concretebasics.org: your guide to cement & concrete

Types of Cement

Plastic Cement

Plastic cements consist of a mixture of Portland and blended hydraulic cement and plasticizing materials (such as limestone, hydrated or hydraulic lime), together with materials introduced to enhance one or more properties such as setting time, workability, water retention, and durability.

The term “plastic” in plastic cement does not refer to the inclusion of any organic compounds in the cement; rather, “plastic” refers to the ability of the cement to impart to the plaster a high degree of plasticity or workability.

Plaster made from this cement must remain workable for a long enough time for it to be reworked to obtain the desired densification and texture. Plastic cement should not be used to make concrete.

ASTM C1328-05 Standard Specification for Plastic (Stucco) Cement covers two types of plastic cement for use in portland cement-based plasters for exterior (stucco) and interior application.

C 1328 on plastic (or stucco) cement is used for stucco applications but this material is found only in the southwest and western portions of the United States. C 1328 has Types S and M.