Chapter-3

PLASTERING
 Plastering
Plastering is an art of covering
rough walls and uneven surfaces
in the construction of houses and
other structures with a plastic
composition, called plaster.
 Objectives of Plastering
The principal objectives of plastering are:
1.To provide a true, even, smooth and finished
surface to the work and improve the appearance.
2. To protect the surface from atmospheric
influences.
3. To cover defective workmanship.
4.To provide a covering for the unsound and porous
materials.
Requirements of a good plaster

It should provide a smooth, non absorbant and

washable surface.
It should not shrink while drying which results
in cracking of the surface.
It should adhere firmly to the surface and resist
the effects of atmospheric agencies.
It should provide the surface a decorative
appearance and should durable.
 Procedure of plastering

Preparation of surface
The surface and joints of the masonary should be well cleaned
with wire brush and make them free from oil,grease etc.

Holes & hollows should be properly filled & any projections

beyond 1½ cm of general surface of wall are knocked off to
uniform the surface of wall.
Ground work for plaster:

Screed is a flat board, or a purpose-made aluminium

tool used to smooth concrete after it has been placed
on a surface & is used to assist in leveling the
application of plaster.

The screeds are usually 15 cm in width and extend

from the top of the wall to the bottom.

The screed form the ground work for the application

of plaster.

(PLAY VIDEO 3.1)

Application of plaster coats:

The cement plaster may be applied either in one coat or two coats.

The first or rough coat of plaster usually comprises of 1 part of

Portland cement and 3 or 4 parts of sand by volume.

Traditional plastering consists of three separate coats of plaster. The

first two, called the brown and scratch coats, are coarse, often
with sand, horsehair, and other binders added to the mix.

The third or finish coat is a smoother blend, made of water and

finely ground lime and plaster.
 Stucco Plastering
Stucco plaster is mixture of lime, white stone, gypsum and
oxides for colouring.

The first coat is very coarse; the second is finer and forms a
smooth even surface,while the final is the finishing coat.

The usual proportions in the first two coats are:

Cement 1 part, sand 3 parts, hydrated lime 10 per cent and
in the final coat, cement 1 part, sand 2 parts, coloured
cement 1 part or any metallic oxide for colour.
 POINTING
Pointing is the process of finishing the mortar joints of the walls
or similar structure with either cement mortar or lime mortar
in order to protect the joints from atmospheric agencies and
also to improve the appearance of the structure.
Pointing is restored to:
Where a uniform and smooth surface is not required.
Where the exhibition of the natural beauty of the materials such as
stone blocks, bricks etc., used in construction is to be made.

Where the materials used in construction can withstand effects of

weather.

Where the workmanship is quite good.

 Procedure of Pointing
Prior to pointing, all the mortar joints on the face are raked out by a
special pointing tool to a depth of about 1¾ cm to provide an adequate
key for the fresh mortar used for pointing.

All the loose mortar and dust are then brushed out of joints and the wall
surface is well washed, wetted with clean water and kept wet for a few
hours.

The joints after being prepared are filled with lime or cement mortar with a
small trowel.The mortar is well pressed into the joints to ensure a solid
contact with the internal old.
 Forms of Pointing
Struck joint pointing: The upper portion is inside the face of masonry by
12 mm while the bottom portion of the pointing is flush with masonry.

Tuck pointing:-
The joint, after having been raked, is filled with
cement mortar.
A groove 6 mm wide and 3 mm deep is formed
along the centre of the joint while the previously
applied cement mortar is soft.
The pointing gives a pleasing appearance

(PLAY VIDEO 3.2)

Recessed joint pointing:-
Mortar is pressed behind the walls.
It is used for high class masonry work.

Flush pointing:-
It is suitable for brick as well as stone masonry. The
raked portion of the joint is filled with mortar and
surface made flush to the masonry for trowelling.
V- groove jointing:-
It derives its name for its shape.
It is suitable for rubble and ashlar masonry work.
Keyed joint pointing:
After filling the joint with mortar a semi-circle is
formed inside the pointing by some tool.
The pointing gives an elegant appearance.
Weathered joint pointing:-
As the name suggests, this type of joint
gives
adequate protection against weathering.
However, it requires comparatively large
quantity of water.
MUD PLASTER: Earthen plaster or mud plaster
is the plaster made from mud, clay, fibres and
fine aggregate.It provides structural and
insulating properties to the wall.
• Gives authentic and traditional look to
a
• wall.
• Prevents water penetration.
Can develop cracks when exposed to
• high tempratures.
Keeps the interior temperature cool.
LIME PLASTER: Composed of sand,water
and lime usually non hydraulic lime(slaked
lime,or calcium lime)Earlier horse hair was
added to this plaster for reinforcement and
binding.
• Very durable and hard, walls out of lime
plaster can last for thousand years.
• Not affected by water and will not
dissolve like gypsum plaster or drywall.
• It sets slowly and extremely caustic while
wet.
• Takes time and is costly to work upon.
• Requires skilled workers to work
upon.
EXTERIOR WALL CLADDING WITH CEMENT
SHEETS (SHERA WOOD)

Looks like wood, work like cement

The End