Good plastering can completely change the appearance of a room.

Smooth walls and ceilings create the foundation for a high-quality finish, whether the room is being painted, decorated or incorporated into a larger renovation project.

While small repairs can sometimes be tackled as a DIY job, achieving a consistent finish across an entire wall or room takes experience, preparation and the right technique.

Can You Plaster Your Own Walls?

Minor filling and patch repairs can be manageable for someone with good DIY experience.

Skimming a complete wall or ceiling is quite different.

Plaster needs to be mixed correctly, applied within a limited working time and worked through several stages before the final finish is achieved.

Common problems with inexperienced plastering include:

• Uneven surfaces
• Visible trowel marks
• Poor adhesion
• Cracking
• Hollows and ridges
• Poorly finished corners

Correcting an unsuccessful plastering job can sometimes involve more work than preparing the wall properly in the first place.

A Better Finished Surface

One of the biggest advantages of professional plastering is the quality of the finished surface.

Walls should be smooth enough to decorate without relying on excessive sanding, filling or heavy-textured finishes to disguise imperfections.

A well-plastered room also makes the final decorating stage easier and helps paint achieve a cleaner, more consistent appearance.

Preparation Is Just as Important as Plastering

Good plastering starts before any fresh plaster is applied.

The existing surface needs to be assessed to determine whether it is sound and suitable for the new finish.

Preparation may involve:

• Removing loose material
• Repairing damaged plaster
• Securing plasterboard
• Preparing cracks
• Applying suitable bonding products
• Protecting surrounding surfaces

Applying plaster over an unsuitable or poorly prepared surface can result in problems later, regardless of how good the final skim initially looks.

Can You Plaster Over Paint?

Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the condition and type of the existing surface.

Loose, flaking or unstable paint needs to be dealt with first.

Depending on the wall, suitable preparation and bonding products may also be required to create a surface that the plaster can adhere to properly.

This is why simply applying fresh plaster over whatever is already on the wall is rarely a good approach.

Different Plastering Jobs Need Different Solutions

Not every wall needs the same treatment.

Depending on the condition of the property, the work might involve:

• Skimming existing plaster
• Plastering new plasterboard
• Dry lining
• Repairing damaged areas
• Replacing failed plaster
• Preparing newly altered walls

Choosing the correct method is often more important than simply applying a new surface over the old one.

Professional Plastering Can Save Time

Plastering is physically demanding and time-sensitive work.

Someone who carries it out regularly can prepare, mix and apply materials much more efficiently than someone learning as they go.

This becomes particularly important during a larger renovation, where plastering often needs to be completed before decorating, flooring, cabinetry and other finishing work can continue.

It Can Also Save Money in the Long Term

DIY plastering may initially appear cheaper because there is no labour cost.

However, an unsuccessful finish may require additional materials, significant sanding, further filling or even complete re-skimming.

The most economical option is often the one that achieves the right finish without needing to be repaired afterwards.

How Much Does Plastering Cost?

There is no single price that applies to every plastering job.

Cost can depend on:

• Size of the room or area
• Condition of the existing walls
• Whether old plaster needs removing
• Amount of preparation required
• Ceiling height and access
• Number of corners, openings and detailed areas
• Whether new plasterboard or dry lining is required

A straightforward skim over sound walls is very different from repairing a heavily damaged room before plastering can even begin.

For that reason, assessing the actual condition of the room is the best way to provide a meaningful quotation.

Plastering as Part of a Larger Renovation

Plastering rarely happens in isolation during a renovation.

Walls may first need electrical cables installed, plumbing altered, doors changed, studwork constructed or insulation added.

Coordinating these stages properly avoids having newly finished walls opened up again because another part of the work was overlooked.

This is particularly useful when plastering forms part of a building renovation, home extension or loft conversion.

What Happens After Plastering?

Fresh plaster needs sufficient time to dry before it is decorated.

Drying time depends on the thickness of the plaster, the background, temperature, ventilation and conditions within the property.

It is important not to rush this stage by applying inappropriate finishes before the plaster is ready.

Once properly dry, the walls can be prepared for their chosen decorative finish.

Professional Plastering With Calico

Whether you need a single room skimmed or plastering as part of a complete renovation, the quality of the preparation and finish matters.

At Calico, plastering can be carried out as a standalone service or coordinated alongside the other trades involved in your project.

You can find out more about our plastering services or explore our wider building renovation services.