- Blueboard is a type of drywall intended for use with veneer plaster. While it has some water-resistant qualities, it is not waterproof on its own. You cannot paint blueboard like you can paint regular drywall -- it must be plastered first. Contractors looking to replicate historical plaster walls without the need for lath strips often use blueboard. Unlike regular drywall, blueboard is very hard, especially once the plaster is applied, and is very durable.
- Greenboard is another type of drywall that is used commonly in kitchens and bathrooms. It is made of the same material as regular drywall, but it is covered over with a water-resistant paper that is colored green. This paper makes it ideal for use in areas that have high humidity and moisture levels. Although it is not waterproof and cannot be used as a tub surround, greenboard will hold up very well in moist environments.
- In terms of resistance to daily water use and humidity levels, greenboard is superior. While blueboard is very hard and has some resistance to water, it cannot match greenboard for use in bathrooms. However, it can be used with success in kitchens, provided that the plaster coating is applied properly and a backsplash is used for further protection.
- If you will be drywalling a bathroom or a kitchen, choose greenboard. For other areas of the home where you need impact resistance and you do not mind the added cost of hiring a plastering company or learning this difficult medium on your own, use blueboard. Since it cannot be painted regularly, blueboard is best left to professionals and not the average homeowner who just wants to hang some drywall.
The Purpose of Blueboard
The Purpose of Greenboard
Water and Humidity Issues
Deciding Between the Two
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