The History of Plastering - By:

Many people have looked at the work of plaster contractors and wondered just where it is that plaster came from. Plastering actually is one of the oldest of the construction trades and was developed out of a necessity to seal up gaps that were created by logs and timber when building homes. Today, plaster can still be used for the same purpose, but has a number of other creative uses as well.

Exploring Primitive Plaster

At first, it was believed that primitive plaster was made from a combination of tree sap, dirt, and twigs. Eventually someone found out that combining Lime, sand, and horse hair created a much superior plaster, however, and that combination has been used ever since - although there are other combinations that are used by contractors for certain types of projects.

The Changing Role of Plaster

As our ability to create better construction materials grew, the role of plaster in buildings changed as well. It was no longer needed to act as a sealant against weather, but it saw a lot of use in wood lathe walls, which are walls built with thin strips of wood called lathes. The plaster was applied to these walls to provide both strength and uniformity to the inside walls of homes. The new use for plaster also increased the insulation values. slowing the loss of heat compared to traditional timber construction.

Getting Decorative with Plaster

Again the role of plaster saw a change when insulation and sheetrock replaced the inner walls of most homes. Instead of being a necessary element to maintain structure in the home, plaster became much more about decoration and style. Plaster is still used widely today as both a construction material and a decoration for the home. It is a very adaptable substance that can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from sealing cracks in brickwork to giving a wall of sheet rock style and flair.

If you want to learn more about plaster and its applications, the best step is to take some plastering courses taught by those that have experience with the job. After all, who better to teach you everything you would like to know about plaster than someone who has taken the time to get licensed to contract for the very job of plastering? In addition, after taking a few courses, you just might be surprised by the amazing things you can do with plaster.

Copyright (c) 2008 Able Skills

A short history about the origins of plaster and its applications in modern day times.

Able Skills provide a wide range of plastering courses