Gypsum plaster, also known as Plaster-of-Paris, is a building material made by heating gypsum and mixing it with water. It hardens as it cools and can be manipulated once cured. It has been used for centuries in art, architecture, and medicine, but can pose health risks if used incorrectly.
Also known as plaster of Paris, gypsum plaster is a building material that has similar properties to mortar or concrete. It’s created by heating gypsum, a soft, natural mineral, to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150C), then mixing it with water. The resulting paste hardens as it cools, forming a relatively soft and pliable finished product. Unlike mortar or cement, which dries much harder, gypsum plaster can be sanded or otherwise manipulated once it cures, making it a good option for aesthetic and non-load-bearing purposes.
Gypsum plaster derives its other name, Plaster-of-Paris, from the discovery of a large deposit of plaster in Paris and its subsequent proliferation as a building material in the city throughout the 1700s. traced back much further – with specimens dating back to 7,000 BC in Mesopotamia – it gained widespread popularity across Europe after the Great Fire of London in 1666. During that fire, the city was almost completely destroyed as flames spread across the dense arrangement of wooden buildings. Its utility as a fire retardant material remains strong today.
Gypsum plaster is renowned for its use as an artistic medium, particularly for frescoes. A large part of the reason why many Italian frescoes from the Renaissance period remain intact and vibrant is due to the permeability of the plaster. This allowed the inks to sink beyond the surface, much like the ink in a tattoo. This type of plaster is also a popular material in making casts for stone or metal sculptures, as it can be finely worked. Gypsum can be used as a sculpture material itself when dried over a metal framework, although it is not particularly strong in this form.
In modern usage, gypsum plaster is common in a number of industries. Orthopedic casts that incorporate plaster-soaked pieces of cloth remain a vital medical tool for supporting and protecting broken bones. Also in dentistry, plaster is used to create models of oral features for dental work. Gypsum plaster still features in architecture, particularly in aesthetic pieces, and is used extensively in specialized industries, including cinema and theatre, where it can simulate materials such as bark or stone.
While a common and ancient material, gypsum plaster is not totally inert and can pose a health risk if used incorrectly. Misuse can cause severe burns, as the reaction between plaster and water releases potentially dangerous amounts of heat. Additionally, some types of plaster, particularly in older rooms, may include particles of asbestos, a known carcinogen.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
