Best Bonding Plaster for Electrical Repairs: 2025 Expert Review
OR Electrics
18th Edition Specialist Electrician
Installing new sockets or switches often involves 'chasing in'—cutting channels into the wall to hide the cables. In Leeds, where many homes are built from solid brick or stubborn stone, this creates a lot of dust and a difficult surface for new plaster to grip.
Many homeowners make the mistake of slapping plaster straight onto a dusty chase or smooth painted wall, only to have it crack or hollow out later. To prevent this, professional electricians and plasterers use a bonding agent (often called 'grit') to create a mechanical key.
In this review, I'm looking at three bonding agents I've encountered on site. Whether you are patching up after a rewire or moving a socket, these products ensure your new plaster stays put.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "One Coat Application"
"You can roll it on once and it's immediately ready for plastering."
whilst many agents cover in one coat, you absolutely must let them dry properly (usually 24 hours). If you plaster whilst it's wet, it can slip. Also, 'one coat' relies on you mixing the grit thoroughly first.
The Spec: "Sticks to Anything"
"Bonds plaster to glass, tiles, and gloss paint effortlessly."
It improves grip massively, but you still need to clean the surface. If you put blue grit over greasy kitchen paint or loose dust from chasing, it will peel off in a sheet. Prep is still key.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Sika Blue Grit Extra Grip Plaster Bonding Agent – 10 Litre
Sika
This is the industry standard you'll see in the back of most vans in Leeds. It offers excellent value for a 10-litre tub and typically covers enough area for a full room skim or dozens of socket chases. The blue colour makes it easy to spot where you've been.
The Good
- Excellent value per litre
- Bright blue colour ensures you don't miss spots
- Provides a very aggressive mechanical key (rough grip)
The Bad
- Grit settles at the bottom quickly - needs vigorous stirring
- Can be messy if it splashes (it's very gritty)
Installer Tip:
When patching a chase for a new socket, don't just paint the chase itself. Overlap the grit onto the surrounding painted wall by an inch. This ensures the new plaster blends specifically with the old surface without a hairline crack forming at the join.
Priced at £24.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonBostik Plasterer’s Grit, Plaster Bonding Agent Green - 10l
Bostik
This is a premium option, significantly more expensive than standard grit, but for a reason. It uses a sand-free formula. This means less mess flicking off the brush and, crucially, it doesn't suck moisture out of the plaster, reducing the risk of your patch repair cracking.
The Good
- No sand means no messy grit flicking onto carpets
- Does not absorb moisture, reducing plaster cracks
- Ready to use - no heavy mixing of settled sand needed
The Bad
- Significantly higher price point
- Overkill for rough worksites or bare brick renovations
Installer Tip:
Use this on 'clean' jobs. If I'm adding a socket in a finished living room with expensive flooring, I prefer this because standard grit has a habit of flying everywhere. The extra cost is worth the time saved on cleaning up sand particles.
Priced at £53.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonBond It Plasterers Pregrit Internal Plaster Yellow Grip Coat - 10 Litres
ARA CHOICE
This pale yellow agent is designed specifically for low or non-porous substrates (like concrete or smooth painted walls). The yellow pigment is strictly for visibility, allowing you to track coverage easily against grey concrete backgrounds where blue might blend in more.
The Good
- Great price point
- Yellow colour offers good contrast on grey backgrounds
- Designed for difficult non-porous surfaces
The Bad
- Long drying time (minimum 24 hours)
- Must be stirred thoroughly as with most grits
Installer Tip:
The 24-hour drying time is strict on this one. If you are prepping a wall on a Friday for a Monday plaster skim, this is perfect. Do not try to rush this product or the bond will fail.
Priced at £23.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
PVA vs Bonding Agent (Grit): Which is better for electrical chases?
How long do I need to wait before plastering over the grit?
Can I use these products to plaster over old gloss paint?
Do I need a professional for patching up electrical chases?
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