What is the difference between bonding plaster and browning plaster?

Bonding plaster is used on low-absorbency surfaces like concrete and engineering brick. Browning plaster is used on high-absorbency surfaces like common brick and blockwork. Both are undercoat plasters applied before the finishing coat. Hardwall is a stronger variant of browning for high-impact areas. Modern plasterers often use universal bonding coats that work on most surfaces.

What is multi-finish plaster?

Multi-finish plaster (also called finishing plaster or skim coat) is the final, smooth coat applied over bonding, browning, hardwall, or plasterboard. It's a gypsum-based plaster that sets in 60–90 minutes and creates the smooth, paint-ready surface you see in finished rooms. British Gypsum Thistle Multi-Finish is the most common brand.

What is one-coat plaster?

One-coast plaster (also called universal plaster or backing plaster) combines the bonding coat and finishing coat in a single product. It's applied in one layer 8–15mm thick and can be trowelled smooth without needing a separate skim coat. It's faster than two-coat plastering but requires more skill to achieve a smooth finish.

What type of plaster is used for period properties?

Period properties (pre-1920s) should use lime plaster — a traditional mix of lime putty, sand, and sometimes hemp. Lime plaster is breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate from solid walls. Modern gypsum plaster traps moisture and causes damp in old buildings. See our lime plastering page for details.

What is the best plaster for bathrooms?

Bathrooms and wet areas should use moisture-resistant plasterboard (green board) with a water-resistant skim coat, or cement-based tanking systems. Standard gypsum plaster absorbs moisture and degrades in humid environments. For shower areas, cement board with waterproof membrane is essential. See our wet room plastering page.

Can you use different types of plaster on the same wall?

It's not recommended. Different plaster types have different setting times, expansion rates, and bonding properties. Mixing types (e.g., bonding coat from one manufacturer with finishing coat from another) can cause adhesion failure. Always use compatible products from the same manufacturer and follow their application guidelines.

How thick should plaster be applied?

Undercoat plasters (bonding, browning, hardwall) are applied at 8–15mm thickness. Skim coats (multi-finish) are applied at 2–3mm. One-coat plasters are applied at 8–15mm. If walls are very uneven, two undercoats may be needed. Applying plaster too thin results in weakness; too thick causes sagging and slow drying.

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Types of Plaster London | Complete Guide to Plaster Types 2026

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Types of Plaster

Q: What are the different types of plaster?

The main types of plaster used in the UK are: bonding plaster (for bare brick/block), browning plaster (for absorbent masonry), hardwall plaster (for high-impact areas), multi-finish/skimming plaster (final smooth coat), one-coat plaster (bonding + finish combined), lime plaster (for period properties), and cement render (for external walls). Each has specific applications.

Different plastering jobs require different types of plaster. Using the wrong type leads to poor adhesion, cracking, and premature failure. This guide covers every type of plaster used in London properties — from undercoat plasters to finishing coats, specialist lime, and external render.

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What are the different types of plaster used in London?

The main plaster types are bonding plaster (low-absorbency surfaces like concrete), browning plaster (absorbent masonry), hardwall (high-impact areas), multi-finish (the smooth 2–3mm skim coat), one-coat (bonding + finish combined), lime plaster (breathable, for period properties), and cement render (external walls). Undercoats go on at 8–15mm. London Plastering Service advises on the right type — quotes within 60 minutes.

Bonding — low-absorbency surfaces
Browning — absorbent masonry
Hardwall — high-impact areas
Multi-finish — 2–3mm skim coat
Lime plaster — period properties
Cement render — external walls

Undercoat Plasters

Bonding Plaster

Bonding plaster is an undercoat plaster used on low-absorbency surfaces such as concrete, engineering brick, and plasterboard. It contains bonding agents that help it adhere to smooth, non-porous surfaces. Applied at 8–15mm thickness, it provides a flat base for the finishing coat.

Best for: Concrete, sealed brick

Thickness: 8–15mm

Setting time: 90–120 mins

Browning Plaster

Browning plaster is an undercoat used on high-absorbency surfaces such as common brick and lightweight blockwork. It's slightly cheaper than bonding plaster and easier to apply. Browning has largely been replaced by hardwall plaster in modern construction.

Best for: Common brick, blockwork

Thickness: 8–15mm

Setting time: 90–120 mins

Hardwall Plaster

Hardwall plaster is a modern undercoat that's stronger and more impact-resistant than browning. It's the most common undercoat used today, suitable for most masonry surfaces. It dries harder and provides better surface quality for the finishing coat.

Best for: Most masonry, high-impact areas

Thickness: 8–15mm

Setting time: 90–120 mins

Finishing Plasters

Multi-Finish Plaster (Skim Coat)

Multi-finish is the final, smooth coat applied over undercoat plasters or plasterboard. It creates the paint-ready surface visible in finished rooms. Applied at just 2–3mm thickness, it sets in 60–90 minutes. British Gypsum Thistle Multi-Finish is the industry standard.

Best for: Final coat over any base

Thickness: 2–3mm

Setting time: 60–90 mins

One-Coat Plaster

One-coat plaster combines undercoat and finishing plaster in a single product. Applied at 8–15mm, it can be trowelled to a smooth finish without a separate skim coat. It's faster but requires more skill. Also called universal or backing plaster.

Best for: Quick jobs, patch repairs

Thickness: 8–15mm

Setting time: 90–150 mins

Board Finish Plaster

Board finish is a lighter finishing plaster specifically formulated for skimming over plasterboard. It's similar to multi-finish but slightly easier to apply and gives a brighter, whiter finish. Used when skimming directly over new plasterboard.

Plastering Work Using Different Plaster Types

Types of plaster London — bonding coat application on wall

Bonding coat — Croydon

Plaster types London — finishing plaster skim coat on wall

Multi-finish skim — Croydon

Plastering materials London — plaster application to ceiling

Ceiling plastering — Camden

Different plaster types London — ceiling repair with bonding plaster

Ceiling repair — Camden

Specialist Plasters

Lime Plaster

Traditional plaster made from slaked lime putty and sand. Breathable, flexible, and essential for period properties (pre-1920s) with solid walls. Costs £35–£60/m2 — significantly more than gypsum plaster — but prevents damp in old buildings.

Cement Render

External plastering applied to the outside of buildings. Made from cement, sand, and sometimes lime. Protects walls from weather and provides a decorative finish. Costs £40–£70/m2.

Venetian / Polished Plaster

Decorative plaster that mimics marble. Applied in multiple thin layers and burnished to a high-gloss finish. Costs £50–£100/m2. Used for feature walls and luxury interiors.

Renovating Plaster

Specialist plaster for walls affected by damp or salt contamination. Contains water-repellent additives and is more breathable than standard gypsum. Used after damp-proof course installation. Costs £18–£30/m2.

Types of Plaster FAQs

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