Unfinished Plaster

A mid or foundation coat of plaster to prime and smooth the backing surface in preparation for a finishing coat, with greater variation in colour where some areas are thicker, of differing consistency, or have set quicker than others compared to that of a final coat which, in comparison, must be applied uniformly from one batch, this unfinished plaster material creates patches of differing tones and shades due to the different curing rates of the each layer. This makes for some interesting differentiations between colours across the canvas, as this particular plaster is a standard pastel peach-brown clay tone with brighter and darker red and brown shaded highlights and areas of lighter, off-white, cream and light orange, a common composition of modern plaster for interior use. The unfinished nature gives it a unique, messy quality. Although smooth to touch, the brush or sponge strokes are obvious as a consistent finishing coat has yet to be applied, requiring a higher level of skill and more time than a regular base coat to complete. Plaster is often sought after for bright, light, airy domestic and public spaces due to the dynamic, visually stimulating changes of colour between warm light and shimmering reflections, creating a light, tranquil feel. Contemporary uses of plaster in minimalist spaces simultaneously bring warmth and a focus to the locations in which it is specified, with unfinished plaster also being a low cost way to recreate these positive connotations and effects of Venetian plaster in a space, mimicking a less intricate version of Venetian plaster’s play with light. The multitude of layers help improve longevity and reduce the impact of scrapes and scratches: Modern lime platers are durable and resilient, being easy to wipe clean, or have scrapes and marks removed by sanding or light cleaning, without the need to completely re plaster the whole area or surface, due to advancements in plaster mixes and technology. This allows for quick and easy fixes, where a damaged portion can easily be re-plastered and blended in to the existing wall, while being as flexible and easy to apply as most paints. Lime plasters are also breathable and nontoxic, making them environmentally sustainable and moisture and mould resistant as they allows moisture to escape from the substrate without building up. The use of plaster is becoming considerably more common now thanks to contemporary technology; lime plasters are much easier to apply and more durable than traditional variants. Dating back millennia to Indian temples, Egyptian tombs and ancient Greek and Roman urban architecture, plaster is a protective coating applied to walls and ceilings to protect the surfaces from damage, add a decorative coating to a feature wall, or provide a smooth finish to an otherwise rough structure such as concrete blockwork, stock bricks or timber sheeting. Typically applied to walls and ceilings internally, plaster is an excellent natural material pairing for offsetting other natural materials such as stone, timber and metals. The neutral, cool, Earth tones and gentle enhancement of natural light make plaster a popular choice for background walls holding paintings and artwork in galleries, for calming environments in care settings, or reducing stress in education establishments and workplaces, establishing visually quiet, relaxed atmospheres.