Different Types of Plaster Used in Ordinary and Speciality Building Applications

Plaster application is a necessary step in reinforcing walls and ceilings. Every residential and commercial building needs rendering to strengthen surfaces. Plastering is different from adding concrete layers over the walls. Polishing plaster creates a decorative coating that is both durable and resistant to weather.

Different plaster compositions

There are different plaster compositions used in rendering. The combination of plaster material dictates the resulting look and corresponding durability of the surface. Some rendering materials have better fire and moisture resistance than others. As such, they are widely used and preferred over other renders.

• Lime plaster. Lime render is composed of one part calcium hydroxide and three parts filler. The most commonly used filler for lime plaster is sand.
• Cement plaster. Another widely used rendering material for interior and exterior surfaces, cement render is a mixture of cement, sand, and other plaster material. Cement is a fire-retardant material; hence, its frequent use for fireproofing.
• Gypsum plaster. These days, gypsum plaster has overtaken cement and lime in popularity. The main advantage of gypsum is resistance to cracking and shrinking. Gypsum plaster is also versatile and used in different types of applications.

All plaster material can be applied either by hand or by using spray plastering machines. In most commercial construction projects, machines apply plaster using a spray pump for increased speed and efficiency.

Advantages of plastering surfaces

Plastering has many considerable benefits in construction. First, it makes the plastered surface durable and resistant to climate, fire, and moisture. Repairing any damage to a plastered wall is also easy. Moreover, a layer of plaster on the wall also acts as a barrier against dust and dirt build-up. In addition to strengthening the surface, plastering lends itself to various decorative options such as paint, wallpaper, and other textured finishes.

Speciality plaster material for commercial building construction

In addition to the commonly used materials in plastering, there are speciality materials suited for constructing commercial buildings which enhance the properties of plaster. Special plaster materials make the surface more resistant to fire, weather and add soundproofing too.

• Acoustic plaster. Adding gypsum to cement mortar creates an acoustic plaster. Applying the resulting mixture in two 6mm thick coats achieves soundproofing. Moreover, gypsum goes through a chemical reaction forming bubbles that absorb sound. Acoustic plaster is suitable for cinema and auditorium construction.
• Granite silicon plaster. The elasticity of plaster makes it resistant to cracking. Mixing granite and silicon enhances plaster elasticity which makes it best for superior quality work.
• Snow Crete and Colour Crete Cement plaster. Adding different pigments of colour to cement creates Snow Crete and Colour Crete cement plaster used in exterior wall finishing.
• Thistle hard wall plaster. Thistle hard wall consists of high-grade gypsum. It is popular in outer surfaces because of the high-quality finish and soundproofing.

There is a wide variety of speciality plaster material used in commercial constructions. However, it does not limit the possibility of application for residential buildings as well. If you want excellent plaster work done on your property, consult a professional plasterer for options.