Plastering for interior fitouts
Plaster is a construction material used to protect, coat and decorate internal walls and ceilings. It can also be used to create architectural mouldings such as ceiling roses, cornices and corbels. Common types of plaster are compositions of gypsum, lime or cement with water and sand. The plaster is generally manufactured as a dry powder and then worked to form a stiff paste by mixing in water before application.
‘Stucco’ is a term referring to plaster that is worked in some way to produce a textured rather than flat surface. Render is similar to plaster but used for the exterior of a building.
Plastering has been used by primitive civilisations, creating durable and weather-resistant structures using mud. The Egyptian pyramids contain plasterwork comparable to that used today. The plaster is still hard and durable some 4,000 years later. Greek artisans used plaster for their interior and exterior work and throughout history plaster became increasingly ornamental.
There are many types of plaster which are determined by the binder that is used.
- Gypsum or ‘Plaster of Paris’ is most commonly used for interior walls. When the heated gypsum powder is approximately 150 degrees Celsius, it is combined with water. It starts setting in ten minutes and is entirely set in seventy-two hours. Gypsum has excellent fire-resistant properties.
- Lime plaster is a composite of calcium hydroxide (lime) and sand or other inert fillers. It is usually used on older buildings and is more porous and flexible than gypsum or concrete plasters.
- Cement is a mixture of water, sand and cement and is traditionally applied to masonry, exteriors and interiors. It has higher resistance to moisture and will sometimes require a layer of gypsum to finish interior surfaces.
- Clay is judged to be a more sustainable alternative to contemporary plasters. It can be strengthened by fibres and presents in a range of natural colours, is breathable and no painting is required.
Plaster is classified by its application and has many techniques for utilisation. It is labour intensive and can be prone to cracking if not skilfully applied or if the building has experienced movement.
Transforming your space with opulent finishes
Venetian plaster has increasingly been used for high-end finishes in sophisticated residential and commercial areas. Earthy tones being the most popular create a soft aesthetic look. It is applied in thin translucent layers forming an iridescent finish, giving the appearance of depth and movement. White, beige, grey, brown, and black are the most typically chosen colours.
To determine the features of Venetian or lime plaster from other plasters means there are no aggregates blended in. Tadelakt and Marmorino, for example, include aggregates with marble, granite, or glass. They resemble the appearance of Venetian plaster, but these aggregates add thickness and an underlying subtle texture to the general impression.
The benefits of using plaster for your fitout in Sydney
Plasters use natural materials that will not compromise your health or the environment. These natural clays and lime have produced a wide range of products that are also revitalising older skills and techniques.
Clay plasters are porous, and their properties can regulate humidity. Allowing the building structure to breathe improves air quality and reduces the growth of mould. Examples of finishes include:
Marrakesh
A natural material designed to create a lime plaster finish for use over modern substrates. Experienced plasterers can create individual works of art on any walls of your space.
Marblestone
Natural lime plasters created in the ancient Egyptian times. They provide a striking, rugged effect and are non-toxic, breathable and anti-allergenic.
Mineral finishing plasters
These form an impression of concrete. Finishes will depend on the technique from highly burnished and polished through to satin sheen distressed concrete. Natural oxides can be added to complement your interior fitout style.
Velvetina
A strong finely grained plaster with a characteristically velvety appearance.
Otsumigaki
A natural material made from fine white clay, sand and lime. Influenced by traditional finishes in Japanese homes.
Venetian
Ideal for crafting polished cement or concrete render. A luminous, smooth glass finish with the illusion of depth and texture. Perfect for your café, restaurant and residential fitout.
Choosing Welkin Construction Group
Living or working within your beautifully finished walls will feel like being in a picturesque landscape. To achieve this WCG is committed to providing the skill and expertise to create stunning, bespoke interior surfaces that are durable, and pleasing to view and feel.
Regardless of your style of fitout, plaster will deliver a genuinely rich finish equally at home in an architecturally designed home or a lavish hotel.
Your plaster finish will not only be magnificent but low in maintenance when applied by our superb team of specialists as a result of our superior products and workmanship.
When you choose a beautiful plaster finish from WCG, you can be that you have natural and sustainable products for your commercial or residential fitout. Our flair and expertise make us the perfect choice to bring passion, innovation and style to your project.
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