Premolded plaster accents can be added to flat surfaces.
Premolded plaster pieces are also known as moldings, medallions, "cartouches," tiles, corbels, mantles and architectural accents. These plaster accents are purchased premolded and come ready to finish according to the owner's preferences. Plaster can be painted, textured and sealed. Many plaster pieces affix with screws, nails or adhesives. Use premolded plaster pieces to create unique accents on the ceilings, walls and furniture in your home.
Premolded Plaster Defined
Historically, preformed plaster accents were made of lime and gypsum. Today's formulas differ according to the manufacturer. Plaster can be poured into a wide variety of molds to form many accent pieces that can be painted, stenciled, engraved, stamped, sanded, chiseled and affixed in many different ways to most surfaces. For centuries architectural accents have been made from plaster and can be seen decorating palaces and fine mansions worldwide. Premolded plaster accents saw the height of popularity in the lavishly decorated Victorian era. Premolded plaster projects are still fashionable and can lend formality or high decoration to even the plainest of home interiors. Premolded plaster accents range from inexpensive small pieces affixed to drawer fronts, to elaborate costly ceiling medallions.
Ceiling Medallions
A popular premolded plaster project is the installation of plaster ceiling medallions. Ceiling medallions can be affixed to the center of a ceiling or around light fixtures, ceiling fans or skylights. Some plaster ceiling medallions are installed in two halves in order to fit around fixtures easily. Heavier, larger plaster medallions should be installed by professional interior decorating services, but lightweight, two-section medallions can be effectively installed by following the manufacturer's instructions. Once installed, a premolded plaster medallion can be painted the same color as the ceiling or it can be prepainted a contrasting color before installation.
Wall Accents
Premolded plaster accents are excellent for interior decorating projects. Premolded plaster wall accents are also referred to as "cartouches" or plaques. These are flat-backed, decorative accents that can be small to very large and are used to decorate walls. Premolded plaster accents installed over door frames, windows or above arches are called overdoors, but scrolls and garland accents are also affixed in these positions. Architectural supply stores even offer complete fireplace surrounds with plaster hearths and mantels to take your fireplace from "ho-hum" to "pow!" Larger premolded plaster projects require multiple tools, anchor systems and adhesives, but once they're installed, they are painted and finished so their installation methods are undetectable.
Furniture Accents
Premolded plaster furniture accents can be used in very affordable projects. Scrolls and garlands, rosettes and small cartouches can be added to the flat front or flat sides of drawers, cabinets, headboards, footboards, armoires and tables. Most smaller accents can be affixed with adhesive and finish nails, making the project's installation easily completed without the services of professionals. A plain armoire can be transformed into a luxurious, formal piece of furniture by applying a premolded plaster accent to the door and door fronts. The furniture can be painted and the premolded plaster accent-painted in gold leaf or a contrasting color if desired.
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