If you’re planning to renovate your home or if you’re building a new one with plaster already done, and you want to add a touch of luxury, I highly recommend opting for POP (Plaster of Paris) instead of putty, especially if you can slightly expand your budget. In this post, I will explain why POP is the better choice for your home interiors and why it should be your first pick.
1. Superior Finishing: The first and most important reason why POP is the ideal choice is the finish it provides. Unlike putty, which can never match the rich, smooth finish of POP, you’ll notice a significant difference in the texture. If a contractor claims that putty can give you the same finishing, it’s a myth. Based on my experience with numerous projects, I can confidently say that the smoothness and richness of POP are unmatched. If you touch a wall finished with POP, it feels velvety, almost like a luxurious fabric. In terms of ratings, POP scores 10/10 for finishing, while putty only gets a 6 or 7.
2. No Undulation or Waves: Undulation refers to the waves or gaps that can appear on the surface. With putty, you’ll often notice slight waves or unevenness on the walls, but this doesn’t happen with POP. It provides a perfectly smooth and even finish, no matter what angle you view it from. POP walls will never show undulations or uneven surfaces, making it an ideal choice for anyone who values flawless walls.
3. Thermal Resistance: Another advantage of using POP is its thermal resistance. POP helps regulate the temperature inside your home. If the temperature outside is 30°C, your room temperature will be a couple of degrees cooler, typically around 28°C. This makes your space more comfortable and energy-efficient, especially in hot climates.
4. Fire Resistance: POP is also fire-resistant, making it a safer choice for your home. In the event of a fire, POP walls slow down the spread of flames and reduce the overall damage. The material burns slowly, giving you more time to react and keep your home safe.
5. Drawbacks: While POP has numerous benefits, it does come with a few downsides. One major drawback is the setting time. While putty allows for quicker re-coating after a few hours, POP takes anywhere between 1-2 days to dry completely, depending on the weather. If you need faster results, putty might be more suitable, but POP’s superior finish makes it worth the wait.
6. External Use: Some people ask whether POP can be used on exterior walls. The answer is no. POP is not water-resistant, so it should only be applied inside the house. When exposed to water or moisture, POP can start peeling off over time. It is not suitable for outdoor use, especially in areas with frequent rain or humidity.
7. Longevity: POP’s durability is another advantage. Once installed, POP does not expand or shrink with temperature changes. It remains in its original form for years, ensuring that the finish and look of your walls remain intact for a long time. With putty, hairline cracks can develop, and the material can degrade more quickly.
8. Creative Potential with POP: POP also offers more flexibility for creative designs, especially on ceilings and walls. With POP, you can create intricate moldings, designs, and false ceilings, giving your home an artistic and luxurious feel. Whether you want contemporary designs or traditional patterns, POP allows for more creativity than putty.
Conclusion: In summary, POP offers a host of benefits, including a smooth, rich finish, thermal and fire resistance, and greater longevity. It does require more time and skill during installation, but if you’re aiming for a luxurious look for your home, POP is the way to go. Although putty may be faster and cheaper, it cannot provide the same level of finish or durability. If you’re willing to spend a little extra for the perfect finish and long-lasting results, I highly recommend choosing POP for your interior design.
