 As you can imagine plastering has been around for years. The need to compact a wall or complete a hole with whatever can fill and stick, was required as soon as man began building structures. Back then of course it was mud, slime, moss or a combination of them that was used as the plastering material. As evolution progressed and brains developed a specific plastering material developed and within the great Egyptian pyramid building years (over 2000 years ago), this was refined into a material that would speed up the hardening process. The Egyptians are also said to have used similar plastering tools as to those that are used today making them almost the inventors of this invaluable craft which is now required in almost every property in the modern world today not to mention its scuplturing and moulding worth.
The early egyptian plastering material consisted of calcined gypsum, todays plaster of paris, which was found around saturated areas such as caves, seas, lakes etc. This sulfate mineral is formed due to evaporation and has a very high tolerance to heat. When mixed with water the paste that is formed activates the reverse calcining action which, upon setting, makes the matter stay the same shape resulting in the perfect plastering substance. Back then, different techniques were used to reinforce or stiffen the setting paste such as reeds of a plant or long clumps of animal hair. If you looking into history at various great structures or buildings that have been built over the years you will notice some very impressive plastering work done none so more than within Greek architecture. Here they found the material perfect for their ornate constructions and also found it perfect as a base for decorative painting. |
