Plasterboard & Plastering Supplies for Beginners

In depth

Let's talk about the basics of getting started with plasterboard and plastering. It can seem overwhelming when you first hear words like ‘stud’, ‘jointing’ and ‘bedding’. Don’t worry – it’s a skill that builds up with practice, and a good understanding of the core materials will make your first project much smoother. Initially, focus on getting the right board and then learning how to apply the plaster correctly.

The two main types you'll encounter are standard gypsum plasterboard and featureboard. Gypsum plasterboard is the workhorse; it’s what you’ll use for most walls and ceilings where you just need a basic surface. It’s made from gypsum mixed with other materials, giving it its strength and ability to hold onto plaster. Featureboard is slightly different – it has a patterned or textured surface designed to create a decorative effect when plastered. It's often used for creating columns, cornices, or adding a touch of design to a room. For your first project, sticking with standard gypsum plasterboard is the sensible choice; it’s more versatile and easier to work with. You’ll also need to think about the thickness – 12mm is common for ceilings and 19mm for walls, offering greater strength against impact.

Now, let's look at some essential tools. A decent quality plastering hawk is crucial – this is a shallow, square tray you use to scoop up plaster from your mixing tub. It needs to be made of something durable like plastic or metal, and the size will depend on the area you’re working with; 12” (305mm) is a good starting point. You'll also need a plastering trowel – these come in various sizes, but a 6” (150mm) or 8” (200mm) trowel is typically sufficient for beginners. A bucket with a mixing paddle will make your life significantly easier when preparing the plaster mix. Don’t try to whisk it by hand; it’s hard work and you'll end up with uneven consistency. Finally, a spirit level is absolutely vital for ensuring your walls and ceilings are straight – even small imperfections here will be magnified later on.

The plaster itself comes in two main forms: ready-mixed and powder. Ready-mixed plaster is convenient; it’s already mixed to the correct consistency and just needs adding water to. However, it can dry out quickly if not protected from dust, so you need to work with it relatively fast. Powdered plaster is cheaper per unit of plaster but requires more precise mixing – you'll need to add a specific amount of water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Accurate measurement is key here; too much or too little water will ruin the consistency and affect how well the plaster adheres. For your first time, ready-mixed is generally easier to manage.

Jointing compound is what you use to fill the gaps between the plasterboard edges after applying the base coat. It’s essentially a finer grade of gypsum plaster mixed with additives that make it workable and hold its shape. There are different types – ‘setting’ jointing compounds harden as they dry, while ‘non-setting’ varieties require you to apply a skin coat over them before they fully harden. Again, for beginners, a setting compound is often easier to control. Don't be tempted to use too much; a thin, neat finish is always better than a thick, messy one.

Now, about things you can ignore initially – there’s a *lot* of specialist equipment out there that will tempt you with promises of speed and ease. Jointing knives come in various shapes and sizes, but a basic 4” (100mm) knife is all you need to start. Corner beads, profiling tools, and feather finishing guides are fantastic for achieving professional-looking results, but they add complexity and cost – stick to the basics first. Similarly, different types of plaster mixes exist – lime plasters, sand plasters, etc. – these are great for experienced plasterers, but again, they’re not necessary for a beginner. Focus on mastering the fundamental skills with standard gypsum plaster and ready-mixed plaster before considering more advanced techniques.

Finally, consider dust protection. Plastering creates *a lot* of fine dust, which can be irritating to your lungs and skin. Wear a suitable mask (an N95 or similar) and eye protection. Protect your work area with plastic sheeting – it’s much easier to clean up a spill on plastic than on carpets or furniture. Don't underestimate the importance of good ventilation too; open windows if possible, but ensure you have adequate dust extraction if using powdered plaster. Remember, patience is key when first learning this craft – small imperfections are normal and can often be corrected with careful application of more plaster.