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Short note: Plastering and pointing

Short answer

Plastering is a smooth mortar covering (1:4-1:6 cement:sand) applied in two coats over rough walls for protection and decoration, with curing for 7 days. Pointing finishes exposed masonry joints by raking out 12-20 mm and refilling with richer 1:3 mortar in shapes like flush or recessed, protecting the joints and improving appearance without covering the whole wall.

Write a short note on plastering and pointing in building.

Plastering

Plastering is the covering of rough walls, ceilings and columns with a coat of mortar (cement-sand 1:4 to 1:6, or lime) to give a smooth, even, protective surface. It hides defects, protects the masonry from weather, and takes paint. A two-coat plaster has a 12 mm base coat and a 6-8 mm finishing coat. The wall is cleaned, joints raked, and the surface wetted before applying. Curing is done for 7 days.

Pointing

Pointing is the finishing of mortar joints of exposed brick or stone masonry by raking out the joint 12-20 mm and refilling with richer mortar (cement-sand 1:3) in a chosen shape: flush, recessed, struck, keyed, V-shaped, beaded, or tuck. It protects joints from rain and improves appearance, without covering the whole wall.

Difference: plastering covers the whole surface; pointing treats only the joints.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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