As for removing the coating, sooner or later it will still be needed. Even despite the excellent wear resistance of liquid wallpaper, you may simply get tired of them or simply want to change something in the interior, and this is where the need arises to remove them. There is nothing complicated in this process either. The approach to this product is the same: thorough soaking to a viscous state.
It will be more convenient to do this with a fur roller - it absorbs water well and also transfers it well to other surfaces. After wetting the wallpaper, you need to wait until it gets wet and acquires a viscous consistency - the same as when applied. Now removing them will not be difficult - with an ordinary sharp spatula this can be done as easily as possible.
Liquid wallpaper is an environmentally friendly, original and convenient material that is worthy of attention if you are planning a renovation. Perfect for both solo use and partial finishing. They will give your room a spectacular appearance, and at the same time, working with them is so simple that there is no need to look for specialists. If you want to add some flair to your home, pay attention to liquid wallpaper - you will like the result.