Get Plastered: The Return of the Textured Wall

Plaster provides luminosity and texture to walls, transforming the appearance of any home. While plaster may be more expensive than drywall (it requires at least three coats to install), it is also more durable, virtually maintenance-free and visually more pleasing. Plastering walls does require troweling skills and patience, as you will need to let each layer dry before applying the next. Additionally, modern plasters utilize environmentally sound materials that align with today's eco-conscious consumers.

The following are the five different kinds of wall plasters currently available on the market:

White Venetian — A choice with a "wow" factor. This natural-looking texture is known for its multi-tonal depth and ability to reflect light. It is composed of aged slake lime plaster, with marble dust added to produce a high sheen and polished look. The plaster is applied in translucent layers that impart a soft, iridescent glow in any room. For this reason, Venetian plaster pairs well with a minimalist aesthetic as it warms up any space. It is highly durable and very low maintenance.

Clay — A composite of nontoxic ingredients of clay, sand and pigments. It comes in a variety of earthy colors and dries to a rough matte finish. It's a good choice for people with chemical sensitivities. It can be customized in textures and shades to reflect your home's personality. Because clay plaster absorbs moisture, it would not be ideal for rooms with high humidity, such as the kitchen or bathrooms. The plaster is applied to a sanded, primed wall and can take up to four or five layers to complete. When complete, clay-plastered walls impart a calming effect that lasts for many years. 

Slaked lime — The plaster your great-grandparents might have used on their walls, starting with wood lath and ending with a fine skim coat. Today's plasters are made of limestone baked to high temperatures to release any impurities. Unlike other forms of plaster, slaked lime comes in a putty form, so it is easier to apply. Like clay, it absorbs moisture in the home; however, it can be appropriate for the kitchen or bathrooms. After it is applied, it goes through a curing process that leaves the wall looking and feeling like stone or marble.

Gypsum — A less expensive option compared to other plasters. Please note that this chalk-like material needs to be mixed with water and applied to a wall in under an hour. Happily, it does not require many coats and can be tinted to complement your decor. It can also be applied directly to brick, block and concrete surfaces and molded into different shapes, such as floor or wall trim. Gypsum is extremely durable. Considering that the internal gypsum walls of the Great Pyramid of Giza have endured for millennia, you can expect gypsum to stand up to daily use in your own home.

Tadelakt — A completely waterproof wall coating made from Moroccan lime mixed with black soap made from olives. It is one of the most suitable choices for baths, showers, sinks and tubs. As you might suspect, Tadelakt is made from naturally occurring materials that are free of toxic chemicals and solvents. Given its mold- and mildew-resistant properties, it is an excellent hypoallergenic choice safe for children and pets. Its glossy satin sheen and smooth stone-like surface have graced the walls of steam rooms since ancient times. It can be applied to walls and ceilings, creating a seamless, flowing visual line. Minimal maintenance is required to conserve the beauty of this durable surface.

Keep in mind that the technique of applying plaster is not the same as painting a wall. If you are doing it yourself, you will want to first practice using a trowel and the plaster material on drywall and then decide whether it is something you can do competently. If not, hire an experienced professional plasterer to do the job right. Contact us for more ideas on how we can help drive your decor up the wall with elegance and polish. This is a test.