Can you dot and dab insulated plasterboard to a solid wall?

Author: Hadley Koss  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

There are many ways to plaster an insulated plasterboard directly onto your wall. The dot and dab technique is the easiest installation method for insulation features. You'll be fixing plasterboard onto the wall without having to drill or use studs on your brick wall.

Can I use insulated plasterboard on solid walls?

For a standard solid brick wall, this can be achieved by fixing timber studs to the walls with a strip of damp-proof membrane to separate the two layers. A layer of insulated plasterboard can then be fixed to the battens with suitable fixings and the surface skimmed.

Can insulated plasterboard be dot and dabbed?

Traditionally, the dot and dab method of installing insulated plasterboard has been quite popular in the UK. Today, it's still possible to dot and dab insulated plasterboard – but only so long as it's in a new build. This means it's no longer a suitable technique for an existing property.

How to fix insulated plasterboard to solid wall?

The insulation surface layer (usually foil based) will come away from the insulation foam eventually with no other mechanical support. There are special plastic fixings for this. Use plasterboard adhesive to fix the boards and then drill holes and hammer the special fixings into the wall.

Can you dot and dab onto solid walls?

You should not dot and dab directly onto a solid wall due to issues over damp causing the dabs to fail and/or track damp, localised thermal bridging etc. I would use the Gyproc MF system to frame out - it stands off the internal wall surface and creates your barrier against penetrating damp.

The Ultimate Guide To Insulated Plasterboard

What are the disadvantages of dot and dab plasterboard?

The cons of dot and dab are the plaster is more likely to crack than a traditional 'wet' plaster finish. It is also less durable in respect to getting 'knocked' - think angry teenage punching a plasterboard wall. Additionally, getting a decent fixing in dot and dab for fixtures and fittings can be pain.

Can you dot and dab onto existing plasterboard?

Moisture Resistant Plasterboard – Can it Dot and Dab? Yes, you can dryline moisture and humidity-resistant plasterboard.

What is the problem with insulated plasterboard?

Insulated plasterboard itself does not cause dampness. However, if it is installed in an area where there is already damp or moisture present, it can trap the moisture and lead to mould growth alongside transferring the dampness to the internal surface of the insulated plasterboard.

Do you need an air gap between insulation and plasterboard?

For traditional insulation materials such as fibreglass or mineral wool, it's not necessary to leave an air gap between the insulation and plasterboard. These materials are designed to be in direct contact with the plasterboard and work by slowing down the transfer of heat through the wall or ceiling.

Do you need to mechanically fix insulated plasterboard?

As mentioned earlier, if you don't have cavities in your wall you shouldn't adhesively bond insulated plasterboards because of the risk of moisture penetration from outside. In this particular situation you should always mechanically fix timber frames or wooden battens and screw the plasterboard to them.

Do I need a Vapour barrier between insulation and plasterboard?

When installing insulated plasterboard using the mechanical method, such as with screws, it is recommended but not necessary to use a vapour control layer. The best example of this is insulation in the loft.

Do I need to prime the wall before dot and dab?

Before fixing plasterboard onto a wall, you must ensure that your wall is well-prepared. Paint a coat of polyvinyl acetate (PVA) mixed with water. It's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the ratios. The preparation will ensure that your wall won't take moisture out of your adhesive.

Can you hang a TV on insulated plasterboard?

Manufacturers allow for hanging loads up to 40kg per 1 metre length of wall directly on the gypsum board, including insulated plasterboard. In theory, mounting the TV on insulated plasterboard affixed using the Dot and Dab technique should be sufficiently safe.

How can I insulate a solid wall?

Internal wall insulation is done by fitting rigid insulation boards to the wall, or by building a stud wall filled in with insulation material such as mineral wool fibre. Internal insulation: Is generally cheaper to install than external wall insulation.

Can you paint directly onto insulated plasterboard?

Yes, painting directly onto the plasterboard is perfectly fine. However, ensure the plasterboard is completely dry before sanding the surface and filling any joints or holes.

Can you put insulated plasterboard straight onto brick?

Fixing insulated plasterboard to brick wall can be accomplished using two methods. These methods include the dot and dab method as well as the timber frame technique.

How much difference does insulated plasterboard make?

Insulated plasterboard offers excellent thermal performance, which contributes to significant energy savings. This thermal efficiency helps to keep warm air inside during winter and blocks excessive heat in the summer, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Can you dot and dab foil backed plasterboard?

Using screws and attaching to timber or metal studwork, or fixing to timber battens on the wall. Foil backed plasterboard is NOT suitable for dot and dab. This is because the bond between the foil and the board is not strong enough to support the weight and could peel off over time.

Should you leave a small gap between the insulation and the board?

It's important to leave a ventilated air gap between the insulation and the boards to prevent condensation on the underside of the boards.

Can you stick insulated plasterboard to a wall?

Answer: Insulated plasterboards can be bonded over existing plaster using acrylic sealant adhesive or low expanding PU foam adhesive, so long as the plaster is sound, solid and dry.

Can you overboard a ceiling with insulated plasterboard?

Insulated plasterboard is a true game changer for overboarding ceilings.

Can you dot and dab onto insulation board?

Simply put, the dot and dab method is a technique used to install insulation or plasterboard. The name dot and dab refers to the dots and dabs of adhesive that are used on walls or surfaces during the process. The dot and dab method can be used for insulated plasterboard as well as standard insulation and plasterboard.

How do you fix plasterboard to solid walls?

Plasterboards can be fixed either by nailing or hammering them into the walls or ceiling, or by 'dotting and dabbing' them into place using adhesive skim plaster. Be sure to fix the board's dark side into the wall or ceiling, with the lighter side facing into the room.

How thick can you dot and dab plasterboard?

The standard thickness of adhesive dabs tends to be around 10mm once compressed between the board and the substrate. You also have the additional 12.5mm of the plasterboard sheets on top of this so, with thicknesses combined, you can expect an altogether depth of around 22.5mm.

Previous article
Can a heater leak carbon monoxide if it's off?
Next article
What is the average cost to install kitchen cabinets?