Thistle MultiFinish

Innovation overview and development

An overview of the product

Thistle MultiFinish is the UK’s leading finishing plaster and has been trusted by plasterers for decades. Importantly, the product formulation itself has not changed as part of this initiative.

The innovation lies in enabling Thistle MultiFinish to be spray applied through plaster spraying equipment while maintaining the performance, finish quality and workability that customers expect. Extensive testing has been undertaken to assess the plaster after it has passed through a range of spray application machines, ensuring that key performance characteristics remain unchanged.

To date, the product has been tested through multiple machine platforms and is not exclusive to any one manufacturer’s equipment. As new machines enter the market, or as customer demand requires, additional testing will continue to expand the range of compatible equipment.

This approach allows plasterers to continue using a familiar, proven product while benefiting from new application methods that can reduce physical effort and improve the installation experience.

Part of the innovation was not to bring to market a new product, but to utilise an existing product that everyone knows and loves, that is already widely available.

How the new product was developed, including effective collaboration, knowledge transfer and partnership along the project team

The development journey began with a simple objective: make plaster application easier and less physically demanding for installers.

Historically, a spray-applied plaster solution existed within the market, but adoption remained extremely limited. The equipment available at the time was often expensive, complex to operate and maintain, and therefore failed to gain widespread acceptance.

Approximately two years ago, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions identified a new generation of compact spray equipment capable of applying finishing plaster much more effectively. Early trials demonstrated significant potential, but also highlighted opportunities to improve how plaster moved through the equipment, reducing the likelihood of material build-up or blockage within the hopper, hoses and spray gun.

The project became a highly collaborative effort involving:

Spray equipment manufacturers.

Manufacturing and technical teams at the Barrow plaster plant.

Plaster support managers and field specialists.

Research, development and innovation teams.

Customers and professional plasterers participating in trials.

Close collaboration with equipment manufacturers enabled machine refinements and performance optimisation, whilst internal teams conducted extensive testing and validation to ensure consistent product quality.

As additional machine manufacturers entered the market, testing programmes expanded to evaluate new platforms. This created a continuous learning cycle where customer feedback, machine development and product testing informed ongoing improvements.

Rather than a one-off product launch, the project represents an ongoing partnership between Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, machine manufacturers and customers to continually improve the spray plastering experience.

How might this product have an influence on the specification

This innovation has the potential to influence specification by providing contractors and plastering businesses with a more efficient and ergonomic method of applying finishing plaster, particularly on larger projects.

The initiative addresses one of the most physically demanding aspects of plastering: transferring material from the bucket to the hawk and then onto the wall. Spray application provides a continuous flow of material directly to the working surface, reducing repetitive handling and physical effort.

Importantly, this is not intended to replace traditional plastering skills. A phrase one of our plaster support managers coined was ‘Less Graft, More Craft’ — the craftsmanship required to achieve a high-quality finish remains unchanged. The skill of the plasterer is still central to achieving the final result.

Instead, spray application provides an additional tool that can help:

Improve ergonomics on larger projects.

Support an ageing workforce by reducing physical demands.

Make the trade more attractive to new entrants.

Increase flexibility in application methods.

Provide contractors with greater choice in how finishing plaster is applied.

As labour availability and workforce demographics continue to challenge the construction sector, innovations that support installer wellbeing and career longevity are becoming increasingly important considerations in project delivery.

How the product improved productivity in the process and/or quality and performance of the interior system

The quality and performance of the finished plaster system remain unchanged because the plaster formulation itself has not changed. Customers continue to receive the same high-quality finish associated with Thistle MultiFinish.

The primary benefit is therefore centred on the installer rather than the product.

By reducing the physical effort required to transfer plaster onto the wall, spray application can help improve the overall installation process and reduce the strain associated with repetitive manual application techniques.

The greatest impact may be seen through:

Reduced physical effort during application.

Improved installer wellbeing.

Greater career longevity for experienced plasterers.

Increased appeal of the trade for younger entrants.

Greater flexibility in choosing application methods.

Maintenance of the same high-quality finished appearance expected from Thistle MultiFinish.

Rather than simply focusing on completing jobs faster, the initiative aims to improve the sustainability of the plastering profession by helping installers work more comfortably throughout their careers while continuing to deliver the standards of finish expected by customers.