Plaster- it’s types and application in the Construction Industry

Plaster and its History

Plaster is a building material used for coating, protecting and decorating internal walls and ceilings. It can also be used to create architectural mouldings such as ceiling roses, cornices, corbels, and so on.

A form of plastering was used by primitive civilisations, creating durable and weather-resistant structures using mud. The Egyptian pyramids contain plasterwork comparable to that used today that remains hard and durable some 4,000 years later.

Greek artisans used plaster, mainly to cover the exterior of temples but sometimes also interiors. Through history, plaster ceilings became increasingly ornamental, with those during the Tudor period being particularly extravagant.

Why do we need to plaster?

Plastering is the process of covering rough walls and uneven surfaces in the construction of houses and other structures with a plastic material, called plaster.

Appearance

To improve the appearance of the surface by providing an even, smooth, regular, clean and finished surface.

Protection

In case of external plastering, the objective is to preserve and protect the surface from atmospheric influences by acting as a protective coating. In case of internal plastering, the basic object is to protect the surfaces against dust.

Cover up

To conceal the defective workmanship and to cover up the use of inferior quality and porous material and joints formed in masonry work.

Base preparation

To provide a satisfactory base or ground for decorating the surface by applying white washing, painting, colour washing or dis-tempering.

Maintenance

To fill up the cracks detected in the structure during maintenance process.