Gypsum plaster is highly recommended for residential ceilings due to its smooth finish, easy application, and quick drying time. It's ideal for creating a clean, paint-ready surface that can easily be updated or modified. Gypsum is also lightweight, reducing stress on the building's structure.
Gypsum Plaster
Dry gypsum powder is mixed with water to form a slurry which can be applied to walls and ceilings using a trowel. Gypsum dries relatively faster – in approximately 72 hours. Gypsum is fire resistant and a thermal insulator. Gypsum plaster also is resistant to shrinkage facilitating crack-free surfaces.
Gypsum plaster is versatile and commonly used for patching interior walls and ceilings. It is ideal for filling small to medium-sized holes and cracks.
Plaster ceilings are made from plasterboard or also know as gypsum board. The plasterboard is a very versatile product and is not just meant for the ceiling but also for partition wall. The board is very flexible and easy to cut to shape product which is why many manufacturers produce it has a constant shape.
Knauf Easy Plaster is a ready-mixed lightweight patching plaster specially designed for small to large repairs to cracks in walls and ceilings. It will not shrink or crack and is ideal for filling holes up to 40mm deep with a two-coat application.
Historic Ceiling Types
Solid plaster may be composed of either lime plaster (calcium hydroxide from calcined limestone mixed with sand and other additives), or gypsum plaster (calcium sulphate) and often reinforced with animal hair.
Today most projects will be finished with drywall and then 'skimmed' with a thin layer of plaster to create a totally smooth surface. You can plaster a ceiling in the traditional way or you can short-cut it by applying plaster to existing drywall (as above).
Plastering Ceiling Materials
Plasterboards, which are formed of gypsum or casting powder combined with fibres that keep the material together, are used to create a plaster ceiling. Typically, these planks are attached to a wood or aluminium frame. They can take on diverse forms and even bend in certain places.
Although you can drywall over plaster, you will slightly increase the wall thickness by doing so.
Small cracks in ceiling plaster are normal and as we've just pointed out, can happen when there's even a slight amount of natural building movement. Sometimes they're caused by cracks in ceiling paint after years of build up. You'll also find them on walls and floors. They usually aren't a problem.
The most common types of plaster mainly contain either gypsum, lime, or cement, but all work in a similar way. The plaster is manufactured as a dry powder and is mixed with water to form a stiff but workable paste immediately before it is applied to the surface.
Ready mixed plaster is plaster that does not required to addition of water to use. The plaster can be used directly out of the tub or tube. Our range of ready mixed plasters can be used on rough, smooth or tiled surfaces.
Gypsum plaster, primarily composed of calcium sulphate, is favoured for its easy application and smooth finish. Its versatility and affordability are a popular choice for interior ceilings.
Gypsum plaster, known for its smooth finish and ease of application, is ideal for wall surfaces. What is the recommended plaster for interior walls? The recommended plaster for interior walls is typically gypsum-based due to its versatility and ease of use.
Plastering over old plaster can be a simple process, but it is important to prepare the surface properly to ensure a successful outcome. Before beginning the plastering process, it is essential to consider the length of time the old plaster has been in place. The longer it has been there, the more porous it will be.
"I would always suggest using two coats as this gives the best finish. I wouldn't be happy leaving a job having only done a single coat of plaster."
Costly: Plaster is more expensive to apply and maintain. Time-consuming: The application time of plaster is longer. Complicated application process: Plaster requires extra effort and expertise to work with. More likely to crack: Plaster cracks faster than drywall after settling due to its brittle nature.
Gypsum plaster is highly recommended for residential ceilings due to its smooth finish, easy application, and quick drying time. It's ideal for creating a clean, paint-ready surface that can easily be updated or modified. Gypsum is also lightweight, reducing stress on the building's structure.
It's a flat, finished surface, usually 8-10 feet off the ground. Most commonly, they are constructed of either drywall or plaster. It's the kind of ceiling most of us have in our homes. The finish may vary, but the design and materials are usually the same.
Aside from aesthetic and easy installation, plaster ceilings serve many advantages and are very versatile in their performance. Some benefits are soundproofing, concealment, reduced high ceiling looks, provide warmth and are durable in terms of quality. The benefits can elevate any room!
Drywall ceilings
Drywall finishes on ceilings are a common alternative to plaster ceilings because they are smooth, can easily be painted, and are typically less expensive.
The recommended thickness for concrete wall plastering is between 6 mm and 12 mm. Ceilings are generally plastered with a 6 mm thick layer. Gypsum plaster undercoat thickness is typically 11 mm for walls and 8 mm for ceilings. Standard plasterboard thicknesses for ceilings range between 9.5 mm and 12.5 mm.
Can I paint straight onto new plaster? If you paint straight onto new plaster without a mist coat, the plaster will soak up the majority of the paint and you'll need to apply a lot more coats.