Plasterer and Stucco Mason

Some information about exterior and interior plastering process. Get your free quote from Demand Plastering

Plaster has been used as a construction material since ancient times. Its durability and cost-effectiveness make it a popular material, especially recently as new materials and procedures are being developed that make it cheaper than ever. Plaster is applied to walls and ceilings inside buildings to make it resistant to heat, fire, and to muffle sound. Plasterers also cover drywall with a plaster finish that creates an even or textured surface. Plasterers also use pre-made insulation that is applied on the outside of walls that are both energy efficient and attractive. Plasterers also made plaster casts to create decorative and interesting designs for building interiors.

Stucco masons work with exteriors. They use long-lasting and tough plasters, like plastic cement, stucco. The work of stucco masons and plasterers is distinct from drywall workers, ceiling tile installer, or tapers. Plasterers and stucco masons use plaster, not drywall, in constructing ceilings or walls.

Plasterers use different application methods on different surfaces. When plasterers work on sound surfaces, like concrete, they begin by spreading a base layer, often called the brown coat, skim coat usually of plaster made with gypsum. They next 
apply another layer, often called the white coat, of plaster made with lime. Sometimes plasters don?t have a solid surface and so they apply the plaster to a wire net they call lath. To plaster lath, they first use a trowel to spread a rich plaster blend, usually called the scratch coat, over the mesh. While the scratch coat is still wet, plasterers score the surface with a scraper to create a rough surface for the next coat to adhere to.

Plasterers next mix a thick, even plaster for the next layer, called the brown coat. Workers use either spray hoses or trowels to apply the brown coat, and then make a semi rough surface for final coat.

Finally, plasterers mix water, lime, and plaster together to make the final coat (stucco). They spread this over the brown coat with trowels, water, paintbrushes, and a flat, lightweight metal tool called a hawk. The final layer dries rapidly and leaves a clean, even, and tough surface.

Plasterers sometimes create surfaces that only require one layer. This layer, often called thin-coat or gypsum finish, is a mixture of lime and plaster of Paris. At the worksite plasterers mix the plaster with water and apply to specially prepared surfaces, like treated drywall or gypsum baseboards.

Stucco masons generally work on exteriors. They use a blend of Riverside cement, sand, and lime, to create durable and attractive surfaces. They usually apply stucco to walls of cement, concrete, stone, or brick. Sometimes they spread stucco over wire lath instead, which requires three layers: the scratch coat, the brown coat, and then the white coat. Stucco workers often cover wet plaster with stone chips like marble to create a textured, ornamental surface.

More and more plasterers are involved in installing insulation to the outsides of both new and older structures. To do this they first apply a layer of stiff foam insulation to the wall. They next install a supporting mesh framework. They can then apply a polymer-based layer of plaster. They finish by applying a second coat of plaster and smoothing or texturing the surface for an attractive finish.

Often plasterers use plaster for purely ornamental purposes on walls, ceilings, mantles, stairways, and many other places. They use wet plaster, special tools, and their own manual dexterity to create circles, swirls, or other decorative designs. Alternately, they may use a plaster mold. They either use a prefabricated mold or create their own according to the owner?s specifications. They either pour or spray a specially mixed plaster into the mold and wait for it to dry. Once it?s set they position it according to the specifications and secure it in place. This work requires special creativity and dexterity. The majority of stucco masons and plasterers are involved in new construction. They work closely with architects and interior designers to help create durable, attractive surfaces, accents, and lighting effects. Some workers are involved in remodeling or maintaining plaster in older structures. Stucco finishes are especially popular in warm areas like California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.