There are a lot of benefits to having your walls and ceilings coated. It’s important to plaster the inside and outside to provide it the essential strength and stability. Plaster also serves as a protective covering for stones and bricks, extending their useful life.
Using high-quality plaster will guarantee that your walls are long-lasting, visually appealing, and well-protected. So, let’s take a look at why plastering is a good option.
There are a number of benefits to plastering a space. Strength and support can only be achieved with proper interior and exterior plastering. As an added bonus, plaster can be used to seal porous materials like stones and bricks, extending their useful life and making it easier to maintain indoor temperatures.
Plastered walls are more forgiving of uneven surfaces, and they can benefit further from the addition of creative treatments. Plaster reduces dust accumulation and production in a home, making it more hygienic.
The most common components of plaster are cement and gypsum.
When deciding which material is best for your house, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
The construction business can benefit greatly from a number of ongoing trends, technological advancements, and recent discoveries. It is the goal of each of these developments to cut down on construction time and boost output. While cement plastering has been around for a long time, gypsum plastering is an equally ancient technique.
The Egyptian pyramid at Giza was the first building to use gypsum plaster for its interior walls. Proof of the durability and effectiveness of gypsum plaster.
Gypsum building plasters are widely used in many nations, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the Soviet Union, for both general construction work and the manufacturing of specialised gypsum building products.
The masonry components (bricks and stones) and the reinforced concrete construction (RCC) walls and ceilings are protected by a layer of plaster like this, both inside and out.
Plastering the walls or ceiling is an effective way to level the surface, and textured or stucco plaster and finishes can be made using gypsum and cement.
Gypsum Plaster vs. Cement Plaster
Plaster’s contribution to the aesthetics and durability of walls is undeniable. The most often utilised plasters in construction are cement and gypsum variants.
Plastering is an age-old technique for protecting buildings from water damage and concealing unsightly studs. The presence of pests, for example, can be seen as an aesthetic benefit to the building because of the impact it has on the environment.
The three main ingredients in making plaster cement are Portland cement, sand, and water.
The ingredients for cement plaster can be scaled up or down depending on the task at hand. Both ready-to-mix and pre-measured volumes of cement plaster are available for purchase.
Walls, both inside and out, are finished with cement plaster.
Both the interior and external walls are finished with a cement plaster. In contrast, gypsum cement, also known to chemists as hydrous calcium sulphate, occurs naturally and is water-soluble, crystalline, and widely used in construction.
Chalky Plaster of Paris is made by removing water from gypsum using low-temperature heating. Gypsum plaster can be used to fix broken casts and bones. Gypsum plaster is widely used as a decorative and functional wall and ceiling covering.
Exactly what Advantages Does Plastering Provide?
There are a lot of benefits to having your walls and ceilings coated. It’s important to plaster the inside and outside to provide it the essential strength and stability. Plaster also serves as a protective covering for stones and bricks, extending their useful life.
Plastering a wall also serves to seal it off from the elements, preventing damage from rain, heat, and humidity. Plaster walls, if damaged, are also easier to repair.
Comparison of Cement Plaster with Gypsum Plaster
Composition
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Portland cement and sand create a homogeneous, water-based substance known as plaster.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster, a white cementing substance, is made by extracting water from the gypsum mineral. Gypsum, rather than Portland cement, is used as the binding agent.
Surface
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Cement plaster is not meant to be applied to smooth surfaces.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster can be used on rough and smooth surfaces alike.
Shrinkage
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. As a result of its low tensile hand fractural and strength, cement plaster may shrink.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Because of its great tensile and flexural strength, gypsum plaster is an excellent shrink-proofing material.
Cost
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Increases the project’s implementation time and cost. Gypsum is more costly, while cement plaster is far less expensive.
- It’s a plaster or gypsum construction. The same thickness of cement plaster is more expensive. Applying gypsum plaster is a time-consuming process, but it ends up saving money in the long run.
Curing
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Cement plaster requires two separate curing times, one just after the first.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster doesn’t need to dry in between applications.
Against Fungus
- Cement-based plaster is not a reliable defence against the growth of mould and mildew.
- Gypsum plaster can be utilised in humid climates and bug-infested locations without deteriorating.
Thickness
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. The bare minimum for cement plaster is 10 millimetres. Cement plasters come in a wide variety of thicknesses and are used to create a wide range of surface finishes, colours, and textures.
- The use of gypsum plaster. In most cases, the finish coat of gypsum plaster is 2 millimetres thick, while the undercoat is 11 millimetres thick on the walls and 8 millimetres thick on the ceilings.
Lightness
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Plaster made from cement is heavier than gypsum plaster, hence it should be avoided whenever possible.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Plaster made from gypsum, as opposed to cement plaster, is both lighter and less dense.
Wastages
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Plaster is often lost when working with cement.
- The use of gypsum plaster. However, gypsum plaster generates hardly any trash during construction.
Mixture
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Cement and sand can be mixed in a number of different proportions right where they’re needed. Since unskilled workers are usually used for this, exactitude and perfection are unrealistic goals.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Bags of pre-mixed, ready-to-use gypsum plaster are available for purchase. Minimal time, effort, and resources are wasted because all that is required is the addition of water.
Fire
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Although cement plaster is initially resistant to fire, it gradually becomes weak, cracks, and falls off the wall or becomes unattached.
- The use of gypsum plaster. The flammable blockwork, concrete, and steel are all protected by a gypsum plaster fire barrier.
Bonding
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. An unpolished surface is required for use.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster’s composition and structure allow it to be used on smooth and rough surfaces alike.
Workability
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Cement plaster applied over Gypsum Plaster gives it a more rustic look. On the other hand, Gypsum plaster’s smooth surface makes it suitable for painting.
Rust
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Rust cannot be stopped by using cement plaster.
- The use of gypsum plaster. The use of gypsum plaster can prevent rusting of metal electrical fittings, tubing, and other metals.
Setting Time
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. If you are using Portland cement for your plastering, wait at least 24 hours between layers when working inside. The final coat of plaster can be applied to the interior cement foundation after it has dried for 48 hours.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Gypsum plastering can have its drying time quantified. The time between coats is short.
Environment friendly
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. Cement plaster is not sustainable.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster, on the other hand, has a low impact on the ecosystem and can be recycled.
Finish
- Construction of a cement plaster wall. A POP punning performed after sand cement plaster application creates a flat, level surface. The predominance of grey in the room makes it feel cramped and claustrophobic.
- The use of gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster is applied to walls and ceilings to provide a consistent surface and to serve as a foundation for further decorating with paint or wallpaper. Due to the gypsum plaster’s dazzling white colour, the area appears larger and more attractive than it actually is.
Which Is Better for Plastering: Gypsum or Cement?
A Plaster of Cement
Mixing cement, sand, and water together yields cement plaster. The standard ratio for cement to sand is 1:4. Depending on the surface you’re applying the plaster to, the recommended thickness can be anywhere from 12 to 20 millilitres. Plasticizers added to the plaster mixture might make it impenetrable to insects.
Pros
One of the numerous benefits of cement plaster is that it may be used for both interior and exterior finishing.
Cement plaster is the finest option for outside walls because it is impervious to moisture and protects the wall from the effects of climate change and pollution.
Furthermore, due to its durability, cement plaster is the finest alternative for interior plastering. Cement is a great material for reinforcing the walls, which are made of hollow concrete blocks.
Cement plaster prevents electrical connections and wiring from breaking and serves as a sturdy base for drilling and holding components together.
- Cement plaster can be used on both the inside and outside of a structure.
- The cement plaster on a building’s exterior is the first line of defence against things like weather and pollution.
- When exposed to water, cement plaster does not deteriorate like gypsum plaster does.
Cons
Most cement plastering jobs result in a rough, uneven finish. Since this is the case, an additional process is required to ensure a seamless final product. POP is commonly used to finish the flat surface of plastered walls.
Cement plastered walls and ceilings require a week of curing time submerged in water. If this stage is skipped, the surface won’t get any stronger and may begin cracking.
As surfaces contract, fine fissures may form.
- The ultimate product of cement plaster is very rough and greyish in colour. So, POP punning (plaster of Paris punning) is used to smooth out the walls before painting. To get a flat and smooth surface on a wall, punning involves applying several thin coatings of plaster or cement.
- Cement plaster often leaves behind microscopic fractures on the surface it was applied to as a result of this shrinking.
- In order for the cement plaster to cure (a chemical process that results in strength), the surface must be wet for at least seven days. Walls that aren’t properly treated tend to develop cracks.
- The presence of mould and mildew poses a persistent risk to cement plaster.
Gypsum Plaster
It’s ready-made plaster that just has to be rehydrated with water before it can be applied. It comes in a powdery white colour and texture. Plastering wall and ceiling surfaces is done at varying thicknesses. The thickness of a typical wall may be around 11 mm, whereas a typical ceiling may be around 8 mm. Different varieties of gypsum plaster are obtained by heating the material to different temperatures.
Pros
Unlike cement plaster, gypsum plaster doesn’t require a smoothing process like punning in order to be finished. Because of this, both time and money are saved.
In contrast to cement plaster, gypsum plaster can be bought ready-made. So, it’s lot less of a hassle and simpler to make.
Gypsum plaster is a worry-free material to use because it does not shrink.
Getting gypsum from gypsum rock and then dehydrating it to get powdered gypsum plaster are the two steps involved in making gypsum plaster. The main advantage is that gypsum plaster may be reused and recycled.
It dries so quickly that painting can begin only 72 hours after plastering, saving a lot of time.
Gypsum plastering provides the additional benefit of lowering heat loss and gain, making a house more comfortable year-round.
With this material’s exceptional resistance to fire and mould, your walls and ceilings will be protected from these dangers for a very long time.
Walls and ceilings that have been plastered with gypsum are flat, smooth, and prepared for painting. In this way, the cost of POP punning on cement plastered surfaces is reduced.
The paste made from gypsum plaster is easier to deal with and prepare than cement plaster.
Gypsum plaster is resistant to the growth of mildew and mould.
The shrinkage of gypsum-based plaster is minimal.
Because of its versatility as a recyclable material, gypsum is a green option. The process of dewatering gypsum rock from the earth yields the fine powder that is used to make plaster of Paris. In order to create plaster of gypsum, it must be combined with water. This plaster can be reused after being reduced to a powder.
Gypsum plaster’s key advantage is how quickly it dries (often 24 hours or less). In any case, you shouldn’t paint over the treated area for at least three days.
Since it has a poor thermal conductivity, gypsum can be used to keep a house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
For its low cost, gypsum plaster has excellent fire resistance.
Cons
The main disadvantage of gypsum plastering is that it can only be applied on the inside of structures.
That rules out any potential applications in places like the bathroom, cellar, balcony, or pool area where there might be a lot of moisture present.
After gypsum plastering and priming, further caution should be exercised. When holes are drilled into gypsum plaster for electricals, wiring, wall hangings, etc., the plaster often cracks.
- The disadvantage of gypsum plaster is that it can only be used on the inside of a building, rather than the outside.
- Gypsum plaster is not recommended for use in moist areas including bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and basements.
- Gypsum plaster is far more aesthetically pleasing than cement plaster. It is recommended that gypsum plaster be used on interior walls and ceilings and cement plaster be used on external walls and ceilings.
Which One’s Better?
Cement plaster, on the other hand, is unrivalled as an exterior finish material. Interior plastering is typically done using gypsum plaster due to its fast drying period and ease of preparation.
The advantages of gypsum plaster extend beyond those already mentioned. It saves money and time compared to cement plaster because it doesn’t need to be cured in water. On a construction site, water may be too expensive or scarce to be used regularly.
Additionally, gypsum plaster dries quickly, allowing you to immediately begin painting or conducting other operations without having to wait. Gypsum plastered walls already have a nice finish, so there’s no need to spend extra time and money smoothing the surfaces.
Gypsum is inexpensive and widely used by construction industry professionals as an interior plastering material.
Plaster that is too grainy is the result of using too much sand in conjunction with the cement. Plaster can be made by mixing gypsum powder with water.
Gypsum plaster is another eco-friendly construction material since it can be reused and recycled.
Gypsum plaster can remain for years without cracking or shrinking, while cement plastered walls may show signs of damage after only a few months. It still isn’t any stronger than concrete, though.
When compared to other materials, gypsum plaster looks to be the best choice. Conversely, cement plaster outlasts other types of plaster by a significant margin.
Conclusion
Plastering your walls with high-quality material ensures they will survive, look great, and be protected from the elements. Plaster is made up mostly of cement and gypsum.
Therefore, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each material is vital when determining which is ideal for your home.
In addition, plastering is a time-honoured method of waterproofing structures and hiding unsightly studs. Plaster is a homogenous, water-based product that combines Portland cement and sand.
Gypsum cement is a naturally occuring, water-soluble, crystalline material frequently used in buildings.
Plaster made from gypsum, as opposed to cement, is easier on the back and the wallet.
Curing periods are needed for cement plaster, the second following immediately after the first.
Because gypsum doesn’t require drying time between coats, it can reduce maintenance costs. However, a cement plaster of the same thickness is more expensive.
Gypsum plaster can delay the rusting process when applied to metal, making it useful for protecting electrical fittings, tubing, and other metals. Cement plaster prevents damage to the wall from humidity and pollution.
Cement plaster is made from cement, sand, and water.
A week of cure time submerged in water is necessary for cement-plastered walls and ceilings. Failure to do so may result in the surface becoming weaker and eventually cracking.
Smoothing the walls using POP punning (plaster of Paris punning) is a prerequisite to painting.
Prepared gypsum paste requires less effort and time than cement plaster. Gypsum can insulate a home, making it more comfortable year-round. Gypsum plaster is far more appealing to the eye than cement plaster.
Compared to cement plaster, which must be cured in water before use, this alternative saves time and money.
The walls finished with gypsum plaster don’t need any additional smoothing because of the high quality of the finish itself.
Content Summary
- There are a lot of benefits to having your walls and ceilings coated.
- It’s important to plaster the inside and outside to give it the essential strength and stability.
- High-quality plaster guarantees that your walls are long-lasting, visually appealing, and well-protected.
- So, let’s consider why plastering is a good option.
- There are some benefits to plastering a space.
- The most common components of plaster are cement and gypsum.
- When deciding which material is best for your house, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
- Proof of the durability and effectiveness of gypsum plaster.
- Both the interior and external walls are finished with cement plaster.
- There are a lot of benefits to having your walls and ceilings coated.
- The same thickness of cement plaster is more expensive.
- Bags of pre-mixed, ready-to-use gypsum plaster are available for purchase.
- Construction of a cement plaster wall.
- The use of gypsum plaster.
- The use of gypsum plaster can prevent rusting of metal electrical fittings, tubing, and other metals.
- Mixing cement, sand, and water yields cement plaster.
- One of the numerous benefits of cement plaster is that it may be used for interior and exterior finishing.
- POP is commonly used to finish the flat surface of plastered walls.
- So, POP punning (plaster of Paris punning) is used to smooth out the walls before painting.
- Unlike cement plaster, gypsum plaster doesn’t require a smoothing process like punning to be finished.
- In contrast to cement plaster, gypsum plaster can be bought ready-made.
- With this material’s exceptional resistance to fire and mould, your walls and ceilings will be protected from these dangers for a very long time.
- Walls and ceilings plastered with gypsum are flat, smooth, and prepared for painting.
- The paste made from gypsum plaster is easier to deal with and prepare than cement plaster.
- To create a plaster of gypsum, it must be combined with water.
- Since it has poor thermal conductivity, gypsum can be used to keep a house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Of its low cost, gypsum plaster has excellent fire resistance.
- The main disadvantage of gypsum plastering is that it can only be applied on the inside of structures.
- After gypsum plastering and priming, further caution should be exercised.
- The disadvantage of gypsum plaster is that it can only be used on the inside of a building rather than the outside.
- Gypsum plaster is far more aesthetically pleasing than cement plaster.
- It is recommended that gypsum plaster be used on interior walls and ceilings and cement plaster be used on external walls and ceilings.
- Interior plastering is typically done using gypsum plaster due to its fast drying period and ease of preparation.
- Gypsum is inexpensive and widely used by construction professionals as an interior plastering material.
- Plaster can be made by mixing gypsum powder with water.
- Gypsum plaster is another eco-friendly construction material that can be reused and recycled.
- Compared to other materials, gypsum plaster is the best choice.
- Conversely, cement plaster outlasts other types of plaster by a significant margin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plaster
Is Gypsum Stronger Than Cement?
Gypsum plaster is also a green product as it can be recycled and reused. At times walls plastered with cement may develop cracks or shrinkage after a few months, but gypsum plaster remains fault-free for a longer time. However, it doesn’t mean it is stronger and more durable than cement.
What Are the Disadvantages of Gypsum Plastering?
- It doesn’t perform well against water. We cannot use gypsum plaster for outer walls.
- Costly. If you compare cement plaster to gypsum plaster, the latter is costlier for the same thickness level in most conditions.
- Low shelf life. Gypsum, as a material, comes with a limited shelf life.
Is Gypsum Plaster and White Cement Same?
Cement plaster can be used on exterior and interior surfaces. However, whereas gypsum plaster can only be used on the ceiling and interior walls, it cannot be used in wet areas like toilet baths, kitchen wash areas, balconies etc. At the same time, gypsum plaster gives a very smooth finish which makes it compatible with paints.
Can You Mix Cement and Gypsum?
Mixing Cement and Gypsum
You can use a pre-mixed product combining the cement ingredients with the right amount of gypsum. You can also mix them yourself. As soon as you add water to the mix, the hardening process begins.
Is Gypsum Plaster Durable?
It has been used for centuries in the construction field due to its excellent properties. For example, the ancient Egyptians used it to plaster the pyramid at Cheops. The usage of gypsum plaster as an internal plaster in the pyramid of Giza of Egypt is proof of its durability and performance.
