Frequently Asked
Questions

ToneCoat is a hand-tinted mineral pigment powder that you mix into a standard bag of British Gypsum Multi-Finish plaster before application. It colours the plaster from within — so the colour isn't painted on top, it's built into the wall itself.

The result is a warm, natural, textured finish that looks and feels completely different to painted walls — and gives plasterers the ability to offer clients something entirely new without changing a single part of their process.

ToneCoat is specifically formulated and tested for use with British Gypsum Multi-Finish plaster. We recommend using it with this plaster only to ensure consistent, reliable results.

We cannot guarantee results with other plaster brands or types, as different formulations can affect how the pigment disperses, sets, and dries.

ToneCoat is suitable for both trade plasterers and competent DIY users. The pigment itself is simple to use — you just mix it into your plaster before application.

However, the quality of the finish will depend on plastering skill. If you're not experienced with applying finish plaster, we'd recommend hiring a professional plasterer and asking them to use ToneCoat — it's the same job for them, just with colour.

Some ToneCoat colour variants contain cobalt-based mineral pigments which are classified under GB CLP regulations. It is important to read our Safety Data Sheet before use and follow all recommended PPE guidance — including wearing an FFP2 or FFP3 dust mask when mixing.

You can download the full Safety Data Sheet here.

It's straightforward — three simple steps:

• Pour one bag of ToneCoat into a full 25kg bag of British Gypsum Multi-Finish plaster
• Mix thoroughly until the colour is evenly distributed throughout the dry powder
• Add water and mix as normal, then apply as you would any standard finish plaster

The colour is built in — skim and finish as normal. No additional steps required.

One bag of ToneCoat is designed to be mixed with one 25kg bag of British Gypsum Multi-Finish plaster. Coverage will depend on wall condition, application thickness, and plasterer technique — but as a general guide, a 25kg bag of finish plaster typically covers around 10–15 square metres.

For larger rooms or multiple walls, simply order the same number of ToneCoat bags as you would plaster bags, and mix one-to-one each time.

Absolutely — this is one of the most exciting things about ToneCoat. Because the colour is in the plaster itself rather than painted on top, you can manipulate the surface while it's still wet to create almost any finish you like.

• Scratch or score for a rustic, aged look
• Sponge for a mottled, organic texture
• Skip trowel for depth and contrast
• Brush for linear, microcement-style finishes
• Smudge and blend for a limewash effect

The possibilities are genuinely endless — and the finish is always part of the wall, not sitting on top of it.

Prepare the wall as you normally would for a finish plaster application. If going over backing plaster, ensure it is fully set and lightly dampened as usual. If going directly over plasterboard, use a PVA bonding agent as you would for any skim coat.

No additional preparation is required specifically for ToneCoat — treat it exactly as you would a standard finish plaster job.

Browse our full palette on the Shop page — each tone is photographed as a real plastered sample so you can see exactly what it looks like as a finished wall.

Bear in mind that colours can look slightly different depending on your screen and lighting conditions. We always recommend considering the natural light in your space and the other tones and materials you're working with before committing.

Yes — every bag of ToneCoat is batch-coded, which means you can reorder the exact same tone with confidence. This is especially important for large projects or phased renovations where you may need to match walls plastered at different times.

We recommend noting your batch code when you first order so you can reference it if needed.

While it is technically possible to blend two ToneCoat colours together, we don't officially recommend or support this as results can be unpredictable and difficult to replicate exactly. Our palette of 22 tones has been carefully developed to cover a wide range of warm neutrals and earthy tones.

If you're looking for something specific that isn't in the current range, get in touch — more colours are always in development.

Our product images are photographed directly from real plastered samples and are as accurate as we can make them. However, the final appearance of any ToneCoat finish will be influenced by a number of factors including the lighting in your space, the texture applied, whether a sealer is used, and the specific batch of plaster mixed.

As with any natural material, slight variation is part of what makes the finish beautiful and unique.

We strongly recommend sealing your ToneCoat finish once it has fully set. Sealing enhances the depth and richness of the colour, provides protection against marks and scuffs, and dramatically extends the life of the finish.

In wet or humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, sealing is essential to provide moisture resistance.

Currently we recommend using a general-purpose clear stone sealer or clear wax, both of which are widely available from builders merchants. Always test on a small area first as sealers can slightly alter the appearance of the finish.

We are also developing our own ToneCoat Sealer range — engineered specifically for this system, with matte, satin, and gloss options and moisture-resistant formulations. Sign up to be notified when it launches.

Yes — ToneCoat can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas with occasional moisture exposure, provided the finish is properly sealed with a suitable moisture-resistant sealer.

We would not recommend using an unsealed ToneCoat finish in areas of direct water contact such as shower enclosures or areas that are regularly submerged or saturated.

Allow the plaster to fully set and dry before applying any sealer — typically a minimum of 3–7 days depending on the thickness of the coat, room temperature, and ventilation. The plaster should be completely dry to the touch and have turned from its darker wet colour to a consistent lighter, dry tone throughout.

Applying sealer too early can trap moisture in the plaster and cause problems with the finish.

We charge a flat rate of £2.99 per order for UK delivery, regardless of how many bags you order. We currently ship to the United Kingdom only.

Orders are typically dispatched within 1–3 working days and delivered within 2–5 working days from dispatch. You'll receive a confirmation email when your order has been sent.

For full delivery information, visit our Delivery & Returns page.

We accept returns on unopened and undamaged bags within 5 days of delivery. Return postage is the responsibility of the customer. We cannot accept returns on opened bags due to the nature of the product.

To start a return, contact us here with your order number and we'll guide you through the process.