How to Apply Allover Decorative Coating Step-by-Step (With Pro Tips)

That part is essentially what makes decorating walls, ceilings, floors, and even wet spaces such as showers feel so daunting. The different layers and multitude of tools, combined with the ability to make mistakes, sometimes make it an intimidating process. Introducing Allover, a new product by The Decora Company, which is designed to make this easier. This trowel-applied decorative floor coating is designed for both DIYers and professionals to give your interior concrete surface a professional, finished look in just one afternoon.

With Allover, it's possible to turn virtually any pre-existing interior surface into something completely new, be that ceramic tile, concrete, plaster, or even plasterboard. The finish is available in a wide range of finishes, including natural and coated colors – perfect for minimal or industrial-inspired visions. We’ll show you how to apply Allover step by step in this guide, with some pro tips on the side, so you can have that perfect finish every time.

Step 1: Surface Assessment and Cleaning

Prior to starting your Allover application, you first have to make sure the surface you will be working on is flat, clean, and dry. Allover will stick to many surfaces, including ceramic tile, cement plaster, and plasterboard, but it's all about preparation.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to rip out old tiles. Allover can be directly applied over existing tiles, provided the surface is clean and in good condition. Just a good cleaning of the tiles, and a little sanding of them to roughen up the surface for better adhesion.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Wipe the surface free of dust, oil, or debris.

2. If you’re applying over ceramic tile, use sandpaper to rough up the surface and help with bonding.

3. Make sure that the substrate is dry all over before proceeding to the next step.

Pro Tip: You might want to wipe the surface down with a rag or damp cloth to clean up any dust or dirt that may have infiltrated during sanding.

Step 2: Apply Allover Base

After your surface is prepped, it’s time to start your first layer of Allover Base. The base serves as a kind of glue and support for the texture, giving potential layers a relatively smooth ground to be applied over. To apply the base:

1. Apply Allover Base evenly with a new, clean stainless-steel trowel.

2. Just put on a really thin, even coat and make sure to smooth out the clumps, lumps, or ridges as you go.
   
   

At this point, you can determine the texture of your surface based on how hard and at what angle you hold your trowel. If you use more pressure, you will have a very textured surface, and if you use less pressure, you’ll get a smooth hue.

How to Reduce Drying Time: To accelerate drying time, use a fan or blow dryer with a cool, low air flow setting. You should usually wait a minimum of 4-6 hours for the Allover Base to dry before adding another coat.

Pro Tip: If you want a little more texture or an earthy feel, you can press down harder with the trowel and make an embossed pattern. If you prefer a silkier finish, apply with a light hand only.

Step 3: Smooth with Allover Finish (Optional)

The following step is optional, but definitely recommended if you’re going for a cool/slick/modern vibe. The Allover Finish is hand applied with a stainless steel spatula or trowel over the dry substrate.

The Allover Finish has a smoother feel and more muted base texture, making it well suited for spaces that require a sophisticated and stylish finish such as contemporary bathrooms or top-of-the-range kitchens. It’s also ideal for achieving a more modern, neat appearance if you are looking for light and bright walls or ceilings:

To apply the finish:

1. Using your spatula or trowel apply a second coat of Allover Finish over the dry first layer.

2. Tap the paper smoothly in place, as you go along, to even out any bumps for a wet finish.

Pro Tip: For an industrial or raw feeling, you could skip the Allover Finish and have the base layer be exposed. This is going to add more texture to the surface and finish with a look that isn't like anything else you come across, just something different and a great fit when going for industrial or modern inspired home interior design.

Step 4: Seal with Allover Top

Allover Top The Allover Top is already dry, both the base and the finish, so you can apply an Allover top which seals and protects your decorative coating. The Allover Top is a clear, semi-matte topcoat that protects against water, stains and impact and is recommended for high moisture areas including kitchens and baths.

Allover Top takes just 2 coats to complete for optimum protection. Here’s how:

1. With a clean roller, brush or spray gun apply the first coat of Allover Top in uniform thickness over the dry base (and optional finish) coaster.

2. Let the first coat dry for 2-4 hours (or longer in humid or cooler locations).

3. Repeat once more the application of Allover Top, without neglecting to spread it evenly.
   
   

Note: Do not skip this step; it is especially imperative when applying Allover in high-moisture areas like kitchens or showers. A protection which is fundamental to extend the life of the finish.

Pro Tip: Use a top-of-the-line roller or spray gun for a smooth even finish. A brush can leave visible brushstrokes, which impact the look of your surface.

Step 5: Final Buff and Inspection

After your top coat is cured, it’s time for the last step: checking and buffing. This is your chance to check the finish and adjust if in here.

1. Examine your surface for imperfections, lumps or high spots. If you see any, gently buff with a soft cloth or a buffing pad.

2. You can leave the surface as is for raw look and a matte finish, or you can polish it to make it look high gloss.

The end product should be a seamless, stone-like surface with a uniform texture and a flat or near-flat finish that’s as rugged as it is attractive.

Additional Application Tips

• Temperature & Humidity: You should use Allover in a room where the temperature is between 10°C and 30°C for ideal results. If you have high humidity then drying may take longer, so pay attention to local weather conditions when planning your project!

• Coverage Estimates: There is a coverage of about 0.6-0.8 kg/m² per coat for the Allover Base while it is around 0.3-0.4 kg/m² for the Allover Finish.

• Tools: Use cleaned stainless steel trowels, spatulas to apply the product and avoid any kind of contamination so that it remains workable without leaving a surface mark.

• Maintenance: Cured Allover coated surfaces are easy to wipe clean. Just wipe them with a neutral detergent and never use strong chemicals, to keep the finish in good condition.

Where Can You Apply Allover?

All over Allover is versatile enough to suit many interior environments. Here are some examples of where you'd use this product:

• Bathrooms: Allover can be used on floor-to-ceiling seamless showers, walls, and other wet areas.
  

• Kitchens: Allover can also be used on floor-to-ceiling seamless showers, walls and more.

• Living Areas: Use Allover on splashbacks, worktops and full wall treatments for a sleek, modern finish.

• Commercial Interiors: Lobbies, shops and offices can all enjoy the fashionable UV curing finish Allover offers.

With our system of Allover, you can also enable seamless and monolithic spaces from room to room and across surfaces without having to use several products or systems. Whether you’re working with old tiles, new cement or dry walls, Allover helps make your work look flawless, even and smooth, which is something that not all stainless steel trowels on the market are able to do without leaving behind hammer marks.

Conclusion

Using fancy finishes doesn't have to be messy and time-consuming anymore! by Decora The Decora Company's All Over stencils make decorating your home easy and fun. Whether you are a DIYer or professional tradesman, Allover fast and easy application process, coupled with its advanced engineering surface, will be your perfect revealer to create a beautiful and durable surface.

Ready to tackle your next interior project with a little more confidence and a lot less hesitation? Allover is all about the beauty of creativity, speed, and simplicity.