Dry lining has become an increasingly popular technique for finishing the internal walls of a property, and is often used as an alternative to traditional plastering.
The process of dry lining refers to attaching a piece of pre-finished and measured plasterboard to a wall, giving you a smooth, even finish that can be decorated almost immediately.
Taping and jointing is the process used to connect and finish the areas where these pieces of plasterboard join, for instance, in corners, ceilings or room partitions.
Why do people choose dry lining over plaster?
The main advantages of dry lining are the speed and ease with which the process can be completed, saving money and time when it comes to labour costs.
Other practical benefits include plasterboard adding an extra layer of insulation to a building, and being less susceptible to cracking than wet plaster.
How do you dry line a wall?
Below is a step-by-step guide to dry lining a wall:
- Prepare your walls by cleaning away dust, dirt and debris.
- Measure and cut your plasterboard to size using a sharp utility knife. You don’t need to completely cut through the plasterboard, but go over the cut a couple of times to ensure it snaps easily.
- If you have any uneven edges, use a drywall rasp to smooth them.
- Mix your drywall adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Using a builder’s float and pointing hawk, apply adhesive to the wall, spacing each application out evenly around the area where the plasterboard is to be attached.
- For extra stability, apply adhesive to the edges of the board.
- Carefully and firmly push the plasterboard against the wall, using a spirit level to ensure the board is even. Adjust if necessary and tap into place.
- Once the adhesive has dried (this will vary by manufacturer), use a jointing compound to fill any gaps where boards join, smooth and cover with jointing tape.
What training is needed to dry line a wall?
While basic dry lining of smaller areas is something that could potentially be completed on a DIY basis, anyone hoping to tackle complex projects or full renovations may want to consider a short intensive training course.
Dry lining for DIY
Entry-level courses are a great way for beginners to pick up the skills and knowledge to comfortably complete basic dry lining work in just five days. They can also be a great long-term investment as they mean you aren’t tied to the costs and waiting times of busy tradespeople.
Working as a dry liner
Given the growing demand for dry lining professionals in the construction industry, you may also wish to develop your skills with a view to exploring it as a potential career path or adding it to your existing skills. Doing a course may allow you to access that industry
Want to know more about dry lining courses for beginners? You can find all the information here.
Plastering
