Lesson 1Metal stud erection: fixing tracks to floor/ ceiling, setting studs plumb, spacing, bracing, and cutting to fitMaster metal stud wall building by attaching tracks, aligning studs straight and square, managing spacing and supports, and matching openings and services for a strong, exact frame 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 proper plasterboard attachment, including board direction, joint offsetting, screw layouts, and cutting for openings, while managing gaps, edge backing, and harm to get a firm, even lining 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 to fit trims, beads, movement joints, and edge seals, then ready surfaces for painting by fixing small flaws, clearing dust, and using right primers for strong decorative results.
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 to ready backgrounds for dry lining by cleaning, fixing, and steadying masonry, handling moisture and dirt, and making a solid, even, matching substrate for lasting stick 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 clear taping and jointing order, from tape choice and setting layers to fill, finish, and sanding, while handling drying, light, and flaw checks for smooth, paint-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)Understand last inspection and handover steps, including straightness and evenness allowances, joint standard, noise checks, and records, ensuring dry lining fits specs and is ready for 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 strategiesExplore fitting insulation and planning services in dry lining, using service areas, pipes, and grommets to guard cables and keep noise, fire, and heat performance without harming 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 framing and lining door and window reveals, including stud framing, side linings, beam details, and shifts to nearby finishes, keeping spaces, 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 fixationUnderstand the dot-and-dab approach, including adhesive types, mixing, dab setup, and board placement, while controlling straightness, evenness, curing, and temp support for secure, level 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 revealsBuild exact layout skills by setting reference lines, checking levels and straightness, allowing for plaster depth, and marking stud points, openings, and reveals for steady, teamed dry lining plans.
Establishing horizontal datum linesTransferring levels and checking plumbAllowances for plaster and skim depthMarking stud centers and grid linesSetting out door and window openings
