Table of Contents
In this article, we will discuss the difference between plastering and pointing.
| Pointing is the art of finishing the mortar joints of the walls or similar structures with either cement mortar or lime mortar to protect the joints from atmospheric agencies and also to improve the appearance of the structure. Pointing is often done in an entire wall or whole structure because it is difficult to detect defective points, and adjacent joints may also need repair. It is done up to the depth of 10 mm to 20 mm. Plastering covers the rough surfaces of walls, columns, ceilings, and other building components with a thin coat of plaster to make the surface smooth and durable. Plastering on the externally exposed surface is called rendering. Generally, cement plaster and lime plaster are used for plastering work. |
1. Plastering
Plastering covers the rough surfaces of walls, columns, ceilings, and other building components with a thin coat of plaster to make the surface smooth and durable.
Some objectives of plastering are:
a. To provide a smooth and finished surface.
b. To protect the surfaces against atmospheric effects.
c. To resist chemical actions.
d. To cover defects in the structure.
e. To give a decorative appearance.
2. Types of Plasters Used In Plastering Work
There are two types of plaster used in plastering work. They are:
a. Gypsum Plaster
Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O). It is generally found in the form of rock and is white.
Gypsum plaster is a paste formed by mixing the gypsum powder and water in a suitable proportion.
No sand is used in gypsum plaster. Only a mixing of gypsum powder and water is done to prepare gypsum plaster.
This plaster is only used for interior plastering work.
b. Lime Plaster
When lime is mixed with the sand in the presence of the proper quantity of water, it is called lime mortar/ lime plaster, and the process of covering the surface of the walls, slabs, and columns by using lime plaster is called lime plastering.
Plastering may be single-coated or multi-coated.
The proportion of lime and sand for lime plastering is generally taken as 1:3 to 1:4.
This plastering is commonly used for interior works rather than the exterior.
c. Cement Plaster
When cement and sand are mixed with the proper quantity of water, cement plaster is formed, and the process of covering the surfaces with cement plaster is called cement plastering.
The generally used mixed proportion of cement and sand for cement plaster are 1: 4, 1:5, and 1:6.
Internal plaster – 1:6 or 1:5
External plaster – 1:4
Ceiling plaster – 1:3
Different grades of cement plaster are:
| Grade Name | Mortar Mix (by Loose Volume) | Compressive Strength at 28 days (in N/mm2) | |
| Cement | Sand | ||
| MM 0.7 | 1 | 8 | 0.7 to 1.5 |
| MM 1.5 | 1 | 7 | 1.5 to 2.0 |
| MM 3 | 1 | 6 | 3.0 to 5.0 |
| MM 5 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 to 7.5 |
| MM 7.5 | 1 | 4 | 7.5 to above |
d. Mud Plaster
This plaster is prepared by mixing an adequate percentage of clay and sand content. A small amount of cow dunk is added to this plaster to receive a better surface.
This plaster is environmentally friendly, and repairing work is easy and inexpensive.
2. Pointing
Pointing is the art of finishing the mortar joints of the walls or similar structures with either cement mortar or lime mortar to protect the joints from atmospheric agencies and also to improve the appearance of the structure.
2.1. Types of Pointing
a. Struck Joint Pointing
The upper portion is inside the face of the masonry by 12 mm while the bottom portion of the pointing is flush with the masonry.
b. Tuck Pointing
~ After having been raked, ~ The joint is filled with cement mortar.
~ A groove 6 mm wide and 3 mm deep is formed along the center of the joint while the previously applied cement mortar is soft.
~ The groove is filled with lime putty which projects by 3 mm. Lime putty is sometimes replaced by cement.
~ This pointing gives a pleasing appearance.
c. Recessed Joint Pointing
~ Mortar is pressed behind the walls.
~ It is used for high-class masonry work.
d. Flush Pointing
~ It is suitable for brick as well as stone masonry.
~ The raked portion of the joint is filled with mortar and the surface is made flush with the masonry for trowelling.
e. V-groove Jointing
~ It derives its name from its shape.
~ It is suitable for rubble and ashlar masonry work.
f. Keyed Joint Pointing
~ After filling the joints with mortar a semi-circle is formed inside the pointing by some tool.
~ The pointing gives an elegant appearance.
g. Weathered Joint Pointing
~ As the name suggests, this type of joint protects against weathering. However, it requires a comparatively large quantity of water.
h. Beaded Pointing
~ Although it gives a good appearance, it is unstable and easily gets damaged in comparison to other types.
3. Difference Between Plastering and Pointing
The difference between plastering and pointing are as follows:
| S.N | PLASTERING | POINTING |
| 1. | It is provided to the whole surface. | It is applied only at exposed joints. |
| 2. | It provides a smooth surface. | It does not provide a smooth surface. |
| 3. | It hides defective workmanship in the masonry construction | It is employed to show the beauty of well-built masonry work. |
| 4. | It gives a base for providing white/color washing. | Whitewashing or color washing is neglected. |
Alternative,
| S.N | Plastering | Pointing |
| 1. | It is applied to the whole surface. | It is majorly provided at open joints. |
| 2. | Plaster must be provided for the whole surface of the brick. | Pointing is possibly achieved only on the first-class brick surface. |
3. | It also hides the faulty workmanship of the masonry building. | It is being employed to expose the elegance of very well-masonry work. |
| 4. | Many materials are needed for plastering. | Only Limited material is needed. |
| 5. | Plaster is placed on both the inside as well as the outside. | It should be finished from the outer side only. |
| 6. | It helps to protect the whole surface from its environmental impact. | It protects the brick mortar employed for the bonding of bricks. |
| 7. | Multiple coating can be employed. | It just adds a single coat only. |
| 8. | It provides a seamless as well as even normal surface. | Does not contain an even, flat, or normal surface. |
9. | The type of plaster employed is lime, mortar, mud plaster, and waterproof plaster including plaster of Paris. | The type of point employed is bent, either pointing, flush pointing, as well as V pointing. |
| 10. | It needs a comparatively leaner mixture. | Require a relatively richer mixture. |
| 11. | It is expensive because more mortar is needed. | The economic requirement as a mortar is smaller. |
| 12. | In the case of interior-quality brick masonry work, it is also essential to mask the uneven distribution of surface patches respectively. | Employed whenever artistic elegance is desired more often than not in the context of stonework. |
| 13. | It provides a foundation or ground surface for whitewashing respectively. | That does not possess a foundation or ground surface for whitewashing respectively. |
| 14. | It has a long-lasting life cycle. | It has a less lasting life cycle. |
Hope you liked our article Difference Between Plastering and Pointing.
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