Dry lining and plastering are the two main methods of finishing internal walls. The answer to the question ‘which is better?’ entirely depends on the nature of the application. Below we take a look at the individual benefits of each method, and the reasons why you may choose one over another.
Dry Lining
Dry lining is a cladding method which sheets of plasterboard to create a smooth, even surface. The plasterboard can be fixed to bare faced internal walls such as breeze block walls or the timber/metal framework of an internal structure.
Dry Lining Application Methods
One method of dry lining is the ‘dot and dab’ method. This involves dabbing thick, large blobs of gypsum based adhesive directly onto the wall to attach sheets of plasterboard. Plasterboard comes in various thicknesses and lengths. It typically takes more than one sheet of plasterboard to cover an entire length of wall, meaning the joints between each sheet need to be filled in using jointing materials.
To smooth out the joints, plasterers use scrim tape or paper joint tape. Plasterers lay the specialist tape over the joint and seal the edges with plaster. Once dry, the plaster can be sanded down to create a smooth, seamless surface. One downfall of dry lining is that these seams can begin to show underneath paintwork or wallpaper, especially if the scrim tape is poorly applied. Tapered plaster board usually rectifies this problem however.
Plaster board can also be applied to timber or metal framework/stud walls. This method requires fixing the plasterboard to the wall using nails. The joints and nail heads are then sealed using scrim tape and finishing plaster.
Pros of Dry Lining:
Wide range of plasterboard options including moisture resistant and acoustic plasterboard.
Faster and easy application
Easy to change
Cons of Dry Lining:
Dot and dab application method creates cavities behind plasterboard – reducing air tightness and thermal efficiency. Poor jointing work can show underneath paintwork/wallpaper.
Sanding joints produces dust
Plastering
Unlike dry lining, plastering uses wet plaster which is smoothed directly onto the wall. Plastering can be tricky and it’s important to use the correct plaster formula and method for the application. Plaster is a slightly more laborious task than dry lining and takes skill to achieve a smooth, even finish.
Plastering Application Methods
When it comes to plastering, achieving a professional finish requires the right materials and a certain skill level. Before applying plaster to the wall, some applications require a PVA or blue grit backing coat to help the plaster adhere. PVA is a good, general backing coat whereas blue girt is more suitable for extremely low suction surfaces such as tile. Once the backing coat is applied, the plasterer will need to mix the required amount of plaster in a bucket. Mixing plaster by hand can be time consuming, tiring work so plasterers will typically use a plaster mixer. The plasterer will use scoop plaster onto a hand held hawk using a bucket trowel and then take a separate, plastering trowel to transfer the plaster from the hawk to the wall. Here is where technique comes into play. The plasterer will apply the plaster onto the wall in an arch motion, pressing firmly and tilting the trowel as they work.
Plastering Pros:
No sanding required = no dust
Mould resistant
Long lasting
Durable
No cavities – great for sound proofing and thermal efficiency
Plastering Cons:
Plaster can crack
Plaster can be difficult to repair
Longer application and drying time
