
Alpha Drywall
Interiors
Gib Fixing, Stopping and Painting
Alpha Drywall a Local Coromandel
Interior Finishing Business
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Our Plasterboard Services in the Coromandel Peninsula
Full-Service Interior Fixing, Stopping and Painting
On Time On Budget. Reliable. Professional. Quality Service.
Here is our Guide To Creating a Great Interior Finish. Need our Help? Call Alpha Drywall.

Fixing Plasterboard
Fixing plasterboard correctly is essential for creating durable and aesthetically pleasing walls and ceilings. Alpha Drywall offer a GIB* Fixing Service but it is only a small part of what we do. Over the last 38 years in the plastering trade, around 60% of our work has been Plaster Board Stopping and 30% Painting. So more often than not the Platerboard Fixing has already been completed when we arrive on the job.
This guide is based on the comprehensive instructions from Winstone Wallboards GIB* plasterboard fixing brochure. This brochure looks at the best practices and techniques for installing plasterboard effectively.
Our guide below is a quick overview of the steps required.
Preparation
Before starting the installation process, proper preparation is crucial:
- Surface Inspection: Ensure the framing is straight, level, and free from any protrusions.
- Moisture Control: Make sure the area is dry and well-ventilated to prevent moisture damage to the plasterboard.
Fixing Plasterboard to Walls
Applying Adhesive
- Adhesive Application: Apply a continuous bead of adhesive to the framing members where the plasterboard will be attached. This helps to reduce the number of fixings needed and provides additional support.
Fixing with Screws
- Screw Placement: Place screws at 300mm intervals along the edges of the plasterboard and 400mm intervals in the center. Ensure screws are driven just below the surface without breaking the paper face.
- Screw Length: Use screws that are long enough to penetrate at least 10mm into the framing.

Plasterboard Stopping
Stopping plasterboard or GIB* stopping, as it is commonly referred to is essential for creating durable and aesthetically pleasing walls and ceilings. For Alpha Drywall our Stopping and Finishing service is our speciality area.
Taping Joints
- Joint Tape: Apply joint tape over the seams between plasterboard sheets to reinforce the joints and prevent cracking.
- Joint Compound: Apply a layer of joint compound over the tape, feathering the edges to blend with the plasterboard surface.
Sanding
- Sanding: Once the joint compound is dry, sand the surface smooth with fine-grit sandpaper to create a seamless finish.
Final Touches
- Priming and Painting: Prime the plasterboard surface before applying paint to ensure a uniform finish.
- Inspection: Inspect the finished surface for any imperfections and touch up as necessary.
Safety Tips
- Protective Gear: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask when cutting and sanding plasterboard.
- Handling: Handle plasterboard sheets with care to avoid damaging the edges and surfaces.
Conclusion
Fixing and Stopping plasterboard requires careful preparation, precise measurements, and attention to detail. By following these guidelines and using the appropriate tools and materials, you can achieve a professional finish that enhances the durability and appearance of your walls and ceilings.

Painting Plasterboard
Painting plasterboard, also known as GIB* Board or Drywall, is a crucial step in finishing your walls and ceilings to achieve a professional and polished look.
Once your walls and celings are perfectly Stopped by Alpha Drywall the next step is to paint those perfectly smooth and true surfaces. If you want someone with an eye for detail and colour, so you get a finish you'll be proud of, give me a call. I'd be happy to help you choose the finish and colour that matches the mood and style of the room. If your someone that likes to do it yourself follow these steps below carefuly.
Sealing the Plasterboard
Plasterboard is highly porous and needs to be sealed before applying the final paint coats. This is done using a mist coat.
Choosing the Right Paint
Selecting the appropriate paint is crucial for a lasting finish:
- Recommended Paint: Use a water-based matt emulsion for the mist coat and topcoats. This type of paint adheres well to plasterboard and allows it to breathe, preventing moisture issues.
Levels of Finish
The level of finish you choose depends on the desired appearance and the area being painted:
- Level 3: For areas not requiring decoration, such as above ceilings or inside service shafts.
- Level 4: The standard finish for most painted plasterboard surfaces.
- Level 5: The highest quality finish, ideal for areas where a flawless surface is required.
Final Touches
After applying the topcoats, inspect the surface for any imperfections and touch up as needed. Allow the paint to cure fully before subjecting the surface to any stress or cleaning.
Listen To What Our Clients Say
Because At Alpha Drywall It’s Our Clients That Matter Most

MARY SMITH
"Alpha Drywall and Geoff Tibbo were such a pleasure to work with. On time, on budget and the most amazing finish in our new lounge."


JON ARCHER
"Geoff Tibbo is a true professional. You're in totally safe hands. You won't find a better plasterer in the Waikato."


VICKY DRAKE
"Just love my new kitchen. Between the tiling and Geoffs stopping and painting skills, I just get kiddy everytime I go in the room!"

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*GIB is a registered trademark of Winstone WallBoards.
Alpha Drywall. Experience Since 1986.
For all grades of stopping including Fibrous, Cove and Gib* Board.
Our interior finishing service is professional, reliable and affords a quality finish. I'm Geoff the owner and the person who has been around the plastering and finishing trade for 38+ years. I stand behind the quality and finish of every job.
We offer free written quotes for small jobs and these can be completed from builders or architects plans.
We are licensed Gold Card members of the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI) . This is the equivalent of the Master Builders Association for Plasterers.
As such Alpha Drywall are able to advise clients on current trends and standards in interior finishing.
As the founder and owner operator, I am here to help you with all your interior finishing needs. From GIB* fixing and stopping, to painting and finishing, we do it all.
Call me for a quote on your next job. I promise you will love the finish of your new interior space.
Look forward to meeting you to discuss your next project.
Geoff Tibbo
The Gib Stopper
AWCI Gold Card Member
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Some Common Myths About Interior Finishing
“Small Rooms Should Be Painted White to Feel Larger”
Contrary to popular belief, painting small rooms white does not always make them feel larger. In fact, using darker hues can add depth and create a cozy atmosphere. Strategic lighting and decor can amplify a room's appeal, making it feel more inviting rather than flat and one-dimensional
“Interior Design is Too Expensive”
While hiring an interior designer is an investment, it can save money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring that the space is both functional and beautiful. Many designers offer flexible services to fit different budgets, making professional design more accessible than many people think. By debunking these myths, you can approach interior finishing with a more informed and creative mindset, ensuring that your space is both functional and reflective of your personal style.
“A Good Primer and Paint Can Fix Poor Drywall Work”
A good primer and paint cannot compensate for poorly installed or finished drywall. Properly taping, mudding, and sanding the drywall is essential for a smooth and professional finish. Primer and paint can enhance the appearance but cannot fix fundamental issues like bumps or exposed tape.
“All Paint Brands and Types are the Same”
Not all paints are created equal. Different brands and types of paint have varying levels of quality, durability, and finish. Using high-quality paint can result in a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups

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Drywall Fixing, Stopping and Painting!
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Drywall comes in a few more common names in NZ, such as GIB* Board and Plaster Board.
*Gibralter Board or GIB Board as it is commonly called, is a registered trademark of Winstone Wallboards.
Office Hours
Monday 7am-7pm
Tuesday 7am-7pm
Wednesday 7am-7pm
Thursday 7am-7pm
Friday 7am-7pm
Saturday 7am-7pm
Sunday Closed