The Different Types of Plaster Wall Finishes

Why complete a plastering finish?  

Using different types of plaster wall finishes is done to obtain:  

• make external surfaces impermeable against water  
• achieve a smooth surface that is free (resistant) from dust and/or dirt  
• hide inferior (and interior) material(s) against the elements and deterioration  

• to achieve a hard and durable surface, and of course  
• to achieve a great appearance  

The different types of plaster wall finishes

If you’re nearing the completion of a renovation or build, you’re no-doubt starting to consider the different types of plaster wall finishes on offer for project(s).  

Here are 10 of the most popular plastering finishes we’ve compiled for you:  

1. Pebble Dash Plaster Finish 
2. Scrapped Plaster Finish 
3. Textured Plaster Finish 
4. Stucco Plaster Finish 
5. Exposed Aggregate Plaster Finish 
6. Waterproof Plaster Finish 
7. Smooth Coat Finish 
8. Sand Finish Plaster 
9. Rough Plaster 
10. Depeter Finish 

While it would be easy to say that plastering is best left to the professionals, we at BUCO stand behind both:  

• our robust, competitive offering in all categories  
• our knowledgeable staff that can help guide you through any queries or concerns  

With stores like ours, the DIY field is growing. People have moved-on from thinking they can’t do things themselves, and with the likes of online tutorials etc., it’s no wonder more and more people are taking on jobs like plastering themselves. Especially if you’ve done a minor renovation and you want to finish things off beautifully, without sending your budget into depression.  

To help get your head around plastering and different types of plaster finishes, we’ve put together some handy info and tips for you to consider before diving into that plastering project. 

Because there are different types of plaster wall finishes, different types will be better suited to the different outcomes desired.  

While checking that the type of plaster you are using is suitable for the type of house you have, remember that some plaster types are better than others for particular wall structures and applications.  

Different types of plaster and their uses 

There are many, but the main and most-commonly used types are:  

• Lime Plaster  
• Gypsum Plaster  
• Cement Plaster  
• Clay Plaster  

Lime Plaster  

Used for thousands of years, Lime Plaster is made from a mixture of lime, sand and water – and sometimes with added fibres such as animal hair to strengthen the mix and to ensure a good bind.  

Unlike many modern cement plasters, Lime Plaster is breathable and is therefore popular for use where damp and/or condensation issues pose a higher risk than normal.  

Aesthetic desire: it has a beautiful soft appearance that does justice to the character of older properties. 

Gypsum Plaster  

Gypsum is a soft sulphate mineral composed of calcium sulphate dihydrate, and is the main constituent in many forms of plaster, blackboard or sidewalk chalk, and drywall. Gypsum Plaster has become the most commonly used type of plaster.  

Less flexible than Lime Plaster – and not nearly as breathable – it is however still very popular for its quick-drying properties, and is accessible to professional plasterers.  

Aesthetic desire: its smooth finish makes it perfect for achieving those smooth finishes in modern homes.  

Cement Plaster  

Unlike Lime and Gypsum Plaster, Cement Plaster is made from sand, cement and water, and is usually mixed without complications on site.  

It is important to note that it may be more difficult to achieve a smooth surface with Cement Plaster than with gypsum. For this reason, Gypsum Plaster will commonly be applied on top.  

Convenience factor: Its quick-setting times and lower cost make it a popular option. 

Clay Plaster  

Clay plaster uses natural clay as the primary binding element and – to a renewed interest in traditional and natural types of plaster in recent years – this options is currently experiencing a resurgence in interest as a trendy options for all kinds of properties – old and new alike.  

It should be remembered however that Clay Plaster is not suitable for areas exposed to excessive moisture and/or water (for example in showers or behind sinks).  

Aesthetic desire: Clay Plaster results in a beautiful matt finish that can be left unpainted (often they come coloured).  

Different types of plaster wall finishes

After the application of plaster, the following are some examples of finishes as options:  

• Smooth Coat Finish 
• Sand Face Finish 
• Rough Cast Finish or Spatter Dash Finish 
• Scrapped Finish 
• Textured Finish 

Smooth Coat Finish  

This comprises a finishing coat that is smooth with a levelled surface.  

Sand Face Finish  

Generally sand faced plaster is defined as the layer of cement-sand mortar applied over brickwork, used to give a finishing touch to a surface. Sand faced finish is applied in two coats with specifically different mixtures and a 7 day curing time between the first and the second. It also serves as a sound and thermal insulation layer. 

Rough Cast Finish or Spatter Dash Finish 

Mortar used to get rough cast finish consist coarse aggregate along with cement and sand. 1:1:3 = Cement: Sand: Aggregate are used to prepare mortar for this type of finish. The mortar is thrown on the prepared plaster surface then by means of a large trowel.  

The surface is then roughly finished using a wooden float. Large quantity of mortar is taken by trowel and it is dashed into the surface and levelled using wooden float. 

The finished result is a water-proof, durable surface that is resistant to cracking.  

Scrapped Finish  

This is a plastering finish in which the final coat, after being leveled and allowed to stiffen for a few hours, is scrapped in a pattern for a depth 3 mm with a steel straight edge old saw blade. This remove the surface ‘skin’ and makes the surface less prone to cracks. 

Textured Finish  

Textured plaster is a plastered surface that has a complex, non-polished texture. This is used with sketch plastering ornamental patterns or textured surface where texturing options are made on the final coat of stucco plastering by working with suitable tools. 

This options is popular – not only because there are virtually unlimited options when it comes to texturing a plaster wall – but because of the aesthetic options and variations that are possible.  

Where to shop for plaster wall finishes  

While BUCO guarantees an incredible offering to our walk-in customers and online shoppers, we welcome business-to-business trade as well! If you’re looking for reliable suppliers of different types of plaster wall finishes from reputable plaster suppliers, talk to us about quantity with rates and service that are guaranteed to help your offering — and your bottom line. 

We are wholly committed to providing you with a safety-compliant shopping experience, with convenient options that suit the ways you like to shop:  

• Order online with FREE delivery on purchases over R2000 within a 5km radius of your local store 
• Order online but collect at the store with our next-day in-store collection service 
• Shop safely with all protocols in place, in person at your nearest BUCO store with the help of our friendly DIY-enthusiastic staff    

BUCO means many different things to different people. With our expansive, extensive ranges, you can go from DIY building and alterations to arts and crafts, cleaning, gardening and — as with all things related to your plaster projects and supplies of these materials.  

Find your nearest BUCO store now.

BUCO - let’s build together, safely.