Plastering typically follows a three-coat system over walls.
Good skimming requires skill and experience to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. Once dry, the skimmed surface only requires priming before painting or applying wallpaper. It is done both in new construction and renovation projects to create flawless decorative ready walls and ceilings.
Plasterboarding refers to applying plasterboard as a base layer before plastering. Plasterboard consists of a layer of gypsum plaster sandwiched between paper sheets. Plasterboard is a common alternative to traditional wet plaster for interior walls and ceilings. The plasterboard joints are taped and filled to create a continuous smooth surface. A thin skim coat of plaster is then applied for the final finish. British standards help ensure quality plasterboard products are used. Plasterboarding with skim plaster finish is now widespread in UK construction for cost and time savings while still giving high quality results
Rendering refers to the application of a thin coat of mortar over brick, block, or concrete exterior walls. It provides a weatherproof finish and protects the wall structure. Traditional rendering uses a mix of sand, cement, and lime.
The render is built up across the entire wall surface and finished with tools to create a uniform, blemish-free exterior.
Sand and cement based rendering remains the most common exterior wall finish in British residential and commercial building. It provides durability along with aesthetic options.
Float and set is a traditional British plastering technique used to create a smooth finished surface on walls and ceilings.
Benefits of the float and set technique include minimising trowel marks and achieving a flat, consistent surface ready for decoration. It requires skill but gives superior results. This traditional British trade technique remains common today for plastering walls and ceilings to a high standard.