Plaster Wall Coating Crossword Clue

Last edited: Apr 12, 2025

Wondering about the "Plaster wall coating" crossword clue from the Apr 12, 2025 New York Times Mini puzzle? We've researched this construction-related term and identified the precise 6-letter answer you're seeking. For those who prefer an interactive solving approach, we offer engaging features to enhance your crossword experience. Explore our letter-by-letter reveal tool to discover the solution gradually, or browse our carefully curated hints—which might include a helpful anagram, an alternative clue with the same answer, or a detailed explanation to guide your thinking process. We've also optimized navigation between related clues from the same puzzle, making it effortless to solve multiple entries consecutively. Ready to build your crossword-solving skills? Let's tackle this architectural clue together!

Crossword Answer:

About This Clue

The April 12, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Plaster wall coating" with the answer STUCCO. This clue refers to a construction material that has been used for centuries in architecture. Stucco is a durable plaster-like material typically made from cement, lime, sand, and water. It's applied wet to walls and hardens to create a solid, textured surface that can withstand various weather conditions. While the clue specifically references wall coating, stucco is versatile and can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces, though it's more commonly associated with exterior applications, particularly in Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and Southwestern architectural styles.

The History and Use of Stucco

Stucco has a rich architectural history dating back thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans used early forms of stucco to decorate and protect their buildings. Traditional stucco was made with lime, sand, and water, sometimes reinforced with animal hair for strength. Modern stucco typically includes Portland cement for increased durability. The material is valued not only for its protective qualities but also for its aesthetic versatility—it can be applied in various textures and finishes, from smooth to highly textured surfaces, and can be tinted with pigments to achieve different colors. In warmer climates like the Mediterranean, Southwestern United States, and parts of Latin America, stucco remains particularly popular due to its excellent insulating properties and ability to reflect sunlight, helping to keep buildings cooler. The term itself comes from the Italian word "stucco," which refers to fine plaster used for coating and decorating walls.

NYT Mini Crossword Tips

When solving architecture and construction-related clues in the NYT Mini Crossword, consider these approaches:

1. Familiarize yourself with common building materials and architectural terms—these appear frequently in crosswords as they tend to have distinctive letter patterns and are part of everyday vocabulary.

2. Pay attention to whether the clue is looking for a specific material, style, or technique—in this case, the clue specifically mentioned a "coating," narrowing the possibilities.

3. Consider regional architectural styles—certain building materials and techniques are associated with specific geographic regions or historical periods, which can help narrow down answers.

4. Look for words with distinctive letter patterns—STUCCO, with its double C, is a distinctive word that fits nicely into crossword grids and has clear defining characteristics as a material.

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