21 Jan 2026

Introduction

Plastering is the process of covering rough walls and uneven surfaces in the construction of houses and other structures with a plastic material, called plaster, which is a mixture of lime or cement concrete and sand along with the required quantity of water.

What is Cement Plastering?

Cement plaster contributes to the beauty and protection of the surface of walls. It can cover the outside and inside of a building, forming a protective layer over stone, brick, and RCC walls and ceilings.

Additionally, cement wall plastering effectively levels the wall and ceiling surfaces and can also be used to create smooth, textured, or unique concrete finishes.

Why Choosing the Right Cement for Plastering Is Important?

  • Ensures smooth surface finish
  • Prevents cracks and shrinkage
  • Improves bonding with masonry
  • Enhances durability and strength
  • Reduces maintenance costs

Types of Cement Used for Plastering

There are mainly three types of cement which are ideal for plastering:

1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC):

  • This plaster works well for most jobs, especially on interior walls where you need something tough that sets fast. 
  • Build strength quickly, so you can move on with your work sooner. 
  • When you mix it right, it sticks well to brick and concrete. 
  • Just pay attention to the mix and don’t rush the curing sloppy work can lead to annoying cracks down the line.

2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC):

  • PPC is widely considered the best option for plastering due to its smooth finish and better workability.
  • It sets more slowly than OPC, which reduces the chances of cracks and improves long-term durability. 
  • PPC is ideal for both interior and exterior plastering applications.

3. White Cement:

  • White cement is mainly used for decorative and aesthetic plastering.
  • It provides a bright, smooth surface and is commonly used for designer walls and architectural finishes. 
  • However, it is costlier than OPC and PPC and is not used for structural plastering.

Which Cement Is Best for Plastering?

Among all the cements that are used for plastering PPC is considered as the best cement. PPC is the preferred choice because:

  • It offers a smoother finish, better crack resistance, and long-lasting performance.
  • PPC generates less heat during setting, reducing the risk of shrinkage cracks that are common in plastered walls.
  • It also provides strong bonding with brick and concrete surfaces and improves long-term durability. 

Because of these qualities, PPC is ideal for both interior and exterior plastering and is widely preferred by engineers and contractors for quality plaster finishes.

Cement Grade Best for Plastering:

For plastering work, selecting the correct cement grade is essential to achieve a durable and crack-free surface. Cement grade shows how strong the cement becomes after 28 days and helps decide which cement is suitable for different types of construction. OPC 43 grade and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) are commonly recommended for plastering as they provide adequate strength along with better workability.  

  • PPC is especially preferred because it offers a smoother finish and improved resistance to shrinkage cracks. 
  • High-strength cement such as OPC 53 is generally avoided for plastering, as it can lead to cracking due to higher heat of hydration.
  •  Using the appropriate cement grade helps improve plaster quality and reduces long-term maintenance.

Explore more:  Choose best grade cement

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cement for Plastering

  • Type of surface: 

      Brick, concrete, or block surfaces require good bonding, which depends on the cement used.

  • Interior or exterior use: 

       Exterior plaster needs cement with better crack resistance and weather durability.

  • Climatic conditions:

       Hot or dry climates require cement that reduces shrinkage and cracking.

  • Workability: 

       Cement should be easy to mix and apply for a smooth plaster finish.

  • Required finish: 

      Decorative or smooth finishes may need specific cement types.

  • Quality and freshness: 

      Always use fresh cement to ensure proper strength and performance.

The Cement-Sand Ratio:

The cement–sand ratio affects both the strength and finish of plaster. For interior walls, a mix of 1:5 or 1:6 is usually sufficient, while exterior plastering requires a stronger 1:4 mix.

Using too much cement can lead to shrinkage and cracking, while using too little cement can weaken the plaster and reduce durability. Maintaining the correct mix ratio with clean, well-graded sand ensures long-lasting and high-quality plastering results.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cement for plastering is essential to achieve smooth, durable, and crack-free wall surfaces. Among the available options, Portland Pozzolana Cement(PPC) stands out as the preferred choice due to its better workability, reduced shrinkage cracks, and long-term durability. 

Selecting the right cement type, grade, and mix ratio, along with proper curing, ensures high-quality plastering and reduces future maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which cement is best for wall plastering?
  Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is considered the best cement for wall plastering because it provides a smooth finish, better crack resistance, and long-lasting performance.

2. Is PPC better than OPC for plastering?
  Yes, PPC is generally better than OPC for plastering as it offers improved workability, generates less heat during setting, and reduces the chances of shrinkage cracks.

3. Can OPC 53 grade be used for plastering?
  OPC 53 grade is not recommended for plastering because its high strength and heat of hydration can lead to shrinkage cracks. OPC 43 grade or PPC is a better choice.

4. What is the ideal cement–sand ratio for plastering?
  For interior plastering, a cement–sand ratio of 1:5 or 1:6 is commonly used. For exterior plastering, a stronger mix of 1:4 is recommended.

5. How long should cement plaster be cured?
  Cement plaster should be cured for at least 7 days to gain proper strength and prevent cracks.

6. Can white cement be used for normal plastering?
  White cement is mainly used for decorative and aesthetic finishes and is not suitable for regular or structural plastering.