Wall Lining History

This report looks at the evolution and change of a construction technology. This essay will look into the history of internal wall linings and how this technology has changed and evolved over time. The report will look at how internal linings have changed in the last century by analysing the different methods of construction and the materials used, the report will also look at the early influences on this technology and what influence this technology had on buildings today and finally the report will touch on how internal wall linings influence other technologies

Gypsum plaster is not a new material and can be dated back being used in ancient Egypt, being used in the pyramid of Cheops.

In the 1700 - 1950 wet lining with gypsum calcination was the most common material and method for lining the interior of houses. The process wet lining involved layering 1- 3 coats of Plaster of paris (gypsum calcination) on to top of wooden planks to form a solid wall (Lath and plaster). The plaster was commonly known as Plaster of Paris and was usually reinforced with horse hair. Wooden laths of split hardwood would be nailed horizontally to the studs of the building. The first layer of plaster would be applied using a wooden board. The plaster would be forced through the gaps between the laths creating curls on the other side. These curl where known as keys keeping the plaster on the wall. The coat was then smoothed off to form a semi uniform coat.

Once the first coat had been applied a second coat would be applied called the brown coat. The brown coat would be applied the same way, with the end result being a flat, rough sandy coat of plaster. The final coat was a smooth coat of white plaster which when dried was ready for painting or wall papering.

This process was time consuming and labour intensive, making it affordable to only wealthy or upper class people.

1880s to the early 1900s lining the internal walls with a method called “scrim and sarking” was a cheap method...