SK Trade, sktrade.co.uk

Insulation & Drylining

Plaster & Beads

Gypsum plasters are bagged powders mixed with water: undercoats such as bonding and hardwall build up the surface, and finish coats such as multi-finish and board finish give the smooth final skim.

We supply finishing plasters, undercoat plasters, one-coat plasters, angle and stop beads, scrim and PVA, plus sand-and-cement render materials for external walls.

A freshly skimmed plaster wall with a hawk, trowel, bucket and a bag of finishing plaster

What we supply

  • Multi-finishFinish coat for most backgrounds.
  • Board finishFinish coat for skimming plasterboard.
  • Bonding coatUndercoat for low-suction backgrounds and concrete.
  • HardwallUndercoat for high-suction backgrounds such as brick and block.
  • One-coat plasterFor patching and small areas in one application.
  • Beads, scrim and PVAAngle beads, stop beads, scrim tape and bonding agents.

Sizes and specifications

Bag size25 kg
StandardBS EN 13279-1
Shelf lifeUse within the date on the bag; keep dry

Sizes and standards are typical for the UK market; exact figures depend on the manufacturer and are confirmed on your quote.

Common uses

  • Skimming new plasterboard
  • Replastering walls
  • Patching and repairs
  • Forming corners with beads

Choosing plaster

Undercoat for the background

Hardwall suits high-suction backgrounds like brick and block; bonding suits low-suction backgrounds like concrete or painted surfaces.

Finish coat

Board finish is made for plasterboard; multi-finish suits most undercoats and board.

Fresh stock matters

Old plaster sets fast and unevenly. Order it close to when you need it and keep bags dry.

How it arrives on site

Bags come on a pallet or with a mixed load; keep them dry and off the floor. We agree the drop point and offload method when we price your order. Read more about how delivery works.

How much do you need?

Skimming 25 m² of walls and ceilings at about 2 mm takes around 3 bags of 25 kg finishing plaster, plus angle beads for external corners. Coverage varies with the background, so allow a spare bag.

Plaster & Beads: questions

What is the difference between multi-finish and board finish?

Board finish is designed for skimming plasterboard. Multi-finish works on plasterboard and on undercoat plasters, so it is the more flexible choice.

How much plaster do I need to skim a wall?

A 25 kg bag of finishing plaster covers roughly 10 square metres at a 2 mm skim, but coverage varies with the background and thickness. Check the bag.

Why does my plaster go off too quickly?

Old or damp plaster sets faster. Use bags within their date and store them dry.

Which undercoat for a brick wall?

Hardwall is the usual choice for high-suction backgrounds like brick and blockwork.

Do you sell render?

Yes, sand and cement render materials and bagged renders on request.

Plaster & Beads delivered across the UK

Choose your county for local delivery details and towns.

Send your list, get a delivered price

Tell us what you need and where it is going. We check the quantities and come back with a delivered price before you commit.

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