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Home Glossary Dry Lining
Finishes noun

Dry Lining

/dry LY-ning/

Also known as: dot and dab, drywall, plasterboard lining, dry partition, plasterboard on dabs

A method of finishing internal walls by fixing plasterboard directly to the masonry using adhesive dabs or on a timber or metal stud frame, rather than applying wet plaster coats. The board is then skim-coated or left with a taped and filled finish.

Dot and dab is the most common dry lining method for solid walls - blobs of bonding adhesive are applied to the wall and the plasterboard pressed onto them. It is faster and less disruptive than wet plastering and avoids drying shrinkage cracks. The cavity behind the board can harbour moisture if not managed correctly. A skim finish coat is typically applied over the board for a smooth finish.