How to make rollers for decorative plaster with your own hands: textured, structural

A satisfying and enjoyable do-it-yourself project is to create eye-catching and distinctive wall textures. A roller made especially for decorative plaster is one of the best tools for this job. Making your own rollers at home allows for endless customization and creativity, even though stores offer a wide variety of options.

Using basic materials you may already have, we’ll look at how to create textured and structural rollers for decorative plaster in this tutorial. Whether you want to add bold patterns or delicate texture, we’ll walk you through each step of the process. It’s not as difficult as you might think, and the finished product can add a personal touch to any space.

All the information you need to get started, from selecting the appropriate supplies to perfecting the technique, is covered in this article. Now that you have the necessary materials, let’s explore the world of homemade decorative plaster rollers. With a little imagination and work, you can produce breathtaking effects that

Ordinary decorative roller general information

A roller is a tool that has a handle attached to a cylindrical base. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor finishing and repair tasks. The roller aids in the uniform application of varnish, paint, and primer on surfaces. It is also utilized when working with decorative plaster mixtures.

Norman Breakey, a Canadian, created the roller in 1940. Next, a cardboard cylinder covered in a pile of fabric was attached to the tool. Breakey foresaw a bright future for his creation. He talked about the tool’s usefulness and simplicity of use. The product was eventually produced in large quantities, and consumers were pleased with the new offering.

Along with the invention, the Koton Koter brand kit came with a container and a replaceable fabric cylinder. However, Norman did not make much money from the product because Breakey soon lost the copyright to it. Numerous businesses capitalized on the circumstances and started manufacturing rollers. Since then, repair work has frequently utilized the latter. With time, the tool was also used for other purposes, like pattern-making on surfaces coated in decorative mortar.

Types of tools by the type of pattern applied to the wall

Plaster rollers come in two varieties: textured and structural. The pattern that emerges on the surface following the tool’s use determines its type.

Textured rollers

Textured rollers for decorative plaster are used to simulate brick, cloth, wood, and other surfaces. To achieve the desired effect, a matching pattern is applied to their cylindrical base. Long pile rollers can be used to create a "fur coat" pattern. Plastering with textured rollers makes the uneven walls easier to conceal.

Structural rollers

Structural rollers are exhibited on the plastered surface after having volumetric patterns applied to their cylindrical base. These rollers are composed of plastic, rubber, silicone, or wood because relief patterns on the wall shouldn’t be obscured.

Types of tools by type of material for applying textured plaster to a wall, to a facade

Materials with different compositions and levels of hardness are used to make rollers. The pattern and the desired outcome determine which tool is best.

Rubber

Relief figures applied to the surface work best with rubber-based rollers. The images appear the clearest when using them. There are also rollers composed of porous rubber. To get the required texture, they are employed. Using this kind of material to make figured patterns on walls is not recommended. Using a rubber roller requires experience.

Plastic

The hardness of plastic materials varies. As a result, they are divided into different types of rollers. Hard-bodied tools work well for applying figured patterns, while soft-bodied tools work well for leaving light patterns on the surface.

The plaster mixture frequently adheres to the plastic base, necessitating routine cleaning. The possibility of the working element deforming and the development of cracks on it are further drawbacks. Plastic instruments are reasonably priced.

Pile

The polyacrylic, synthetic or natural fur, and polyamide comprise the pile base of the roller. On newly laid plaster mortar, the tool is utilized. The length and shape of the pile determine how severe the wall relief is; the smoother the surface, the shorter the pile.

Foam rollers

The primary application of fine-grained plaster mixtures is done with foam tools. Furthermore, the surface treated with fresh plaster mortar is patterned by the roller.

Leather

Natural or synthetic leather makes up the roller’s working portion. Its surface can be wrinkled or smooth. In the second scenario, the folds’ size and form will determine the pattern. The pattern on the wall will appear regular if they are firmly affixed. The folds’ flexibility will give the pattern a realistic appearance. Venetian plaster is applied with leather rollers to create the appearance of a marble surface. Genuine leather working parts are more resilient than those made of synthetic materials.

The types of tools on the list are appropriate for work on facades. Large wall areas will render the foam roller useless very soon.

Independent production of a relief roller – how to do it yourself

Relief rollers for ornamental plaster can be made by hand. Old paint rollers or other tools that were useless for repairs are the basis for their creation. There are numerous ways to change them.

Rubber rollers are thought to be strong. A pattern that was previously drawn on a piece of paper is cut out on the work surface using a stationery knife. This method’s drawback is that it requires skill to execute a complicated pattern. A workpiece with a relief pattern can also be adhered to the tool using glue.

A medical tourniquet, laces, or tiny strips of sheet rubber can also be fastened to the working base. Rollers for a textured surface can be made from any material that is appropriate for this use. This can be taped to the base using crinkled cellophane, burlap, or mesh.

To get relief on the roller that is wrapped around the cylindrical portion, use a clothesline. The turns may be placed across or parallel to one another. The rope on the tool can be coiled in an erratic way.

Silicone sealant allows you to make a textured roller by hand.

A continuous layer of silicone sealant is applied to the roller in the form of 3-6 cm long stripes. Each of them invents their own direction. It is possible to arrange the stripes in an erratic pattern where they cross over.

Although silicone is thought to be a short-lived material, one or two applications will be sufficient for a medium-sized room.

Ready-made decorative effects for textured plaster

Numerous producers create rollers with different designs on the functional portion.

• stone;
• tree bark;
• plants;
• reptile skin.

It might also be a geometric or abstract pattern.

It is essential to adhere to the proper work order for the chosen pattern to look excellent.

After applying a thin layer of textured plaster and letting it dry for ten to fifteen minutes, the surface is finished. If the mixture is pressed under the roller and does not stretch behind it, the work can be continued. The direction of the roller movements should be from top to bottom when applying a pattern to the wall. The latter cannot be ripped from the surface in this instance. In order to preserve the pattern, you should not apply too much pressure to the tool. A sanding mesh dampened with water is used to clean patterns that are larger than others.

When creating an illusion of a brick wall, the roller is used in a horizontal manner. The pattern that emerges after rolling the roller should be situated adjacent to the following one. In this instance, the pattern’s components ought to coincide.

Plaster mortar is periodically sprayed from a spray bottle to keep it from adhering to the tool. The mixture that is applied to the wall is also made using this technique.

One of the ingredients in the textured plaster mortar is coloring pigment. Frequently, more painting or tinting of the wall is required once the work is completed.

A simple and affordable way to give your walls distinctive textures and patterns is to make your own decorative plaster rollers. You can create unique, textured, and structural rollers that offer countless design options for your space with just a few basic supplies and tools. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or simply want to give your house a unique touch, this tutorial will teach you how to make these rollers quickly and simply.

How to apply decorative plaster for walls with a relief roller

Applying textured and structural plaster with a roller is similar to applying paint. When working, the ideal air temperature range is +5 to +30º, with a 60% relative humidity.

Preparing the surface for decorating with a pattern

Preparing a wall for decorative or leveling plaster requires the same amount of work. Brick and concrete surfaces are cleaned with water before plastering. This is required to keep the solution from losing its potency. The base layer of plaster is typically 15 mm thick. For surfaces made of brick, wood, or stone, lime-gypsum mortar is often used. One part gypsum to two to five parts lime is the ratio used to make it.

If the surface is smooth, the base mortar layer for a brick wall should be 5 to 10 mm thick, and for a concrete wall, it should be 5 mm thick. The wall is covered with three layers of plaster, including decorative plaster, spaced to allow for drying.

1. Lime-gypsum – 10-20 minutes.
2. Cement – 2-6 hours.
3. Lime – after the layer has whitened.

Dust and debris are removed from the surface before the decorative mixture is applied. The wall is then dried and primed.

There is one requirement before applying the decorative mixture to an old plaster surface. The wall is tapped to find any voids before work is done. If not, the mixture can be applied to the surface without causing the previous layer to come off. If any fissures or fractures are discovered, cement mortar is used to seal them. The wall is leveled if needed. Next, until it dries, the dry surface is primed twice, separated by at least five to six hours apart.

The decorative solution is applied to the putty wall without first sanding it. The materials will adhere better in this instance.

Which mixture to use for plastering

Filler, different additives, and a base make up decorative mixtures. Combinations with a high degree of plasticity and fine grains are good candidates for roller work. Under the roller, the decorative plaster solution is combined until a creamy mass is achieved. The most expensive mixtures are silicone and Venetian.

You can use regular putty to create a decorative solution by hand. This approach is economical. Often, the task calls for a finishing mixture. It’s blended until it has a creamy texture. The wall is primed and allowed to dry before the solution is applied.

The surface is also dried, primed, and painted in two layers after the work is done. It is advised to dilute putty in small amounts because it dries quickly on walls, especially gypsum and polymer (for applying prints). For facade work, cement compounds are utilized.

1. Starter and finishing putty are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. If necessary, add coloring pigment.
2. The putty is mixed with purified fine sand, the proportion of which should be up to 15% of the solution.
3. Gypsum plasterboard grout is added to the putty.

Different fillers are used in structural plaster to provide the required relief. Finishing putty is mixed with foil, mica, crushed shells, and coarse sand to get the desired effect.

The process of applying decorative patterned rollers

You must set up a roller and a container for dipping it before you can begin working. Furthermore, a plastic sheet is required for the distribution of the solution.

1. The roller is dipped in the prepared solution.
2. Run the tool over the plastic sheet several times until the composition is completely distributed on the cylindrical base.
3. Make vertical movements with the roller over the intended area.

Two days after the plaster is applied, the wall can be painted.

Common mistakes in relief application with a textured roller

1. No priming of the surface before work.
2. Uneven application of the pattern or plaster.
3. Leaving an uncleaned roller after work. Removing frozen mortar negatively affects the working part of the tool.
4. Allowing interruptions when applying the fur coat pattern to the wall. The consequence of this error will be visible joints between the rolls.

Furthermore, it’s best to avoid applying plaster with a roller when applying strong pressure.

How to choose rollers for decorative plaster

Its label has a series of numbers and letters that correspond to the roller’s specifications. The working base’s diameter is denoted by the capital letter D, accompanied by indicators in millimeters (e.g., D50). The tool’s name (B: roller) and the material of the cylindrical portion (C: synthetics, MP: faux fur, and P: foam rubber) come next. The cylindrical base’s length is indicated by the numbers on the label. Some rollers have tiny stripes on their working portion.

1. Stripes are located at an angle. The shirt of the cylindrical element is glued: it cannot be replaced with another one.
2. The strips are located along the axis. The shirt is sewn: it can be replaced.

The tools’ low-cost variants are composed of foam rubber. Although it is an impractical material, it can be used once. Hard rubber is regarded as a resilient substance. It should be elastic enough to form a roller. You must pull the working base’s shirt if there is a pile there. If it crumbles, it will adhere to the surface while working. The roller shouldn’t vibrate or jam while rolling on the surface. Make sure it is comfortable for you to hold the tool’s handle in your hands.

Roller fastening with two sides is thought to be more dependable. However, one-sided fastening allows you to swap out the working element’s shirt.

Caring for a decorative roller

Cleaning the roller is a must after work and during breaks. This is particularly valid for a tool that has a fluffy base. A sponge is used to wash the components. The soft shirt is washed if it is detachable. You can use a paintbrush to get the mixture out of the shaft’s tiny crevices. The tool is hung to speed up the drying process on all sides.

Making your own decorative plaster rollers is an enjoyable and affordable way to give your walls distinctive finishes and textures. You can create rollers that are unique to you and your tastes by using basic materials and tools. The options are endless and can be tailored to your preferences, whether you’re going for a more complex textured pattern or a sleek, structural appearance.

You can explore a variety of effects by experimenting with different methods and materials, such as sponges, rubber bands, or even leaves. When you see your designs come to life on the walls with these handmade rollers, you’ll feel accomplished in addition to having creative freedom. Furthermore, they can be

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