For centuries, plaster has been a useful and adaptable building material. It is essential to the functionality and appearance of walls. Making the right decision for your needs can be aided by knowing the various types of plaster, whether you’re starting a new project or renovating an existing one.
Every kind of plaster, from contemporary synthetic alternatives to classic lime plaster, has special advantages. While some are made with durability in mind, others prioritize usability or aesthetic appeal. You can find the ideal plaster to improve your walls and get the look you want by looking through these options.
We’ll examine the different kinds of plaster that are available in this guide, emphasizing their benefits and best applications. This information will assist you in making well-informed decisions regarding wall finishing, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or working with a professional.
Choosing a plaster material
Plaster comes in two primary categories based on its types and purposes.
Their characteristics and fractions are different.
For external surfaces | This option has a large fraction and is intended for finishing external surfaces. It perfectly tolerates moisture and temperature changes. |
For internal work | This type has a small fraction. With its help, it is quite possible to make a smooth and even surface. But it is not resistant to external influences. |
Plaster types and purposes are further classified based on functionalities.
Heat-protective
Known by another name, "warm" plaster (see Warm plaster: composition and features of use), it is applied to building interiors and facades to enhance their thermal qualities.
- The basis of such plaster is a cement-sand mortar. The introduction of insulating fillers into its composition: perlite sand, vermiculite, foam plastic, granulated foam glass, qualitatively changes the properties of the solution.
- All ingredients are quite light in weight, have a low density. When finishing the surface with plasters containing these materials in their composition, it is possible to reduce the load on the foundation.
- In addition, with such finishing it is quite possible to refuse external insulation from mineral wool slabs or polystyrene foam.
- This type of plaster assumes not only heat-insulating properties. It contains mineral fillers, which classify it as a non-combustible material (except for the composition with polystyrene foam).
Acoustic
This plaster is used to reduce noise in public buildings’ offices, restaurants, and cafes. It also provides sound insulation in industrial enterprises’ production workshops.
Be aware that plastering walls and ceilings and decorating residential spaces are common uses for it in an effort to lower noise levels.
- Acoustic plaster is based on cement or gypsum. Its fillers can be crushed slag pumice, expanded clay, vermiculite or volcanic glass, which give it sound-absorbing properties due to its relatively low density.
- To increase sound absorption, aluminum powder is added to the mixture, which makes the plaster more porous. The applied solution should not be rubbed down so that the voids in the filler are not clogged with the base.
- Acoustic plaster can be applied to any base that is pre-primed with a cement-sand mortar (1:2) with the addition of lime (10%).
- It is not advisable to paint or whitewash this type of plaster, as this reduces the level of sound absorption.
Waterproofing
The surface of the structure is leveled and a coating is formed at the same time using new kinds of high-density plaster.
- The composition of plaster mixtures includes water repellents, due to which the material does not absorb water, making the coating completely waterproof.
- Most often, they contain polymers – epoxy, acrylic and polyurethane resins. Such a coating must be installed in fountains, swimming pools, cellars, basements, partially or completely buried in the ground. It protects structures from the penetration of groundwater, high humidity, and withstands the pressure of a column of water 5 meters high.
- Two types of waterproofing plaster are used: cement-sand and asphalt. In the production of cement-sand plaster, aluminosilicates, finely dispersed ground coal and stone flour, bitumen, etc. are used as sealing additives. .
- The mixtures necessarily contain plasticizers: adisol-mylonaft, ordinary sodium oleate or sodium palmitate, which give it hydrophobic characteristics. There is a mechanized method of protecting structures – layer-by-layer gunning under pressure using a cement gun.
- Asphalt plaster is widely used in waterproofing building elements. The composition of hot plaster includes road grade bitumen, polymer additives (rubber crumb, latex), fillers and sand. Before applying it, it is necessary to prepare the base: make notches, clean, dry, prime.
- Asphalt plaster can be applied manually and using an asphalt mixer, which greatly speeds up the plastering process. Cold asphalt plaster is a lime-bitumen paste with the addition of Portland cement, latex, and brick powder. The mixture is applied in layers from bottom to top. To protect against mechanical damage, the plaster is protected with a cement screed, panel formwork, etc.
Special plaster
Plaster comes in different varieties and variants. It is far more expensive than traditional material. This type of surface finishing is employed in highly specialized applications where the room must have specific protective qualities against external aggressions (acids, etc.) or against X-rays.
It is typically utilized for the completion of chemical labs, medical facilities, and industrial buildings. The premises that require special solutions are identified ahead of time when designing a construction site. The estimates include all necessary costs, and the drawings show the names of the compositions, the plastering area, and the quantity of materials used.
- X-ray protective plaster mixture, used in rooms with sources of ionizing radiation. Its main filler is ground barite concentrate (barium sulfate). The thickness of the plaster layer is pre-calculated in the laboratory; it must correspond to the radiation level of the installations. The use of barite plaster is more economical than finishing with lead screens, therefore it is widespread. Work is carried out at a temperature of +15-20°C and normal air humidity. If the layer thickness exceeds 30 mm, then the plaster layer is applied over a mesh attached to the base. When the estimated thickness is more than 50 mm, it is more advisable to use barite slabs as finishing.
- Acid resistant plaster most often used in finishing premises of buildings and structures operated under the influence of gaseous aggressive environments. In its composition, it has a complex combination of quartz sand (as a filler), liquid glass (potassium or sodium), acid -resistant cement and hardener from silica sodium for solving the solution. The surface of the acid-proof plaster is covered with a cement-sand mortar from above. This will protect the layer from the destructive effects of air.
- Fireproof plaster is resistant to temperatures up to +200°C, it is capable of containing a fire for two hours. The heat-resistant fireproof plaster mixture is used for finishing interior surfaces at enterprises where flammable materials and high temperatures are used, for finishing furnaces in industrial production, as well as home fireplaces. It is capable of minimizing damage from fire and has recently often been used in finishing private houses, baths, saunas. Fireproof plaster mixture is made on the basis of kaolin clay, fireclay dust and liquid glass. The plaster must be applied to a dust-free, solvent-degreased, or primed base manually or with a cement gun. The main thing when working with such material is that the finished solution is produced within 30 minutes, and the stripes applied to the surface overlap each other to avoid the appearance of seams.
Note: Before purchasing any specialty plasters, carefully read the instructions. Ultimately, its application may not always be feasible for oneself, and its scope of expertise is relatively limited.
Decorative
The fundamental components of decorative plasters are cement-lime, silicate, silicone, and polymer compositions (see What types of decorative plaster exist). There are several additives available as fillers, including wood fibers, mica, stone chips, and pieces of shell.
- Structural (with inclusions) (see. Structural plaster: application technology);
- Textured (to create relief on the surface);
- Flock (liquid wallpaper);
- Marble (with granite and marble inclusions);
- Venetian (see. Venetian plaster: features of using the material), (from finely dispersed marble flour, to create a surface resembling a cut of marble or malachite).
Its advantages can be expanded upon as follows:
- Suitable for coloring;
- Durable and durable, resistant to cracking;
- Hides all surface deficiencies (irregularities, small cracks);
- Frost -resistant, has good soundproofing properties, some of its types of waterproof;
- Suitable for application to any surface (metal, concrete, brick, wood);
- For any design project of the premises, you can choose a composition that is able to emphasize the selected style;
- Environmentally friendly, does not emit toxic substances.
The disadvantages are few:
- Such plaster is difficult to dismantle;
- At the cost of compositions and the cost of work on their application, it is more expensive than other finishing materials;
- Applied only to a carefully cleaned, previously primed surface.
The building’s overall appearance is drastically altered by decorative plaster on the facade and interior, which adds sophistication and completion to the style solution.
There are several varieties of plaster, each suitable for a particular set of requirements and wall finish preferences. Knowing the different types of plasters—from contemporary synthetics to more conventional gypsum and lime—will help you select the best one for your project. To get the best results for your walls, it’s important to understand your options and choose the type of plaster that will work best for you. Each type has distinct advantages in terms of durability, finish, and ease of application.
Type | Description |
Gypsum Plaster | Commonly used for interior walls, it’s smooth and easy to apply. It dries quickly and provides a good base for paint. |
Cement Plaster | Ideal for exterior walls, it’s durable and resistant to weather conditions. It’s mixed with sand and cement and is often used in damp areas. |
Clay Plaster | Natural and eco-friendly, this plaster regulates humidity and is ideal for creating a rustic look. It’s suitable for interiors. |
Acrylic Plaster | Flexible and water-resistant, it’s great for both interior and exterior use. It’s available in various colors and finishes. |
Lime Plaster | Traditional and breathable, it’s perfect for older buildings. It helps prevent moisture problems and has a natural finish. |
Knowing the different kinds of plaster will help you make a lot better decisions when it comes to wall finishing. Every variety has special qualities to fit various requirements and tastes.
There is a plaster type for practically any project, ranging from classic lime plaster, which is renowned for its breathability and flexibility, to contemporary synthetic options that offer durability and ease of application. Decorative plasters can give your walls personality and texture in addition to functionality.
The ideal plaster will vary depending on the wall surface, surrounding circumstances, and desired level of finish. If you have the right information, you can choose the ideal plaster to get the look you want and guarantee long-lasting effects.