Mix plaster thoroughly in preparation for wall application.
Until the advent of compressed gypsum panels, or drywall, builders constructed walls by smoothing plaster over a layer of thin wooden strips, known as laths. Because plastering walls by hand is labor intensive, not many builders use it anymore for basic interior walls. It still plays an important role, however, in creating decorative wall finishes, inside and out.
Uses
Drywall comes in large sheets, 4 feet wide and 8 feet or more in length. Used to construct smooth ceiling and wall surfaces, the contractor butts the panels tightly together and fills the seams with joint compound.
Plastering renders Tuscan-type swirls on interior or exterior walls or it can create a variety of stucco-like looks. For exterior use, the plaster must contain a cement base that will set up and withstand moisture.
Product Differences
Although both can create a flush wall, drywall goes on in pieces, and plaster is a semi-liquid that dries to make a very hard surface.
Gypsum is lightweight and slightly crumbly. An impact to a wall made from gypsum may cause a hole in the drywall that exposes the studs.
Since plaster installs over wood laths and forms a solid surface, it doesn't break as easily. However, when it does break or crack, it can be harder to repair.
Installation
To install plaster, first cut and nail thin wood laths to the studs, leaving a small space, of approximately 1/4 inch between laths. Mix the plaster according to the package directions and smooth it on the wall with a trowel. Take care to apply an even coat. Two or more coats of plaster are usually standard on an interior wall.
Insert drywall screws through drywall panels into the studs beneath to hold the panels securely. The edge of each panel must extend to the center of a stud, known as "breaking on center."
After the drywall panels are up, fill the joints with drywall compound and add a layer of drywall tape. Taping requires multiple, thin coats of compound.
Repairing the Wall
Repairing cracks and holes in drywall involves filling in the cracks with new compound or cutting out a damaged section and replacing it with a new panel. Drywall mesh tape helps secure the cracks or joints.
Repairing plaster requires a few more steps. For anything larger than a small crack, you'll have to chisel out the damaged plaster all the way down to the wood lath. After filling the hole with new plaster, available in a dry mix from lumberyards, you can add a layer of fiberglass mesh to reinforce the repair before covering the mesh with more plaster and smoothing it flush with the wall.
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