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Posted: 24th June 2025 | Author: Jamie Brown | Category: Plastering
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Plaster is a fundamental material in both residential and commercial construction, widely used for coating walls and ceilings, creating smooth finishes and forming architectural details. Whether you're working on a large-scale building project or sourcing materials for home improvement, understanding what plaster is - and how it works - is essential.
In this article, we’ll explain what plaster is, explore the different types available and highlight their various applications. Whether you’re a contractor, tradesperson or a DIYer working on some home improvements, this guide will help you make informed decisions when shopping for your next plaster project.
Plastering is the process of applying a smooth or textured layer of plaster to walls, ceilings or other surfaces to create a durable, visually appealing finish. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes and is a key step in both new builds and renovation projects.
Effective plastering requires skill and precision, so many property owners prefer to get a tradesperson in to do the job when needed, especially for ceilings or other complex surfaces. However, DIYers can often plaster simple walls at home with a little care and research.
But what is plaster actually for? Well, its primary function is to create a smooth, even surface on walls and ceilings, ready for decoration such as painting or wallpapering. A professionally plastered surface should look clean and polished, making it easier to apply wallpaper and/or paint without lumps and bumps impacting the final product.
Plaster can also add to the overall structural integrity of a building by acting as a protective layer, shielding internal surfaces from wear, moisture and environmental damage. It helps to seal walls, reducing the risk of damp penetration and improving resistance to fire - especially when using gypsum-based products, which offer excellent fire-retardant properties.
On top of that, plaster also:
Whether you’re a tradesperson or a DIYer, getting the plastering stage right can have a big impact on the quality of the overall build, helping to reduce costs, limit the need for repairs and keep the people inside the building safer. A high quality plaster finish can add long-term value to any project.
You might think that all plaster is the same, but there are actually three different types of plaster commonly used in commercial and residential building projects. Though they have similar purposes, slight differences between the three can make all the difference to the end result - so choosing the right type matters.
Gypsum plaster, also known as plaster of Paris, is widely used for internal walls and ceilings. Made from calcium sulphate dihydrate, it is quick-drying, easy to apply and provides a smooth, paint-ready finish.
Unlike traditional sand and cement mixtures, gypsum plaster does not require water curing, making it a time-efficient option for both residential and commercial projects. It also offers excellent fire resistance and minimal shrinkage, reducing the risk of cracking.
However, gypsum plaster is not recommended for damp or high-moisture areas, as it is less water-resistant than other plaster types.
Lime plaster is made by mixing lime (usually in the form of slaked lime), sand and water. It has been used for centuries and is valued for its flexibility, breathability and natural resistance to mould and mildew, all of which helps to maintain the quality of the finish without falling victim to cracking or moisture damage. This makes it ideal for heritage buildings, conservation work or properties where moisture control is important.
Additionally, lime plaster is considered to be more environmentally friendly than other types of plaster due to its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps to offset the carbon cost of manufacturing it and make the overall project more sustainable. Plus, it’s highly durable and lasts for years, meaning it needs to be replaced less often.
Although it takes longer to dry and requires more skill to apply than gypsum or cement plaster, lime plaster’s eco-friendly nature and long-term durability make it a preferred choice for sustainable builds.
Cement plaster is a strong, durable mix of cement, sand and water, commonly used for exterior walls and areas exposed to moisture. It forms a hard, weather-resistant surface that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. As a result, it is often applied in bathrooms, basements and external facades.
Cement plaster also provides a solid base for paint or other decorative finishes. However, it requires curing with water for several days after application and can be prone to cracking if not properly applied or mixed.
In addition to the three types discussed above, you might also use skim - a thin, smooth layer of finishing plaster (typically gypsum) applied over either existing plaster or plasterboard to create a flawless, paint-ready finish.
Plasterboard - also known as drywall, wallboard or gypsum board - is a pre-manufactured building material that consists of a core of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of durable paper or fiberglass. This forms rigid, lightweight sheets that are easy to cut, handle and install. Plasterboard is a fast, cost-effective alternative to traditional wet plastering, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial construction projects.
Like traditional plaster, plasterboard serves several functions from insulation and fire protection to wiring concealment and the creation of a smooth flat surface ready for paint or wallpaper. Variants include moisture-resistant boards for bathrooms and kitchens, fire-rated boards for enhanced safety, insulated boards for boosted thermal efficiency and acoustic plasterboard designed to reduce sound transmission.
Plasterboard is easy to install and requires much less drying time compared to traditional plaster, making it a popular choice in modern construction. It’s widely used by contractors, builders and DIYers alike for efficient, high-quality interior finishes.
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The Author: Jamie Brown
From my early working life as a labourer, then becoming a builder and a property developer, I have been buying and using building materials for over 25 years. I set about to start a builders merchant which can offer high-quality products and significant savings along with speedy delivery to keep your sites moving. Still having a foot in the construction industry on my own property, I always make sure the products we sell are up to our high standards which is important for us to keep a great image for the company and superior reputation to supply quality!
