Plaster

A cross section of a plaster wall showing lath installed on studs that supports the plaster applied to it.

Plaster is a building material composed mainly of gypsum. It was used to create interior walls or used as to make molds. The plaster comes as a dry powder that is mixed with water to create a firm paste that is applied to an object. A chemical reaction occurs with the plaster and water to create a hard surface as it dries.

It is similar to stucco, but not has durable, limiting plaster to more interior uses.

Plaster walls are an older construction technique found mostly in vintage homes that has generally been replaced with preformed gypsum sheets called drywall. The textured look of hand applied plaster is considered by some as a more upscale and sophisticated look.