Existing comment:
Plaster:
Interior plaster walls and ceilings were composed of lime, sand, and reinforcing strands of animal hair. The plaster was applied to narrow, hand-split wooden strips called "laths" that ran at right angles to the studs and joists. When builders applied the first coat of plaster, the mixture oozed into the gaps between the laths, forming "keys" that helped the plaster adhere to the wall. In order to achieve a uniformly flat surface, buildings then applied a second coat of plaster to wooden or plaster strips called "screeds." A final coat was then added to give the wall a smooth and finished appearance. |