Natural Material Plasters Overview
Wall plaster is one of the most fundamental and changing techniques in interior decoration. It involves laying a smooth coat of material to form a final wall that is ready for decoration or can be kept as a attractive textured finish in its own right. The primary goal of wall plaster is to cover imperfections in the underlying brickwork or plasterboard, to offer a uniform surface, and to provide a layer of protection. Lacking this critical step, walls would appear rough and unrefined.
The history of finishing walls with a plaster-like substance is very old. From the intricate frescoes of ancient Rome to the graceful limewash rooms of Greek villages, plasterwork has long been the backdrop for human habitats. Traditional ways used substances easily available in the nearby environment, such as mud, lime, sand, and animal fibres. These earthy combinations created porous and durable walls that could endure for generations. Contemporary wall plaster still follows these ideas but frequently uses manufactured gypsum compounds for convenience and uniformity.
There are a few distinct types of wall plaster finishes. Browning or adhesive plaster is a heavy-duty base layer used for highly porous surfaces like masonry or block. It provides a strong grip for the subsequent coats. This plaster typically has aggregates to add durability. Topcoat or finishing plaster is the last thin layer that gives the perfect finish for decorating. It is fine-grained and applies easily to a very smooth-thin finish. Then, there are specialty plasters like soundproofing or insulating varieties that perform specific functions.
The procedure of plastering a surface is a skilled trade that follows a series of stages. First, the wall must be properly prepared. This involves making sure it is sound, free of dust, and clear of any weak natural material plaster. For highly dry surfaces, a primer solution or a light spray of water is applied to regulate the absorption. The plaster mix is then prepared to a creamy consistency and laid with a steel float. The craftsman spreads efficiently, covering a small section at a time.
The first layer is called the scratch coat. It is applied at a thickness of about 10mm and then scratched with a raking tool to form a grip for the second coat. Once this has firmed enough, the second coat, or float coat, is applied. This is laid thinner and is trowelled several times to get a perfectly smooth and level surface. A good tradesperson can create this look easy, but it requires a a lot of experience and a good eye for detail.
Apart from simple flat surfaces, plasterwork can be used to make a range of decorative effects. Artex-type finishes were previously very common, created with special tools or trowels. Venetian plasterwork, or stucco lustro, is a luxury technique that uses several coats of lime putty polished to a high-gloss, marble-like finish. Moroccan plaster is a waterproof lime finish from Marrakech that is polished with smooth stones and sealed with olive soap to produce a seamless surface for wet areas.
Nowadays, many homeowners encounter plaster in the context of repairing cracks or getting ready surfaces for painting. For minor repairs, a tub of spackle can be adequate. But, for bigger areas or a whole wall, the help of a professional tradesperson are usually advisable. A well plastered wall is the foundation of a beautiful interior. It feels substantial and carefully made, reflecting luminosity uniformly and giving a sense of craftsmanship that is tangible. In a world of quick makeovers, a perfectly plastered surface remains a testament to skill and traditional craftsmanship.
