For decades, most Indian builders have been using sand cement plaster to plaster their home walls. It is time to change that old habit with theåÊgypsum plasteråÊmethod.

Over the years, construction technology has evolved drastically. However, what has not changed is the application of traditional sandåÊcement plasteråÊfor plastering on Indian home walls. From technological and environmental perspectives, the conventional method of using cement plaster is highly ineffective because it mainly leads to environmental stress other than being a time-consuming and messy process.

For instance, sandåÊcement plasteråÊdemands high water usage and river sand, a scarce natural resource. Given that this process of applying sandåÊcement plasteråÊis mainly inefficient, most Indian builders are slowly moving towards usingåÊgypsum plasteråÊfor interior wall plastering. FromåÊgypsum plaster price toåÊbenefits and evenåÊgypsum plaster disadvantages. Here is everything about gypsum plasteråÊfor wallsåÊthat you must know.

What Is Gypsum Plaster?

Gypsum plasteråÊis a soft sulfate mineral derived from calcium sulfate dihydrate. Unlike sand-cement plaster, which uses a two-step curing process (before and after),åÊgypsum plasteråÊfor wallsåÊcan be directly applied to the bricks or hollow blocks. Converting plaster of Paris and gypsum into gypsum plasteråÊinvolves mixing the POP powder with water. The technical specification ofåÊgypsum plasteråÊincludes a set time of 25-30 minutes and comprehensive strength of 60-70 kg/cm2.

Moreover, theåÊgypsum plasterboardåÊis usually 12mm thick and can offer a coverage area of 21 square feet peråÊgypsum plaster 25kgåÊbag. The shelf life of unapplied gypsum powder is around four months. Likewise, appliedåÊgypsum plastering can last for a long time. Giza pyramids are well-preserved monuments that have also usedåÊgypsum plastering and have endured extreme environmental exposure.

Gypsum and Plaster of Paris

People often get confused about the multiple options available, fromåÊgypsum to plaster of paris.åÊOn the contrary,åÊgypsum and plaster of parisåÊare not the same. The primary differentiator is their compositions. While gypsum is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium sulfate hemihydrates make the chemical composition for POP powder.

More precisely, when the dry plaster of paris or POP powder hardens due to mixing it in water. This material is mainly called gypsum plasteråÊand can be easily applied to any solid surface. Another confusion is that people often think thatåÊgypsum plasteråÊis pink. However,åÊgypsum plasteråÊis white. It is the UK plaster or, sometimes, POP plaster that is pink owing to impurities in the powder.

Gypsum Plaster vs Cement PlasteråÊ

There are considerable differences betweenåÊgypsum plasteråÊand cement plaster, from their unique application processes to final plastering outcomes. Here is a table highlighting theåÊgypsum plaster vs cement plasteråÊto help you understand which plastering technique is better.

GYPSUM PLASTER VS CEMENT PLASTER
Gypsum Plaster Cement Plaster
Gypsum plaster is a lightweight material that is composed of CasS04:2H20. Cement plaster is made of river sand, cement, and water.
It is best to be used on the ceiling and interior walls. Not preferred for walls that are exposed to water, such as outdoors and toilets, kitchen, etc. It is suitable for applications to your walls’ indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Appropriate for both smooth as well as rough surfaces. It cannot be used on smooth surfaces.
No curing is required. Requires both pre-curing and post-curing processes.
Considered a green building product. Not considered good from an environmental standpoint.
Gypsum plaster price is high, but even the application time costs less. Gypsum plaster 25 kg price is somewhat costlier than the sand-cement plastering method used in India. Using cement plaster can be highly time-ineffective.

So, who wins theåÊgypsum plaster vs cement plasteråÊbattle?

In summary,åÊgypsum plaster is cost-and-time-effective when plastering interior walls, poses lesser environmental hazards and provides a better and smoother finish. But in other instances, applying cement plaster would be a better alternative.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gypsum Plaster

The advantages ofåÊgypsum plasteråÊare multiple. To begin with, the application process ofåÊgypsum plasteråÊis relatively less time-consuming. Moreover, if you reside in areas where land is scarce, theåÊgypsum plaster of 25kg price will cost you comparatively less than sand-cement plaster. Some other advantages include:

  1. Ease of application ofåÊgypsum plaster.
  2. No curing is required.
  3. Faster setting time and no shrinkage cracks as compared to cement plaster.
  4. If the plastering is done properly, one can expect a smooth and crack-less finish.

However, sometimes, you can also experience cracking due to the following reasons: shrinkage of interior walls, excessive thick coats of gypsum plaster, imperfect water to gypsum water ratio, or deficient background preparation.

WhileåÊgypsum plasteråÊoffers multiple benefits, here are some of theåÊgypsum plasteråÊdisadvantagesåÊthat you must consider before deciding on which option to choose. Let us take a look at some of the commonåÊgypsum plaster disadvantages:

  1. Gypsum plaster is not regarded as appropriate for outer walls or walls susceptible to high water contact‰ÛÓfor example, bathrooms or kitchens.
  2. Gypsum plasteråÊcan be a costlier affair, especially in areas where natural sand is unavailable.
  3. Gypsum plasteråÊdoes not perform well with water. Thus, it is not for the majority of the part not 100% waterproof.

Where Can I Find Gypsum Plaster Near Me?

If you are thinking about where you can findåÊgypsum plasteråÊand how much aåÊgypsum plaster bag priceåÊis, look no further. Magicrete is the perfect place for all of your construction-related concerns. OuråÊgypsum plasteråÊ25kg priceåÊis much more affordable than others.

Uses and Applications of Gypsum Plaster

Gypsum plasteråÊis mainly used for plastering the interior walls and partitions. However,åÊgypsum plaster also serves other purposes. For example, gypsum plasteråÊis also used in sculptures and moulds.

ConclusionåÊ

Gypsum plaster is a perfect solution to match the demands of today’s construction industry. Gypsum plasteråÊcomes with a lot of benefits. This plastering process offers a smooth finishing touch to your interior home walls, which is hard to achieve using conventional sand cement plastering.

However, given thatåÊgypsum plasteråÊcan cost you a bit more and is not a good performer against water, cement plastering can take the upper hand in some cases. Therefore, depending on the wall plastering you aim for, you can chooseåÊgypsum plasteråÊor cement plaster.