Apart from the roof, nothing safeguards your home better than its walls. In ancient times, when caves weren’t readily available, early humans devised ingenious methods to shield themselves from the elements. They draped hides over frameworks or stacked rocks to ward off wind and sleet. On the plains, buffalo hides served a similar purpose. In other regions, lime paste, and sand were used to fill gaps in rock walls.
As time passed, people began decorating the interiors of their dwellings with pictures and storyboards. These artistic creations highlighted tales of bravery or sought to capture the essence of animals in their drawings. Walls became more than protective barriers; they transformed into canvases for artists. Even plastered walls became drawing boards adorned with beautiful artwork and mosaics made from coloured rocks.
Plastered walls gained popularity in Europe after the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666. To prevent a similar catastrophe, the King of France mandated that all wooden walls be plastered as firebreaks. This decision resulted in a massive demand for plaster, leading to the term “Plaster of Paris.” Until the advent of Portland cement, Plaster of Paris remained a staple in the plastering industry and continues to be used today for ornamental work.
During the 1800s and well beyond the Second World War, plastered walls became the standard for interior construction. To anchor the plaster, horizontal strips of wood called “laths” were nailed across the studs at regular intervals. The initial layer consisted of a sandy plaster mix that would be pressed onto the surface, with the plaster protruding through the narrow gaps between the slats, creating “handles” or “keys.” A second layer, known as a “brown coat,” would be applied over the base layer, followed by a fine, white plaster for a smooth finish. Reinforcing fibres such as horsehair were often added for added strength.
Plastering a typical two-story home would take around two weeks for a skilled crew, followed by a curing period before the walls could be painted. There needs to be more drying time to prevent oil-based paints from peeling. If wallpapering were preferred, the wall would be painted with enamel to provide a suitable surface for the glue.
The Rise of Gypsum Board and the Decline of Plastering
During World War II, the urgent need for quick housing solutions for factory workers and military personnel led to the emergence of gypsum board. This old technology was previously overlooked by the building profession. Commonly known as “sheetrock,” this panel comprised two heavy paper sheets enclosing a gypsum paste, rolled into four-foot by eight-foot sheets. Although not as sturdy as plastered walls, sheetrock installation was significantly faster. In fact, an entire house could have paint-ready walls in just four days, compared to a month with traditional plaster. After the war, gypsum board walls became the norm in the building industry, and the art of plastering began to fade away.
Veneer Plastering: Adding a Modern Touch to an Age-Old Craft
While plastering may have dwindled in popularity, it never completely vanished. Instead, it evolved into something more creative and versatile. For instance, crown mouldings, rounded archways, cornices, and ceilings still require the expertise of a skilled plasterer. But there’s a new twist in the world of plastering called veneer plaster, which combines gypsum board with the art of plastering.
The main difference between drywall and the plasterer’s board lies in the special coating on the latter, allowing the plaster to bond seamlessly. This “blue board” is installed just like drywall, with the joints filled and taped. However, here’s where the similarities end. Instead of simply finishing off the seams and joints, the entire surface is coated with two one-eighth inch layers of plaster. This technique can also be applied to regular drywall, but it requires a special coating as a first step.
Veneer plastering offers walls of exceptional quality, free from blemishes or marks. It’s also much more durable than gypsum, providing resistance against dents and scrapes. Moreover, paint dries evenly on plaster, unlike on drywall, which can sometimes result in uneven textures. Interestingly, veneer plaster doesn’t necessarily require painting. Some people prefer to add a pigment to the plaster itself, giving the wall a splash of colour, while others are content with the clean and classic white look.
No Mess, No Fuss
One of the important advantages of veneer plastering is the streamlined process it offers. Once the taping is complete, the entire plastering can be done in just one day, and in many cases, only a single layer is needed. Unlike drywalling, there’s no need for sanding the plaster after it’s applied to the wall. This means no messy residue or airborne particles getting into everything. Drywalling, on the other hand, typically requires at least two rounds of sanding, which can be quite a hassle.
Cost Considerations
It’s worth noting that veneer plastering does come at a slightly higher price compared to regular sheetrock. The cost increase ranges from about 20% to 30%, depending on the number of plaster coats involved. However, in areas where competition is more intense, the costs can be almost on par with drywalling, as more contractors adopt the practice of veneer plastering.
In summary, veneer plastering breathes new life into the traditional art of plastering. It provides exceptional walls with a flawless finish, durability against everyday wear and tear, and a paint-friendly surface. With its efficient one-day process and the absence of messy sanding, veneer plastering offers a convenient and attractive option for those seeking high-quality wall solutions.
