Which type of reinforcement should be used in a veneer plaster system?

• A. Glass fiber Tape
• B. Metal
• C. None
• D. Paper tape

Answer: (A)

In veneer plaster, the thin finish coat is prone to cracking unless there’s reinforcement to hold the layers together and distribute movement. Glass fiber tape is the best choice because it provides high tensile strength, is non-corrosive, resists moisture, and bonds well with plaster, helping to control shrinkage cracks in the thin veneer layer. Paper tape isn’t ideal here because it can wick moisture and deteriorate in a plaster finish, and metal serves more as the underlying substrate (lath) for the base coats rather than as the reinforcing in the veneer coat. Using reinforcement keeps the veneer plaster durable and crack-resistant, which is why glass fiber tape is preferred.