Lining solid walls the easy way

With the launch of new Gyproc Plasterboard Adhesive, there is now a simple and inexpensive way of lining a range of solid backgrounds. Gyproc’s Training Manager explains why dry lining is such an effective option for both new and refurbished buildings and shows the way with his simple step-by-step guide.

If you’re looking for a quick way of lining walls in either new or refurbishment jobs, Gyproc’s new DriLyner BASIC system, using dabs of Gyproc Plasterboard Adhesive, has the answer. Simple to apply to solid backgrounds such as brick, block or sand and cement, the new system is ideal for covering up damaged or uneven backgrounds in existing buildings, or for providing a smooth plasterboard lining in new build projects.

It’s easy and quick, causes no drying-out delays, and creates a useful gap behind the lining that can be used to hide electric cabling or small bore pipes and other services. Properly sealed, the lining will prevent heat or sound transmission through gaps, cracks or unfilled perpendiculars in the masonry background and the air gap will also add to the thermal resistance of the structure, helping to cut down on energy use for internal heating and cooling systems.

What you’ll need

• Gyproc plasterboard (we’ve used 1200mm wide x 12.5mm thick board)
• Gyproc Plasterboard Adhesive (for adhesive dabs)
• Plumb line/level
• Chalk line
• Straight-edge
• Board lifter
• Gyproc Fibre Tape or Gyproc Paper Tape and Gyproc Jointing Compound (for board jointing)

Starting out

The most important thing is to ensure that the finished wall surface will be level, so start by marking out the wall and ceiling to show the required face position of the boards.

Using a straight edge, find the high spots on the wall and then plumb the position to the ceiling and floor (see image 1).

Transfer this position to the room corners, then add an allowance of 10mm plus the board thickness (22.5mm in total if you’re using 12.5mm board), and mark a continuous line on the floor and ceiling using the chalk line (see image 2).

Then mark vertical lines on the wall at 1200mm centres to indicate board positioning (see image 3). At the same time, mark up and fix any services that will run in the gap between the board and the wall surface, and mark the position of any fixtures that may need additional support dabs.

Now you’re ready to go.

Applying the adhesive dabs

When you are ready mix the Gyproc Plasterboard Adhesive – the powder is ready mixed so all you need to do is add clean water as per the instructions on the pack.

Start by applying a continuous fillet of adhesive to the perimeter of the wall (see image 4), and to any openings or services.

Working from a window/doorway or internal corner, apply three vertical rows of dabs, one row at the centre point of first board and then one row no more than 25mm from each edge (see image 5).

How to apply a dab

With a little practice you’ll be able to apply dabs quickly and accurately. Each dab should be around 250mm long and 50-75mm wide. To create it, make sure the mixture is not too thin and transfer some to the hawk. With hawk at an angle cut into the adhesive and sweep the trowel upwards to load. Move trowel to wall, tapping edge sharply against the wall to transfer adhesive to wall. Finish by anchoring the dab to the wall with the edge of the trowel.

Finally, apply a continuous band of Gyproc Plasterboard Adhesive at skirting level (see image 6) and intermediate dabs at ceiling level.

Fixing the lining

Start by placing strips of board at floor level to act as packing. Cut the Gyproc plasterboard 15mm short of the floor to ceiling height, and offer up to the wall, reverse side against the dabs (see image 7), with the base resting on the packing strips.

Then, using a straight edge, tap the board back firmly until the face lines up with the chalk lines on the floor and ceiling (see image 8).

When the board is in position, gently lift it, using the board lifter, until the top edge is tight with the ceiling, and then simply insert more packing strips at base to wedge the board in place (see image 9)

That’s it – your first board is in place. Now apply dabs for the second board in the same way and continue drylining, lightly butting adjacent boards together. When you reach an internal corner, cut the board to width and position the cut edge into the corner.

When you have finished, joint and finish the boards in the usual way with Gyproc tape and Gyproc Jointing Compound.

Top tips

• Make sure the background is reasonably dry and protected from weather before lining, and brush down to remove dust. Some concrete backgrounds may need pre-treatment.
• Use a regular pattern of dabs and ensure a minimum of 20% contact area between board and background.
• Put a continuous band of dabs above windows to act as ground for curtain track. Consider additional dabs at fixing points for cupboards, radiators etc.

More details

If you would like more information on Gyproc Plasterboard Adhesive or on the Gyproc DriLyner BASIC wall lining system, speak to our technical team at +971 4 4502300 or email at gyproc-me@saint-gobain.com for more information.

A new WHITE BOOK section is currently in preparation – this will be available shortly to download from the Gyproc website at www.gyproc.ae/page/literature - register now or sign up to our facebook page for regular updates. In the meantime a Data Sheet is now available on-line giving mixing tips and handling and Health & Safety data for Gyproc Plasterboard Adhesive.

Finally, the Gyproc Training Department is also drawing up a new hands-on training course for installers designed to enable them to install the new system quickly and cost-effectively. If you are interested contact them now for details and available dates – don’t delay though as this is expected to be a very popular course.