Does it matter which side of plasterboard faces out?

Author: Cristina Lueilwitz V  |  Last update: Sunday, July 20, 2025

For all Gyproc plasterboards, the coloured paper face should face outwards and is the side suitable for plastering or direct decoration. The reverse side, with printed board details, should be installed facing inwards and is not suitable for receiving a plaster finish.

Does it matter which way you put up plasterboard?

One of the key things to remember when tackling this job is to hang your plasterboard horizontally rather than vertically. Because of the way the boards are manufactured, they have a 'grain' along their length, which means that the best strength is achieved when they're secured perpendicular to the studwork.

Which side of plasterboard faces outwards?

Standard plasterboard has a backing side and an ivory side which faces outwards. Always mark and cut the ivory side. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark out the width you need your plasterboard sheet to be. Then, draw a line where you've marked that will act as a guide for where you need to cut.

Does it matter which side of drywall faces out?

The reason you will want to have the correct side of drywall facing properly is that it is easier to tape and finish a wall with the correct side of drywall facing outwards. If you end up installing drywall backwards and continue your project, your wall will have a rough texture and will be hard to paint over.

What is the grey side out on plasterboard?

Most standard gypsum boards have a grey side and a brown side. The grey side should face out as it is specially designed for plastering (skimming). Paper liners are usually made from recycled paper which is great news for the environment.

Which is the right side of plasterboard to use

Can you use either side of plasterboard?

For all Gyproc plasterboards, the coloured paper face should face outwards and is the side suitable for plastering or direct decoration. The reverse side, with printed board details, should be installed facing inwards and is not suitable for receiving a plaster finish.

Which side of plasterboard to score?

What side of plasterboard do you score? When cutting plasterboard, you should score a line with a sharp Stanley knife on the face side of the board (the side without a backing sheet). What is the fastest way to cut plasterboard? The fastest and easier way to cut plasterboard is using a Stanley knife.

Can you plaster on the brown side of plasterboard?

At one time the plasterboard was all brown faced to be plastered. The reason they changed to the ivory faced plasterboard to be skimmed, was because on the brown side the paper join can lift when plastered. It shouldn't do and you've no reason to use any PVA, because all plasterboard is a low suction background.

Does it matter which side of drywall you score?

The vertical edges of the sheet should attach to studs. Score the front side and cut away the paper backing. Smooth any rough edges and position the piece. Mark the studs and drive in screws to secure the drywall.

Which side of plasterboard for tiling?

Which side of plasterboard do you tile on? Plasterboard has a front and back and it's the front of the plasterboard where your work needs to be done.

Can you paint the grey side of plasterboard?

If you want to, it's perfectly feasible to paint directly onto plasterboard with the right preparation: Prepare your room with dust sheets and masking tape. if you want to, fill joints between boards and imperfections where they're fixed in place. Apply a mist coat using one part water with nine parts Frenchic paint.

Which edge is tapered on plasterboard?

The tapered-edge plasterboard has a slightly lower edge on each side of the board. When you look at a tapered-edge plasterboard, you will see the board gently dip towards the edge. This is intentional and will make it easier to slot multiple boards together, which can help to speed up construction time.

Does it matter which way you hang drywall?

Hides uneven studs – Hanging horizontally also allows the drywall to flow over the framing so that bowed studs create less of a problem. If the drywall were hung vertically and a seam placed on a bowed out stud, the seam would be magnified because of the bump in the wall.

What is the best way to hang on plasterboard?

Hollow wall anchors (or Molly bolts)

The most reliable plug for plasterboard, these fixings can hold 20 to 50 kg.

Do you need to leave a gap between plasterboard?

Leave a 3mm gap between boards: this helps the filler to get a good grip. Once all the boards are in place, tape over them with perforated plasterboard tape, and mix up the joint filler so that it makes a smooth but stiff paste.

Does it matter which way you put plasterboard on?

HANGING your plasterboard horizontally rather than vertically is important because the boards have a grain along their length. So, they are stronger when they're secured perpendicular to the wall. STAGGERING the boards so that your seams don't end up on the same stud.

What side of plasterboard do you paint white?

There is a recurring argument within the plasterboarding community that one side of the plasterboard is better for plastering or decorating. While the ivory side is smoother, once skimmed and decorated there won't be a clear difference between the two.

Can you plasterboard over old plaster?

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. In this article, we talk about further issues that need to be considered before you start regarding: Type of construction.

Why do you leave a gap at the bottom of drywall?

Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall. It also helps prevents moisture wicking if the floor floods. Wear work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when hanging drywall.

Why would you double up drywall?

If you use the double-drywall technique and put a further layer of sound-dampening material or compound between them, you'll have a quieter area. The added layer of drywall and compound reduces vibrations and (consequently) cuts down on the sound that travels through the walls.

What side of purple drywall faces out?

When hanging PURPLE drywall, which side faces out? Always hang PURPLE drywall with the purple side out, or facing into the room. It decorates like standard drywall, which means the purple won't be visible under white or lightly colored paint.

Should plasterboard be nailed or screwed?

Traditionally, plasterboard was fixed into place using nails, but this method has been known to cause circular bumps and bubbles in the surface finish - not what you want! Plasterboard screws are a lot stronger than nails and hold the plasterboard in place better, so you won't need to use as many.

Can I cut plasterboard with a Stanley knife?

A sharp knife: This is probably the most important tool you'll need. A dull knife will make cutting through plasterboard much more difficult, and it can also be dangerous. The finer the teeth, the cleaner the edge. We recommend using an ordinary timber saw (or a fine-toothed saw/plasterboard saw) or a Stanley knife.

Do you need to seal plasterboard?

Seal Plasterboard Before Painting

If you skip the sealing step, you may find that the paint doesn't stick well or the surface absorbs too much paint, leading to wasted materials. Using a plasterboard sealer before painting is critical to achieving an even finish.

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