To get smooth walls with a professional finish, you have two options – wet plaster or dry lining! Which is the best?
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Wet plastering is the more traditional method and requires skill. Alternatively, dry lining uses pre-made plasterboard and can be the faster and cheaper option. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide, we ask the question: dry food vs. plaster of paris: which is the best?
Drylining
The fastest way to get ready-to-paint walls and dry siding has been around since the 1940s and it's growing in popularity. Most new builds now use this method. If the lining is dry, use pre-made plasterboard that you cut to size and then glue to your walls, either using the dot-and-dab glue method or screw it flush to your stud wall. Fiberglass mesh tape is then used to cover the joints and corners. You can also skim them for a flush finish.
benefits
- Quick and easy to install so you can save on labor costs compared to plastering
- Less messy and ready to decorate – unlike wet plaster, you don't have to wait for it to dry
- Reduces the risk of hairline cracks that can occur in plaster of paris
- Low moisture permeability
- Can also add an extra layer of insulation to your room
disadvantage
- The dry lining creates a cavity between the plasterboard and the wall
- This cavity makes attaching shelves and radiators to the wall more problematic
- The wall finish is not always as smooth or sealed as professionally applied plaster
- Plasterboard can be damaged easily and is not as robust as traditional plasterboard
- It's not so good to have soundproofed a room
plaster
Working with wet plaster of paris for centuries is a skill and, when done right, has a stunning and long lasting finish. The materials used are either cement plaster or plaster of paris. The surface is then covered with a thin layer of plaster of paris for a beautiful end result. Wet plaster is a good choice for difficult spaces and can be used on both walls and ceilings. You can also opt for more traditional materials, including clay or lime plaster for a stunning historical look, or renovate an older property with sympathy.
benefits
- A proven method for a smooth and permanent finish on your walls
- Ideal for difficult areas such as doors, windows and dormers as it provides a good seal
- It's fireproof and a great way to add soundproofing to a room
- It is less prone to surface damage than dry lining made with plasterboard
- Plaster of paris is durable and accepts fixings like shelves well
- Traditional plaster can also help insulate a room
disadvantage
- You need a good level of skill to achieve a smooth, even finish
- It can be expensive when you need a professional plasterer
- If applied wet, the plaster can take a while to dry and it can be prone to hairline cracks
- You cannot decorate right away as it will take several days to dry
- It's not a quick fix – the process is tedious compared to dry feed
In total….
Plastering is more durable and works even in the toughest of spaces, but it can be more expensive as it takes longer and requires skilled labor. Dry lining, on the other hand, is faster, easier to install, and you don't have to wait to decorate it. But it's not that heavy and can be difficult to use with radiators or other fixtures.
So when it comes to a final decision, it is ultimately your budget, space, and available time that will help you make your decision in the dry food versus traditional plastering debate.
