In traditionally-built houses made of bricks and blocks, the purpose of plaster is to provide smooth wall surfaces. It is applied to the inner surfaces of the masonry walls that form the outer shell of the building and to both sides of any internal masonry walls. Plastering is a skill acquired only with a lot of practice. Do-it-yourself plasters make the job easier.
Every visible form in the building is made of some kind of material which in its natural state may be rough, smooth, shiny, dull, plain, coloured or patterned. Many building materials currently in use are manufactured in relatively small units, so that as well as their individual unit qualities, assembled collectively they can make larger forms. Bricks, blocks, tiles and wood panels for instance can be assembled to create walls, roofs and floors. Read more...