Lesson 1Metal stud erection: fixing tracks to floor/ ceiling, setting studs plumb, spacing, bracing, and cutting to fitMaster metal stud wall erection by fixing tracks, setting studs plumb and square, controlling spacing and bracing, and coordinating openings and services to create a rigid, accurate framework for plasterboard linings.
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 returnsLearn correct plasterboard fixing, including board orientation, joint staggering, screw patterns, and cutting for openings, while controlling gaps, edge support, and damage to ensure a stable, flat lining ready for finishing.
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 paintingLearn how to install trims, beads, movement joints, and perimeter seals, then prepare surfaces for painting by addressing minor defects, cleaning dust, and applying suitable primers for durable decorative 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 contaminationLearn how to prepare backgrounds for dry lining by cleaning, repairing, and stabilising masonry, managing moisture and contamination, and creating a sound, level, and compatible substrate that supports long-term adhesion and performance.
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 inspectionFollow a logical taping and jointing sequence, from tape selection and setting coats to fill, finish, and sanding, while controlling drying, lighting, and defect inspection to achieve smooth, paint-ready surfaces.
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)Understand final inspection and handover checks, including plumb and flatness tolerances, joint quality, acoustic checks, and documentation, ensuring the dry lining meets specification and is ready for following 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 strategiesExplore how to install insulation and plan for services within dry lining, using service zones, conduit, and grommets to protect cables and maintain acoustic, fire, and thermal performance without damaging linings.
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 detailsUnderstand how to frame and line door and window reveals, including stud framing, jamb linings, lintel details, and transitions to adjacent finishes, while maintaining clearances, fire, and acoustic performance.
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 fixationUnderstand the dot-and-dab method, including adhesive types, mixing, dab layout, and board positioning, while controlling plumb, flatness, curing, and temporary support to achieve secure, even linings on masonry walls.
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 revealsDevelop accurate setting out skills by establishing datum lines, checking levels and plumb, allowing for plaster thickness, and marking stud centres, openings, and reveals to ensure consistent, coordinated dry lining layouts.
Establishing horizontal datum linesTransferring levels and checking plumbAllowances for plaster and skim depthMarking stud centres and grid linesSetting out door and window openings
