Plaster veneer is a method of finishing interior walls. The process of creating a veneer plaster finish begins with specially formulated gypsum boards, a thin coating of plaster can then be applied to the gypsum, resulting in a smooth, seamless finish. Tints can be mixed into the plaster prior to its application if some type of color is desired, though it is also possible to apply paint or wallpaper at any point after the material has dried.
Prior to the 1950s, the lath and plaster method was the most common technique used to create interior wall surfaces in the western world. This was a very labor intensive method that involved nailing horizontally orientated lathing strips to interior wall studs. About 13 millimeters (0.5 inches) of plaster was then applied to the lathing in two coats. The first coat of plaster would be pressed through the gaps in the lath material, and then the second coat could provide a smooth, durable surface. Drywall began to replace lath and plaster in the 1950s, though plaster veneer was also introduced as a combination method.
The first plaster veneer techniques were very similar to the old lath and plaster method. Instead of wood lath, thin strips of gypsum board were used to anchor the plaster in place. Later developments led to larger sheets of this gypsum board, which were essentially just drywall with a different exterior layer. These specially designed gypsum boards are coated in two paper layers, one of which absorbs moisture and another that resists it. This allows plaster to bond with the boards, while the internal gypsum core remains protected from moisture damage.
A veneer plaster finish offer two advantages over ordinary drywall — quality and convenience. Veneer plaster walls are much harder and a smooth finish ceiling than a regular drywall surface, making it less likely to get unsightly dents and scratches. The top surface of plaster veneer is continuous over the whole wall, so joints almost never show at all—and certainly never leap out at the eye the way drywall joints commonly do.
Veneer plaster’s continuous surface is also a better base for paint. On a drywall surface, paint can dry differently on the paper surface than on the joint compound base at drywall seams. Even the most skillfully made drywall joints may show up in certain lights. Veneer plaster is much less likely to display any sort of visible shading difference.
Painting veneer plaster is not required. Some people are happy with the plaster’s own natural off-white color, and consider the plaster’s smooth surface sufficient. It’s also possible to colorize the plaster coat itself, either by adding a high-quality paint to the plaster at the mixing stage, or by using proprietary coloring systems.
High strength
Impact resistant finish
Dries within 24 hours
Can be placed over concrete
Final surface can be your choice of smooth finish ceilings or textured
Less dust and particles in the air while working
Uniform, even and seamless
Gives home an upscale presence to it
The continuous surface is a better base for paint
Use to restore old homes, buildings and heritage sites
No sanding involved (no dust)
One day job generally
Removes swirls and circles on Stucco ceilings
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Drywall Contractor ~ Sudbury, Ontario
