Gypsum Plastering Services in Ernakulam - Viva Gypsum Plastering Company

 Everything You Need to Know About Gypsum Plaster


Plastering is an ancient and widely used finishing method. It is used to give the block or brick masonry of a wall an aesthetically attractive smooth surface. Plastering not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of a room but  also serves as a protective layer over bricks and stones, shielding them from rain and wind. Different types of plasters are employed in different works depending on desired finishes, components, popularity, and required proportions. Cement plaster, lime plaster, clay plaster, mud plaster, gypsum plaster, and other plasters are available on the market. Gypsum plaster has gained popularity in recent decades, and it has largely supplanted lime and cement plasters. 

Gypsum is a calcium sulfate dihydrate soft sulfate mineral (CaSO4:2H20). It can be found in nature in the form of  white rock. It's a common ingredient in fertilizers, molds, sculptures, and plaster.

The Origins of Gypsum Plaster

The invention of gypsum plaster is not new. Because of its outstanding characteristics, it has been used in construction for ages. The ancient Egyptians used it to plaster the Cheops Pyramid. The use of gypsum plaster as an inside plaster in Egypt's Giza pyramid demonstrates its longevity and performance.

According to R. Barry (author of The Construction of Buildings), the usage of gypsum plaster for both undercoat and finish plaster has expanded dramatically in recent decades, to the point where it has largely supplanted lime and cement.

What is Gypsum Plaster and How Does It Work?

Instead of Portland cement, gypsum is employed as a binding element in gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster is a white cementing substance manufactured from the mineral gypsum after it has been partially or completely dehydrated. When you mix dry gypsum powder with water, it hardens. This substance can be used to create a smooth surface over a block, brick, or concrete surface. It comes in a ready-to-use format and does not require sand. All that is required is the addition of water. It has outstanding acoustic and thermal properties, as well as leveled and finished walls.

Gypsum plaster creates a smooth interior finish and serves as an excellent foundation for high-quality paints and wallpapers. It can be used on both smooth and uneven wall surfaces. Unlike typical cement mortar, gypsum plaster is simple to apply and requires less specialized labor. To avoid cracks and peeling, the surface should be properly prepared and the gypsum plaster applied.

Gypsum Plaster Thickness

It can be applied in thicknesses ranging from 6 to 20mm. The undercoat of gypsum plaster is usually 11mm thick for walls and 8mm thick for ceilings, while the finish coat plaster is 2mm thick. To avoid cracks, a minimum thickness of 6mm gypsum plaster is advised. If a wall requires more than 20mm of plaster built up, a dash coat of cement sand plaster for a thickness of 8-12mm is put first, followed by gypsum plaster for the remaining thickness of not less than 6mm to provide a smooth finish.

Gypsum Plaster Technical Specification

  • White is the color of the finished surface.
  • Time to Set – 25-30 Minutes
  • Area of Coverage (12mm thickness) – 21ft2/bag
  • Size of the package — a 25 kg bag

Gypsum Plaster Types

Based on the amount of heat applied during the manufacturing process, there are two varieties of gypsum plasters.

  • Anhydrite gypsum plaster is made by heating gypsum to 1700 degrees Celsius.
  • Hemihydrate gypsum plaster is made by heating gypsum to above 1700 degrees Celsius.
Gypsum plasters are classified as follows, depending on the application:
  • Casting Gypsum Plaster
  • Undercoat Gypsum Plaster
  • Finish Gypsum Plaster
  • One Coat Gypsum Plaster
  • Machine applied Gypsum Plaster

Gypsum Plaster's Characteristics

  • Because it is light, its use for plastering does not add to the structural strain on the building.
  • Unlike cement plaster, gypsum plaster does not shrink throughout the drying and hardening process.
  • It has a lower risk of cracking.
  • Gypsum is a non-combustible mineral that includes a lot of crystal water. It works as a fire barrier and protects the blockwork, concrete, and steel in the case of a fire.
  • Metal fittings, such as pipes, are protected from rusting by gypsum plaster, which also boosts their endurance.
  • Because gypsum plaster has a low thermal conductivity, it saves energy and power.
  • The tensile and flexural strength of gypsum plaster is excellent.
  • After the plaster is fully set and the plaster backing and backdrops are dry, according to 'SP 62: S & T 1997' (Handbook on Building Construction Practices Excluding Electrical Work), gypsum plaster can be painted with any form of paint except cement paint.

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