Understanding Special Plastering Materials
There are different reasons why unique plastering materials are used in construction. One of that reason is that they provide attractive columns, walls, and ceilings.
Plastering is used to form either a rough or smooth layer. It is durable on top of surfaces such as columns, walls, and ceilings. The purpose is to protect the structure from vermin, dust, weathering actions. Plastering gives a structure a beautiful appearance.
There are unique materials available in the market besides mortar materials like aggregate, cement, and lime. These materials improve plaster’s properties like fire resistance, durability, sound-proof, and weather resistance.
Special Plastering Materials
Acoustic Plaster
It’s a plaster made of cement mortar and gypsum. You have to apply two coats of 6mm thickness each. Bubbles develop on the plaster when gypsum undergoes a chemical reaction, thus the acoustics plaster. This material is used in auditoriums and cinema halls because it absorbs sound.
Asbestos Marble Plaster
It’s a material that leaves a plastered surface with a marble-like finish. You can achieve this using asbestos, cement, and finely powdered marbles. The purpose of using asbestos is to increase the surface’s fire-resistance and insulate buildings. On the other hand, there are asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma or aggressive cancer. Thus the limited use of asbestos in construction.
Barium Cement Plaster
It’s a mixture of sand, cement, and barium sulphate. The plaster is commonly used to finish X-ray rooms because it absorbs radiations, thus minimizing its effects on people.
Gypsum Plaster
Plaster of Paris is developed when you heat gypsum at 160-170 °C. Further, water is used to harden this plaster. While lime is added to make a mixture that is used for repair works and plastering. Gypsum plaster has enhanced qualities like sound-proof, fire resistance, and has lightweight.
Granite Silicone Plaster
It’s a plastering material that is made from a mixture of granite and silicon. It has a high level of elastic properties. The plaster is used in high-grade works, is set quickly, and doesn’t crack as a result of weathering processes. It’s applied in high-end projects due to its premium quality.
Keene’s Cement Plaster
The white plaster is produced by calcining the Plaster of Paris with alum. The mixture is then allowed to cure for a few days. The plaster leaves a glass-like finish.
Martin’s Cement Plaster
It’s obtained by calcining pearl ash and Plaster of Paris. The plaster not only sets quickly, but it also gives a hard finish upon drying.
Parian Cement Plaster
It’s obtained by calcining Borax and Plaster of Paris. It’s a cheaper version of Keene’s cement plaster.
Scagliola Plaster
The plaster is obtained by dissolving Keene’s cement and colour pigments in glue. It has a marble-like finish, thus ideal for panel and column finishes.
Sirapite Plaster
This is a white plaster that is obtained by slaking the Plaster of Paris with petroleum. The plaster sets quickly and is fire resistant.
Thistle Hardwall Plaster
The plaster is high-grade gypsum that is sound-proof and sets quickly. It has an excellent finish and is mostly used for interior works.
Snow Crete and Coloucrete Cement Plaster
This is a plaster, also known as white and coloured cement plaster. It’s achieved by adding various colour pigments to cement and mostly used for exterior surfaces.
Plaster Finishes in Building Constructions
There are several plaster finishes with different appearances. They include;
Rough Cast Plaster Finish
It’s also called spatter dash finish. Its mortar is made of a coarse aggregate of 3-12mm, sand, and cement at the ratio of 1:3:1.5. You have to scoop a considerable amount of mortar with your trowel. Dashing it on the surface you are working on, and level it using a wooden float. The finish is mostly used on external renderings.
Smooth-Cast Plasters Finish
The finish is achieved by mixing mortar at a ratio of 1:3 of cement and fine sand. You can obtain a smooth surface by spreading the mortar using wood flat and skimming float. It’s suitable for interior surfaces.
Pebble Dash Plaster Finish
The finish requires a layer of mortar that is 12mm thick, and the cement to sand ratio is 1:3. Pebbles are dashed on the first coat and pressed slowly using wooden float. The pebbles are 10-20mm, and they leave an aesthetic appearance on the surface after hardening.
Depeter Plaster Finish
The finish is similar to pebble dash, but you use flints or pieces of gravel instead of pebbles. It’s also applied using the same process.
Sand-Faced Plaster Finish
The finish is achieved after applying two coats. The inner layer is done using a layer of mortar that is 12mm thick. The mortar has a cement to sand ratio of 1:4. The plaster has zig-zag lines and takes seven days to cure. The second layer has a thickness of 8mm, and the cement to sand ratio is 1:1.
The sand-faced finish is obtained by levelling the surface using a sponge. Fine sand with uniform grain size is applied on top of the second coat. It is by using a wooden float or skimming float.
Scrapped Plaster Finish
It’s achieved by applying a final coat that is 6-12 mm thick and allowing it to harden. Then scrap the plastered layered up to 3 mm using a plate scrap or steel blade. The final finish is less likely to form cracks.
Textured Plaster Finish
The finish is obtained by levelling the final coat using tools with different shapes and textures.
Conclusion
The most common mortar materials used in plastering are aggregate, cement, and lime, among others. However, certain unique materials are used to enhance various plaster’s abilities. It includes elasticity, sound-proof, and fire resistance.
You can also enhance the final look of the plastered surfaces using sand, pebbles, flints, or gravel. Alternatively, you can achieve a smooth or rough surface when you use tools of different textures.
Shepparton Plastering Service has experts with a broad experience in plastering. They will recommend the best plastering material. It will be based on the use of the premises and the final finish, thus achieving an elegant look. Contact them for a quote and suggestions. Call 0490 393 281 or email us at [email protected]