THE HISTORY OF STUCCO & WALL PLASTER
- By Daniel Fitzgerald , President & CEO of LA Stucco Company.
The trade of stucco application is one of the most ancient building handicrafts around. Evidence shows that even primitive man plastered mud over framework of sticks and reeds to enclose a protective structure to shield them from the elements. The Pharoahs of Egypt used wall plaster in their palaces. The pyramids, which the Pharaohs constructed as a monument to themselves, contain wall plaster which may be seen to this day. It is known that this wall plaster and the decorations upon it, was applied prior to 4,000 years ago! These wall plaster surfaces still exist today which is a testament to the sheer durability of the wall plaster system. Research has also shown that the principal tools of the wall plaster professional were practically identical to those used today. Nothing much has changed!
The finest wall plaster work accomplished by the Egyptians was made of a plaster produced from calcined gypsum (gypsum made powdered by heat action), just like the plaster of Paris of present day. The method of applying wall plaster was also very similar to the methods used today. The Egyptians plastered on reeds – a method which somewhat resembles todays application of wall plaster over metal lath. Hair was even used to strengthen the plaster even at this early date – another method which closely resembles the chopped glass fiber strands added to the scratch and brown coats of today.
A study of ancient Greek architecture reveals that wall plaster and stucco (plaster was primarily referred to as interior work and stucco, exterior application) was used at least 500 years before the birth of Christ. It is from the Greek incidentally, that the word “plaster” comes from; Meaning to “daub on” in ancient Greek language.
The value of using plaster work was apparent to those early users. The density of the material, plus its smooth surface, provided both protection and a surface ideal for decorative treatment. Later on, lime and sand were combined as a mortar to cover both the reed lath and masonry walls and ceilings. The antiseptic value of lime was also used by ancient people in preventing the spread of vermin and disease.
Wall plaster was recognized long ago for it fire protection attributes. Its value as a fire retardant was demonstrated in the many fires that ravaged London during the Thirteenth Century. The King, at the time, issued and or that all buildings were to have plastered walls. Houses that did not meet these wall plaster specifications within a stated period were to be torn down. During this period and through the Sixteenth Century, the wall plasterer skill was developed to a height unequalled in history. The Renaissance period (14th, 15th and 16th centuries) of art and architectural development began in Italy and spread to other countries. This was a transition period from the medieval world or dark ages of art to the modern revival of the ancient classical orders and designs.
During all this period of history from almost the first use of wall plaster to the middle of the 19th century, the wall plaster professional used lime and sand for the basic plain work of covering walls and ceilings. This mortar took about two weeks to set (harden) under favorable conditions. The gypsum plaster used set faster but it was too costly for ordinary wall plaster work. It was used only in the ornamental field and for various imitation marble finishes called “scagliola” – a skill developed in Italy in the 15th century. Gypsum and its product, plaster of Paris have gradually replaced lime as the binding agent for sand in plastering mortar since the beginning of the 20th century. Its rate of set could be controlled, allowing the plasterer to build up layers or coats of wall plaster in a matter of hours, rather than the days and weeks required with lime mortar. Speed became an important factor in the continued growth and development of the wall plaster craft.
The development of new lathing and plastering materials increased the demand for plasterers during the first half of the 20th century. Then the age of mechanical power overtook the plasterer and he began to lose ground to substitutes. However, the trade picked up the challenge and today the plasterer has at his command, a plethora of machines to mix and apply the numerous materials he has to work with in regards to stucco or wall plaster. As with all things in life, stucco and wall plaster evolved into the industry it is today!
For further information on stucco or wall plaster, please contact one of our specialist technicians today, TOLL FREE at (855) LA STUCCO