ASTM C587-04(2018)

Standard Specification for Gypsum Veneer Plaster

ABSTRACT
This specification covers calcined gypsum mixed at the mill with other ingredients to control working quality and setting time; specifically designed as a veneer plaster to be applied over gypsum base for veneer plasters, masonry or concrete surfaces, providing a surface ready for decoration. In addition, this specification covers test methods for determining the physical properties of gypsum veneer plasters. Veneer plasters shall be tested and shall conform to specified values of joint strength, bond strength, impact strength, and flexure.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers calcined gypsum mixed at the mill with other ingredients to control working quality and setting time; specifically designed as a veneer plaster to be applied over gypsum base for veneer plasters, masonry or concrete surfaces to a maximum thickness of 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) providing a surface ready for decoration.
Note 1: Specification C843 contains application procedures for gypsum veneer plaster.  
1.2 This specification covers test methods for determining the physical properties of gypsum veneer plasters and sets forth minimum requirements that must be met.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat applies only to the Test Methods portion, Section 5 of this specification:  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2018
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C11 - Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Drafting Committee: C11.01 - Specifications and Test Methods for Gypsum Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C587-04(2014) - Standard Specification for Gypsum Veneer Plaster
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C473-19 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum Panel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C11-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C11-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM C473-17 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum Panel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C11-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C11-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 15-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM C473-16 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum Panel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C11-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 15-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM C11-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM C473-15 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum Panel Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM C11-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1396/C1396M-14a - Standard Specification for Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM C1396/C1396M-14 - Standard Specification for Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C11-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2013

Overview

ASTM C587-04(2018) - Standard Specification for Gypsum Veneer Plaster establishes the criteria for calcined gypsum products specifically formulated for use as veneer plaster. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures that gypsum veneer plaster, when properly applied over a gypsum base, masonry, or concrete surfaces, will provide a smooth and durable finish ready for decoration. The scope covers composition, working properties, physical performance, and test methods to verify compliance. This international standard is recognized as a quality benchmark in the construction industry for finished wall surfaces.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: The standard specifies that gypsum veneer plaster must be composed of calcined gypsum mixed at the mill with ingredients that control setting time and working characteristics.
• Application Surface Compatibility: Designed for installation over approved gypsum base for veneer plasters (as per ASTM C1396/C1396M), as well as direct application to masonry or concrete.
• Thickness Requirement: Limits the finished thickness to a maximum of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm), ensuring an even and manageable application.
• Physical Property Requirements:
  • Joint Strength: Veneer plaster joints must meet specified minimum breaking loads.
  • Bond Strength: The plaster must maintain secure adhesion to the substrate and between coats.
  • Impact Strength: Resistance to cracking or debonding following impact.
  • Flexure: Ability to withstand bending without excessive cracking or bond failure.
• Testing Procedures: Outlines specific sample preparation, conditioning, and testing methodologies for verifying compliance with physical property requirements.
• Inspection and Certification: Sets provisions for inspection, packaging, labeling, and, if required, certification by the manufacturer or supplier.

Applications

Gypsum veneer plaster formulated under ASTM C587-04(2018) is widely used in:

• Commercial Construction: Hospitals, schools, office buildings, and retail spaces often require finished walls that resist cracking and are ready for quick decorative treatment.
• Residential Projects: Provides a high-quality smooth surface in homes, apartments, and remodeling projects.
• Renovation and Retrofits: Ideal for upgrading existing masonry or concrete walls with minimal added thickness.
• Institutional Facilities: Used in government and healthcare buildings for durable, easily maintained interiors.

Benefits include:

• Quick installation with minimal surface preparation.
• High resistance to joint, impact, and flexural failures.
• Ready-to-decorate surfaces upon curing.
• Certified material quality for reliable, code-compliant results.

Related Standards

ASTM C587-04(2018) references several other ASTM standards integral to the proper use and testing of gypsum veneer plaster:

• ASTM C843 - Specification for Application of Gypsum Veneer Plaster, detailing application best practices.
• ASTM C1396/C1396M - Specification for Gypsum Board, defining compliant gypsum base materials.
• ASTM C473 - Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum Panel Products, providing key testing procedures.
• ASTM C11 - Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems, for consistent terminology.

For professionals seeking high-performance, standardized finish surfaces, ASTM C587-compliant gypsum veneer plasters deliver reliability and proven quality for a wide range of construction and renovation needs.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C587 −04 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Gypsum Veneer Plaster
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C587; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers calcined gypsum mixed at the
C11 Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building
mill with other ingredients to control working quality and
Materials and Systems
setting time; specifically designed as a veneer plaster to be
C473 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum Panel
applied over gypsum base for veneer plasters, masonry or
Products
concrete surfaces to a maximum thickness of ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm)
C843 Specification for Application of Gypsum Veneer Plas-
providing a surface ready for decoration.
ter
NOTE 1—Specification C843 contains application procedures for gyp-
C1396/C1396M Specification for Gypsum Board
sum veneer plaster.
3. Terminology
1.2 This specification covers test methods for determining
3.1 Definitions:
thephysicalpropertiesofgypsumveneerplastersandsetsforth
3.1.1 Definitions of terms shall be in accordance with
minimum requirements that must be met.
Terminology C11 and Specification C843.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.2.1 gypsum veneer plaster systems, n—veneer plaster
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
applied in accordance with Specification C843 to gypsum base
and are not considered standard.
for veneer plasters.
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
4. Physical Properties
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
4.1 Joint Strength—Gypsum veneer plaster systems applied
shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
in accordance with Specification C843 shall be tested in
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat applies only to the
accordance with 5.9. The breaking load shall be not less than
Test Methods portion, Section 5 of this specification: This
theparalleltosurfacingloadsspecifiedinSpecificationC1396/
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
C1396M.
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
4.2 Bond Strength—The bond strength of the gypsum ve-
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
neer plaster to the gypsum veneer base and, where applicable,
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
between the base coat plaster and the finish coat shall not
regulatory limitations prior to use.
delaminate when tested in accordance with 5.6.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.3 Impact Strength—Gypsum veneer plaster systems shall
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
not crack or lose bond beyond the impact area when tested in
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
accordance with 5.7.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.4 Flexure—Gypsum veneer plaster systems shall exhibit
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
crack resistance within the field of the gypsum base for veneer
plasters such that radial or random cracking shall extend not
more than ⁄2 in. (13 mm) from the break line at failure when
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C11 on
GypsumandRelatedBuildingMaterialsandSystems andisthedirectresponsibility
of Subcommittee C11.01 on Specifications andTest Methods for Gypsum Products. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C587 – 04 (2014). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C0587-04R18. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C587 − 04 (2018)
tested in accordance with 5.8. At rupture of the panel the 5.7.3 Procedure—Select one 2 ft (600 mm) square. Place
veneer plaster shall be securely bonded to the face paper. the specimen horizontally, with the plaster surface face up, on
the base of the apparatus . Drop the steel ball three times onto
5. Test Methods different areas of the panel surface.
5.7.4 Report—Report whether the sample passes or fails the
5.1 Materials—Gypsum Base for Veneer Plaster, see Speci-
impact test. The sample fails if there is a loss of bond or
fication C1396/C1396M.
cracking beyond the impact area on any one of the drops.
5.2 Sampling—Sample not less than 1 % of the packages,
5.7.5 Precision and Bias—No information is presented
but not less than 5 packages. Select packages to be sampled at
about either the precision or bias of the impact test since the
random. Take samples both from the outer portion and the
test result is nonquantitative.
center of each package. Thoroughly mix the materials so
5.8 Flexure:
obtained to provide a composite sample of not less than 15 lb
5.8.1 Significance and Use—The flexure test is designed to
(6.8 kg). Place this composite sample immediately in a clean,
test the effect on the resistance to cracking and bond of the
dry, airtight container for delivery to the laboratory.
veneer plaster to the veneer plaster base while being flexed.
5.3 Test Unit Preparation—Fromthesample,preparepanels
The degree of correlation between this test method and service
ofveneerplastersystemandcutfour2ft(600mm)square,and
performance has not been determined.
three 12 by 16 in. (300 by 400 mm) specimens.
5.8.2 Apparatus—UsetheapparatusdescribedinTestMeth-
5.4 Conditioning—Condition specimens to constant weight
ods C473 for Method B.
at a temperature of 85 6 15°F (29.5 6 8.5°C) and relative
...