There are hundreds of different plaster varieties, each with its own set of characteristics. The types of plaster are designed to serve diverse purposes, ensuring compatibility with specific surfaces and requirements. While most plasters appear to be applicable on the same surface, their compositions and applications range from one to the other type.
In general, there are more than a dozen different varieties of plaster on the market today. However, what is the best type of plaster for your specific requirement is a big question!
This post will attempt to address this concern for you. All you need to have is a good idea of various plasters, along with their applications.
What is Plaster?
This is a fundamental question we must answer in order to comprehend the nature of the subject matter. When we think about plaster, we usually see a mortar, a levelling bar, a trowel, and a lot of soil.
In the interim, the term “plaster” or “plaster of Paris” refers to the solution applicable on a wall, ranging from 20 mm lime-cement base plaster to 3 mm clay filler.
Simply told, it is a type of building material that provides our surfaces with a durable coat and protect them internally (walls and ceilings) and externally.
Plastering is an ancient craft that was in civilizations’ practises as far back as the Egyptians and even civilizations before that. The oldest example of a plaster on walls comes from the ancient ruins of mehrgarh in modern day province of Baluchistan in Pakistan.
Different Types of Plaster
- A Single Coat Plaster. Formulated to be a two-in-one foundation and finish, this plaster coat can repair patches in just a one-time application.
- Plaster with Many Finishes. On a range of surfaces, this dry mix mortar provides excellent, smooth coverage. This fast-drying product takes around an hour and a half to dry.
- Plaster of Paris. It is simple to apply and disseminate. Use as a base coat on surfaces or as a smooth finish on walls and ceilings.
- Browning Plaster. Browning plaster can be used as a foundation undercoat or backing coat, similar to bonding plaster. It is splendid for absorbent surfaces like regular bricks. This mortar may also be used as a brick / block laying plaster.
- Plaster for Interior Walls. Hardball plaster is heavy-duty and long lasting, as the name implies. This makes it excellent for usage in high-traffic areas. It dries quickly and is simple to use.
- Plaster with a Tough Coat. Extremely durable and ideal as a foundation coat. It has a slick appearance and a smooth finish. To avoid cosmetic faults and poor adherence, ensure protection from moisture.
- Stucco, Decorative and Fair Face Plasters:There are many names for this decorative cementitious plaster, it is ideal for decorating walls and have a long-lasting tough finish. A Good example of this would be Ressichem Decorative plaster material Ressi PlastoRend 110. This material can be finished in various colours, decorative finish and can also mimic Fair Face Concrete look.
Uses of Plaster
Plaster can is best for a variety of purposes. This substance consists of powders of several distinct stones, such as gypsum. The stone can be ground and mixed with water to make a paste that will solidify if exposed to air.
When it comes to its applications, all of the types of plaster have different use cases in diverse industries such as construction, medical or even art.
1. Construction Industry
One of the most common uses for Plaster in the building is drywall, which is generally a form of gypsum plaster. This Plaster may help in creating an internal wall surface in homes and other structures.
Though it creates a firm surface suitable for interior walls, this sort of plaster is free from damages and does not hold up well when exposed to the elements.
In many parts of the world where drywall is not common, the most common type of plaster is cementitious and sand / Filler based plaster. There is a lot of innovation going on in premix plasters, especially in countries like Pakistan. A good example would be Ressichem and its Ressi PlastoRend 120 dry premix general purpose ready to use plaster.
2. Decorative Trim
Decorative trim is another popular application for plaster in construction. Although this material is firm when dried, allowing it to withstand the test of time, it is pliable enough to be sculpted or carved using tools. We can carve this plaster into various forms or designs as trim in order to improve a building’s aesthetic qualities. A Good example of a decorative trimplaster is Ressi PlastoRend 110 from Ressichem.
Stucco, which is sprayed on the outside of a structure to add texture – can also be composed of plaster – can also release small amounts of water when burned, slowing the spread of fire. A Good Example of a good decorative stucco plaster is Ressichem Ressi SC 310 and Ressi PlastoRend 110 Plaster.
3. Medical Sector
Plaster is also utilised extensively in the medical field. Plaster casts are able to safeguard damaged bones while they recover for hundreds of years. Plaster is still applicable in various medical requirements, even though fibreglass casts are more popular nowadays.
It is also possible to use a special type of barium-based plaster to protect people from the radiation emitted by x-ray machines.
4. Artists Field
Artists can also utilize Plaster! This semi-hard Premix Plaster can be carved into a statue or relief, or it can be poured into moulds and left to harden into the shape desired by the artist.
Artists may utilise this relatively affordable substance as part of the process of constructing a mould that will subsequently utilize in the cast metals such as bronze.
Advantages of Plaster
- Plastering gives existing drywall or even masonry walls and concrete a strong and long-lasting finish. When water escapes from the cement mixture, a chemical reaction happens. This reaction increases the bond, which contributes to the strength of the plastered walls.
- Plastering creates a level surface on which to apply paint. Houses with painted walls have a more refreshing appearance.
- Plastering has a decorative quality to it. It gives walls a consistent and uniform finish, allowing the builder to experiment with different designs and textures.
- Plastering is a simple and rapid procedure that accomplish all sorts of restoration projects timely.
- Plastering is pollution-free, and even when exposed for lengthy periods, it produces less dust on its surface.
- It is less likely to cause surface cracking and leaves a flawless finish on its surfaces when the right product is applied with the right methodology.
- After the plastering is finished, we can integrate numerous aesthetics like colours, textures, and designs into the final layer to give homes the perfect final addition.
- Plastering is not an option when it comes to making magnificent homes. It is a necessary component in the construction of sturdy, durable, and attractive homes.
Final Words
The plaster used to be the most prevalent type of interior wall treatment, but that changed when drywall (pressed gypsum boards) became widely available.
Plaster is a wall treatment that is often associated with ancient or antique homes. However, in modern applications, this ancient material still has many advantages. If you are remodelling or building a home, it is important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of Tile Adhesives and plasters for your homes, buildings and industrial structures.
