What Products Do We Use for Plastering?

Sovereign Surfaces
Jul 25
6 min read

Updated: Jul 28

When it comes to creating smooth, durable, and aesthetically pleasing walls and ceilings, plastering is one of the most important trades in construction and renovation. At Sovereign Surfaces, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality finishes by combining skilled craftsmanship with the best plastering products on the market.

In this article, we’ll explain the key products we use in our day-to-day plastering work, why they are important, and how they contribute to the final result. We’ll also dive into some of the most popular gypsum-based plastering products, including Multi-Finish, Bonding, Hardwall, Drywall compounds, and Board Finish, and outline their specific uses and benefits.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to understand what goes on behind the scenes or a fellow professional looking for insights, read on to learn about the materials that make our plastering projects stand out.

Why the Right Products Matter in Plastering

Plastering is not just about applying a layer of plaster and smoothing it out. It’s about preparation, compatibility, and selecting the right materials for the substrate and the environment.

Walls and ceilings come in different materials: bricks, blocks, concrete, plasterboard (drywall), or even existing painted surfaces. Each substrate has its own characteristics in terms of porosity, adhesion, strength, and movement.

That’s why, at Sovereign Surfaces, we always assess the condition and type of the surface before deciding which plastering product to use.

Some walls might require a base coat plaster to level the surface and provide a key for the finish coat. Others might need a bonding agent to help plaster adhere to low-suction backgrounds like concrete. And some projects may be as simple as applying a finish coat directly onto plasterboard.

Let’s break down the main types of plastering products we use.

Types of Plastering Products We Use

1. Base Coat Plasters

Base coat plasters are designed to prepare uneven or porous backgrounds. They provide a level, strong surface onto which the final finish coat can be applied. Some of the most common base coats we use include:

Bonding Plaster

Bonding plaster is a gypsum-based undercoat plaster designed for use on low-suction backgrounds such as concrete, painted walls, or plasterboard. These surfaces don’t absorb much moisture, so a traditional sand and cement base would have trouble sticking.

Bonding is ideal because:

It has excellent adhesion on smooth, dense surfaces.
It is easy to spread and level.
It provides a flat base for a finish coat like Multi-Finish or Board Finish.

We often use bonding plaster in renovations where old painted walls or concrete need to be plastered over.

Hardwall Plaster

Hardwall plaster is another gypsum-based undercoat plaster, but it is formulated for high-suction backgrounds such as brickwork or medium-density clockwork.

Brick and block absorb moisture more quickly, so Hardwall is designed to cope with that by retaining water longer while providing a strong, durable base.

Benefits of Hardwall plaster:

Faster drying than traditional sand and cement.
Strong and impact-resistant finish.
Can be applied in relatively thick coats to level uneven masonry.

We recommend Hardwall when working on new builds or extensions where brickwork is exposed.

2. Finish Coat Plasters

Once the base coat has been applied and levelled, the next step is the finish coat. This is what gives walls and ceilings their final smooth, polished look ready for decoration.

Here are the main finish coat plasters we use:

Multi-Finish Plaster

Thistle Multi-Finish, more commonly known just as Multi-Finish, is probably the most widely used finish plaster in the UK, and for good reason.

It is a versatile, high-quality gypsum finish plaster that can be used on a variety of backgrounds, including:

Bonding plaster
Hardwall plaster
Plasterboard
Some painted surfaces

Why do we love Multi-Finish?

Produces a smooth, flawless surface ready for painting or wallpapering.
Very workable, allowing us time to achieve the perfect finish.
Strong and durable, resisting everyday knocks.
Works well on most common backgrounds, saving time and cost.

Multi-Finish is our go-to product for nearly all finishing jobs because of its reliability and finish quality.

Board Finish Plaster

Board Finish is another gypsum finish plaster, specifically designed for plasterboard (drywall).

Plasterboard already provides a flat, low-suction surface, so Board Finish is ideal because:

It is slightly easier to apply on low-suction backgrounds compared to Multi-Finish.
It gives a smooth, durable surface ready for decorating.
It is designed to be applied directly to plasterboard joints and surfaces in one go.

We typically use Board Finish in new-build projects where walls and ceilings have been lined with plasterboard throughout.

3. Drywall Compounds

For certain projects, especially where full plastering isn’t required, we use drywall compounds (sometimes called jointing compounds or taping & jointing products).

These are designed to fill and smooth the joints between plasterboards without covering the entire surface with plaster.

Benefits of drywall compounds:

Quicker drying times than plaster.
Easy to sand and finish.
Suitable for commercial or large-scale projects where time is critical.

We sometimes recommend drywall finishing as a faster, more economical alternative in offices or other non-domestic settings where a full plastered finish isn’t necessary.

Benefits of Using Gypsum-Based Plastering Products

At Sovereign Surfaces, we prefer gypsum-based plasters over traditional sand and cement for interior work. Here’s why:

Faster Drying Times

Gypsum plasters dry much faster than sand and cement, allowing decoration to start sooner. This is especially important in tight project schedules.

Smooth, High-Quality Finish

Gypsum plasters like Multi-Finish and Board Finish give an incredibly smooth surface that is perfect for modern interiors.

Light and Easy to Work

Gypsum products are lighter than sand and cement and easier to trowel to a perfect finish, making them ideal for ceilings and large walls.

Excellent Fire Resistance

Gypsum has natural fire-resistant properties, adding an extra layer of safety to buildings.

Better for the Environment

Gypsum plasters produce less dust and are more sustainable in production compared to cement-based alternatives.

Choosing the Right Product for Each Job

One of the key skills in plastering is knowing which product is right for the substrate and the conditions of the job.

Here’s a quick guide to which products we typically use in different situations:

Background Type	Recommended Product(s)
Smooth concrete or painted wall	Bonding plaster + Multi-Finish
Brick or blockwork	Hardwall plaster + Multi-Finish
Plasterboard (drywall)	Board Finish or Multi-Finish
Quick patch repairs	Bonding or drywall compound
Taping & jointing only	Drywall jointing compound

Why Hire a Professional Plastering Company?

While it may be tempting to attempt plastering yourself, it’s worth noting that professional plasterers bring much more than just tools and materials to the job.

Here are a few reasons to work with a company like Sovereign Surfaces:

Expertise and Experience

We understand how different surfaces behave and what preparation is needed for the best result. We also know how to handle unexpected challenges such as damp patches, cracked backgrounds, or uneven walls.

Quality of Finish

DIY plastering rarely matches the smoothness and consistency of a professional finish. Our plasterers take pride in achieving a surface that looks perfect even under bright lighting.

Time and Efficiency

Plastering is time-sensitive, and knowing when to trowel and how long to leave each coat comes with experience. We complete projects quickly and to a high standard, saving you time and stress.

Proper Tools and Materials

We invest in professional-grade tools and always use the best materials, ensuring longevity and durability in our work.

Case Studies: How the Right Products Make a Difference

Renovation Project – Painted Brick Wall

We recently worked on a home renovation where the client wanted to plaster over old painted brickwork. Because the paint created a low-suction surface, we chose Bonding plaster as the base coat, finished with Multi-Finish. The result was a perfectly smooth wall, ready for painting.

New-Build Extension – Brickwork

For a new-build extension with bare brickwork, we used Hardwall plaster to cope with the high suction of the bricks, followed by Multi-Finish. This gave a strong, resilient finish ideal for a family home.

Office Fit-Out – Drywall

In a commercial office fit-out, we used plasterboard throughout and finished with Board Finish. This allowed for a fast turnaround and a sleek, professional appearance.

Tips for Maintaining Plastered Surfaces

Once your walls and ceilings have been plastered, here are a few tips to keep them looking great:

Allow proper drying time before painting (typically 5–7 days, but can vary). Use a mist coat (watered-down emulsion) as the first paint layer. Avoid heavy impacts that can dent or crack the surface. Deal with damp issues promptly to prevent plaster damage.

Conclusion

At Sovereign Surfaces, we believe that great plastering starts with the right products. Whether it’s Bonding on a tricky painted wall, Hardwall on fresh brickwork, or a flawless Multi-Finish surface, each product has its purpose, and using them correctly makes all the difference.

By combining quality materials with expert techniques, we ensure that every project we work on not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time.

If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or new build, get in touch with Sovereign Surfaces to discuss your plastering needs. Our team will be happy to advise on the best products and techniques for your specific project.