Gypsum vs Sand Cement Undercoat

[BadgerBadger]

Finally starting to think about first fix and internals - back at the bottom of the learning curve! 

 

We have a blockwork build (medium density) with wet plaster. The undercoat obviously takes quite a bit of material, and looking at material prices sand-cement is significantly cheaper than bags of Bonding Coat/Hard Wall.

 

I'm guessing there are some good reasons, but why should I be using gypsum for the undercoat?

[SteamyTea]

One for @nod I think.

 

My Mother's house was finished internally with sand/cement instead of plaster.  It was very hard wearing, only one crack that I can remember and that was where a door was removed and a larger opening made.

[nod]

Sand and cement is far better than tough coat or bonding Both of which act like sponges and take ages to dry out At least three times as long as sand and cement Bagged backing is just more convenient 

Cost wise About the same 

[Mike]

I'd be choosing sand-cement too.