Gipsen

Gipsen is a Dutch term with two main senses. As a verb, gipsen means to apply plaster to a surface, or to make a plaster cast. As a noun, gips (plural gipsen) refers to gypsum-based plaster, a material used in building finishing, as well as in medical casts and sculpture.

Gypsum plaster is derived from gypsum, a calcium sulfate dihydrate. When gypsum is heated, it loses part of its water and becomes plaster of Paris (calcium sulfate hemihydrate). When mixed with water, plaster of Paris rehydrates and hardens, forming a solid plaster matrix. Modern interior plaster often uses gypsum plaster due to its light weight, smooth finish, and easy workability. Gypsum can also be processed into gipsplaat, commonly known as gypsum board or drywall, which provides a quick and clean wall or ceiling solution.

Common Dutch variants include gipspleister, a gypsum-based interior plaster used to create a smooth surface on walls and ceilings, and gipsplaat for prefabricated panels. Gypsum plaster is favored for its fire resistance and sound-damping properties, but is less durable in damp or exterior environments unless specifically treated or protected.

Applications range from construction and renovation in homes and buildings to the creation of plaster casts in medical contexts and to sculpture and art projects. In medical use, gipsen refers to applying a plaster cast to immobilize broken bones. Handling should minimize inhalation of fine dust, and proper personal protective equipment is recommended when mixing or sanding plaster.

Historically, plaster materials have been used since antiquity. Plaster of Paris, derived from calcined gypsum, has been an important binding agent in art and architecture and contributed to the development of modern plaster products.