The Modern Plasterer


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The Modern Plasterer

Hardback £65.00 $130.00

Publication date 2000

512 pages

ISBN 978 1 873394 45 8

	UK and Rest of World
	US only

In 1999 Donhead re-published William Millar’s ‘plastering bible’, Plastering Plain and Decorative in response to the current shortage of material on traditional plastering techniques. The success of this title has now encouraged the re-publication of Verrall’s own classic work on plastering.

The Modern Plasterer now combines his two volumes in one book and provides an invaluable source of information, not only for plasterers but also for designers and specifiers who want to understand plastering methods and materials better.

Verrall’s book starts at a basic level then progresses to more complex work and provides copious drawings and diagrams to illustrate the material. He presents detailed information on the characteristics of different plaster and their uses, the varieties of lathing available and how to apply and finish flat lime plaster. It also explains how to set up and run different types of mouldings, the casting of mouldings and uses of fibrous plaster.

The new Introduction to this edition states 'Whereas Mr Millar’s book assumes a certain amount of existing experience and understanding, Verrall starts at a level which is more akin to the understanding of the modern reader. This really is, therefore, an excellent reference book for anyone wanting to rediscover and learn about traditional plastering.'

Introduction to the 2000 edition
Click here to read the new introduction by Tim Ratcliffe and Jeff Orton

Contents:

Volume 1: Introductory v Ancient and Asiatic plaster v Modern decorative plaster v Ceilings: decorative and otherwise v Plastering materials v Portland cement v How to make concrete v Selection of materials v Preparing the base for plastering v Lathing v Plasterers’ tools v Scaffolding and plant v Interior plastering v Running cornices and mouldings.

Volume 2: Suitable Sands for lime and cement plasters v Panel mouldings v Moulding and casting v Jelly moulds v Pilasters and columns v Cement hearths and floors v Exterior plastering and waterproofing v Fibrous plaster v Repair work v The restoration of plaster ceilings v Plastering by spraying v Portland cement stucco v Modelling in plaster and plastic concrete v Miscellaneous decorative processes v Gesso v Surface treatment of plaster and cement v Artificial marbles and granite v Concrete and plastic floors v Specifications v Glossary of terms for plasterers v Appendix v Index.

The author:

Verrall taught plastering at the North London Polytechnic and was committed, throughout his life, to the continuing education of plasterers. He wrote a number of smaller books on the subject, but The Modern Plasterer stands as his seminal work.

From the reviews:

This is unquestionably a wonderful book… a milestone work of humbling significance and continuing practical value.

Journal of Architectural Conservation

Donhead Publishing 2008