The 14 biggest differences between Plastering and Pointing in Construction

Rendering refers to the application of plaster to an externally exposed surface. When it comes to plastering, cement plaster and lime plaster are commonly used.

Adding a finished mortar finish to a wall or similar structure is an important part of protecting the joints from atmospheric agents as well as improving the visual appearance.

As it is difficult to detect defective points in a whole structure, pointing is often performed on the whole structure or on the whole wall. In addition, adjacent joints may also require repairs to a depth of twenty millimeters.

Plaster is used to smooth and strengthen rough surfaces on walls, columns, ceilings, and other components of a building.

Types of Plastering

Lime Plaster

Lime mortar or lime plaster is the result of mixing lime and sand with adequate amounts of water. In lime plastering, surfaces like walls, slabs, and columns are covered with lime plaster.

There are two types of plaster: single layered and multilayered. For lime plastering, lime and sand are generally mixed in a ratio of 1:3 to 1:4. In most cases, plastering is used for interior work rather than exterior work.

Mud Plaster

Plaster is prepared by mixing clay and sand in an adequate proportion. In order to receive a better surface, this plaster is mixed with a little cow dunk. Repairing work is easy and inexpensive with this plaster, which is environmentally friendly.

Gypsum Plaster

White, soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate di-hydrate, gypsum is generally found as rocks and is crystalline in nature. In order to create gypsum plaster, gypsum powder and water are mixed together in a proportion that is appropriate to shape the plaster.

Cement Plaster

Cement plaster is formed when cement and sand are mixed together with water in the right proportions. Cement plaster is applied to surfaces to cover them with cement plaster.

By pointing, you protect the mortar joints from atmospheric agents and enhance the appearance of walls and similar structures by finishing them with cement mortar or lime mortar.

Types of Pointing

Tuck Pointing

Cement mortar is applied to the joint after it has been raked. When the previously applied cement mortar is still soft, a groove 6mm wide and 3mm deep is formed along its center.

Lime putty is used to fill the groove, which projects 3 millimeters. Some people replace lime putty with cement in order to give their pointing a more pleasing appearance.

Flush Pointing

Stone and brick masonry are both suitable for this product. A trowelling surface is made flush with the masonry by filling the raked portion of the joint with mortar.

Struck Joint Pointing

A 12 mm gap remains between the top and bottom portion of the pointing, while the upper portion is flush with the face of the masonry.

Recessed Joint Pointing

When high quality masonry work is being undertaken, mortar is pressed behind the walls.

Difference between Plastering & Pointing

Plastering	Pointing
Surfaces are completely covered with Plastering.	Open joints are the most common places to receive Pointing.
Throughout the brick surface, plaster should be applied.	Only first-class brick surfaces are suitable for pointing.
As well as hiding faulty workmanship, it conceals the building's age.	A very well masonry work is being exposed with this technique.
For plastering, a number of materials are required.	It only requires a limited amount of material.
The inside and outside of the building are plastered.	The surface should only be finished from the outside.

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: My Engineering Support

By protecting the whole surface, it reduces the impact of the environment on it.	It acts as a protective covering for the brick mortar used to bond bricks together.
There is the option of employing multiple coatings.	There is only a single coat added in pointing.
Surfaces are smooth and even with normal surface while plastering.	A non-flat, uneven, or normal surface cannot be found in pointing.
A number of plaster types are used, including lime, mortar, mud plaster, and waterproof plaster, such as plaster of Paris.	Depending on the type of point, it could either be bent, flushed or v-shaped.
Compared to other mixtures, it should be relatively leaner.	It is necessary to use a relatively richer mixture.

Due to the increased amount of mortar needed, it is more expensive.	In terms of economics, mortar has a smaller requirement in pointing.
Whenever brick masonry is used in the interior to create a professional look, it is important to mask uneven distributions of surface patches.	In stonework, this technique is often used whenever artistic elegance is desired.
Providing a foundation for whitewashing or a surface to whitewash with.	A whitewashing surface or foundation without a foundation exists.
In addition to having a long life cycle, it also has a high durability.	The life cycle of pointing is shorter and it is less durable.