Dot and Dab

Dot and dab is a quick and widely used method of attaching plasterboard to masonry or block walls. Instead of building a timber frame or applying wet plaster directly, the plasterer applies blobs (dots) and strips (dabs) of adhesive to the wall, then presses the plasterboard into position.

How dot and dab works

1. The wall surface is cleaned and any loose material removed
2. Blobs of plasterboard adhesive (a gypsum-based compound) are applied to the wall in a regular grid pattern
3. The plasterboard sheet is lifted into position and pressed firmly against the adhesive
4. The board is checked with a spirit level and adjusted while the adhesive is still wet
5. Once the adhesive sets (usually overnight), the joints between boards are taped and skim-finished

Advantages

• Fast — a room can be boarded in a day, much quicker than traditional wet plastering
• Cost-effective — fewer materials and less labour than stud-framed dry lining
• Minimal skill required — while best done by a professional, it is simpler than full wet plastering
• Good for reasonably flat walls — works well on modern blockwork or brick that does not have major irregularities

Limitations

• Not suitable for very uneven walls — if the wall is significantly out of plumb, a stud frame is a better option
• Hollow-sounding walls — because there is an air gap behind the board (between the adhesive dots), the wall can sound hollow when knocked. This also means you cannot simply nail into the wall to hang heavy items.
• Fixing heavy items — wall-mounted cabinets, TVs, or shelving need special fixings (toggle bolts or similar) or must be secured into the masonry behind the board. Tell your general contractor where you plan to mount heavy items before boarding starts, so they can add extra support.

When you will encounter it

Dot and dab is especially common in kitchen and bathroom renovations where walls need a smooth surface for tiling, and in older properties where adding insulation behind plasterboard is part of the upgrade.