Veneer Plaster
Grace McDonald
General Information
Veneer plaster is a very thin, final layer that is adhered to a substrate usually over a gypsum board base. Typical measurements of veneer plaster 1/8" thick, and a popular finish is a smooth finish. Veneer plaster was developed as a way of taking advantage of the reduced labor of modern drywall, while providing a genuine plaster surface for a wall.
This combination of plaster and substrate is installed where high strength is a necessity. Benefits of this finish include heightened durability and resistance to scuffs, scratches, and stains. Veneer plaster is a preferred application to renovating older buildings because of its time-saving production properties.
Environmental Impact
Since a main component of veneer plaster is gypsum, most of the finish can be recycled and its waste can be used to enhance soils and mulch.
The installation of veneer plaster heavily affects air quality and can be toxic for the body and lungs, but once installed, veneer plaster has no impact on indoor air quality.
Again, after installation, plaster is easily breathable due to its natural components and resourching.
Use in Interior Setting
1. Veneer plaster is most commonly used for surfacing interior walls. This application can be found in both residential and commercial interiors. Here, black veneer plaster is used as a contrasting element to the lighter floors and white bathtub.
2. Since veneer plaster is very similar in nature to drywall, it is mostly found on interior walls. However, there have been recent interior design implementations of veneer plaster, like over this kitchen hood. The finish of the veneer plaster gives it a cementous, natural look.
Walls
Plaster veneer may also be applied to ordinary drywall, or over existing walls, but this requires "gluing" the existing wall surface. Its components are gypsum board, occasional concrete, and plaster.
Testing Organizations
1. AWCI Technology Center - https://www.awcitechnologycenter.org/content/finishing
2. National Plasterer's Council - https://www.npconline.org/
Relevant Standards Through ASTM
ASTM C 844, “Standard Specification of Gypsum Base to Receive Gypsum Veneer Plaster.”
ASTM C843 - 17
Standard Specification for Application of Gypsum Veneer Plaster
