The ceiling in the interior has never received much attention. This is often a plain, white canvas. Stretch ceilings have also become popular; in a few minutes of work they can immediately hide all imperfections and perfectly level the surface. Those who want to create a unique, creative design for their home are not afraid to spend time and effort, so the topic of whitewashing, painting and other types of finishing remains interesting. What if the concrete ceiling is left without finishing at all, or rather, to simulate its absence? And this idea has recently taken place.
Among designers, this type of decoration is gaining popularity due to the spread of modern styles loved by young people: loft, minimalism, industrial, etc.
In combination with a natural wood floor of any shade, concrete looks especially stylish and unusual. Strictness and elegance – these are the main parameters that those who want to follow this new trend in the world of interior design are guided by.
The ceiling is covered with transparent varnish to highlight it favorably
You should also be aware of the problems that may arise:
- not suitable for very small rooms, because... visually narrow the space;
- Difficulty with choosing lighting fixtures, because... not everyone will fit.
At the same time, this type of finishing has a number of positive qualities:
- resistance to mold and fungi;
- soundproofing;
- environmental friendliness;
- cheapness;
- fire safety.
This ceiling material has the peculiarity that it sets the overall tone of the overall design. It seems that there is nothing easier than choosing the color of the walls, floors, and accessories for such a ceiling. In this case, selecting the style of other interior items is a more difficult task. Cool shades, minimalism and versatility, simplicity of form should be the main factors of choice.
An important role is played by the lighting of such a ceiling: well-chosen, correctly placed, directed so as to emphasize the structure and weight the design.
Ready concrete ceiling
Ceiling design in loft style
The loft style has earned its place of honor among the most popular styles today. It is characterized by industrial motifs, rough finishing or lack thereof. Concrete ceilings will not only be appropriate here, but also the most beneficial. The room looks more damp and the renovations are unfinished. This is the effect designers strive for.
Lamps designed in the appropriate style will help to emphasize the ceiling material:
- incandescent lamps without shades;
- lamps - fans;
- lamps reminiscent of street lighting fixtures;
- in the style of industrial chandeliers;
- halogen lamps.
The loft style is not characterized by hidden communications, beams, or ceilings.
For a living space, leaving a concrete ceiling completely unfinished is not entirely correct. Therefore, the ceiling is still covered with transparent varnish in order to highlight it favorably.
Compatibility
Concrete elements look just perfect in combination with metal structures, rough wood and brick walls.
In fact, modern fashion dictates an almost complete rejection of decorative finishing. That is, it is only permissible to paint the internal surfaces, preserving their original texture. Do not hide wiring and pipes. Install the first one on porcelain insulators, and treat the second ones with a transparent anti-corrosion compound.
Don’t be afraid that the apartment will resemble the set of a post-apocalyptic film; it will turn out cozy thanks to the installation of lighting and the right selection of accessories.
When starting to decorate, use pieces of furniture that correspond to different eras. Don’t be afraid to place a modern, laconic sofa next to a Chippendale-style chair. All this is united by a frankly trashy coffee table made of pallets and thick glass. Rest assured, the Bukhara carpet left over from your grandmother will sparkle again in such a living room and create a comfortable relaxation area.
Concrete ceiling finishing options
There are various ways to emphasize the relief and structure of the original look. You can also paint, whitewash or wallpaper the ceiling, preserving the beneficial properties of the material as such.
Painting a concrete ceiling
Depending on the design of the room or for practical reasons, the following types of concrete ceiling finishing are chosen:
- whitewash;
- painting;
- lining;
- wallpaper;
Wallpapering a concrete ceiling - tile;
- suspended, tension structures.
Puttying a concrete ceiling with plaster
Features of whitewashing a concrete ceiling
The most ancient method, but not the easiest if the surface is not perfectly flat. It is necessary to know the features and stages of preparing a concrete ceiling for whitewashing.
- Completely remove old, swollen material. Lime is easily removed with water.
- Primer treatment. This is necessary not only to strengthen the concrete surface, but also to ensure a better degree of adhesion of the solution applied in the future.
- Fix the flaws. The putty is diluted to the required thickness and applied to the defects with a spatula.
- After the putty has dried, the ceiling is perfectly leveled using sandpaper.
- Before whitewashing, the surface is primed again.
- Dilute the whitewash solution according to the product instructions. Spraying with a special spray bottle is better than applying with a brush or roller. In this case, the substance will be distributed evenly and will not streak.
The final result is evaluated. Sometimes it is necessary to apply the solution in two layers.
The whitewashed ceiling needs to be updated every 2-3 years
There are two types of material used for work: chalk and lime. Each has positive properties: the first gives greater whiteness, the second has a bactericidal effect.
The process is labor-intensive, but one cannot fail to note the advantages of whitewashing the ceiling:
- environmental friendliness and health safety;
- cheap material;
- possibility of independent implementation.
The whitewashed ceiling needs to be updated every 2-3 years. Such a finish cannot be called durable. Over time, it turns yellow and swells. After work there is a lot of dirt. Therefore, despite all the advantages, many prefer other ceiling design options.
Before whitewashing the ceiling, be sure to clean it
Elimination of defects
After eliminating the facing materials that have lost their beauty, the repair of exposed defects begins. Small cracks are expanded with a spatula, covered with a layer of primer and treated with putty. If they turn out to be too large, it is recommended to equip the recesses with reinforcing tape, which, after drying, is sealed with a layer of putty and leveled to the level of the ceiling surface. Sagging or protrusions of applied solutions are removed with a puncher. The chipped areas are primed and leveled with putty, which is used to coat the joints of the ceiling and walls to form a perfectly right angle.
Painting a concrete ceiling
This option is also more affordable, like the first, but compared to the previous one, it has some advantages: a variety of colors, a better composition and good wear resistance. With the help of such a rich palette you can create interesting designs for apartments and houses. It can be matte or glossy. Matte looks appropriate in modern design (high-tech, loft, minimalism). Glossy requires a perfectly flat ceiling and will look better in a classic or baroque interior.
The peculiarity of painting the ceiling is that all work must be done quickly
To work, you will need to buy paint for interior work. It is divided according to its chemical composition into:
- acrylic;
- latex;
- silicone,
- silicate
Acrylic paint is most popular for its practical properties:
- rich palette;
- does not fade from the sun, does not change shade;
- penetrates into small cracks and masks them (up to 1 mm);
- easy to clean and not washable;
- lies flat;
- durable;
- inexpensive in cost;
- has no odor;
- non-toxic;
- applicable to any surface.
Acrylic paint is truly durable, but only if all the requirements for working with it are met: proper surface preparation, following the instructions when diluting and applying. Basically, two coats are required to achieve the desired color saturation.
Acrylic paint is very durable
Latex paint, like acrylic, consists of rubber, but only of a synthetic nature. Latex paint is richer and can be used in just one coat. It has the same positive properties as its previous brother.
Latex paints are less resistant to low temperatures, so their use is advisable for well-heated rooms.
The general disadvantage of the listed paint options is that they are susceptible to the formation of fungus even despite their moisture-resistant qualities. Modern, improved products on the shelves promise protection against this disease thanks to the addition of special components. Practice shows that this does not add much to their effectiveness. You still have to prime the surface before each coat.
Silicone paints are considered improved in this regard. They tolerate large temperature changes, high humidity, and are resistant to fungus and mold. Combining all the advantages of the options already listed, silicone paint has one drawback - high price.
Silicate paints will be an excellent solution for decorating ceilings in the bathroom, kitchen, and swimming pool. Of all the options, they are the most durable, moisture-resistant, dirt-repellent, and antiseptic. The products are slightly toxic and require additional protection when working with them.
You can also find unusual types of paints on the market: textured, embossed, textured. They are made on the basis of aqueous acrylic dispersion and marble chips. In terms of quality characteristics, it is not inferior to other popular types. You can create interesting designs with them. Not everyone can afford them. The price is quite high.
To paint a concrete ceiling, it is important to choose the right tool:
- special sprayer;
- brush;
- roller
It is best to use several devices at once.
The correct solution would be to use several devices at the same time. Use a brush to carefully paint corners and areas near the wall. At a short distance from the wall they use a small roller; for a larger area they work with a larger tool. To prevent the paint from splashing too much (it is very difficult to wash off), you should hold the rollers at an angle of about 45 degrees and do not press too hard.
For convenience, special nets are pulled to squeeze out the rollers. This allows you to avoid excess dirt and apply the paint evenly.
The same rules apply to brushes. Apply the product, lightly squeezing out the excess.
A special sprayer - an electric spray gun - is more difficult to use. Before starting work, you need to study the instructions. The paint is diluted to a certain thickness. You constantly need to monitor the location of the tool. It should always be at the same distance.
The peculiarity of painting the ceiling is that all work must be done quickly. Modern paints are made to dry quickly for practical reasons. In this case, the master is required to have good skills in finishing work.
The question of how to paint a concrete ceiling so that the coating lasts for more than one year is solved by observing all stages of preparation for work.
- removal of old paint, whitewash, etc.;
- polymer primer treatment;
- putty;
- polishing with sandpaper for perfect alignment;
- re-priming;
- painting;
- Applying a second coat (if necessary).
You can often come across statements that a more or less even ceiling does not need to be puttied before painting. But the point is not even a flat surface, but the fact that the paint in this case will not last long, even if there are no visible flaws.
Modular architectural concrete slabs
Until recently, concrete in the interior did not have too many supporters. Most often it is associated with a cold environment in which it is uncomfortable to live. Meanwhile, it is currently experiencing a renaissance. This material is very characteristic, easy to use, elegant and noble.
Modular concrete slabs can be used for finishing. They can have different sizes. Their cost depends on the size and type. Installing such slabs will be a challenge for the average person, but an experienced master will not have any problems. Any impregnation does not change color, but serves primarily for easy cleaning. In addition, impregnation reduces water absorption. Thanks to this, concrete slabs can be used even in conditions of high humidity, for example, in a bathroom. Concrete slabs can also be protected with a thin layer of clear resin.
Lightweight architectural concrete panels are used on the ceiling.
Today, industrial style interiors are still associated with freedom, extravagance and urban artistry, making them ideal for an industrial style apartment.
Wallpapering a concrete ceiling
Wallpapering will be the solution if you don’t want to bother with putty for a long time due to minor defects. Modern wallpaper has excellent performance characteristics and allows you to quickly make repairs. When choosing quality products for the job, longevity is assured.
Non-woven or vinyl wallpaper is suitable for the ceiling
Non-woven or vinyl wallpaper is suitable for the ceiling. They are dirt-repellent and easy to maintain. In the hardware store there are options that indistinguishably imitate decorative plaster.
Before starting work, you need to prepare everything:
- cut the wallpaper into pieces along the length of the ceiling;
- dilute the glue;
- eliminate prominent irregularities;
- close all windows and doors to prevent drafts.
Glue parallel to the rays of light from the window. The seams do not need to be rubbed too hard. They need to be joined with your fingers and rolled with a rubber roller.
Flooding (then the wallpaper will simply fall off completely) and high humidity can be detrimental to the wallpaper on the ceiling. To avoid mold and mildew, when purchasing glue, you should pay attention to the antiseptic component or be sure to use a primer before gluing.
Installation of tiles on a concrete ceiling
Due to its low cost, quick installation and the ability to quickly repair in case of damage, this finishing method has become very popular. Options with different patterns and textures are sold. Expanded polystyrene tiles are attached with special glue.
Installation of tiles on a concrete ceiling
Before starting work you need to know the following:
- gluing begins from the center of the ceiling;
- immediately assess where large defects are located and calculate the placement of the tiles so that the entire part completely covers the defect;
- Whole tiles will have to be trimmed when the distance to the wall becomes small. Before gluing, markings should be made in advance so that for the most part whole tiles fit. Trimmed options are best placed in places where they are least noticeable (under a curtain, doorway).
Despite the fact that the tiles are glued easily and quickly, one cannot help but note the disadvantages:
- fragility;
- lack of a single canvas, which is not always aesthetically pleasing;
- rarely used in modern interiors;
- not resistant to fungi, mold;
- lags behind at high humidity.
Finishing a concrete ceiling with clapboard
This is a suitable option for large rooms with high ceilings. They especially like to use this finish in dachas and country houses. Natural, natural material immediately sets a special atmosphere of comfort.
Before covering, all necessary communications should be laid in advance. Before use, the wood should be thoroughly dried and treated with a special antifungal and moisture-repellent agent.
All necessary communications need to be laid out in advance.
Repair process
Any repair is preceded by preparatory work, including the selection of the necessary tools, available devices and protective equipment, the organization of lighting, and the purchase of necessary materials.
Stages of work
- Old material is removed from the ceiling.
- Using dowels, a metal profile or wooden beams are attached at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other.
- Cladding with clapboard using a stapler, nails, screws, self-tapping screws.
- Protective varnish or painting.
Painting a wooden ceiling is necessary not only for beauty, but also to protect it from rotting, odors, indelible stains, and parasites.
To preserve the beautiful wood texture, choose water-based paints or special ones based on aniline.
Before starting work, the wooden surface is sanded using sandpaper and treated with stain or special impregnation to preserve the natural properties of the wood.
This coating is durable if all preparation requirements are met. It is easy to care for. The difficulty lies in installing lighting with such a wooden ceiling finished.
Cleaning the surface of obsolete coatings
This procedure is accompanied by the following operations: Lime whitewashing - the base is moistened by applying heated water. After softening, the too thick layer of whitewash material is peeled off with a spatula, and the thin layer is washed off with a wet cloth. To get rid of stains, ceiling tiles are thoroughly wiped. Wallpaper - the surface covered with it is thoroughly moistened with water, and then the trellises are dismantled with a spatula. If the liquid is unable to cause the stripes to separate from the surface, it is recommended to use specialized solutions. Water-based paint - the ceiling is also wetted with water, preheated to 70 degrees Celsius and applied with a roller. The heavily softened layer of paint and varnish material is removed with a spatula, and its remains are wiped off with a wet cloth.
Moisture-resistant water-based paint - due to the ability to retain liquids, the material must be eliminated with a special nozzle, which is connected to an electric drill. Decorative polystyrene foam - here the coating is removed using a metal spatula, and the remaining adhesive is removed.
