Plaster on wood

I have a rocking horse that I have stripped of old Scrim and plaster. If I replace the scrim, what type of plaster do I need to re-coat it.

Asked by Janet on 10th Jul 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"Fast setting plaster of Paris and bond on the new scrim use plaster of Paris with pva mixed its the nearest you will get to gesso now days
Old rocking horses were typically coated with gesso, a plaster-like substance, to provide a smooth surface for painting. Gesso is a mixture of plaster and a binder, traditionally rabbit skin glue. This coating was applied over the wooden frame of the horse, which was often carved from several pieces of wood and then pegged together."
Answered on 10th Jul 2025 - Member since Nov 2024 - report
"Use a plaster called gesso it’s a mix of plaster of Paris and something else"
Answered on 10th Jul 2025 - Member since Nov 2024 - report
"Multi finish would be your best option I guess, however not on timber"
Answered on 10th Jul 2025 - Member since Jan 2025 - report
"For a rocking horse, you'll want to use a lightweight filler or a two-part epoxy compound rather than traditional plaster. Traditional plaster is heavy and not ideal for the flexible structure of a rocking horse. A lightweight filler, like a pre-mixed, sandable filler, is a good option for re-coating the scrim. Alternatively, a two-part epoxy filler, like feather fill, can be used and sanded smooth."
Answered on 10th Jul 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 - report
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