rappauksia

Rappauksia is a Finnish term that refers to plastering works, including both the process of applying plaster to walls and ceilings and the resulting plastered surfaces. The word encompasses traditional and modern plastering practices used in construction, renovation, and interior finishing.

In architecture, plastering serves protective, functional, and aesthetic purposes. Plaster provides a barrier against moisture and weathering, creates a smooth or textured surface for paint or wallpaper, and can contribute to interior acoustics. Common plastering materials include lime plaster, cement-based plaster, and gypsum plaster. Lime plaster is valued for breathability and compatibility with historic masonry, while cement-based plasters offer rapid curing and strength, and gypsum plasters are widely used for interior walls due to light weight and ease of finishing.

Techniques involve surface preparation, mixing of plaster with water, and applying coats such as a base coat and a finishing coat. Traditional methods may use trowels and hawks, with surfaces planed or brushed for texture. Finishes range from smooth to decorative, including stucco, relief patterns, and subtle texturing achieved through trowel techniques or stamping.

Regional and historical context: plastering has long been part of Nordic and European construction traditions, including Finland, where lime-based plasters are often favored in restoration and early construction. In contemporary buildings, plastering is commonly integrated with modern systems like plasterboard and lightweight reconstituted materials.

Maintenance and restoration: damaged plaster is repaired by patching or re-plastering; lime plasters are typically repaired and repainted to maintain breathability and durability.

See also: plaster, stucco, lime plaster, plasterboard.