Plasterboard & Drywall Adhesive

What Is Plasterboard Adhesive? 

Plasterboard adhesive is a specialised bonding agent used to secure plasterboard panels to walls or ceilings during construction or renovation projects.

Formulated to provide a strong, lasting connection, it typically consists of a mixture of cement or gypsum and various polymers that enhance its adhesion properties.

Applied either in dabs or as a continuous layer, the adhesive fills gaps, aids in alignment, and allows some flexibility in positioning before it sets.

Its use ensures that the plasterboard is affixed securely, creating a smooth, uniform surface that is ready for finishing with paint or wallpaper.

Plasterboard Adhesive Applications

Plasterboard adhesives fix plasterboard to a wall, creating a strong bond with a variety of material types. 

Fixing plasterboard via the dot and dab method is considerably faster than constructing a stud wall and requires less technical ability; it is a less time-consuming way to dryline an internal masonry or brick wall. 

Applications of use can include: 

• Insulation boards to line masonry walls and improve thermal performance
• Shower or bathroom linings prior to final finishes
• Upgrading and improving building substrates
• Applying finishes to solid walls

What Is Dot And Dab? 

As the name would suggest, a dot and dab wall, otherwise known as a drylined wall, involves making small ‘dabs’ of plasterboard adhesive across a wall surface and then pressing it into place. 

This technique is often used when the substrate to which the plasterboard is being fixed is uneven, as it helps to create a smooth, level surface without using wet plaster. 

Since you are avoiding the faff of wet plastering, you can also paint your application in record time – bonding plasterboard to walls cuts out the lengthy applying and drying times associated with wet plaster.

Dot & Dab Equipment Essentials:

• Plasterboard
• Adhesive
• Clean mixing stick & bucket
• Paint scraper/trowel
• Measuring tape
• Straight edge 
• Spirit level 
• Nails & hammer or power drill and screws - please note: these are not usually required for dot and dabbing unless very heavy or additional adhesion is required for performance.

At Materials Market, we sell a comprehensive range of essential products for use in plasterboard dry lining systems. We stock only the most reputable branded solutions such as Knauf plasterboard adhesive.

All adhesive available for order online at Materials Market is suitable for use with brick and concrete walls.

For all other drylining essentials, from British Gypsum plaster to joint filler, check out our bagged products. 

How to Apply Drywall Adhesives

To attach plasterboard adhesive via the dot and dab method, follow these steps: 

• Mix the adhesive with water (to the manufacturer's recommendation) in a clean bucket until the mixture achieves a thick creamy consistency
• Should the mixture be too runny, add more adhesive powder to the mix until it thickens to a more workable consistency
• Once you have established the optimum consistency, begin applying the mixture in dabs, every 12 inches or so
• We recommend applying a continuous solid line of adhesive around the plasterboard prior to fixing to fully secure the panels
• Ensure to apply another line of adhesive just above the line of skirting boards

For more information on dot and dab fixing, check out our informative dot and dab article, where we delve into the process of making a plasterboard wall with this method. 

How To Dot & Dab Insulated Plasterboard

Installing insulated plasterboard with dry wall adhesive is a straightforward process that requires no specialist methods. 

• First, raise the board and hold it against the wall, ensuring all edges are straight and level. 
• Once you have applied the adhesive, press the plasterboard onto the wall and hold it firmly until you are sure it is attached. 
• If you have any concerns about the plasterboard being straight and level, a feather edge tool can be used to ensure a smooth surface, as its edges are straight by design.