The Global Standard for Conserving Historic Plaster
Historic Plaster Conservation Services (HPCS) was founded in 1988 to pursue opportunities in the very specific field of architectural plaster conservation. We address and repair the structural problems of fragile plaster in historic buildings.
Over the years, we have developed and patented an array of specialty products, techniques and tools, designed to strengthen and re-attach existing plaster on ceilings and walls. We address the problem at its root – where the plaster meets its substrate.
Our specialty products and techniques are effective on the most elaborately embellished plaster and on the simplest plain face vernacular plaster. Traditional lime plaster on wood lath, cementitious plaster on expanded metal lath, plaster on masonry and even cast fibrous plaster suspended ceilings respond well to our conservation treatment programs.
Consolidating and Securing Failing Plaster in Historic Buildings
We specialize in addressing the systemic deterioration of plaster. Applied as a preventive maintenance procedure, our products economically extend the safe and maintenance-free service life of historic plaster ceilings – avoiding the tragedy of collapse and the huge expense of reconstruction. In short, we preserve original plaster.
Leading preservation architects and heritage consultants specify the HPCS approach in restorations where important plaster is at risk.
Our goal is to work with clients who value the original building fabric for which they are responsible and who wish to retain this fabric with the lowest possible level of disruption and cost.
Featured Projects
Contemporary Fresco Rescue
St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Charlotte, North Carolina (1893) The Building:St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Charlotte, North Carolina. How to Remove a Precious, Delaminated and Delicate Fresco from a WallSeismic shocks from a nearby underground construction project caused approximately 30% of a 1,540 square-foot contemporary fresco, painted by North Carolina artist Ben Long, to collapse. The fresco had been created on a newly applied substrate of lightweight plaster that was about a ½” thick across the board. The fragments, found shoveled into boxes, ranged from gravel and powder to pie plate sized pieces. The remainder of the fresco was mostly delaminated from…
HPCS Product Lineup
AD 25 Gel Injectable Dowel Setting Adhesive and AD Premixed Plain Face Plaster Lug and Key Replacement
CO R-100 BASE Plaster Consolidant Agent
GR Non-Shrink Premium Plain Face Plaster Grout and GR Premium Ultra-Fine Injectable Crack & Void Filler
EN HazMat Gel Hazardous Material Encapsulant
RE Aramid Gel Fiber Reinforced Plaster Rebuilder