Stacey Booth, Head of Marketing & Portfolio at Okarno, looks at the options available
Wet plaster has been used for centuries and is known for its durability and smooth finish. The reality is that there are still many situations where plastering is irreplaceable, particularly for larger-scale repair, maintenance and improvement works or when dealing with listed or heritage buildings.
However, plasterboard continues to be a growing alternative due to it being quick to install, and it can provide additional thermal and acoustic benefits when looking at insulated options. The key to a successful outcome with plasterboard is preparation and ensuring the joints are not visible. This is best achieved by using the right jointing compounds and tapes to prevent shrinkage and cracks from forming.
Here are some options for creating this seamless finish:
Joint fillers
Joint fillers are a gypsum-based setting material for bedding tapes and filling plasterboard joints. They are particularly suitable for bulk and secondary filling of joints. They offer low shrinkage and a variety of drying times.
For many, these lightweight powder products are the preferred go-to multipurpose solution because they are easy to mix from powder and work particularly well with jointing tapes, as well as being suitable for snagging and filling holes.
One aspect to consider when choosing a joint filling product is the working time, as they do vary from product to product. Products with longer working times are great if you want to mix a larger batch due to working on a bigger project, but for smaller jobs, a smaller working time might be preferable to prevent time being wasted on site waiting for the product to dry before being able to apply a second coat. If in doubt, check the product packaging to ensure the product is suitable for jointing and filling and that the working time matches your needs. The Gyproc EasiFill products clearly state their working time in their name; for example, EasiFill 20 has a 20-minute working time, whereas EasiFill 60 has a 60-minute working time, and the intended use for the product will be stated on the packaging and in published installation guides available on the manufacturer’s website.
For added convenience, ready-mixed products are also available, which saves time when mixing and helps reduce waste by preventing mixing errors and scrapping any unused product. Ready-mixed products come in resealable tubs, so you can use what you need, reseal and then use the product again on the next job. The Gyproc ProMix Lite is a ready-mixed jointing compound for all stages of filling and tape bedding. This versatile mixture is available in 20kg tubs and is a great alternative to powder products, especially if gaining access to water onsite is an issue.
Combined Joint Filling and Finishing
Traditionally, jointing and filling would have been a three-stage process, but products such as Gyproc EasiFill 60 and Gyproc ProMix Lite can be used for both bulk filling and finishing for speed and convenience. These products combine setting and air-drying, which avoids having to use more than one jointing compound.
Tip: Only use with hand jointing as being a setting compound it could set within mechanical taping tools.
Choose Your Tapes
Jointing compounds are only part of the story. A key part of plasterboard preparation is taping joints, and choosing the right tape is just as important.
There are two types of jointing tapes: paper-based and fibreglass mesh:
Paper tape provides a strong bond when used with jointing compounds and is particularly effective at preventing cracks where there may be movement between two joints. Paper tapes require a certain skill level to ensure a smooth finish, but they remain a popular choice. Paper-based tape is often less expensive and best suited to those on a budget, but with more time to achieve the desired finish.
Fibreglass mesh tape has gained popularity due to its ease of use and flexibility. It is self-adhesive, allowing for quick application without the need for additional compounds. It is particularly effective in areas prone to cracking because of its tear strength.
Whether you choose paper-based or fibreglass mesh is down to preference. However, tape is a key part of ensuring your jointing compound fills and sets properly and can prevent timely and costly rework, so it is worth taking the time to choose a good-quality tape that matches the needs of your project.
In conclusion, while traditional wet plastering remains a vital technique for certain applications, the rise of plasterboard offers a modern, efficient alternative that meets the demands of contemporary construction. By carefully selecting the right jointing compounds and tapes, and ensuring meticulous preparation, tradespeople can achieve a smooth, professional finish that enhances a space’s aesthetic and functional qualities. As the construction industry continues to advance, plasterboard stands out as a practical solution that balances speed, cost-effectiveness and performance, making it a preferred choice for many projects.
For more information on Gyproc EasiFill, Gyproc ProMix Lite or Gyproc Tapes from Okarno, click here
