Understanding Stucco vs Plaster

If you're new to home improvement and taking active participation in building and/or remodeling your home, chances are you're suddenly overwhelmed with a completely new sea of terms that you've never heard before. Not only that, the amount of available options and products on the market that you can choose from is oftentimes baffling, leaving you wondering - what happened to the good old times, when there were five of everything and making a decision was the easiest part of the project.

In this article we'll give you more insights into stucco and plaster, answering questions like if and what is the difference between the two, how they are used, why people choose plaster and more.

Is there a difference?

Most sources will tell you that in essence there's not much of a difference between the two. They're both used as finishing materials for walls and ceilings. What you can see is that people often use the opposing terms to differentiate between indoor and outdoor surfaces. In short, one would use stucco when referring to the finishing material of exterior surfaces of the buildings, while using plaster to indicate a wall finishing material necessary for indoor use.

Stucco usually consists of a mix of sand, Portland cement, lime and water, but may also consist of a proprietary mix of additives containing fibers and synthetic acrylics that add strength and flexibility. It can be applied as one base layer and a finish layer, which is thinner and faster to apply, compared to the traditional application of three-coat stucco.

Plaster, on the other hand, usually consists of cement, sand, and gypsum. It also has many different variations with different application methods.

The two construction materials are dry powders mixed who need to be mixed with water to form a paste necessary for application. Both include an aggregate such as sand, and both need water to activate the materials allowing it to cure. The important difference between stucco and plaster is the binder that holds both materials together, i.e. lime and gypsum.

Because of its ingredients, stucco can be considered a more durable finish than plaster. Stucco is also less likely to require any sealants or painting after it has been applied, which makes it perfect for exterior applications. Additionally, because of its finer texture, stucco can potentially be used on a wider range of surfaces than plaster.

Wall finishing ideas and the product vocabulary

In reality, when looking for wall finish ideas, you'll come across many different names and products, for example the already mentioned stucco and plaster. But just to add a bit more spice to your selection journey, you may also be greeted by such terms as marmorino plaster, industrial plaster, venetian plaster, gypsum plaster, veneer plaster, silk plaster and many more.

The good news, however, is that a lot of these products have the same idea and purpose behind them and the most notable difference is the decorative element within it. So you may find your answer, based on the final image you want to see.

Why do people choose plasters?

As we've gone through the differences, composition and types of different plasters and stucco, you may still be wondering - what's so special about plasters? Glad you asked! Popular plaster brands such as Silk Plaster offer a myriad of benefits to both outdoor (or stucco) plasters as well as indoor finishing plasters.

Both plasters and stucco are usually non-toxic. Compared to most paints, plaster does not contain toxic materials. Coloring plaster and stucco is usually done by adding pigments, which are often natural. For example, Silk plaster wall covering products are not only free of toxins, but are also made from eco-friendly materials. Thus, providing a great option for those looking for a sustainable choice as well as provide an added benefit for those with allergies. Silk plaster products are breathable and hypoallergenic, resisting the settling of any pathogenic microorganisms, hairs or dust on its surfaces.

Used on the interior, plaster is more forgiving for a DIY application than stucco. Silk Plaster offers a fairly straight-forward instruction both in written and video format that will explain in great detail exactly what you need to do to set up your wall. Another practical benefit is that in the unlikely event that you would need to fix or replace a plastered wall, liquid wallpaper also has the wonderful option of fragmentary repair. So if and when something goes wrong and you end up with a damaged area, you can easily replace it, without any noticeable difference.

A properly mixed and applied plaster is also stronger and more durable than drywall. Plaster can be resistant to knocks and dents, hide impurities and provide a seamless surface.

What's more, Silk plaster indoor liquid wall covers provide better insulation, fire resistance, and soundproofing than other available options.

Because moisture vapors can pass through the material (a.k.a. the material is very breathabile), it doesn’t harbor mold or mildew under most conditions. This also ensures that the wall cover won't burst or start peeling. As the material is breathable, you'll also benefit from the lack of odor build up in the room.

You can also quite literally hear the difference in homes with natural lime plaster interior walls or stucco walls outside, as they offer acoustic absorption properties, making your home more quiet and harmonious.

Silk Plaster indoor wall and ceiling plasters have thermal insulation properties, allowing for large, cold spaces to become more comfortable and are also fire-resistant, making it one of the safer options out there you can trust to improve your home.

Finally, indoor plasters have a variety of beautiful, unique looks and Silk Plaster liquid wallpaper in particular comes with the added benefit of a wonderful soft-to-the-touch texture that will make any space feel homey and warm.

And there you have it! While there's not a distinct difference between stucco and plaster, besides the indoor and outdoors use of a particular variation of the plaster, there are multiple benefits in choosing these products over other possibilities in the market. And don't forget, they all come with beautiful design options, so make sure to put the other benefits as your priority!