How traditional lath plaster was used
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by: Guest
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lathe strips are narrow strips of wood nailed horizontally across the wall studs. Each wall frame is covered in lath, fixed at the studs. The lath was on average about two inches wide by four feet long by 1/4 inch thick. Each horizontal course of lath is spaced about 1/4 inch away from its neighboring courses.
Next, temp lath guides are placed vertically to the wall, usually vertically at the studs. Plaster was then applied to the wall, typically using a wooden board called a derby as the application tool. The applier drags the derby upward over the wall, forcing the plaster into the gaps between the lath and leaving a layer on the front the depth of the temporary guides, typically about 6mm. a plasterers mate applied new plaster onto the board, as the plaster is applied in quantity. When the wall is fully covered, the vertical lath wooden guides are then taken out, and their "slots" are filled in, leaving a fairly flat and even undercoat.
The second coat ,called a levelling coat was applied in a similar fashion to the base plaster coat.The finish coat was made with lime.Horsehair was often added to strengthen the mix to enhance it's durability.This is apparant today where many plastered homes from the turn of the 20th century are still in very good condition due to the practice.Metal mesh netting started placing the lath until around the 1950's when drywall made with gypsum and sold in boards measuring 8'x4' started being sold and used extensively in the building of new homes.
The cost of plasterboard and the speed at which it could be applied started the decline for the plastering industry.However even today many people prefer the finish offered by plastering.It is not unusual in the United Kingdom to see drywall sheets finished off with a coat of plaster.This may seem odd but given the process of taping(covering the joints of drywall) it is in fact quite practical.
Lathe can used for intricate shapes which are simply not possible with drywall.
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Aberdeen plasterers Aberdeen plasterer * 22 Charlotte Street * Grampian * Aberdeen * Aberdeenshire * AB25 1LR
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