Instructions

Smooth trowel technique

Mirror-smooth walls with an oriental look

Here we show you a wall design technique with which you can conjure up mirror-smooth walls with oriental flair: the smooth lime putty technique with AURO lime putty and colored lime paint.

The look can be implemented in many color variations. Depending on the quantity and shades of the lime-based paint added to the filler, you can create colorful, urban or subtle walls in a variety of styles.
Whether in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway or living room – there are countless possible applications.

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Special feature of the AURO smoothing technique

A special feature must be observed in the case of the AURO smooth filler technique: Approx. 5-10% of the gypsum-based wall filler No. 329 should be added to the mixture of the first application – in addition to the desired lime colorant.
First mix the desired amount of lime colorant with the water. Less water should be used for stronger color shades with the corresponding addition of lime colorant, as the lime colorant dilutes the filler. Next, the lime filler No. 342 and the wall filler No. 329 are mixed together dry and then added to the water/lime paint mixture while stirring constantly. The filler must swell briefly and can be used after approx. 2 minutes and repeated stirring. However, it should be noted that the addition of No. 329 shortens the working time of the filler. Only as much material should be mixed as can be processed in about 45-60 minutes.

The reason for adding Wall Filler No. 329

The admixture increases adhesion and, above all, makes the first layer of filler somewhat harder than the subsequent layer without Wall Filler No. 329.

This is important in the case of the smooth troweling technique:

The second coat (then without the addition of No. 329) is highly compacted with a Venetian trowel, therefore drying stresses, which could subsequently lead to flaking, cannot be completely ruled out under certain conditions. A rather soft substrate favors possible spalling. Clay plasters, for example, are therefore completely unsuitable for the smooth troweling technique. In practice, the method of working from “hard to soft”, i.e. making the first layer of filler slightly harder by adding plaster, has proved successful. No problems are to be expected with this approach.

Auro products

Further materials

Water, measuring cup, stirring attachment, drill, empty bucket
Japanese spatula, Venetian trowel
Cotton cloth

Step 1

The best way to determine the correct amount of filler powder is to use a measuring cup.

Step 2

Mix the professional lime putty powder with water according to the package instructions. A stirring attachment for the drill is suitable for this.

Step 3

The powder must be well dissolved.

Step 4

Add the colored lime paint. The quantity depends on your color preference and taste.

Step 5

Mix in the paint very well to create a homogeneous colored filler.

Step 6

Use a spatula to remove the mixture from the bucket and spread it onto the Venetian trowel.

Step 7

Then spread the colored filler in a criss-cross pattern over the wall. Work your way forward bit by bit, pressing the trowel firmly onto the wall. The pressure compacts the surface considerably.

Step 8

Work in sweeping strokes until a silky sheen is achieved. The optimum layer thickness is max. 1 mm. You can watch this process in more detail in our video instructions. Allow the wall to dry for 12 hours.

Step 9

For more shine and protection, polish the surface with colorless wall glaze wax using a cotton cloth.

Step 10

The result is a silky-smooth, shiny surface with a great tactile feel.

Examples of filler shades

A light filler color could be mixed in this way, for example:

Lime filler No. 342: 3 kg
Wall filler no. 329: 200 grams
Colored Lime Paint No. 350: 0.125 liter
Water: approx. 1.7 liters

A mixture for a strong color tone could look like this, for example:

Lime filler No. 342: 3 kg
Wall filler no. 329: 200 grams
Colored Lime Paint No. 350: 1 liter
Water: approx. 1.4 liters

(The addition of wall filler to a first layer of filler is recommended in order to increase adhesion and make the first layer of filler slightly harder than the subsequent layer without wall filler. This avoids drying stresses that could lead to delamination).

Brochure

In our brochure “Smooth troweling technique” you will find all the steps of the technique once again to download and print out.

The smooth trowel technique is also suitable for use in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Here is an elegant design in white smooth trowel technique in a modern bathroom.

It's also possible without a backsplash: in this kitchen, the frieze in a warm terracotta tone sets accents and harmonizes well with the wood of the furniture.

In this dining room, all the walls were designed using the smooth trowel technique in a subtle beige color.

Courage to use color! A wall in warming red. This shade is perfect as an accent on a wall.

This sample wall presents the smooth trowel technique in various colors. Can you find your favorite look?

This two-tone design focuses on contrast.