Plastering

Explore plastering in plain English, with practical context, common distinctions and questions to ask before work starts.

Start with the entries below. They are part of a growing reference library, not an exhaustive technical specification or a substitute for specialist assessment.

Dot and dab

Dot and dab is informal shorthand for certain adhesive board-lining methods. A suitable system uses specified boards, adhesive, background preparation and junction details. It is not permission to attach any board with scattered blobs of any adhesive, and it does not automatically create a waterproof or fire-rated assembly.

Getting into drylining

Drylining forms specified internal walls, ceilings and linings using boards, frames and associated components. The visible flat surface can conceal fire, acoustic and service requirements. Training should develop the complete system and its interfaces, not only fast board fixing or a neat taped joint.

Getting into plastering

Plastering produces specified internal finishes and can develop into rendering, fibrous work or specialist repair. A smooth surface depends on preparation, background suitability and timing as well as trowel technique. Good training explains the whole build-up instead of teaching only the visible final pass.

Lime plaster

Lime plaster is a family of plaster materials using lime as a binder within suitable systems. It is associated with traditional construction and compatible repair, but not every lime product or background behaves identically. Material selection, preparation, coats, curing and decoration must suit the building rather than rely on the label breathable.

Plasterboard

Plasterboard is a manufactured board with a gypsum core and facing layers, used to line walls and ceilings. Different products serve different fire, moisture, acoustic or thermal purposes.

Rendering

Rendering applies a specified coating system to an external or other suitable background to provide the intended finish and weather performance. Traditional and proprietary systems differ. A new surface is not a structural repair or a universal damp cure, and the chosen build-up must be compatible with the wall beneath it.

Silicone render

Silicone render usually describes a specified render finish incorporating silicone-related technology within a proprietary façade system. It is not silicone sealant spread over a wall. The complete background, base coat, primer, reinforcement where required and junction details determine suitability and performance, not the finishing coat alone.

Skim coat

Skimming is the application of a thin finishing plaster layer to create a smooth surface ready for suitable decoration after drying. It can be applied to an appropriate backing or prepared existing finish. A skim improves surface finish; it does not automatically repair structural movement, moisture ingress or a failing background.

Taping and jointing

Taping and jointing finishes specified plasterboard joints, corners and fixing areas using compatible tapes and compounds. It is different from automatically skimming the whole surface with plaster. The board system, intended finish and decoration need coordination; a hidden joint line is not the only measure of correct work.

Last editorial check: 8 November 2026.