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How to stop up villaboard

A spatula used to smooth plaster between two sheets of villaboard

Overview

Knowing how to install villaboard is a handy skill for renovating a bathroom or laundry. We'll teach you how to fill in the gap between two boards to give your wall a consistent, smooth finish. We also cover how to reinforce it with paper tape. And show how to use paint scrapers to do the job properly.

Steps

1Apply a first coat of compound to stop up the villaboard joint

Mix up some base coat compound to a toothpaste consistency. Then apply it to the joint between two boards with your 75mm paint scraper. Make sure you work quickly, as the compound has a short drying time. While the compound is still wet, place a strip of paper tape over the joint and flatten it down with your scraper. Then apply a little bit more compound over the top of the tape and smooth it out with the wall. 
A gap between two sheets of villaboard being filled with plaster

2Apply a second coat of compound to finish of the villaboard joint

Now take your 100mm trowel and apply a fresh batch of compound thinly across the joint. Spread it slightly wider than the joint so it blends in smoothly with the surface of the wall. Once it has dried, the joint is ready to have a waterproof membrane or tiles applied over the top. If you plan to paint the surface, apply a third, slightly wider coat of compound first. To finish off, fill in any nail holes with a small amount of compound.

A spatula used to smooth plaster between two sheets of villaboard
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.