Doing some interior painting? Try silk plastering for a hot new look!

Interior Painting - Natural Fiber Wallcovering - Atlanta

Do you want to do something new and exciting on your interior remodel? Is the paint on your walls marked up and dingy? Your interior painting might need some freshening up! You might even want to try one of the latest trends in Atlanta: silk plastering.

What is silk plastering?

Silk plastering, also know as "liquid wallpaper," is an all-natural, environmentally friendly plaster containing natural silk, cellulose and quartz coloring. The trend began in Europe, and the material is now being sold in the United States. It provides a seamless finish and comes in 100 colors to combine and/or use with glitter dots and filaments; there are many options for the homeowner. The good news for Atlanta residents is that this material is available to you now for either professional installation or as a do-it-yourself project. So if you want a different kind of look, skip the interior painting and try silk plastering instead.

This material is great for artistic application, as well. You can use multiple colors, create designs, and even do murals. How about using it to dress up an old, boring headboard? Or maybe you could do a framed piece? It's all up to you, so be fun and creative with your ideas.

The benefits of silk plaster

Silk plaster provides several benefits for the homeowner.

• This is a natural and chemical free material.
• There are no toxic fumes. It is an odorless product that does not use any chemical solvents to apply. It just needs water for application.
• It is hypoallergenic, and thus, safe for children and pets.
• It does not fade and hides wall imperfections by filling in gaps and cracks.
• It is easily applied, removed, and repaired.
• It is durable, elastic, doesn't shrink, air permeable to allow walls to breathe and anti-static to dust and dirt.

Silk plaster application

One of the most exciting features of silk plastering is that it is easy to apply; there is no special training necessary. However, it does need some basic tools, prep, priming, and application considerations. So whether you decide to go it alone or prefer to hire a painting contractor, be aware of the key elements to silk plastering.

Materials list

Below is a list of materials necessary for proper application of silk plaster:

• A tarp
• Vinyl sheeting
• Masking or painter's tape
• A trowel
• A mixing container
• Water
• An oil-based primer
• Painting roller frame
• Painting roll cover - for oil based primer
• A paint tray
• An oil-based brush

Prep basics

Here is the prep work necessary for getting ready to do a silk plaster project:

• Floor Protection: Use a tarp or vinyl plastic sheeting to cover your floors and prevent any drips, particularly if you have carpet. Though it is natural and non-damaging, this will make for easy cleanup. Run the material the length of the room from wall to wall and secure it to prevent slipping.
• Trim Protection: Tape off the trim primer to priming to prevent drips on to trim and to avoid getting silk plaster on the trim where you don't want the liquid wallpaper.
• Furniture Protection: It is always easiest to start with an empty room, but if that's not possible, then take precautions to protect the room's furnishings. Use plastic sheeting to cover furnishings and to protect them from any accidental drips and spills.
• Holes in Walls: Although silk plaster can fill in tiny holes, cracks and gaps, it isn't able to repair larger holes in the wall. You will need to repair and patch any existing holes of significant size. Depending on the size of the hole, you will need other materials to repair the wall such as patch, repair mesh, drywall, etc.

Prime the walls

After prepping your room, it is best to prime the walls before you apply the silk plaster. You need to use an oil-based primer and apply it with a brush and roller to all the wall surfaces that you want to plaster. Primer strengthens the bond of the plaster to the wall and stops keeps the original color of the wall from bleeding through the plaster.

Application, repair and removal

After priming, mix your plaster with water according to the manufacturer's directions. Then apply it with a trowel to your walls. Spread a thin, even layer over all of your surfaces. If you need to repair a hole or fix a stained section, simply scrape of the area, spray the wall, and then reapply with a trowel. Removal is as simple as getting the surface wet and scraping off the material. Sounds pretty easy right?

Application in bathrooms and moist areas

Since silk plaster is water-based, it is best applied to areas that are free of moisture. However, if you opt to use it in a bathroom, for instance, you can apply a water-based clear coating over the material. With that said, you are free to use it almost anywhere in your home, and it is a nice option to add a little flair to your interior.

Interested in learning more or hiring a professional for your silk plastering project? Don't hesitate, call now to get started.