Special Plastering Materials for Different Purposes Used in Building Construction

Different types of special plastering materials are used in building construction for various purposes to provide aesthetic appearances to walls, columns and ceilings.
Plastering is the formation of smooth / rough durable surface over the rough surfaces of walls, columns, ceilings etc. The layer or coat is termed as Plaster. Plastering protects the structure from weathering actions, dust, vermin etc. it also gives beautiful appearance to the structure.
Special Plastering Materials for Different Purposes Used in Building Construction
Apart from the common mortar materials like cement, aggregate, lime etc. some special materials are available for plastering in building construction works. These special plastering materials enhance several properties of plaster such as, durability, fire resistance, weather resistance, sound proof etc.
Table of Contents

Special Plastering Materials for Different Purposes Used in Building Construction

Special plastering materials used in building works are:
  1. Asbestos marble plaster
  2. Acoustic plaster
  3. Granite silicon plaster
  4. Gypsum plaster
  5. Martin’s cement plaster
  6. Barium cement plaster
  7. Kenee’s plaster
  8. Scagliola plaster
  9. Snow Crete and colourcrete cement plaster
  10. Sirapite plaster
  11. Parian cement plaster
  12. Thistle hard wall plaster

1. Asbestos Marble Plaster

Asbestos marble plaster provides marble like finish to the plastered surface. It is obtained by adding asbestos, finely powdered marbles to the cement.

2. Acoustic Plaster

Acoustics plaster is obtained by adding gypsum to the cement mortar. This is applied in two coats with 6mm thickness of each coat. Gypsum undergoes chemical reaction and form bubbles in the plaster which absorbs sound. Thus, it is called as acoustics plaster. Acoustic plastering material is generally used in cinema halls, auditoriums etc.

3. Granite Silicon Plaster

Granite silicon plastering material is made from granite and silicon mix which has high elastic properties. This plaster does not crack due to the action of weathering. It sets quickly and used for superior works.

4. Gypsum Plaster

When the gypsum is heated at 160 to 170oC, plaster of Paris is obtained which hardens quickly when water is added. Generally, Plaster of Paris with lime combination is used for plastering or repair works. It has many advantages like fire resistance, sound proof, light weight etc.

5. Barium Cement Plaster

Barium cement plaster is obtained by adding barium sulphate to the cement and sand mix. It is used for X-ray room finishing. It absorbs radiations from X-ray machines without effecting the people.

6. Keene’s Cement Plaster

Plaster of Paris is calcined with alum to get Keene’s cement plaster. It is white in color and takes few days to set. It provides glass like finish to the surface.

7. Scagliola Plaster

When Kenee’s cement and color pigments are dissolved in glue, the obtained plastering material is called as Scagliola plaster. It produces marble like finishing. This plastering material is used for column finishes, panel finishes etc.

8. Martin’s Cement Plaster

When Plaster of Paris and pearl ash are calcined together Martin’s cement plaster is obtained. It also sets quickly and gives white hard finish after drying.

9. Snow Crete and Colourcrete Cement Plaster

Snow Crete means white colored plaster and colourcrete implies colored cement plaster. These special plastering materials are made by adding different color pigments with cement. These are used for exterior surfaces.

10. Sirapite Plaster

Plaster of Paris is slaked with petroleum to get sirapite plaster. It provides white surface finish after hardening. It also sets quickly and has good resistance against fire.

11. Parian Cement Plaster

When Borax is calcined with plaster of Paris Parian cement plaster is obtained. It is similar to Kenee’s cement plaster but it is cheaper than that.

12. Thistle Hardwall Plaster

Thistle is nothing but high-grade gypsum. It is quick setting and sound proof. It provides good finishing to the surface and generally preferred for interior works.