# Plastering GIB® and Other Wallboard Lining

- **Published:** 29 December 2022
- **Type:** DIY Guide
- **Tags:** Building & Rennovation

GIB® stopping, plastering GIB®, or simply stopping. There are many different names for the act of plastering plasterboard or other wallboard linings, but don’t let the many names lead you to think that plastering is a confusing job. For those that have never had a go at plastering wallboard at home before, it may seem like a job that requires a pro. But, let us stop you right there!

With the right advice and gear from Hirepool, plus a little bit of patience you can easily plaster GIB® board or other wallboard yourself. Getting your hands dirty means you can save money that you would’ve spent on a contractor. How do you plaster directly onto plasterboard? How do you plaster wallboard joints? And what do you seal plasterboard with? There’s a lot to cover, so here’s a summary of what’s coming in this guide:

[Why you need to plaster GIB® plasterboards or wallboards](#why-you-need-to-plaster-gib-plasterboards-or-wallboards)

[What to seal GIB® plasterboard or other wallboards with](#what-to-seal-gib-plasterboard-or-wallboards-with)

[Tools that are needed for plastering](#tools-that-are-needed-for-plastering)

[Plastering directly onto GIB® or wallboards](#plastering-directly-onto-gib-plasterboard-or-other-wallboards)

[How to stop GIB® or other wallboards](#how-to-stop-gib-plasterboard-or-other-wallboards)

[How to plaster GIB® or wallboard corners](#how-to-plaster-gib-or-wallboard-corners)

Let’s get started!

## Why you need to plaster GIB® plasterboards or wallboards

But why can’t you just slap up your GIB® plasterboard or wallboards and just paint over that? There are many reasons why plastering is a vital step when installing new GIB® plasterboard or wallboards, including:

- To smooth out your walls
- To make your new walls more durable
- To provide an adequate surface to apply your chosen wall finish

If you’re inspired to create an amazing room with your new wall finish, take your space to the next level with our [10 DIY ideas for a big impact room](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/10-diy-ideas-for-a-big-impact-room.md).

## What to seal GIB® plasterboard or wallboards with

Sure, we could say that you just seal GIB® plasterboard or wallboards with a GIB® plaster product, but this doesn’t explain it. The plaster you use for your wallboards is different from a plaster you’d put on a scratched knee. The plaster used for construction has been around for thousands of years. In the past, it’s been made up of materials like clay, lime, mud, sand and even animal hair!

Luckily, today around 90% of the plaster you’d use for GIB® stopping and plastering wallboards is made up of [gypsum](https://www.gypsum.co.nz/). Technically speaking, gypsum is calcium sulphate di-hydrate. However, for home purposes, just know that plaster made from gypsum is durable, easy to use, and fire-resistant.

![Choosing the Best Type of Drywall Mud](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/4dg0g7auBC2z0IxqIAo1TYLTR7U=/3467x2600/filters:fill\(auto,1\)/pov-hands-at-work-559442849-583bb17a5f9b58d5b171bd46.jpg?width=1823&height=1367&mode=max)[Source](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-choose-drywall-mud-844943)

## Tools that are needed for plastering

A range of tools, safety equipment, and materials are required for GIB® stopping and plastering successfully. Some of the tools you may have lying around in the garage, whereas a lof the gear needed is available at [your local Hirepool](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md).

### Ladder or scaffolding

Depending on the size of your room, you may need to use a ladder or scaffolding to reach high places to GIB® stop safely. At Hirepool, we have a [wide range of scaffolding and ladder options](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/scaffolding-ladders.md?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhLKUBhDiARIsAMaTLnEcIaaaNcn4dPe-CkqgafLnTu-DsedtlGD3IQvqhasa77qKa9PkOigaAqdSEALw_wcB). Have a read of our [how to set up scaffolding guide](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/how-to-set-up-scaffolding.md) for set-up advice.

### Dust collector

Particularly when sanding back GIB® plasterboard or other wallboards, you will create a lot of dust. It’s recommended that you cover up the floor and everything in the room you’re working in, but dust will still get everywhere. A [dust collector](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/floors-cleaning/vacuum-cleaners/141j-dust-collector-medium-h-class.md?addToCart) is stronger than your vacuum at home to deal with this volume of dust.

### Trowel and broad-knife

![Drywall Taping Tools - Fine Homebuilding](https://s3.amazonaws.com/finehomebuilding.s3.tauntoncloud.com/app/uploads/2020/05/14153515/Wider-knives-cover-more-ground-700x525.jpg?width=1357&height=1018&mode=max)[Source](https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/drywall/drywall-taping-tools)

A trowel or float should be your weapon of choice in terms of laying on the plaster. The size of the trowel that’s best will depend on the size of your job. Luckily, we have a [wide selection of sizes](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/concrete-masonry/concrete-surface-preparation/234a-concrete-screed.md?addToCart) at Hirepool.

### Wallboard sander or sanding float

When sanding GIB® plasterboard or wallboards, you’ll be there for a long time if you just use a piece of sandpaper by hand. A great way to speed up the process while ensuring a smooth and even finish is by using a [wallboard sander](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/sanders/511d-wallboard-sander-225mm-9-sander-only.md).

### A bucket and paddle

![UK's best plaster mixers tested by me to make work easier for you »  Shetland's Garden Tool Box](https://www.gardentoolbox.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/VonHaus-Paddle-Mixer-Drill.jpg?width=1077&height=1077&mode=max)[Source](https://www.gardentoolbox.co.uk/best-plaster-mixers-uk/)

Hopefully, you’ll have a bucket and paddle lying around home somewhere. As you'd probably guess, a bucket and paddle are used for mixed and preparing your plaster compound for application.

### Safety gear needed to plaster GIB® plasterboard or other wallboards

Like all DIY jobs around the home, safety must always be top of mind. Depending on the specific hire equipment you’re using, each piece of kit will come with its own pre-safety checks and operating instructions. In saying that, there are general pieces of safety equipment you will need for GIB® stopping and plastering in general. These include:

- Foot protection
- [Hearing protection](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-ear-wear.md)
- [Protection for your hands](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-gloves.md)
- Protective clothing
- [Eye protection](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-glasses.md)
- A dust mask

There are more safety precautions and first aid tips for working with GIB® plasterboard and GIB® stopping on the [GIB® website](https://www.gib.co.nz/products/compounds/precautions-and-first-aid/#:~:text=Note%3A%20Plaster%20is%20mildly%20alkaline,coughing%20and%20other%20symptoms%20subside). Other than that, you need to purchase your plaster materials. Plaster compound will usually come ready mixed in a bucket or powder-based in a bag or sack. You will also need GIB® jointing tapes to reinforce joints. There is a wide range of plaster variations available depending on the size and type of your job.

## Plastering directly onto GIB® plasterboard or other wallboards

So, how do you actually plaster GIB® plasterboard or other wallboards? Depending on the size and type of your room, there are many different techniques to consider when GIB® stopping and plastering. It’s also worth checking that you meet [building code requirements](https://www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/planning-a-successful-build/scope-and-design/check-if-you-need-consents/building-work-that-doesnt-need-a-building-consent/technical-requirements-for-exempt-building-work/3-windows-doors-and-walls/3-4-internal-linings-finishes-existing-dwelling/) for what you’re trying to do.

Top tip: Temperature and humidity are also big factors. If it's too cold and damp your plaster can take more time to dry, whereas it can dry quickly in hot, dry conditions causing you to have to work quickly. The GIB® website takes an in-depth look at [how the weather and humidity affect the process](https://www.gib.co.nz/assets/Uploads/GIB-Site-Guide-2018-Finishing.pdf).

## How to stop GIB® plasterboard or other wallboards

Although the process may vary depending on the materials and tools you choose to use, here is a general guide to GIB® stopping or plastering wallboards.

### Step 1: Prepare your surface

![How to Remove Wallpaper From Plaster Walls](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/ods8o7T2rPchQt-cCQ_J-vEMutU=/3000x2000/filters:fill\(auto,1\)/Removingwallpaper-GettyImages-473464062-41424d58dee84c0c9f62f1c65e537f0f.jpg?width=1290&height=1008&mode=max)[Source](https://www.thespruce.com/removing-wallpaper-from-plaster-1822856)

The first thing you need to do is prepare the surface you are plastering. To do this, make sure all screws and nails are sealed below the surface of the GIB® plasterboard or other wallboard. You’ll also want to get rid of any dust or other bits and pieces. Now, you have a blank canvas to work with.

### Step 2: Mix your compound

[Source](https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/drywall/mixing-joint-compound)

Now, it’s onto mixing your plaster compound together. This will be specific to the materials you are working with and whether you are using a powder-based or ready-made product. As the saying goes, you can always add, but you can’t take away. With that in mind, if you are mixing with your paddle, it’s better for your paster compound to be thicker to start with. It’s much easier to add more water as you do than to add more powder.

### Step 3: Apply the first coat and taping

![The Best Drywall Tape Options of 2022 - Top Picks from Bob Vila](https://empire-s3-production.bobvila.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Best_Drywall_Tape.jpg?width=1292&height=862&mode=max)[Source](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-drywall-tape/)

Using your broad knife to start with, use the plaster compound to fill in the gaps left by the wallboard joints. Then, lay your GIB® tape along the wallboard joint on top of the plaster compound. Once you’ve done that, go along the tape gently with your broad knife at an angle to remove any bubbles or imperfections. Wait for the plaster compound to dry and scrape away any clumps to finish.

### Step 4: Apply the second coat

![How to Skim Coat Walls](https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/z08wZsIvPZ9MqC5IgEmdLiY0hl0=/2121x1414/filters:fill\(auto,1\)/SkimCoatingaWall-08a4b62342314e5aa0b3feadaf8a6194.jpg?width=947&height=675&mode=max)[Source](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-skim-coat-walls-5116693)

Like how you’d paint a wall, it’s time to apply the second coat of plaster compound. You’ll want to use your trowel or float to get the job done this time. Make sure that this second coat extends at least 25mm wider than the edge of your first coat. Now, let this second coat dry. It’s important to wait for the plaster layers to dry completely before applying the next coat. Thin, even layers are what you should aim for, rather than thick layers that can clump, move or take longer to dry.

### Step 5: Apply the finishing coat

![A man finish coating a wall.](https://images.aboutmechanics.com/man-applying-skim-coating-to-wall.jpg)[Source](https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-finish-coat.htm)

It’s time for the lucky last coat. You’ll want to use a special finishing plaster compound using your trowel for this layer. Once again, as you apply this last coat of plaster compound over the joints, ensure that for tapered joints the edges extend another 25mm further than the second coat. And for the end joints, make sure that this coat extends at least 200mm wider than the second coat, once again, allow this coat to fully dry before the next step.

### Step 6: Get sanding

Although you can use a regular piece of sandpaper with a sand block, we recommend using a [wallboard sander](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/sanders/511d-wallboard-sander-225mm-9-sander-only.md) to speed up the process and for a superior finish. It’s also essential that you’re wearing your dust mask and eye protection at this point. Using your sander, get stuck into sanding where you’ve applied plaster compound going along the joints. Be careful not to sand the exposed GIB® plasterboard accidentally.

Once everything is smoothed out, it can be helpful to go along the GIB® plaster compound with a dry paintbrush to remove any residue or dust. Really take your time to get a smooth, even finish. If you spot any air bubbles, bumps or accidentally over sand, go over the area with another light coat of plaster and sand back when completely dry.

## How to plaster GIB® or wallboard corners

There’s a bit of a trick to stopping GIB® plasterboard and wallboard corners. Before starting, prepare your surface and mix your plaster compound, as we’ve already covered. It’s often recommended that your plaster compound is slightly thinner when working with corners. A [drywall corner trowel](https://www.bunnings.co.nz/marshalltown-drywall-corner-trowel_p0257773) really comes in handy for this job.

### Step 1: Apply the first coat

[![Plaster is one of the most common materials used as a finish coat.](https://images.aboutmechanics.com/man-in-jeans-and-tee-shirt-applying-plaster-to-a-wall.jpg)Source](https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-finish-coat.htm)

Before you lay your first coat, ensure that the two pieces of GIB® plasterboard or wallboard are hard up against each other at the corner. Otherwise, the gap left behind will be a weak point for your walls. Then start by applying a thin later or plaster compound to the corner allowing for 75mm of width on either side.

### Step 2: Lay paper-faced trim

![How to Use Scrim Tape and Plasterboard Tape | Checkatrade](https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Mesh-tape-application.jpg)[Source](https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/how-to/use-scrim-tape/)

There are several options for paper-faced trim, but essentially it’s serving a similar purpose to GIB® tape. When applying the paper-faced trim, allow 10mm at the bottom and top of the corner. When you lay the faced trim down, be firm and remove bubbles and excess plaster compound. Then, wipe off excess plaster compound using your broad knife and leave to dry.

### Step 3: Apply the first top coat

![What is a Finish Coat? (with pictures)](https://images.aboutmechanics.com/slideshow-mobile-small/man-in-white-shirt-applying-drywall.jpg?width=1137&height=796&mode=max)[Source](https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-finish-coat.htm)

Then, it’s onto the top coat of plaster compound using your drywall corner trowel This first top coat should be an air dry compound and applied with a width of about 250 to 300mm. Once you’ve done this, leave it to dry.

### Step 4: Apply the second top coat

![What is a Level 5 Finish? - www.plasterwholesalers.com.au](https://www.plasterwholesalers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/level5-drywall_gallery-07-min.jpg?width=1325&height=1495&mode=max)[Source](https://www.plasterwholesalers.com.au/what-is-a-level-5-finish/)

Once the first top coat is dry, it’s onto the second top coat. Once again, using an air drying compound, apply another layer at a width that goes about 50mm further beyond the last coat.

### Step 5: Lightly sand

![How to prep walls for painting - Owatrol Direct](https://www.owatroldirect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sanding.jpg)[Source](https://www.owatroldirect.co.uk/decorating/prep-walls-painting/)

Once all the plaster compound is dry, get to sanding. You’ll want to use a piece of sandpaper when sanding the corner lightly. Once again, be careful not to damage any exposed GIB® plasterboard or wallboard.

These are the main processes you’ll need to consider when it comes to GIB® stopping or plastering other wallboards. If you’re working with a ceiling, read our [how to drywall a ceiling guide](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-drywall-a-ceiling.md) which gives a few extra pointers.

![Types of Plaster - Browning, Bonding, Finishing and more!](https://www.homehow.co.uk/images/typesofplaster1.jpg)[Source](https://www.homehow.co.uk/blog/types-of-plaster)

## Ready to test your new plastering skills?

Sure, there is a bit to read up on before having a go at plastering GIB® or other wallboards yourself. In saying that, with a bit of research and planning, along with top quality [hire equipment from Hirepool](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment.md), you can GIB® stop yourself.

The [GIB® website](https://www.gib.co.nz/assets/Uploads/GIB-Site-Guide-2018-Finishing.pdf) is packed full of technical know-how and [advice](https://www.nzcb.nz/news/partner/winstone-wallboards-gib/) regarding the materials required for plastering. Otherwise, head to our [DIY hub](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/diy-hub.md) for other advice about getting stuck in at home. For more inspiration, check out our blog with [10 DIY ideas for a big impact room](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/10-diy-ideas-for-a-big-impact-room.md).

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/plastering-gib-and-other-wallboard-lining