Plaster is a more traditional material that is commonly used in older homes. It is a mixture of lime, sand, and water applied to walls and ceilings in a wet state. It dries to a hard, smooth surface.
Stucco is a more modern material made from Portland cement, sand, and water. It is applied to walls and ceilings in a wet state and dries to a hard, smooth surface.
Plaster is made from a combination of water, lime, and sand. On the other hand, stucco is made from Portland cement, sand, water, and sometimes lime. The main difference between the two is that plaster dries to a hard, smooth surface, while stucco dries to a more porous, textured surface.
Plaster: Lime or Gypsum
There are two different types of plaster: lime plaster and gypsum plaster. Lime plaster is made with lime as the binder, while gypsum plaster is made with gypsum as the binder.
Lime is a type of plaster that was used before the early 1900s. It was made by mixing water and lime and waiting for the lime to slake before adding it to the sand. Lime plaster takes a long time to cure.
Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is widely mined and used as a fertilizer and as the main constituent in many plasters, blackboard chalk, and wallboard forms. Gypsum forms crystalline hydrates that are very soft minerals composed of calcium sulfate.
Gypsum plasters are best used for indoor projects because they are not as durable as other exterior plasters. Gypsum plasters can be damaged easily by exposure to water, so it is important to keep them out of the elements. Lime plasters are great for outdoor use and can last long with the right additives.
The building industry has started to use gypsum more often than plaster. Gypsum is seen as a better material than plaster by many. I, however, prefer plaster to gypsum.
Stucco or Render
Stucco is an exterior coating that is made from lime plaster. It is a popular choice for exterior walls because it is durable and has a textured finish.
Stucco is a plaster made up of slaked lime, sand, water, and other additives. The additives help the stucco withstand the elements.
In 1824, a new type of cement, Portland cement, was invented. This new cement was stronger and more durable than the previous stucco types and changed how stucco was used in buildings.
Portland cement-based stuccos are very strong, but they are also very brittle. This means that they are not very repairable if they are damaged.
Portland cement is a very strong and durable material. However, it is very different from many materials used in older buildings. If Portland cement is used where lime plasters, stuccos, or mortars should be, it can cause serious damage to the historic building.
Lime is a unique material in that it can be renewed over time. However, Mother Nature slowly wears away at the softer lime coverings, making it a unique material.
Which Should You Choose?
There are many factors to consider when choosing between plaster and stucco for your home. Both have pros and cons, so it depends on your specific needs and preferences. Stucco may be the better option if you need a durable, long-lasting material. However, plaster may be the way to go if you’re looking for a more traditional look. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.
One Stop Plastering offers the best Bay area plastering and stucco services for residential and commercial clients. We offer interior and exterior plaster and stucco, window replacement and patching, Venetian plastering, concrete plaster wall installation, scaffolding installation, and waterproofing and leak detection. If you need plaster and stucco in the Bay area, call us today at 415-464-9400 for a free bid!
