History of Plastering

The term of plastering refers to using plaster for ornamentation or construction purposes, like simply layering walls with plaster or putting decorative plaster mouldings on walls or ceilings.

Also known as pargeting, plaster work is one of the building handicrafts which have been known since ancient times. A need to plaster probably arose so that holes or gaps in a structure could be filled. Historical evidence proved that primitive men constructed dwellings by simply plastering mud over a framework of sticks and brushwood. Initially, it was mud, slime and moss that were combined and used as plastering materials. As man evolved, so did his way of doing things.

Egyptian pyramids also suggest extensive use of plasterwork. Egyptians are responsible for inventing refined plaster material and tools used in plastering. Early Egyptian plastering material was made up of calcined gypsum which is known today as plaster of Paris. Material they used hardened the structure of the construction, which is evident from the pyramids which have now survived for many thousands of years.

Early Greek architecture has also shown the use of plastering. Fine white lime stucco was then used for plastering. This plaster was frequently used to cover buildings, especially temples. At many places, even marbled walls and ceilings were plastered because plaster provided splendid surface for decorating and painting.

Roman buildings also boast of use of plaster. One of the evident examples of plaster use in ancient Rome may be found in the remnants of city of Pompeii. Hard plaster was used on ceilings and walls for their ornamentation. Earliest representations of plaster in England were found in mansions and houses from the time of Henry VIII. Plaster was used basically for ornamentation purposes and therefore it was often coloured.

Plastering definitely adds value and beauty to a building construction. Using it is not as easy as it seems. But with just little professional help, plaster can beautify your home manifold. And the next time when you decide to do plasterwork in your house, remember the long and important history of this fine art! Maybe it’ll even inspire you, who knows?