Plaster of Paris (POP) is a building material having Gypsum as its main component. It is used for coating walls and ceilings and also for creating architectural designs. Plaster of Paris is manufactured as a dry powder and is mixed with water to form a paste when used. Below are some of its advantages and disadvantages to give you an idea whether you should use it in your dream home or not.
ADVANTAGES OF PLASTER OF PARIS
It is light in weight and more durable.
It has low thermal conductivity.
It is very good fire resistant and hence a very good heat insulating material.
It does not shrink while setting. Therefore, it does not develop cracks on heating or setting.
It forms a thick surface to resist normal knocks after drying.
It mixes up easily with water and is easy to spread and level.
It has good adhesion on fibrous materials.
It gives a firm surface on which the colours can settle.
It has no appreciable chemical action on paint and does not cause alkali attack.
Plaster of Paris gives a decorative interior finish. Its gypsum content provides it a lot of shine and smoothness.
It can easily be moulded into any shape.
DISADVANTAGES OF PLASTER OF PARIS
Gypsum plaster is not suitable for exterior finish as it is slightly soluble in water.
It is more expensive than cement or cement lime plaster.
It cannot be used in moist situations.
Skilled labour is required for precise application and thus labour cost for applying plaster of Paris is high.
