PLASTERING
Plastering or Stucco Application – Is There a Difference?
When we say plastering, people immediately think of the beautiful finish on the exterior walls. They call this finish stucco. But, for those who are not familiar with our industry, we are here to put an end to all the rumors and inform you that plaster and stucco are indeed two different finishes. You might have read similar articles, but we, at A&G Stucco LLC, wanted to outline it once again for everyone interested in our professional stucco repair and other services in Baton Rouge, LA.
The simplest explanation we came up with is that stucco is for the exterior and plaster is for the interior. You might now think the two are pretty much the same materials and we apply them the same way. Yes, we do apply plaster and stucco using the same methods and techniques, and that is because that is what works the best.
Stucco
Stucco is a Portland and lime-based product. For added support and strength, we will sometimes mix bits of fiberglass in with the mud. This material acts as another structural support to make sure any cracks stay away and no chunks will fall off. To add a texture, we use sand in specific quantities to make sure you enjoy every inch of your home’s exterior. Before we apply stucco, we use a layer of metal lath (a sort of thin wire), this helps hold the stucco to the wall by giving it something to cling to. We use this method mostly when we apply stucco on a smooth surface.
Plaster
Plaster is a gypsum-based product that looks great in your house or office. Even though it slightly softer than stucco, it will still hold up for many years on the walls. Instead of a metal lath, if we are doing patchwork, we will use a fine mesh to act as a backbone for the plaster. Like stucco, the mud sometimes needs something to cling to. Of course, you can purchase plaster premade from retail stores but it is like Grandma’s cookies; store-bought products are not good enough. A good fresh mixed mud will last much longer and is easier to work with than the canned products that will dry out and crack in a year or two.
Now, since you know the difference between plastering and stucco products, are you ready to get your next project started? If you think you have a job for our team in Baton Rouge, LA, please contact A&G Stucco LLC in advance at (225) 288-6733 to ask for a quote or advice. We will be happy to hear from you. To read more about our other services, including the stucco repair solutions we have for you, check out our other service pages.