Stucco molding from plaster for many centuries has not yielded its positions in interior design. It is difficult to imagine an exquisite and expensive style without bas-reliefs and plaster sculptures. The history of the appearance goes far back to Ancient Greece, where the majestic castles were almost completely made of them.
Until the 20th century, gypsum had no analogues, only with the advent of new technologies it was replaced by polyurethane and foam. The hand-made elements found during archaeological excavations were available only to the pharaohs.
Now the cost is not as high as 5000 BC, but it does not apply to a number of budget options for finishing materials, like polyurethane stucco molding.
In what style of interior is plaster molding admissible ?!
For the harmonious use of molding in interior design, it is necessary to carefully consider the style and concept of the room. Exquisite moldings, figurines and picture frames will not go well with every room design. Country, Provence or Scandinavian styles generally do not allow such elements in their interior. They will be quite provocative in such designs as loft, minimalism and hi-tech.
Modeling in the listed projects will look pretentious and completely tasteless, like the remaining elements of the past decor. But there are a lot of other design solutions, where plaster elements will be very useful.
Roman style
The Roman style consists almost entirely of stucco molding, and in this case it is impossible to overdo it. Absolutely everything can have carved details, be it the ceiling, walls, cornices, rosettes and niches, everything will fit perfectly into the image. The main thing is that the ornament is suitable and consistent in a single spirit.
Art Deco
Art Deco is the option when a combination of something completely incompatible at first glance is permissible. Creative execution can include all kinds of chic items.
It is not necessary to adhere to any single type of plaster elements, you can combine the classic pattern on vases and niches with modern figurines.
Usually this style is preferred by people with an active lifestyle who value comfort and luxury in one set.
Empire style
Empire style is a style in which decorative stucco molding acquires solidity and key importance. The status of a room in the spirit of Empire is sometimes breathtaking, and the owner of such a room feels like a true pharaoh of our time.
The plaster elements here are massive and monumental. Small stucco elements can only add mood.
Rococo
Rococo style implies light and flirty elements. Lush, but at the same time weightless forms give the room a romanticism and a sense of heavenly stay.
Asymmetry and pretentious crimp perfectly complement the image of such a design. Great importance is attached to the painting of elements with gold or patina.
Renaissance and romanticism
Renaissance and romanticism are somewhat similar to each other, as they allow multi-level ceilings and walls with numerous niches. If the Renaissance also needs statuettes, then romanticism is distinguished by the ease and individuality of its owner.
Plaster molding for ceiling decoration
When viewing the catalog of photos of plaster moldings, most of it is devoted to the design of the ceiling. Perhaps this is due to its area in relation to other surfaces in the interior, which allows you to unfold your imagination and embody the creative idea in full.
The time has passed when modeling was relevant only in expensive estates, in majestic halls and palaces, now more and more people are inclined towards luxury and classics, introducing it in the halls and even bedrooms of apartments.
Not always plaster molding on the ceiling has a classic white look. More and more often, painting techniques are used to diversify and give individuality to the room. It is very important to use the correct coloring composition, then the beautifully designed stucco molding becomes even more elegant.
Gold remains the most popular color; it is used to cover the most prominent parts of the bas-relief. Along with this, artistic painting is used with full-fledged paintings in the chosen style. Filling the modeling with beige shades looks very stylish and natural.
DIY plaster molding
The variety of choices in the shops and decor shops will not leave anyone indifferent, but sometimes you really want to create something with your own hands, because the result will become a true source of pride for its owner. Decorative plaster molding is a creative and very exciting business, but laborious and requires certain skills.
Solution preparation:
- grind gypsum well to powder and sift through a sieve;
- pour into a container with sufficiently high edges;
- gradually pour in water in small portions until the consistency of kefir;
- stir with a special nozzle using a drill, this will avoid the formation of unwanted lumps.
Making figures
Any shape is suitable for casting elements; for the convenience of extracting the finished sample, it is better to give preference to silicone ones. They are sold at any hardware store or on numerous websites. The cost is not high, all the more it will be enough to acquire just a few, because the gypsum quickly hardens.
From the moment the composition is diluted until it is cast into molds, no more than 2-3 minutes can pass, otherwise plasticity and fluidity are lost.
Adding a 25% adhesive solution will give the gypsum strength, but drying at temperatures above 16 degrees Celsius will make the element brittle and brittle.
Fill rules:
- carefully prepare the form by covering it with soapy water (any soap will do);
- pour gypsum in layers, thoroughly tamping each previous one;
- exclude the formation of cavities when pouring;
- leave for 1-2 hours until the solution solidifies completely;
- remove the element and sandpaper to remove roughness;
- cover with a primer.
Installation of plaster elements is simple. Massive and heavy elements are fastened with self-tapping screws, small and light ones can be planted on PVA glue, liquid nails, or even use putty.
After the adhesive has completely solidified, the finished decorated element must be coated with a universal paint or a special composition for plaster. Only then can you start decorative painting.
Stucco molding in the interior can be used as moldings, cornices and decorative picture frames or rosettes. With the right style, all these elements will fit perfectly and fit into the overall concept. Regardless of whether these are solid decorative elements or unobtrusive finishing, the interior will receive chic, sophistication and uniqueness.
Photo of plaster molding
Stucco molding is considered an antique architectural tradition that gained popularity in ancient Greece. Despite the variety of existing styles for interior decoration, the desire to equip their own home with such a decor has not disappeared among its modern residents.
Let's talk how to decorate a stucco wall surface with our own hands using inexpensive materials.
What is the stucco molding made of?
Once upon a time, the drawing on the wall surface was created by hand. A specially prepared solution was applied by specialists to plaster and transformed into original patterns, hence the name - stucco. When molding was invented in production, stucco became an affordable method of wall decoration.
Metal forms allow you to create a variety of ornamental elements without additional finishing. Without loss of high quality, all forms can withstand at least 2000 excellent fillings.
In the process of creating stucco molding, a positive result depends on the quality of the materials used, which include:
Gypsum
Ecological, maximally resistant to temperature extremes. During hardening, the mass of gypsum becomes larger, it even has the ability to penetrate into small cracks. The plasticity of this material facilitates the workflow associated with plaster decoration.
Gypsum is not difficult to process, it is for this reason that the finished product is not difficult to give the required size. When working with stucco from this material, you can mask surface defects, as well as various damage to elements that often appear during transportation.
When creating a plaster molding in a workshop at home, a form that is filled with mass is important to shake to eliminate air bubbles.
Plaster cladding has its drawbacks: considerable weight, which negatively affects the durability of the finish. Also, gypsum does not repel moisture, but attracts it, which leads to the formation of fungus on the relief.
You can get rid of such a disadvantage if you apply a special protective agent to the stucco molding.
Polystyrene
This type of stucco molding in the interior is distinguished by an acceptable cost, but cannot boast of exclusivity. The decoration is very fragile, requires careful handling, it is for this reason that it is mainly used for finishing the ceiling surface and the upper part of the wall.
Polystyrene production is carried out automatically. High quality elements are obtained by extrusion from a pre-melted composition.
Their texture does not contain the highly contoured granules found in the foam that is produced by foaming. Due to this grain, the stucco molding loses the clarity of the ornament.
Certain shapes produce extruded foam, which has a high degree of density, the durability of which is comparable to polyurethane and solid wood.
Polyurethane
It is obtained by combining the necessary components to obtain a gas formation reaction, as a result of which a foamed plastic is created. This material has a high degree of resistance to temperature changes.
Polyurethane stucco molding is durable, lightweight, easy to paint, moisture resistant, has a huge assortment range, does not absorb specific aromas.
In texture and density, it is similar to a natural solid, but unlike it, it does not change its shape and does not crack even after a long period of time.
Varieties of stucco elements
From the materials discussed above, a wide variety of products are created, as in the photo of stucco molding on wall surfaces in the presented catalog.
Festoons and medallions
Festoons or garlands imitate the original floral decor and are arranged in the upper part of the wall surface. Medallions are panels with a pattern of color.
Niches. Fits to wall surfaces, niche frames can be purchased separately. Often, the bottom of overhead niches is made of matte snow-white organic glass, which makes it possible to organize high-quality lighting.
To this end, a dim lighting fixture is installed under the glass surface, which, effectively illuminating the details arranged in the niche, emphasizes their incredible attractiveness, giving the exclusivity of the palette.
Pilasters and columns
Includes several parts. The trunks are decorated with grooves to add elegance to the elements. Stucco columns are created in various styles. As a rule, the columns made of polyurethane are designed exclusively for the successful decoration of the walls, while they do not bear any load.
However, if necessary, hollow elements can be equipped with load-bearing elements. For this purpose, a metal rack is placed in the cavity of such a column, which will carry the load.
Columns made of gypsum must be reinforced in such cases. Stucco columns often hide various risers located along the walls in an apartment in a conspicuous place.
Brackets, pedestals
As for the first elements, they are reliable supports for shelves with books, window sills. Can be arranged at the joints of wall and ceiling surfaces in the form of corner pieces.
Pedestals are considered as supports for decorative accessories. Such stucco molding can withstand a load of no more than 50 kilograms. The usual details placed on the pedestal look exclusive and meaningful.
Both pedestals and brackets give the style of the room a certain zest, solemnity, ennoble the architecture, and also successfully divide the area into a functional space.
In the process of installing such parts, it is important not to forget about their proportionality in relation to the size of the room. Massive stucco molding on the wall surface will visually narrow the room, and on the contrary - small stucco molding can easily get lost in a large space.
Domes
They are used as a ceiling decor in the Empire style. You can create a painting on the dome by hanging a chandelier inside, which will be a rather original solution.
Remember, well-chosen décor will transform any room. And if you decorate an ordinary wall surface with stucco molding, then you can get a cozy, extravagant apartment, where many emotions reign - from austerity to solemn splendor.
Photo of stucco on the walls
Nowadays, elements of old designs are being revived in modern versions of designs. For example, more and more often houses (apartments) are decorated with stucco in the interior.
It was used in antiquity to decorate the imperial palaces and nobility of the times of Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece.
Luxurious decor was used to decorate the ceiling, door and window openings, walls. Columns, sculptures, angels, graceful rosettes emphasized the refined elegance and taste of the owners.
Magnificent stucco molding has always occupied an important place in interiors, causing general admiration.
In the past centuries, stucco molding was carved from stone. The high level of stone carvers amazes to this day. Later, another method of making from plaster appeared.
Types of moldings and materials
Now there are two types of stucco molding: from plaster and more modern - from polyurethane:
Gypsum. Recently, the original plaster molding was carried out, the technological process is simple.
A mold is made with a certain texture, into which plaster is then poured. When the gypsum hardens, the mold is taken out and refined to the sample.
So they performed any form: patterns, ornaments, friezes, reliefs, etc.
Plaster molding is durable, it is harmless to health. Using plaster moldings, a stunning interior is created with the traditions of past centuries.
The disadvantage of gypsum is its heavy weight, because of this, a large amount of better quality glue is consumed for a strong fixation. Plaster is also more difficult to paint than polyurethane.
Installation of plaster moldings can only be performed by a professional craftsman with extensive experience.
The complexity of the work and the price of gypsum affects the increase in the cost of this decor, so not everyone can afford it.
With the advent of alternative materials, decorating the interior with stucco molding has now become affordable.
Polyurethane. The new gypsum counterpart is much lighter and cheaper, making it affordable. Now the demand for stucco molding has increased not only in the halls of the Palace of Culture, Youth Palaces, theaters, but also in houses (apartments).
The easy installation of polyurethane, its light weight and flexibility are the advantages that instantly made it a popular decor.
Possibility to easily give any color to polyurethane stucco molding, where you can use methods of "aging" with an extraordinary effect.
The flexibility of polyurethane is used both on flat areas and with a small radius. Even the existing roughness on the wall is no longer a hindrance.
There are other interesting materials for making stucco moldings of glass composite, fiberglass or polystyrene, etc.
Always in past centuries, stucco molding was used only in the classics, these are styles such as Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism, Empire, Classicism, Gothic ...
This method of decoration is referred to as ornamental, since the linear pattern is mainly repeated. With the advent of polyurethane stucco molding, large panels with a spectacular volume can be made.
The unusual decor creates luxury and elegance in the room. There is a rule - where stucco is used, you need a spacious room and high ceilings.
The deep meaning of stucco molding is to create luxury and stunning aesthetics that are difficult to create in small apartments.
Fashion designers use stucco in different styles, even modern ones. The classic color has been replaced by options: gold or silver, with a bronze effect and even multi-colored.
In modern houses, you can decorate cornices or rosettes of ceilings, make columns, beautiful balustrades, etc.
Stucco molding is more often used in halls (living rooms). But for a unified style, stucco molding is often used in other rooms of the house.
A bedroom, hallway or kitchen can also be decorated with this decor. For example, instead of a doorway, imitation of columns, friezes on the ceiling or on the walls.
Stucco molding is often used from polyurethane, the main color is taken from the shade of the facade of the kitchen furniture.
The frame for a large mirror can also be effectively decorated with stucco moldings in bronze with beautiful ornaments.
Stucco molding will add extraordinary sophistication and stunning luxury to your home.
Photo of the use of stucco in the living room
Stucco molding in the interior has become a fairly popular means of interior decoration among the owners of cottages and expensive apartments. However, it is not necessary to own a luxurious apartment in order to be able to decorate a room with stucco molding, you just need to correctly calculate how to reunite all the interior elements together so that the appearance looks harmonious.
Stucco ceilings and walls add luxury and aristocracy to the interior. Naturally, furniture, atmosphere, and even should correspond to the stylistic idea with the presence of stucco molding.
Stucco molding in the interior
In order for the stucco to look exactly as it should look, that is, neatly and unobtrusively, you need to do everything right. First, let's figure out what stucco molding can be:
- stucco molding from plaster mortar;
- decorative plaster molding in the interior;
- DIY polyurethane stucco molding.
Each type is selected individually for the interior. Many now make stucco moldings to order or purchase in stores, because it is quite difficult to make it with your own hands.
Stucco molding
The method of creating stucco molding from plaster mortar has long been outdated, but it has the right to at least be remembered about it, because it all started with it.
Plaster molding
Gypsum decorative stucco molding appeared relatively recently, however, it has already been replaced with more improved material.
Polyurethane stucco molding
The last word in the development of types of stucco molding for polyurethane. It has many advantages from ease of attachment to lightness and low cost. But such stucco molding also has disadvantages, namely:
- poor docking between themselves;
- large seams between elements;
- unified stucco molding.
Despite this, polyurethane stucco molding is superior to gypsum.
They often bring in some elements of stucco molding or put one of the main accents in the interior on it. However, the decor is something that should be striking, therefore, if you decide to decorate an apartment with stucco molding, this should be done as expected.
Ceiling decoration is often not complete without stucco molding. Beautiful patterned stripes are attached directly to the raw plaster during renovations. There are completely different strip sizes on sale, ranging from the smallest to very wide. It is believed that wide stripes are suitable for large rooms, and thin stripes are suitable for small ones. However, everything is exactly the opposite, if we are talking about, because a wide strip on a small square can create a second level effect, and large patterns will add sophistication and attract a lot of attention.
In a huge room, on the contrary, large elements can be lost on the ceiling, therefore it is advisable to take smaller ones as a basis, and use more overall patterns on the upper parts of the walls, gradually narrowing them towards the middle of the wall. Such maneuvers are more suitable for apartments whose rooms are not separated by walls, as it has become common in new buildings, as well as for rectangular large rooms.
Stucco molding with your own hands
Stucco molding in your own hands is a rather complicated process that requires great precision. If we compare all types of stucco molding, it is worth stopping only at creating a plaster decor, which does not require a lot of tools and additional professional equipment.
To make stucco molding on your own, you must first have patterned forms. Further, if there are any, we take up the production of the composition itself, which will become the main one when creating stucco moldings. This is a gypsum solution, to which you can add a special additive (natural or synthetic fiber), which will increase the strength of the finished product at the stage of its installation and operation. In general, a very useful thing.
Further, the gypsum solution is poured into specially prepared molds and left in a room with a low humidity level. After the solution has completely hardened, the finished stucco molding should be “removed” from the molds and processed, removing all unnecessary defects and sharpening rough transitions in places where they should not be.
In a modern interior, stucco molding is also used to visually increase the height of the ceiling. This is especially true for elongated bedrooms, where stucco molding can be used to create a "multi-level ceiling" look. It is not at all difficult to glue all the elements of stucco molding for this, and in the case of independent preliminary production of stucco molding, you will not need to think about how to create patterns, because direct transitions in the form of steps are very useful here.
For the living room, stucco moldings are perfect on the upper parts of the walls, as well as in places closer to the window. Thus, you can hide the cornice if its appearance annoys you. There is an opinion that stucco molding is capable of visually lowering the ceiling, but in fact this is not the case if you use decorative elements in moderation.
With the help of stucco moldings can be very different, among them coloring can also be mentioned. So, if the wallpaper or flow in your room does not have white color, then white stucco molding will not fit them all the more. To do this, you can paint the stripes in the desired color. However, in the case of using paint, stucco molding in the form of an elongated plinth will also be an excellent option, if, of course, it is not in your room.
Recently, molding is also gaining momentum, which is relevant for apartments with perfectly flat walls. This is also a kind of stucco molding, however, it is already more complex, therefore it is very difficult to make it with your own hands due to the large sizes of thematic patterns.
Stucco molding will match the interior of classic styles. It is not worth sculpting whatever is horrible. Remember, bust is not always pretty!
Stucco molding in the interior: luxury or bad taste?
The stucco molding in the interior is associated with luxury by the absolute majority. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine the setting of a royal or royal palace, built in the century before last, without decoration with relief patterns on the ceiling and walls. People with high titles, too, did not lag behind the crowned heads.
Now the society is more democratic. Anyone can afford stucco decoration. However, the room, whatever one may say, must still meet some requirements.
- A room, apartment or house should be large in size. In a living room of 18 square meters, stucco molding will look out of place. Visually, this decor element will make the room even smaller, creating a feeling of clutter.
- If you intend to decorate the ceiling with stucco molding, then first of all you need to make sure that it is of sufficient height. Otherwise, the ceiling will seem low, pressing from above. Distinguished guests will always be afraid of hitting the ceiling with their heads.
- The design of the room should be appropriate - semi-antique: classic, baroque, rococo, modern. For these styles, stucco is an essential attribute. At the same time, everything should be combined: furniture, finishing materials, colors. It is difficult for a person who is far from the art of design to understand all these areas. The vast majority can still intuitively understand how appropriate stucco molding is in a particular interior, but despite this, in order not to make difficult-to-correct mistakes, in this case it is better to turn to a professional designer.
Stucco molding will be out of place in small apartments, the most striking example of which in the countries of the former Soviet Union are the so-called Khrushchev houses. The stucco molding with its presence gives the room luxury and charm, while all other details should also speak of the owner as a person who knows a lot about life. Cheap furniture and an ascetic interior with stucco molding will only indicate bad taste.
Many people inherit the stucco molding after buying apartments in Stalinist houses. Even at the initial stage of the renovation, it is worth considering whether you want to keep it. If the decision is positive, then the finishing materials should be selected appropriate, those that emphasize the beauty of the pattern. Only in this case the interior will look advantageous and complete. All doubts that arise, in any case, should be resolved with the help of the designer.
Stucco molding: types of parts.
The presence of stucco details in the interior shows the desire of the owner to make his home individual, cozy and unique. Stucco molding speaks of wealth and luxury. It is unlikely that yesterday's students will decorate the interior in this way. At the same time, we must not forget that an excessive abundance of stucco embossed details can lead to sad consequences. It is also important to remember that for each element of stucco molding there is a specific place.
Rosettes - most often they are round or polygonal. Usually they serve as a kind of decoration for a chandelier or any other ceiling lamp. If you need to draw the attention of guests or visually highlight an element of room lighting, then using an outlet is very easy to do.
Caissons - there are square and rectangular shapes. They usually cover the entire ceiling. Caissons, in addition to decorating a room, also significantly improve its acoustic properties. But this is only on condition of competent professional installation. Caissons are perfect for large living rooms in which, for example, musical evenings or theatrical performances are supposed to be held.
Domes are the same rosettes, only of a larger shape, up to one and a half meters in diameter. Suitable for large rooms. A small room would be extremely inappropriate.
Moldings are stucco stripes with a pattern, forming closed relief figures. Can be used on both ceilings and walls. With the help of moldings, you can perfectly divide the space into zones, arrange mirrors, decorate doors and arches.
Cornices - part of this decor element is attached to the ceiling itself, and part to the wall. The cornice, in addition to having a decorative function, perfectly hides all the errors of the repair. The assortment of various manufacturers is now represented by a wide variety of curtain rods. It can be quite large structures with an abundance of patterns, as well as modest, no frills, which are suitable for small rooms with an ascetic design. In any case, the cornices will give the room a finished, decorated, well-groomed look.
Columns, pilasters are used to decorate walls. Elements for window and door openings will give the interior its own unique style. Wall bas-reliefs, panels, borders, shelves made of molded parts, corner elements that decorate stairs, stucco frames for paintings and mirrors, sculptures and fountains - all these are elements of stucco decoration, which are now presented in a wide variety on the domestic market. With their help, you will give the room a unique elegance and completeness.
In the hands of a skilled designer, the elements of stucco decoration will be combined into one single picture like a puzzle. The shortened columns will become stands for sculptures, flowers, vases, while dividing the space into different functional zones. Glass shelves, placed on stucco details, will be a wonderful decoration for the bathroom. Pilasters can also divide a room if needed. The effect can be enhanced if the walls on one side and on the other are made with different textures or colors. Bedroom, hallway, study - any place in the house will be transformed and "enriched" if stucco molding appears here.
Stucco molding: gypsum or polyurethane.
One hundred and fifty years ago, stucco molding in the interior was the privilege of the elite. Now this luxury is available to almost everyone. As a result, more and more campaigns appear on the market, dealing with the production, sale and installation of molded parts.
All stucco moldings in the palaces of rulers and the houses of rich titled people of the nineteenth century are made of plaster. This is due to the fact that gypsum is incredibly plastic; when it is poured, it fills in all, even the smallest, details of the form. Thus, decorators of that time received the ideal interior details, as accurately as possible embodying even the most daring ideas.
In the 30s of the twentieth century, foamed polyurethane was invented, which over time almost completely replaced gypsum when creating stucco decorative details. This happened due to the technical characteristics of each of the above materials.
First of all, plaster products are much heavier than more modern polyurethane products. As a result, the installation of plaster molded parts must be carried out by super-professionals, otherwise there is a risk of falling during operation. Plus, gypsum is incredibly fragile. Careless handling during transportation and installation can cause cracks or chips, which will greatly affect the appearance of the part and, as a result, the interior as a whole.
Polyurethane, like gypsum, perfectly fills the mold when poured, but at the same time it is light, excellently cut, does not turn yellow over time, does not crack, does not crumble, does not absorb odors, does not suffer from high humidity and temperature extremes. Polyurethane stucco molding can be washed and painted with paint of any shade. Installation of such products is extremely simple, mainly done with screws and liquid nails. All these qualities also greatly simplify the transportation of finished products. This means that they are made much cheaper in the end for the consumer. Polyurethane stucco molding, due to its strength and resistance to mechanical stress, is often used to decorate the facades of houses.
Columns, moldings, rosettes, cornices, pilasters, domes, caissons - all this can be made from polyurethane.
Nowadays, plaster for stucco molding is used only as a restoration material, where historical accuracy and reliability are extremely important.