Wall plastering is common in residential and commercial buildings. Plaster can give any wall a vintage look. It also comes in handy during renovations, when you're working with an older building that has existing plaster walls. When you work with existing walls, it is important to match the right type of plastering together, so the new plaster will stick to the old.

When you need to find plaster for the job site, look for a plaster provider that can give you all of the plaster information and equipment you need to get the job done. When you find a plaster provider, make sure it can provide you with the following:

1. Different types of plaster for different jobs.

2. Information on what type of plaster works best.

3. Accessories that will allow you to apply plaster to walls.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find plaster materials to complete the job

Find a plaster provider that will also inform you about the proper tool for the job and provide you with the right tools to get the job done. Tools and other supplies, such as wire mesh for the walls and trowels to apply the plaster, are essential for applying plaster to any surface.

I recommend: Mesh Supply can provide you will all different types of mesh. Northern Tool + Equipment can provide you with trowels, buckets and other tools you need to complete the job.

Choose the right type of plaster for your application

Two major forms of plaster are available on the market: sand and cement with lime, and ready-mix plaster (gypsum). Plaster made with lime can be used both in indoor and outdoor applications, and is often more robust. Plasters made of gypsum are only for interior use, and come out smoother and lighter than lime plaster. Make sure you know which type of plaster you need before you order.

I recommend: Georgia-Pacific offers plaster for both indoor and outdoor use. National Gypsum supplies the ready-mix gypsum plaster for indoor use.

Use alternative types of plaster

Environmentally friendly plasters are available on the market, though many people are not aware of it. If you're working with a development that wants to build green housing or commercial properties, environmentally friendly plasters are a great way to add to the initiative. Environmentally friendly plasters can also be reused, even after it's mixed and dried. This cuts down a significant amount of waste on the job site.

I recommend: American Clay and Tobias Stucco are two companies that specialize in manufacturing plasters that are environmentally friendly.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look over a provider's plaster list to see the different types available, so you can match the right type of plaster with the right job. This is important when you are working with existing walls. But for any application, you'll want to make sure you get the right plaster for the materials you're working with.