Types of Finishing Plasters

The primary distinguishing feature of finishing plasters is their composition. The following types of products are available on the market:

• Gypsum-based – The most commonly used type. They are popular among contractors due to their easy application and long working time, allowing for surface adjustments. They ensure a perfectly smooth finish for walls and ceilings.
• Cement and cement-lime – These have a coarser grain than gypsum plasters, making them harder to apply and less smooth. However, they are more resistant to moisture and mechanical damage.
• Lime and gypsum-lime – Intended for smoothing walls finished with lime or gypsum-lime plasters. Like gypsum plasters, they should not be used in humid environments.
• Polymer-based – Easier to apply and process than gypsum plasters, providing an exceptionally smooth surface. They can be used in rooms with higher humidity levels.

Gypsum Finishing Plasters

Its production begins with finely ground synthetic or natural gypsum.

• Natural gypsum is whiter and has a longer setting time.
• Synthetic gypsum is more resistant to mechanical damage.

Gypsum plasters should not be used in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, drying rooms, or cold storage facilities. Due to their moisture-absorbing properties, they may detach from the surface or crack over time.

Gypsum can cause corrosion when in contact with steel, so metal elements must be isolated to prevent rusting.

Gypsum plasters require sanding after drying, which is a dusty and inconvenient process. However, dust-free alternatives exist that require only precise one-coat application.

White gypsum plasters contain alabaster, giving them a bright white color, reducing the need for additional white paint.

Sold as a dry mix in bags, requiring mixing with water before use. Some products allow wet smoothing, eliminating sanding and reducing dust.

Lime Finishing Plasters

Lime-based plasters use lime as the binder and create a thin layer (≤5mm).

• Can be applied manually or mechanically.
• Highly breathable with excellent adhesion.
• Suitable for high-humidity areas.
• Recommended for lime, cement-lime, and concrete substrates (❌ Not for gypsum surfaces).
• Mold-resistant, ensuring a healthy indoor climate.

Should be smoothed while wet but can also be sanded.

Cement Finishing Plasters

Cement and cement-lime plasters use cement as the binder and are highly durable.

• Sold as dry mixes, requiring water for preparation.
• More durable but less smooth compared to gypsum plasters.
• Ideal for high-humidity environments.
• No sanding required, reducing dust during application.
• Available in white variants.
• Applied in two or three layers, depending on the substrate condition.
• Vapor-permeable, allowing walls to "breathe."
• Can be applied manually or with machines (thickness: 1-3 mm).

Polymer Finishing Plasters

Unlike gypsum and cement plasters, polymer-based plasters offer greater flexibility, making them ideal for:

• Difficult substrates (e.g., walls experiencing minor structural movement).
• High-humidity environments.

Available as dry mix or ready-to-use paste in plastic buckets.

Requires sanding, so dust generation is unavoidable.

Can be applied manually or mechanically (thickness: 1-3 mm).