There’s often confusion about the difference between stucco and plaster, especially among homeowners. What do the two terms mean? Plaster is a pasty mixture of lime or gypsum, water and sand that is applied to a wall surface as protection. Stucco is made of aggregates, binding chemicals and water. Both are used in Salt Lake City architecture. For homeowners, the two terms have become interchangeable, which can, at the least, cause confusion, and much worse misaligned expectations. What’s useful is for contractors to look at the different types of stucco and explain to homeowners how they should be used.

Traditional Stucco

Every advanced society that constructed buildings has used stucco. Until the 1900’s, lime was the main binder used in stucco. Lime was added to water. The mixture was left to slake and then added to sand. Natural fibers were added to the stucco to strengthen it. This stucco takes a long time to set, and needs three layers of application. This is the stucco we visualize when we think of decorative plaster, or the mission style architect of some Salt Lake City homes.

Early in the 20^th century gypsum replaced lime, as the interior stucco of choice, because it set much faster than lime stucco. Gypsum stucco does not work as an exterior plaster, because it degrades in water. It gradually fell out of favor for interior work in Salt Lake City buildings as well because it didn’t age well.

Modern Stucco

Portland cement was invented in 1824. When Portland cement is blended with water and sand it makes a hard, durable stucco. It was used as an exterior stucco , while lime stucco was used on interior walls. Portland cement stucco works well on the exterior buildings of Salt Lake City because it is impervious to adverse weather, while still allowing the building to “breathe”.

Recent stuccos are a mixture of portland cement and lime with synthetic fibers and acrylics added in. These additives create stucco that is flexible, thinner, and even more resistant to Salt Lake City weather. They are perfect for the exterior walls of new Salt Lake City buildings, but cannot be used to renovate traditional lime stucco walls because of the difference in look and texture.

Stucco in Salt Lake City is ever growing as a building covering because of its flexibility, longevity and the ascetics of traditional stucco combined with the high performance and low maintenance desirability of modern materials. Contractors and homeowners alike are finding it is an ideal, modern, cladding system. And ProCoat Systems Salt Lake City is a stocking dealer for STO wall systems, the premier stucco brand that contractors have come to ask for by name. For product or installation guidance, call our Salt Lake City store at 801 410-4345, or visit us online to schedule a field visit by one of our experienced sales people.

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