British Gypsum Multi-Finish vs Thistle Board Finish: Comparison

Understanding British Gypsum’s Thistle Range

When you’re standing in the plaster aisle at Wickes or Screwfix, the choice between British Gypsum’s Thistle Multi-Finish and Board Finish can seem confusing. Both are finishing plasters, both come in the familiar pink bags, and both promise a smooth surface.

The truth is that whilst these products share similarities, they’re formulated for different applications. Choosing the wrong one won’t necessarily ruin your job, but understanding the differences will help you work more efficiently and achieve better results.

British Gypsum has been manufacturing gypsum-based building materials since 1917, and their Thistle range remains the industry standard in the UK. Both Multi-Finish and Board Finish conform to BS EN 13279-1:2008, the British Standard for gypsum binders and gypsum plasters.

What Is Thistle Multi-Finish Plaster?

Thistle Multi-Finish is a universal finishing plaster designed to work on a variety of backgrounds. It’s the go-to choice for professional plasterers because it offers flexibility across different substrates.

Key Characteristics of Multi-Finish

• Substrate compatibility: Works on plasterboard, Thistle undercoats (Browning, Bonding, Hardwall), blockwork, and brick
• Working time: 90-120 minutes from mixing to setting
• Setting time: Typically 90-120 minutes
• Coverage: Approximately 2.5-3m² per 25kg bag at 2mm thickness
• Skim coat thickness: 2-5mm depending on background
• Final colour: Light pink when set

Multi-Finish contains retarded hemihydrate gypsum plaster with additives that improve workability and adhesion. The formulation allows it to bond effectively to different suction rates, making it forgiving for varying backgrounds.

What Is Thistle Board Finish Plaster?

Thistle Board Finish is a specialist finishing plaster formulated specifically for low-suction backgrounds like plasterboard and Thistle Dri-Coat.

Key Characteristics of Board Finish

• Substrate compatibility: Plasterboard, low-suction backgrounds, Dri-Coat only
• Working time: 80-90 minutes from mixing to setting
• Setting time: Typically 80-100 minutes
• Coverage: Approximately 2.5-3m² per 25kg bag at 2mm thickness
• Skim coat thickness: 2mm standard
• Final colour: Light pink when set

Board Finish has a slightly faster set time and is formulated to work optimally with the low suction of modern plasterboards. The chemistry is adjusted to ensure proper adhesion without the need for PVA bonding agents (though some plasterers still use them).

Side-by-Side Comparison

When to Use Multi-Finish

Multi-Finish is your default choice for most plastering projects. Its versatility means you can use it confidently across different backgrounds without worrying about compatibility issues.

Ideal Applications for Multi-Finish

• Mixed-background projects: When you’re skimming both plasterboard and patched areas on walls
• Re-skim jobs: Going over old plaster or Artex that’s been properly prepared
• Patch repairs: Finishing over small areas of bonding or browning undercoat
• Full room re-plasters: Where walls might have brick, block, and board sections
• Extensions and renovations: Where backgrounds vary throughout the project

I’ve used Multi-Finish on hundreds of jobs over the years, and it’s particularly forgiving when you’re learning how to skim coat a wall. The slightly longer working time gives beginners extra minutes to get the trowel work right.

Mixing Multi-Finish

For a standard 25kg bag of Multi-Finish, you’ll need approximately 11.5-12.5 litres of clean water. Always add plaster to water, never water to plaster.

• Pour water into a clean bucket (no old plaster residue)
• Sprinkle plaster evenly into the water
• Let it stand for 30-60 seconds to soak
• Mix thoroughly with a paddle mixer until creamy consistency
• Working time starts from the moment you begin mixing

When to Use Board Finish

Board Finish is the specialist choice for plasterboard-only projects. If you’re working exclusively on new-build properties where everything is plasterboard, Board Finish offers some advantages.

Ideal Applications for Board Finish

• New-build housing: Where all walls and ceilings are plasterboard throughout
• Stud wall installations: Fresh plasterboard partitions with no mixed backgrounds
• Ceiling-only jobs: Skimming plasterboard ceilings
• High-volume production work: Where the faster set time improves productivity

The reality is that Board Finish is less commonly used by general plasterers because most jobs involve at least some mixed backgrounds. However, specialist new-build contractors who work on large housing developments may prefer it.

Performance Differences in Practice

On paper, the specifications look similar, but experienced plasterers notice subtle differences in handling and performance.

Working Characteristics

Multi-Finish: Has a slightly “heavier” feel on the trowel. It stays workable longer, which is excellent for larger areas or when you’re working alone. The extended working time means you’re less likely to rush the second trowel pass.

Board Finish: Feels slightly “lighter” and creamier. It starts to firm up faster, which experienced plasterers can exploit to achieve a polished finish more quickly. However, this faster set can catch you out if you’re working large areas solo.

Adhesion and Suction Management

Multi-Finish is formulated to handle varying suction rates. When you’re working over patched areas or different backgrounds, it adjusts better to inconsistent suction. This is why it’s more forgiving in renovation work.

Board Finish assumes consistent, low suction throughout. On properly installed plasterboard, this isn’t an issue. But if you’ve got old, damaged board or areas where joints haven’t been properly taped, you might get patchy results.

Cost Considerations

The price difference between Multi-Finish and Board Finish is minimal, typically only 50p-£1 per bag. Here’s what you can expect to pay at major UK suppliers in 2026:

Given the negligible price difference and the greater versatility of Multi-Finish, there’s little economic reason to choose Board Finish unless you’re doing specialist work.

Professional Plasterers’ Preferences

In my experience visiting building merchants and speaking with other tradespeople, approximately 80-85% of professional plasterers stock Multi-Finish as their standard finishing plaster. Here’s why:

• Inventory simplicity: One product covers all finishing scenarios
• Reduced waste: No half-used bags of specialist products cluttering the van
• Working time flexibility: The extra 10-20 minutes working time provides a safety margin
• Customer satisfaction: Consistent results across different job types

Board Finish tends to be preferred by:

• Large new-build contractors working exclusively on housing developments
• Specialist drylining contractors who only skim plasterboard
• Plasterers who prefer a faster set for production work

You can learn more about different plaster types in our comprehensive guide on types of plaster explained.

Technical Standards and Quality

Both products meet the same British Standards for quality and performance. According to Building Regulations Approved Document B, gypsum plasters used in construction must be non-combustible and meet fire safety requirements.

Environmental Considerations

British Gypsum has committed to reducing embodied carbon in their products. Both Multi-Finish and Board Finish are manufactured using approximately 95% recycled gypsum from plasterboard waste. This circular economy approach aligns with UK Green Building Council sustainability targets for 2026.

• Both products are A+ rated under BRE Global’s Green Guide
• Manufacturing plants use combined heat and power (CHP) systems
• Packaging is recyclable (paper bags with minimal plastic liner)
• Products can be mixed with cold tap water (no heating required)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced plasterers sometimes make errors with finishing plasters. Here are the most common issues I’ve encountered or heard about from other tradespeople:

Using Board Finish on High-Suction Backgrounds

This is the classic error. Board Finish on browning undercoat or bare blockwork will set too quickly, leaving you with a patchy, difficult-to-finish surface. If you’ve accidentally opened a bag of Board Finish for a mixed-background job, either:

• Use it only on the plasterboard sections
• Mix in some Multi-Finish to extend working time (50/50 ratio)
• Set it aside and use Multi-Finish instead

Not Adjusting Water Ratios

Both plasters require precise water ratios for optimal performance. Too much water results in weak plaster that’s prone to cracking and takes longer to dry. Too little water makes the mix difficult to spread and prone to trowel marks.

For detailed troubleshooting, check our guide on common plastering problems and how to fix them.

Inadequate Surface Preparation

Both Multi-Finish and Board Finish require proper surface preparation. Dusty backgrounds, oil contamination, or loose material will compromise adhesion regardless of which product you use.

• Brush down all surfaces to remove dust and debris
• Check plasterboard joints are properly taped and filled
• Ensure undercoats are fully set (usually 24 hours minimum)
• Apply PVA bonding agent if working on very porous backgrounds

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage extends the usable life of both products and maintains their performance characteristics.

Optimal Storage Conditions

• Keep bags off the ground: Use pallets or shelving to prevent moisture absorption
• Store in a dry location: Garages, sheds, or lockups with good weatherproofing
• Avoid temperature extremes: Frost can affect plaster chemistry, extreme heat can cause premature setting
• Stack carefully: No more than 8 bags high to prevent bottom bags bursting
• Use oldest stock first: Rotate inventory to maintain freshness

Shelf Life

Unopened bags stored correctly have a shelf life of 3-4 months from manufacture date. After this, the retarders begin to degrade, and you’ll notice:

• Faster setting times
• Reduced workability
• Lumpier consistency when mixed
• Harder to achieve a polished finish

Check the batch code printed on the bag to determine manufacture date. If you’re buying from a quiet merchant, bags might be older stock.

Application Tips for Best Results

Regardless of which product you choose, these professional tips will help you achieve excellent results:

First Coat Application

• Apply at approximately 3mm thickness initially
• Work in manageable sections (2-3m² at a time for beginners)
• Use firm pressure to ensure good adhesion
• Don’t worry about perfection on the first pass

Second Coat and Trowelling

• Wait until the first coat has started to firm (usually 20-30 minutes)
• Apply a thin second coat to fill any imperfections
• Use a clean, damp sponge to lightly dampen surface
• Trowel with increasing pressure as plaster firms
• Continue trowelling until surface is smooth and polished

Our essential plastering tools guide covers the equipment you’ll need to achieve professional results.

Alternatives to Consider

While Multi-Finish and Board Finish dominate the UK market, other finishing plasters deserve mention:

Thistle Bonding and Browning

These are undercoat plasters, not finishing plasters. They’re used to build up thickness on walls before applying a finishing coat. You’d typically use 10-15mm of undercoat, then 2-3mm of Multi-Finish or Board Finish on top.

Thistle Dri-Coat

A specialist plaster for damp-affected walls. It’s semi-permeable, allowing walls to breathe whilst providing a water-resistant barrier. You’d finish it with Board Finish or Multi-Finish.

Ready-Mixed Finishing Plasters

Products like Knauf EasyFill offer convenience but at a significant cost premium (£15-£20 for coverage equivalent to a £10 bag of Multi-Finish). They’re useful for small repairs but impractical for full room re-plasters.

FAQ: Multi-Finish vs Board Finish

Can I Use Multi-Finish on Plasterboard?

Yes, absolutely. Multi-Finish works perfectly on plasterboard and is, in fact, the more commonly used product by professional plasterers. The formulation is designed to handle the low suction of plasterboard without issue. You’ll achieve the same smooth finish as with Board Finish, with the added benefit of slightly longer working time.

Why Does Board Finish Set Faster Than Multi-Finish?

Board Finish contains a different balance of retarding agents because it’s formulated specifically for low-suction backgrounds. Plasterboard absorbs less moisture from the plaster mix, which naturally leads to faster setting. The chemistry is adjusted to account for this, resulting in a set time of 80-90 minutes compared to Multi-Finish’s 90-120 minutes.

Which Plaster Is Better for Beginners?

Multi-Finish is generally better for beginners because the longer working time provides more opportunity to correct mistakes and achieve a smooth finish. The extra 20-30 minutes can make a significant difference when you’re still learning trowel technique. Board Finish’s faster set time can catch inexperienced plasterers out, leaving them with a half-finished surface that’s already gone off.

Can I Mix Multi-Finish and Board Finish Together?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended for professional work. Mixing the two will give you properties somewhere between the two products, but the exact characteristics become unpredictable. If you’re caught short on site and need to stretch a bag of Multi-Finish, you could mix in some Board Finish, but expect slightly faster setting and potentially different handling characteristics.

Do I Need to PVA Plasterboard Before Using Multi-Finish?

This is a contentious topic among plasterers. British Gypsum’s official guidance states that PVA isn’t necessary on plasterboard for either product. However, many plasterers still use diluted PVA (5:1 water to PVA) as a precautionary measure, particularly on cut edges or joints. The PVA provides a uniform suction across the surface, which some plasterers find makes achieving a consistent finish easier.

How Long Before I Can Paint After Using Multi-Finish or Board Finish?

You must wait for the plaster to fully dry before decorating. For Multi-Finish on plasterboard, this typically takes 5-7 days in normal conditions (room temperature 18-20°C, moderate humidity). Board Finish may dry slightly faster at 4-6 days. Never paint before the plaster is completely dry (it should be uniform light pink throughout, not showing darker patches). Apply a mist coat first – diluted emulsion (10-20% water) – before standard paint coats. See our guide on how many mist coats to apply on new plaster for detailed guidance.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

For the vast majority of plastering projects, Multi-Finish is the better choice. Its versatility, forgiving nature, and slightly longer working time make it ideal for general plastering work, renovation projects, and mixed-background applications.

Choose Multi-Finish if you’re:

• A homeowner doing DIY plastering
• A professional working on varied projects
• Working on renovation or repair jobs
• Plastering mixed backgrounds (board and undercoats)
• Still developing your plastering skills

Choose Board Finish if you’re:

• Working exclusively on new-build properties with all plasterboard
• A specialist drylining contractor
• Experienced enough to exploit the faster set time for productivity
• Doing ceiling-only work on plasterboard

The minimal price difference means there’s no financial penalty for choosing the more versatile Multi-Finish. Keep a few bags in stock, maintain proper storage conditions, and you’ll be ready for any finishing job that comes your way.

Both products are manufactured to the same high standards by British Gypsum, and both will deliver excellent results when applied correctly. The key to success lies in proper surface preparation, accurate mixing, and good trowel technique – fundamentals that matter far more than the minor differences between these two quality products.