Plasterers A–Z dictionary

B

Background

The surface receiving plaster or render. Soundness, suction, moisture and compatibility affect the chosen system.

Bead

A profile forming or protecting an edge, corner or other detail. Material and type must suit the exposure and finish.

Bonding coat

A plaster layer or product serving a defined preparation role. It is not a universal cure for every unsound wall.

C

Curing

Development of a material's properties under suitable conditions. It is different from merely appearing dry on the surface.

D

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.

F

Fat

A tradesperson’s description of workable fine material brought to the surface during finishing; meaning depends on the process.

Feather edge

A tapered edge or a straightedge tool, depending on context. State which meaning matters when ordering or specifying.

G

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.

Going off

A material beginning to set, stiffen or lose workability. Not the same as being fully cured or dry.

L

Lath

A supporting background for plaster, traditionally timber strips in many older buildings. Movement and condition affect repairs.

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.

P

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.

R

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.

S

Set

The stage at which a plaster loses workability through its setting process. It need not be fully dry or ready to decorate.

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.

Spread

A plasterer. The person responsible for the smooth finish, not the lunchtime sandwich filling.

Spreader

Another informal name for a plasterer; usage varies by area and crew.

Suction

The background's tendency to draw moisture from applied material. Excessive or uneven suction can affect the finish.

T

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.

Sources and further reading

Linked article sources support the technical background; informal usage is editorial and varies by region. Full specification and legal requirements must be checked in the original.

• GOV.UK: fire and acoustic guidance
• British Gypsum: plasterboard product and system selection
• HSE: construction dust
• HSE: asbestos survey scope
• National Careers Service: occupational routes and duties
• HSE: dust, handling and access risks
• Historic England: traditional construction and moisture
• GOV.UK: moisture guidance