Plaster protects walls, hides the unevenness of brick or block work and gives a surface ready for paint. Choosing the wrong plaster, or applying it badly, leads to cracks, hollow patches and dampness that show up within months. This guide compares the common plastering options used in Indian buildings and explains where each one fits.
1. Cement sand plaster
The traditional choice, made by mixing cement, sand and water. It is strong, works on both internal and external walls and resists moisture well, which makes it the standard choice for exteriors, bathrooms and kitchens.
- Usually applied in one coat inside and in two coats on external walls
- Needs clean, well-graded sand free from clay and silt
- Must be cured with water for several days to gain strength and avoid shrinkage cracks
- Often finished with wall putty before painting, to get a smooth surface
The Indian Standard code of practice for cement and cement-lime plasters is IS 1661. Your engineer specifies the mix and thickness based on the wall and exposure.
2. Gypsum plaster
Gypsum plaster comes as a ready-mixed powder that only needs water. It is applied directly on brick, block or concrete for internal walls and ceilings.
- Gives a smooth, white finish that often needs no putty
- Does not need water curing, so work moves faster
- Lighter, with low shrinkage cracking when applied correctly
- Not suitable for external walls or areas that stay wet, such as bathrooms and wash areas
3. Other options
- Ready-mix plaster: factory-blended cement plaster that improves consistency on large projects
- Lime plaster: breathable and flexible, used in heritage buildings and restoration work
- Machine-applied plaster: spraying machines speed up large commercial projects
- POP punning: a thin finishing layer over cement plaster for very smooth interior walls
4. Cement vs gypsum: quick comparison
- Where: cement works inside and outside; gypsum is for dry interior areas only
- Curing: cement needs water curing; gypsum does not
- Finish: gypsum is smoother and often skips putty; cement usually needs putty for a smooth paint finish
- Speed: gypsum allows faster painting because no curing is required
- Moisture: cement handles damp conditions far better
5. Good practice for any plaster
- Complete electrical and plumbing chasing before plastering
- Clean the wall, remove dust and oil, and wet the surface if the plaster type requires it
- Fix chicken mesh at joints between concrete and brickwork to reduce cracks
- Use level strips or dots to control thickness and flatness
- Protect fresh plaster from direct sun and strong wind
- Check for hollow sounds by tapping once the plaster has set
Many plaster cracks start with poor curing or movement at joints; see our building cracks guide and curing methods guide. For walling materials, read AAC blocks vs red bricks, and for damp areas, the waterproofing guide. Office fit-out teams can also see our interior fit-out planning guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can gypsum plaster be used on a ceiling?
Yes. Gypsum plaster is widely used on internal RCC ceilings, provided the surface is clean and properly prepared.
Why does new plaster crack?
Common reasons include too much water in the mix, poor sand, missing mesh at joints, thick single coats and inadequate curing for cement plaster.
Can I paint immediately after plastering?
Cement plaster must cure and dry first; gypsum plaster also needs to dry fully. Follow the manufacturer’s and paint supplier’s advice.
Planning construction or renovation? Contact ATTPL HOLDCO or visit ATTPL Infra.
Sources
This article is general information, not professional advice. Please follow your structural engineer’s specifications for your project.
