White Set Plaster Finish Service
A smooth non-abrasive finish for interior walls
If you are looking for a durable, hard and almost mirror-like finish to your walls, white set plaster is the way to go. RPV Construct’s certified, experienced tradesmen offer white set plaster services for finishes beyond compare.
White set plaster use cases
The lime plaster layer (also known as ‘lime set’) is usually applied on the cement-rendered wall and is finished off with a coat of sealer. The lime plaster is often made of sand, water and hydrated lime.
White plaster is also known as ‘burnished plaster’ as traditional tools are used to achieve the polished surface. The sheen achieved can be glassy, satin-ey or metallic depending on the type of additives used, as well as the finish.
After application, white set plaster takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to dry (to touch). However, it can take anywhere between four to seven days of proper curing to dry out fully before painting and drilling work can begin.
As this finish is sturdier than plasterboard, it is typically used in upmarket residential, commercial and retail buildings.
Pros and cons of white set plaster
The earliest use of lime plaster dates back to 7200 BC, in the Ain Ghazal statues found in Jordan. The fact that these statues have remained intact for so long is testimony to the durability of lime plaster.
While it is not as hard as a cement plaster, white set renders are less brittle and less prone to cracking. They are less affected by water and were originally invented for warm, humid climates.
As beautiful and classy as the white polished plaster finish is, it is also fairly low-maintenance. The surface is breathable, allowing for the diffusion and evaporation of moisture (it can be made completely impermeable by mixing pozzolanic substances).
If you like white walls, these surfaces will never need painting. The colour and sheen are a part of the plaster itself and they won’t fade, peel off or crack. The elevated pH level of lime also acts as a natural fungicide, preventing moulds from growing in lime plaster.
On the flipside, white set plaster sets slowly and is quite caustic when wet. Plasterers must take precautions to avoid chemical burns; we uphold the highest safety standards to ensure that your living and work spaces are safe both during a project, and after completion.
Painting over plastered walls usually takes two coats of paint to achieve the desired look. Carrying out repairs on white plaster is expensive, requiring the removal of large portions of material from the wall. White set plaster is also not ideal for exterior walls.
Choosing a professional white set plastering service
A well-executed white set plaster finish requires a professional who is skilled at both bricklaying and plastering. The result of a durable and smooth surface only emerges if all the steps are done correctly, including but not limited to:
- Wetting the wall adequately using a sponge or hose.
- Mixing the white set thoroughly enough for it to reach a creamy, uniform consistency.
- Applying a primary or base coat that is very thin, no thicker than a scratch.
- Preventing the primary coat from drying out too much before applying the second coat. The base coat should still be slightly damp upon applying the second coat.
- Follow the same principle to properly time additional coats to ensure that the final finish is flat and smooth.
- Allowing five to seven days for the surfaces to cure before further operations.
If any of these steps are executed poorly or at the wrong time, the job is likely to fail or result in finishes that deteriorate quickly.