---
title: "Short note: Plastering and pointing"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_6/building_technology:short-plastering-pointing"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/short-plastering-pointing
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Plastering and pointing

Building Technology · Chapter 9: Finishing works

- Asked in: 2066 Bhadra (old course), 4 marks
- Video: [PLASTERING & POINTING | Basic Civil Engineering | By Nadish Pandey](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zIgfxwxCyw) — Zero Association
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/short-plastering-pointing
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-9

## Question

Write a short note on plastering and pointing in building.

## 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.

## Answer

#### 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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A two-coat plaster has
   A. One coat of 25 mm
   B. 3 mm base and 12 mm top
   C. Three equal coats
   D. 12 mm base and 6-8 mm finishing coat
   Answer: D. Base 12 mm, finish 6-8 mm. (Key point: Two-coat plaster)

2. Pointing treats
   A. Only the joints
   B. Floors
   C. Roofs
   D. The whole wall
   Answer: A. Joints raked 12-20 mm and refilled with richer mortar. (Key point: Pointing)

3. Which mortar is used for pointing?
   A. 1:12
   B. Cement-sand 1:3
   C. Clay
   D. Gypsum only
   Answer: B. Richer mortar protects joints. (Key point: Mortar)

4. How long is plaster cured?
   A. 1 year
   B. None
   C. 7 days
   D. 1 hour
   Answer: C. Curing is for 7 days. (Key point: Curing)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Pointing, plastering defects, oil paint constituents](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Apointing-plaster-defects-paint) — Building Technology, chapter 9, asked 2×
- [Pointing versus plastering](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Apointing-vs-plastering) — Building Technology, chapter 9, asked 2×
- [Pointing: types and methods](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Apointing-types-methods) — Building Technology, chapter 9, asked 5×
- [Cement-sand plastering and its types](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Aplastering-process) — Building Technology, chapter 9, asked 3×
- [Cement and sand for 100 m² plastering numerical](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Aplaster-100m2-1to6) — Building Technology, chapter 3, asked 2×
- [Cement and sand for 200 m² plastering numerical](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Aplaster-200m2-1to5) — Building Technology, chapter 3, asked 2×

## Related in other subjects

- [Two-room building: excavation, PCC, brick, plaster](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Abuilding-h-two-room-fig1) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 6
- [Building: brick 1:6, ceiling plaster, PCC](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Abuilding-l-fig1-ceiling-plaster) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 6
- [Building: excavation, PCC, brick, wood work](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Abuilding-f-fig3-four-items) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 6