Stucco molding in the interior today is not considered something unusual - it is a fairly common decorative element that successfully complements the design of apartments in a classic and neoclassical style, and is also very appropriate in areas such as rococo, baroque and modern. But in order not to turn this graceful beauty into something bulky and tasteless, you need to know the secret of the correct selection of elements, which we will now reveal.
Stucco molding from polyurethane: a modern version
In modern interiors, polyurethane stucco has become extremely popular, which, no doubt, has its advantages.
- This material is resistant to high humidity, which means it can be used in the interior of a bathroom or kitchen.
- Polyurethane decor is easy to maintain, easy to clean, dust does not settle on such stucco molding, it does not absorb odors.
- Light weight, greatly simplifies installation. Such stucco molding can be put on industrial glue such as "liquid nails" with your own hands, without resorting to the help of professionals.
- Resistance to mechanical stress, high impact resistance. Over time, the stucco does not crumble, does not change its original color, and does not even crack. If desired, it can be artificially aged or simply painted.
- Polyurethane stucco molding in the interior is resistant to temperature extremes.
All these properties are relevant for a high-quality product, which does not include Chinese consumer goods. Therefore, when choosing stucco, you should definitely pay attention to the manufacturer.
Of the major disadvantages of polyurethane stucco, the following can be distinguished:
- synthetic origin of the material;
- combustibility;
- surface graininess;
- different batches of the same model may differ slightly when docked, so you should try to purchase products from the same batch.
Eternal classic
Polyurethane stucco molding is a trend of modernity, while classic stucco molding in the interior has always been made of gypsum.
The main advantage of gypsum stucco in the interior is the naturalness of the material. Gypsum is non-toxic and does not contain harmful impurities, non-flammable, and therefore fireproof. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the large weight of the parts and their fragility; it is extremely difficult to install gypsum stucco with your own hands.
For what and why
Stucco molding in the interior can be used for:
- Zone divisions.
- Decorations, giving personality to the room.
- Hiding communications and service structures (risers, hoods, pipes).
Wall decoration remains the most common area of application for stucco molding. Stucco on the walls is a classic. The next place is the ceiling; in some cases, stucco molding can be used on stairs and cornices.
Decor types
There are many different types of stucco, some of them are quite popular and can be used in the interior of modern houses and apartments, others are more suitable for palaces, villas and luxury hotels.
Molding
Moldings are decorative strips of various widths. This wall decoration is used in the interior to divide the room into zones or to highlight any section of the wall. Also products of this type are used:
- to mark boundaries;
- selection of inserts;
- joint masking;
- giving visual volume to the room.
It is worth remembering that when using gypsum molding, it is better to choose a product no more than 6 cm wide, otherwise it will look bulky and pretentious in the interior.
The molding can be put around the perimeter of the room, a dozen centimeters below the ceiling level. This will give the interior a special zest and finished look.
Cornice
This is a decor that is located at the junction of the wall and ceiling.Cornices imitating stucco molding can be of any strength and flexibility, various in size, smooth, convex, with or without a pattern. If you choose the right cornice, you can:
- visually enlarge or reduce the room;
- hide various bumps as well as edges wallpaper.
A wide cornice or ceiling molding can visually raise the ceiling, and the right tinting will enhance the desired effect. If the room is very small, it is best to abandon the classic white, matching the ceiling, cornice, and make it the same color as the walls.
Floor plinth
It performs almost the same functions as the cornice, only in relation to the floor. When choosing a skirting board, you need to take into account the features of the interior, the texture and color of the flooring. Polyurethane plinth with stucco imitation can be painted with your own hands in almost any color shade.
With the help of moldings, cornices, skirting boards, you can not only ennoble the interior, but also hide the wires.
Power socket
One of the most common types of stucco.
- Rosettes help hide or disguise the fasteners of chandeliers or ceiling lights.
- They have a different configuration and shape, different types of ornaments.
- You can pick up stucco molding in the form of a socket for any design.
The remaining elements are less popular and rarely used in a modern interior. These include:
- friezes;
- capitals;
- brackets;
- pilasters.
Unique individuality: do-it-yourself stucco molding
To decorate the room with stucco molding, creating a unique and inimitable interior, an invited professional master can do it. If you want to plunge into the world of fantasy and creativity on your own, then you can do the design and decor with your own hands.
Stages of self-made stucco molding:
- Sketch. You can draw it first, and then make it from plasticine or modify the polyurethane model.
- Form making. At home, it is best to make a silicone mold. Liquid silicone and silicone oil are mixed, the resulting composition is applied with a brush with smooth strokes to the model, previously lubricated with a separating composition. After that, the form is strengthened, most often gauze is used for this - it is, as it were, imprinted into silicone. After drying, the procedure is repeated several times, achieving a mold thickness of at least 3 mm. When the last applied layer dries, the mold is removed from the model.
- Do-it-yourself gypsum mortar preparation. When working with gypsum, remember that it quickly hardens. The composition of the gypsum mortar is as follows: 10 parts of dry gypsum (powder), 7 parts of water and a little PVA glue diluted with water (it will prevent cracking of the finished product). The solution mixes quickly, in its consistency should resemble liquid sour cream.
- Product manufacturing. The resulting gypsum mixture is poured into a mold lubricated with a separating composition. The composition is poured smoothly, the form is periodically shaken. Shaking and vibrating helps to avoid air bubbles. Then the surface is leveled and time is given to dry.
- After half an hour, it can be removed from the mold and left for another day for final drying.
- If desired or necessary, you can fine-tune the future element of the interior, sand it, fill in small irregularities.
DIY decor element is ready! You can use it in the interior and show guests.
Choose between gypsum or polyurethane, store-bought or DIY, and enjoy the result!