Plaster of Paris and drywall compound are two commonly used construction materials that are used for repairing and renovating walls. Even though they share some similarities, there are significant differences between these two materials. In this article, we will discuss the differences between plaster of Paris and drywall compound.
What Is Plaster of Paris?
Plaster of Paris is a type of building material that is made by calcining gypsum, a soft mineral that is found in sedimentary rocks. The calcined gypsum is then ground into a fine powder, which can be mixed with water to form a paste-like substance. Once the paste dries up, it hardens into a solid mass.
Plaster of Paris has been used for centuries in construction for creating decorative moldings and ornamentation on walls and ceilings. It is also used for making casts for broken bones.
What Is Drywall Compound?
Drywall compound, also known as joint compound or mud, is a type of building material that is used to cover joints between sheets of drywall. It is made by mixing gypsum powder with water and other additives such as glue or resin. The resulting substance has a thick and creamy consistency that can be smoothed over joints to create a seamless finish.
Drywall compound is commonly used in modern construction because it provides an easy way to cover up imperfections on walls and ceilings.
Differences Between Plaster of Paris and Drywall Compound
Composition:
The main difference between plaster of Paris and drywall compound lies in their composition. Plaster of Paris consists mainly of gypsum, while drywall compound contains gypsum powder mixed with other additives such as glue or resin.
Application:
Another significant difference between these two materials is their application. Plaster of Paris is typically used for creating decorative elements on walls such as moldings, cornices, and ceiling medallions. It can also be used for casting objects since it hardens into a rigid mass.
On the other hand, drywall compound is primarily used for covering up joints between sheets of drywall. It can also be used for repairing cracks or holes in walls.
Drying Time:
Plaster of Paris has a shorter drying time compared to drywall compound. Once mixed with water, plaster of Paris can harden in as little as 20 minutes, while drywall compound can take several hours to dry completely.
Strength:
Plaster of Paris is generally stronger than drywall compound due to its higher concentration of gypsum. It is commonly used for creating decorative elements that require a durable and long-lasting finish.
Drywall compound, on the other hand, is not as strong as plaster of Paris but is still strong enough to cover joints and small cracks in walls.
Conclusion
In summary, both plaster of Paris and drywall compound are essential construction materials that serve different purposes. While plaster of Paris is primarily used for creating decorative elements on walls, drywall compound is mainly used for covering up joints between sheets of drywall. Understanding the differences between these two materials will help you choose the right one for your specific needs.