Question 1

What is sticking in plastering?

Accepted Answer

Sticking, also called dot-and-dab, is a drylining method where plasterboard is fixed directly to a solid masonry wall using adhesive dabs instead of a timber or metal frame. It straightens an uneven solid wall ready for skimming, while keeping the loss of room space to a minimum compared with a stud partition system.

Question 2

How much room space does sticking lose compared to a stud wall?

Accepted Answer

Dot-and-dab sticking typically loses only 10 to 20mm of room depth per wall, compared with 50mm or more for a timber stud partition, making it the preferred choice when space is at a premium.

Question 3

Can sticking be used on damp walls?

Accepted Answer

No, any damp issue must be identified and resolved before sticking. Fixing plasterboard over an active damp problem traps moisture and leads to the boards failing and mould developing behind them.

Question 4

How long does adhesive take to cure before skimming?

Accepted Answer

Adhesive dabs generally need at least 24 to 48 hours to cure fully before the boards can be jointed and skimmed, though this varies with humidity and room temperature.

Question 5

Does sticking provide any insulation benefit?

Accepted Answer

A basic thermal laminate board can be used with the dot-and-dab method to add a modest layer of insulation to a solid wall, though it is not a substitute for full internal or external wall insulation on cold, uninsulated properties.

Question 6

Is sticking faster than float and set plastering?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sticking is generally quicker than a full float and set system since it avoids building up and levelling a wet base coat, which is one reason it is popular for renovation projects on a tighter timeline.

Question 7

Can uneven walls really be straightened with dot-and-dab?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within reason. Dabs are packed out to different thicknesses across the wall to correct minor unevenness, though a wall that is severely out of true may still need a float and set approach instead.

Question 8

What boards are used for sticking?

Accepted Answer

Standard plasterboard is most common, though moisture-resistant or thermal laminate boards are used where the room or wall calls for it, such as bathrooms or particularly cold external walls.

Question 9

Do you skim straight after sticking?

Accepted Answer

Skimming follows once the adhesive has fully cured and the joints between boards have been taped and filled, giving a stable, flat surface for the final skim coat.

Question 10

Is sticking suitable for period properties?

Accepted Answer

It can be, but older solid walls sometimes need a breathable approach rather than modern gypsum adhesive and boards. We assess the wall build-up on-site before recommending sticking over a lime-based alternative.

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