A perfect blend for a perfect home

by Pooja Late so cut

Original plaster contributes immeasurably to the qualities of an old building. Unlike modern cement-based products and gypsum plasters, which are hard, inflexible and non-breathable, traditional lime and clay formulas have a soft, characterful appearance, offer a degree of flexibility, and are breathable.

The breathability of wall and ceiling finishes is a very important issue in period homes. Old brick, stone and ancient wattle and daub walls rely on moisture being able to evaporate through them. This helps to prevent damp and condensation.

How Traditional Plaster is Made

Old plasters are generally made with lime and sand, with animal hair added as a binder to provide extra strength and reduce shrinking and cracking. Sometimes in high-status work it is gauged with gypsum. Plaster may also be clay based, with animal dung and a lime binder.

Traditional plasters are applied directly to solid backings, such as masonry or cob (unfired earth), or flexible supports, including timber laths or reed. The aggregates found in old finishes vary according to the materials that were available locally. There might be a high proportion of very coarse or very fine particles, the use of which would not comply with modern standards for sands and aggregates. Most aggregates are ‘as raised’ (i.e. dug out of the ground on or near the site). They include silica sand, other mineral-based sands and crushed stone.

When to Replaster Walls and Ceilings

Plasterwork should last indefinitely, but when deterioration does occur, it can take various forms:

· cracking

· loose plaster or delaminating coats

· staining

· crumbling or flaking

· mechanical damage and missing areas

Deterioration often looks worse than it is and repair rather than replacement is often possible.

Any replacement, where justified, should normally comprise the same material and number of coats. Adequate hair or other reinforcement is crucial on flexible backgrounds.

Always try to avoid the use of plasterboard. Unlike traditional plaster finishes, it is flat and can look out of place in a period building. This is especially true with old ceilings.

Generally, ceilings are relatively easy to replaster. Where necessary laths can be replaced – these are best fixed with screws to avoid vibrations. Lime plaster is then applied over them and matched in with the surrounding surface.

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Author’s Bio

Joyce Lamb in this post gave an insightful view on gypsum plaster. She enlightens her audience on how traditional gypsum plaster is made and when it is necessary to give your home the needed touch.