To what extent does the quality of plastering depend on the materials you use? How do plasterers choose their plaster? Which factors play a role in that decision? Is there any change in the range of options? In short: is there a difference between one bag of plaster and another? And if so, what is it? We asked plasterer Peter Jansen.
“Plastering only becomes easy when you work with the right materials,” says Peter from Stucadoorsbedrijf Peter Jansen. “People often try to do it themselves, and it goes wrong. Then they ask me to finish the job with their materials. I never do that. The plaster people buy themselves just can’t compare to what I use – even if the bags and brands look identical.”
Poor materials deliver mediocre results at best. Low-quality plaster can clump, sag, or discolour. Peter explains: “Good plaster stays put, even when you need to apply it thickly. Bad plaster will drip under its weight. If your plaster starts sagging while you’re spreading it, it’s going to be a right mess.”
To adhere properly, plaster needs time to stabilise. Peter explains: “DIYers tend to keep the plaster moving for too long. That doesn’t give the material the chance to settle. Just like concrete won’t harden as long as it’s rotating in a concrete mixer, plaster won’t harden if you keep spreading it.”
That’s why plasterers take long breaks between the different steps of the plastering process. Peter: “If you wait five minutes too little, you could end up working an hour longer. But waiting too long isn’t good either; then the plaster hardens too much. That’s why we use our fingers to feel how wet the plaster is. It takes a lot of experience to know exactly when to start working again.”
Early 2024, Peter and his son Sietse participated in a photoshoot for Avebe’s building solutions. Peter: “We plastered several walls on set, which was captured by a film and photography crew.”
However, Peter didn’t know in advance that the plaster used on set contained Avebe’s CasuCOL®, an ingredient based on potato starch. This ingredient improves the adhesion, handling time, and stability of plaster and similar materials.
Peter recalls: “When I heard that my plaster contained potatoes, I thought, ‘Excuse me?’ My colleagues were just as surprised. It’s not something you think about – that you could have potato starch as an ingredient in plaster materials.”
Plaster with CasuCOL® meets all of Peter’s high quality standards. “Plaster needs to stay in place and not sag, even when it’s applied thickly. Potato starch makes a difference here. I noticed I could apply the plaster thickly without it dripping. It’s also what we plasterers call ‘fattier,’ meaning it is quicker to mix and easier to spread.”
For Peter, the exact ingredients of plaster aren’t a top priority when he chooses materials. Plasterers are mainly interested in quality, handling time, and suitability for the job.
Peter comments: “I’ve got all kinds of plaster in my van. I always have the right material for every job. If I’m plastering an entire ceiling, I’ll choose plaster with a long handling time. To repair a damaged wall, I’ll use fast-drying plaster so I can keep moving.”
Special plasters are available for specific applications and surfaces. Peter adds: “For plasterboard, I use plaster that doesn’t require a primer. For other jobs, I have different materials. For example, I use a special mortar for tile walls. If I apply it 8 cm thick in the morning, I can start tiling in the afternoon. You wouldn’t want to try that with regular mortar.”
For Peter, quality always comes first. “I need to be able to rely on my materials. They can’t be too heavy, they need to stay in place, and they have to spread easily. I’m very satisfied with the products I use. Thanks to the Avebe photoshoot, I now know that one secret ingredient can make all the difference.”
CasuCOL® modified potato starches are thickeners for gypsum or cement-based mineral binders. These ingredients make plasters, mortars, and adhesives easier to work with by improving adhesion and handling time. Furthermore, adding CasuCOL® reduces the risk of sagging in applied layers.
CasuCOL® starches are cold-water soluble. Even in very small concentrations, this binder makes plasters and mortars smoother and improves their consistency. Plasterers using plasters with CasuCOL® have more time to work with the material.
Avebe develops and produces high-grade additives based on starch. Our products improve construction materials, and in turn that ensures increased performance and optimum ease of use.
One ingredient simplifies the application of plasters and mortars, enhances the quality of the final result, and contributes to sustainability. Would you like to know what CasuCOL® starches can do for your construction materials? Contact our experts and discover the possibilities.
If you’re interested in working with us to develop products your customers will really love, feel free to contact our team of experts today.
