fixing wall behind removed mantelpiece

Hi,

I've removed a wooden mantelpiece from my living room fire (see photo), and want to cover the exposed bricks to the same 5mm depth as the cement/plaster above it. What is the best material to use for this? I was thinking of getting some 5mm plasterboard to cover most of it, and using easy-filler to fill the gaps.


Thanks! View media item 76252

The best material would be plaster.

A bonding coat followed by a finishing coat, done by someone who is skilled at this.

Plasterboard is liable to crack where it meets the original plaster.

thanks, I'll have a crack at it myself - I don't mind having to do it again if I mess up the first time.