Also known as Neat or White Coat, is a smooth, level surface finish with no texture or additional finishing elements. Perhaps the most prevalent finish associated with plaster, its ubiquitous nature does not mean it has to remain uninspired. Often, plainly finished plaster can serve as a base layer on to which more complex techniques can be applied– such as marbleizing, faux bois, Venetian plaster, trompe l’oiel, among many others. Smooth cast is most associated with gypsum-based plasters. To achieve this finish plasters will repeatedly trowel the surface & compress the plaster. Often water is applied during the troweling to keep the surface slick.
