Kerolite

Kerolite is a trade name for a type of interior wall and ceiling finish, typically a fiber-reinforced gypsum plaster. It is known for its durability, fire resistance, and ability to create smooth, seamless surfaces. Kerolite was often used in commercial and institutional buildings, as well as in residential construction where a high-quality, long-lasting finish was desired.

The material is applied in multiple layers, often over a metal lath or gypsum board substrate. The first layer, a "scratch coat," is applied to the substrate and scratched to create a key for subsequent layers. Additional layers are then applied to build up the thickness and achieve the desired smoothness. The final coat can be troweled to a smooth finish or textured to create a decorative effect.

Kerolite offered advantages over traditional plaster in terms of crack resistance and speed of application. The inclusion of fibers, often asbestos in older applications (now replaced with safer alternatives), provided reinforcement and improved the material's ability to withstand movement and impact. Its relatively quick drying time also allowed for faster construction schedules.

Historically, the term "Kerolite" may also have been used generically to refer to similar fiber-reinforced gypsum plasters, although technically, it remains a branded product. Due to the presence of asbestos in older formulations, caution should be exercised when renovating buildings that may contain Kerolite applied before asbestos was banned in construction materials.

Alternatives to Kerolite, offering similar properties, include modern fiber-reinforced gypsum plasters and cement-based renders.