Remodeling 101: Modern Plaster Walls

Are you gazing at walls in recent times? We're sure we have. This is because plaster, in its numerous forms, is making an impressive return. The interiors that are finished with plaster are luminous and have a depth that changes with lighting, quietly changing the appearance and feel of the house. And there's no paint required: Left in its raw state, plaster is an environmentally sound natural material--breathable and free of chemicals and VOCs.

It's true that plaster walls cost more than painted drywall. This is because they're more labor-intensive to put up (most require at minimum 3 coats). However, they're generally more durable and attractive. For interior projects, there are six main categories to think about, as illustrated by some of the top designs of the past few years.

Before you take the plaster plunge in your home, take a look at the specifications for your substrate. All plasters require bonding to the surface. This is different for each type and brand, as do the waterproofness and durability of the particular type of plaster. Troweling skills are essential, and patience is required: You must keep waiting for every layer of plaster to dry.

Clay Plaster

Made up of sand, clay, and other pigments, clay is considered to be healthy; it is often utilized by those who suffer from chemical sensitivities. It is available in powdered form with a variety of earthy hues and extremely matte, and often rough, surfaces. Although it is not recommended to use in damp areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, it has water-absorbing (and desorbing) capabilities which makes it a humidity regulating device elsewhere in the home. For application, mix it with water on site (achieving the perfect consistency requires some trial and error) and then apply it to a primed, sanded surface in layers of four or five.

Slaked Lime Plaster

This is what the plaster walls in your grandparents' home were constructed of. Beginning with wood lath, an impermeable "scratch coat" (plaster mixed with shrinkage-resisting aggregates like horse hair) was then applied. This was then followed by the "brown coat" (plaster mixed with sand) followed by an extremely fine coat of skim. It is made up of limestone that was exposed to extreme temperatures in order to get rid of any impurities. The hydrated, or slaked, lime plaster comes in an aged form which means that unlike other alternatives, you don't need to mix it by hand and are not restricted in time for applying it.

Pure white in its simplest form, it is now available in a wide range of shades. If left unpainted, similar to the clay, it soaks in moisture and then releases it. Unlike clay plaster, it can use in the kitchen as well as in baths (but it shouldn't be exposed to the water). If you want, an additional layer of bee's-wax or Marseilles soap may be added.