What is better and cheaper to choose: liquid wallpaper or decorative plaster

Selecting the ideal wall finish can be challenging, particularly if you’re attempting to strike a balance between price and style. The two most common options that are frequently mentioned are decorative plaster and liquid wallpaper. Because each of these finishes has pros and cons of its own, it’s critical to carefully consider your options.

In some circumstances, liquid wallpaper can be a more cost-effective option and offers a distinctive texture. It covers flaws well and is simple to apply. Decorative plaster, on the other hand, provides a more conventional and long-lasting finish, but it may cost more and take more time to apply.

Determining what works best for your space depends on a number of factors, including your budget, the style you want, and the amount of wear and tear you expect from your walls. Let’s examine the differences between these two choices and determine which might be a better fit for your project.

Liquid wallpaper

It is essential to examine each finishing material’s characteristics and attributes independently before selecting one.

A relatively new material that is exclusively used for interior decoration is liquid wallpaper. Low humidity rooms are a good fit for their use. Such wallpaper is frequently used to fill in ornamental elements, make ornaments, etc.

This type of wallpaper complements other finishing elements well.

Composition

Filler makes up up to 95% of the wallpaper’s volume.

• glue;
• plasticizers;
• glitter;
• mica;
• mineral chips;
• dyes, etc..

Type of product

Dry and wet wallpaper differ in terms of how they are released. The most popular choice is the first one. This combination includes glue, pigment, and additional ingredients. Warm water must be added in order to create a solution.

Wet wallpaper that is ready to use is harder to find on store shelves. They have an adhesive base and a filler. They lack color and additional decorative elements, though. Just before application, these ingredients are added to the mixture.

Varieties

Application of liquid wallpaper

You should read the manufacturer’s instructions and suggestions listed on the packaging in order to apply wallpaper correctly. The proper dilution of the composition, base preparation, and temperature conditions all affect the final coating’s quality. The deep layers of the walls and ceiling are too thick for the glue that is part of the decorative material to pierce. Peeling off the coating is therefore highly likely if thorough preparation is lacking.

The base must first be cleared of any previous coating in order for new decorative elements to adhere to paint and paper wallpaper. After that, you should look for cracks and peeling plaster on the surface. If such flaws are discovered, they need to be completely cleaned, with all areas that don’t adhere well removed, and sealed with cement mortar. Wallpaper can only cover up small flaws, so it is preferable to level any uneven surfaces with plaster instead of painting them.

A primer needs to be applied to the base multiple times. Deep penetration compounds with antifungal ingredients work best for this. A roller should be used to apply the primer. The ideal air temperature in the space is between +10 and +25 °C.

It is only after the primer has dried that the next phase of work can begin. The dry mixture needs to be mixed with the amount of warm water given in the instructions to prepare the wallpaper. The mixture is then well combined.

Although doing this by hand is preferable, you can also use a construction mixer in the lowest speed mode. After that, the mixture is left to brew for a full day.

If you want to make intricate patterns, sketch them out first or use masking tape to secure stencils to surfaces. You can omit this step if you are decorating the entire surface. Using a transparent float or spatula, apply the solution.

Maintain a maximum 5–10° angle when holding the tool. Apply the composition in a single direction with even movements. Proceed from the corners towards the entrance. In the event that three-dimensional patterns were created with the composition, the stencil needs to be taken off before the mass solidifies. In this instance, you can use a spatula to adjust the pattern’s edges if needed.

Due to the high water content of the wallpaper solution, full drying takes place over the course of two to three weeks, even though the initial setting happens in two to three hours. It is crucial that the room temperature remain between +22 and +27°C during this time. Experts use a heat gun to expedite the process, but this approach is inappropriate for some compositions because the surface can quickly dry out and exfoliate when exposed to hot air.

Advantages and disadvantages

A room can be given personality and many creative ideas can be implemented with liquid wallpaper.

• simplicity of cooking;
• the possibility of repairing individual damaged areas;
• the ability to absorb sound;
• the service life of 10-12 years;
• Lack of waste;
• light weight;
• homogeneous relief of the finished coating;
• seamless surface;
• environmental friendliness;
• high vapor permeability and t.D.

However, the wallpaper has a lot of shortcomings. This material is not suitable for surfaces in highly humid rooms or for decorating the facade. The lengthy drying period and lengthy infusion process are two drawbacks of this type of coating. Furthermore, it should be considered that the material ages quickly in areas where it is constantly in contact with furniture.

Decorative plaster

You can obtain a long-lasting coating by using decorative plaster. This material comes in a variety of forms that are used to produce various textured surfaces. This type of coating has a 30-year service life. The plaster mixture can be used for decorating both indoors and outdoors.

Composition

What sets liquid wallpaper apart from decorative plaster is its composition.

• cement;
• lime;
• silicone;
• gypsum;
• polymer additives;
• latex;
• acrylic;
• clay;
• silicates;
• sand;
• marble flour;
• quartz;
• glue;
• stone chips, etc.d.

The material’s decorative properties are influenced by its composition in addition to its performance attributes.

Mixture type

Glass liquid serves as the binder. Because of its strong adhesion, the material can be applied to any kind of base. It forms a long-lasting, fungus-resistant vapor-permeable coating after it hardens. It is applicable to finishing on the inside as well as the outside.

Types

Application

You must first get the surface ready. Take off the previous layer of decoration. Potholes must be filled in, and the base may need to be leveled. Using a primer is a necessary step. You must act fast because the plaster sets instantly.

The manufacturer’s instructions are followed when preparing the solution. You can mix things with a construction mixer. Applying the composition to the surface is done with a metal or rubber spatula. The maximum thickness of the layer should be 5 mm. Next, give the surface the required relief using a roller, a figured roller, a spatula, or other tools. Sharp protrusions in the plaster are sanded away after it has hardened.

Disadvantages and advantages

• long service life;
• environmental friendliness;
• fire safety;
• can be used for interior and exterior decoration;
• high strength;
• no seams;
• easy to maintain;
• moisture resistance;
• strength;
• wear resistance;
• vapor permeability.

One of the material’s drawbacks is its high cost. Furthermore, the weight of the plaster should be considered as it puts additional strain on the walls.

The main differences between the two materials

Wallpaper can only be used for interior decoration in dry rooms because it is not moisture resistant. Facade decoration also makes use of decorative plaster. In terms of strength, resistance to fungus, and wear resistance, wallpaper is inferior.

Comparison (what is cheaper, easier to apply, lasts longer, is easier to repair)

Wallpaper is less expensive than decorative plaster. It lasts roughly twice as long at the same time. While wallpaper dries more slowly than plaster, it is easier to apply to the surface. One can fix both coatings. On the other hand, restoring a wallpapered surface yields a better quality result.

Weighing the performance and cost-effectiveness of liquid wallpaper and decorative plaster is crucial when making this decision. Liquid wallpaper is a good option for do-it-yourself projects on a budget because it is reasonably easy to apply and provides a smooth, seamless finish. Decorative plaster, on the other hand, can give a distinctive, textured look and may last longer, but it may cost more and need to be applied by a professional. The best option for you may be determined by taking into account your needs in terms of budget, desired aesthetic, and long-term maintenance.

Reviews

We used both textured plaster and liquid wallpaper during the renovation. The first material was used for interior design, while the second was used for exterior decoration. Comparing these materials is hard. The mixture is prepared faster and the wallpaper is lighter. Even without prior experience, a flawless and elegant coating could be created. Plaster makes things more challenging. Although the outcome was satisfactory, there are still a few minor flaws. It is preferable to work with plaster by a professional.

Using both finishing materials, we renovated the apartment over the course of about 4 years. The task was assigned to builders. The wallpaper already has flaws, and the plastered surfaces still had their original appearance.

Aspect	Liquid Wallpaper	Decorative Plaster
Cost	Generally cheaper	Typically more expensive
Application	Easy to apply, no special tools needed	Requires more skill and tools
Durability	Less durable, can be easily damaged	Highly durable, resistant to damage
Maintenance	Requires regular touch-ups	Low maintenance, easy to clean
Appearance	Varied textures and colors	Elegant, can create textured effects
Removal	Easy to remove and replace	More difficult to remove and redo

Your needs and financial situation will determine which decorative plaster or liquid wallpaper is best for you. If you’re new to DIY projects, liquid wallpaper can be a little more forgiving while still providing a unique look. It can conceal wall imperfections and is generally simpler to apply. On the other hand, it could eventually need more upkeep and be more vulnerable to damage.

Conversely, decorative plaster is robust and frequently more resilient to deterioration. Because it can produce a luxurious finish with a variety of textures and styles, it’s a popular option for giving a space more personality. The application procedure may be more difficult and require expert assistance, which could raise the overall cost.

Ultimately, liquid wallpaper might be the best choice if you’re searching for an affordable and approachable solution. Consider decorative plaster if durability and a high-end appearance are your goals. Making the right decision for your space will be aided by evaluating your budget and intended results.

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