Lesson 1Metal stud erection: fixing tracks to floor/ ceiling, setting studs plumb, spacing, bracing, and cutting to fitExpertise in raising metal stud walls by securing tracks, aligning studs plumb and square, managing spacing and bracing, and handling openings and services for a sturdy, exact frame.
Fixing head and floor tracks securelySetting studs plumb and alignedStud spacing at 400mm or 600mmNogging, bracing, and stiffeningForming openings within stud wallsLesson 2Fixing plasterboard: screw patterns, board orientation (stagger joints), cutting for openings and returnsMaster plasterboard attachment, covering orientation, joint offsetting, screw layouts, and cuts for openings, while managing gaps, edge backing, and damage for stable, even surfaces.
Board orientation on walls and ceilingsStaggering vertical and horizontal jointsScrew types, spacing, and edge distancesCutting boards for sockets and servicesForming returns, corners, and soffitsLesson 3Trim and finishing: beads, movement joints, perimeter seals, and prepping for paintingInstall trims, beads, movement joints, and edge seals, then ready surfaces for paint by fixing small flaws, clearing dust, and using apt primers for robust finishes.
Fixing angle and stop beadsDefining and sealing movement jointsPerimeter acoustic and fire sealsFilling pinholes and minor blemishesDust removal and primer selectionLesson 4Preparing substrate: cleaning, repairing loose masonry, raking out joints, treating damp or contaminationPrepare bases for dry lining via cleaning, mending, and steadying masonry, handling moisture and contaminants, for a solid, even, compatible foundation ensuring adhesion and durability.
Cleaning and degreasing wall surfacesRaking out and repairing loose jointsRebonding hollow or friable masonryTreating damp, salts, and stainingPrimers and bonding agents selectionLesson 5Taping and jointing sequence: joint tape selection, setting coat, fill coat, finish coat, sanding and defect inspectionExecute taping and jointing in sequence, from tape choice and setting layers to filling, finishing, sanding, with controls for drying, light, and checks for smooth, decor-ready faces.
Choosing paper or mesh joint tapeApplying setting and fill coatsFinish coats and feathering edgesDrying times and environmental controlSanding, backlighting, and snag checksLesson 6Final inspection and handover checks: plumb, flatness tolerances, acoustic checks (basic in-situ tests)Conduct end checks and handovers, covering plumb, flatness limits, joint standards, noise tests, and records, to confirm dry lining aligns with specs and suits next trades.
Checking plumb, level, and flatnessInspecting joints, beads, and cornersBasic in-situ acoustic performance checksRecording defects and remedial actionsHandover documentation and sign-offLesson 7Installing insulation and allowances for services: routing electrical and data, using service zones and conduit strategiesInstall insulation and accommodate services in dry lining, employing zones, conduits, and grommets to shield cables and preserve noise, fire, and heat performance sans lining harm.
Types and placement of cavity insulationService zones in walls and ceilingsRouting electrical and low-voltage dataConduit, capping, and cable protectionMaintaining fire and acoustic integrityLesson 8Door and window reveals: framing reveals, jamb linings, lintel/ disable transition detailsFrame and line door and window reveals with stud work, jamb covers, lintel specifics, and adjacent finish links, upholding clearances, fire, and noise standards.
Framing studs around openingsSetting jamb studs and trimmersBoarding window and door revealsLintel and head detail treatmentsManaging movement and sealant gapsLesson 9Dot-and-dab adhesive method: adhesive specification, dab patterns, board positioning and temporary fixationGrasp dot-and-dab, including adhesive specs, mixing, dab arrangements, and board setup, controlling alignment, evenness, curing, and props for firm, uniform linings on masonry.
Adhesive types and manufacturer specsMixing, pot life, and workability checksSetting out dab lines and patternsPositioning boards and tapping to lineTemporary props and curing timesLesson 10Setting out and marking: datum lines, plaster thickness allowances, stud centers (600mm or 400mm), and door/window revealsHone precise layout skills with datum lines, level and plumb verifications, plaster depth allowances, and marks for stud positions, openings, reveals for uniform, synced dry lining.
Establishing horizontal datum linesTransferring levels and checking plumbAllowances for plaster and skim depthMarking stud centers and grid linesSetting out door and window openings
