Krohvi

Krohvi is the Estonian word for plaster or stucco used as an external or internal coating on masonry, concrete and other building substrates. As a construction material, krohvi serves protective, insulating and decorative functions: it protects structural surfaces from moisture and weathering, provides a base for paints and finishes, and can be textured or pigmented for aesthetic effect.

Common types of krohvi include lime-based plaster, cement-based plaster and gypsum plaster. Lime krohvi is breathable and flexible, traditionally used on older masonry; cement krohvi is more rigid and durable for modern masonry and exterior applications; gypsum krohvi is often used for smooth interior finishes. Formulations may include aggregates, binders, additives for water resistance or setting time, and colorants.

Application typically follows staged coats—a bonding or scratch coat, a leveling or brown coat, and a thin finishing coat—applied with tools such as trowels and hawks and finished by hand or with mechanical means. Proper substrate preparation, mixing ratios and curing are important to avoid cracking, delamination and efflorescence.

Maintenance of krohvi involves periodic inspection, localized repair of cracks or delaminated areas, and repainting or reapplication of finish layers as needed. Environmental considerations increasingly favor breathable, low-VOC and mineral-based plasters for historic building conservation and sustainable construction. The term is used in Estonian building trades and broader Baltic construction contexts.