Plastering & Rendering FAQs

Yes. We work with homeowners, builders, developers and commercial clients on projects of all sizes, from single-room plastering to full commercial buildings.

Yes. Full house rendering is one of our core services. We can advise on the most suitable render system for your property and budget.

It depends on the property type, condition and your finish preference. Common options include silicone thin coat render, monocouche render and sand and cement render. We can advise on the most suitable system during the quoting process.

Yes. We can remove old, failed or cracked render as part of the preparation process, then assess the substrate before applying the new system.

Yes. We install external wall insulation systems including insulation boards, base coats and render finishes. EWI can improve thermal performance and update the appearance of older properties.

Plastering refers to applying base and finish coats of plaster to a bare wall or masonry surface. Skimming is a thin finish coat applied over existing plasterboard or sound old plaster to create a smooth surface ready for decorating. Both produce a flat, paintable finish ÔÇö the approach depends on what is already on the wall.

Fresh plaster typically feels dry to the touch within 24ÔÇô48 hours but is not ready to paint. Full drying takes around 4ÔÇô6 weeks depending on coat thickness, room temperature, ventilation and how absorbent the substrate is. Wait until the plaster has turned from a dark, patchy colour to a uniform pale shade before applying a mist coat.

On plasterboard we typically apply one or two thin skim coats of finish plaster. On masonry, brick or older walls we usually apply a bonding or browning undercoat first to build up and level the surface, followed by finish coats. The number of coats depends on how uneven the wall is and what condition it is in.

In most cases, yes. A PVA bonding agent is applied before plastering to control suction and help the plaster key to the surface. On highly absorbent walls, skipping this step causes the plaster to dry out too quickly, which leads to cracking and poor adhesion. We always prepare the substrate correctly before any plaster goes on.

Sometimes. If the existing plaster is sound, well bonded and in good condition, it can be skimmed over directly. If it is blown, cracking, damp damaged or unstable, it should be removed and the wall replastered from scratch. We assess the condition of existing plaster on site before recommending the most suitable approach.

Common signs include a hollow sound when the wall is tapped (known as blown plaster), visible cracks, paint that is bubbling or peeling repeatedly, persistent damp patches, or plaster that crumbles at the edges. If you are unsure, we can assess the walls on site and advise whether a patch repair, skim or full replaster is the right option.

Yes. Artex and textured coatings can be overplastered with a skim coat provided the surface is sound and properly prepared. If the artex was applied before 2000, it may contain low levels of chrysotile asbestos ÔÇö in that case we recommend a test before any work begins. We can advise on this as part of our site assessment.

A single room skim can usually be completed in one day. Larger jobs ÔÇö full replastering of multiple rooms, boarding out and skimming, or whole-property work ÔÇö will take longer depending on scope. We give a programme estimate as part of every written quotation so you know exactly what to expect before we start.

Clear the room as much as possible and move furniture away from the walls. Remove socket covers, switch plates and any loose wall fixings if you can. We protect floors and any furniture that cannot be moved with dust sheets as part of our standard preparation ÔÇö you do not need to do this yourself.

Both. We carry out patch repairs for localised damage ÔÇö damp repairs, holes left by chased cables, areas around removed fixings ÔÇö as well as full room and full property replastering. On patch work we always aim to match the surrounding finish as closely as possible, though a slight difference in level or texture is sometimes unavoidable on older walls.

Small hairline cracks are common and are usually caused by natural building movement or plaster drying too quickly. Larger or recurring cracks can indicate structural movement, thermal expansion, damp ingress or poorly bonded plaster. We assess the cause before recommending the correct repair, as filling a crack without addressing the underlying cause will not last.

Yes, but you need to allow the plaster to dry fully first. Apply a mist coat ÔÇö emulsion diluted with around 10ÔÇô20% water ÔÇö as your first coat. This seals the plaster gradually and prevents the topcoat from peeling. Applying full-strength paint to fresh plaster traps moisture and leads to flaking. Most plasterers recommend waiting at least four weeks before full decoration.

Yes. We support builders, main contractors and subcontractors on residential and commercial projects. We understand site processes and can work around other trades.

Yes. Photos, drawings, elevations, specifications or measurements all help us understand the scale and condition of the project. You can upload files directly on our contact page.

Yes. For commercial, developer and contractor-led projects we can review drawings, elevations and specifications to provide a written quote or tender response.

We cover a wide area. Please contact us with your project location and we will confirm whether we can assist.

Most external rendering projects require scaffolding for safe access. We can include advice on scaffolding requirements as part of the quotation process.

Yes. We carry full public liability insurance. Insurance details are available on request.

Drying times depend on the thickness applied, temperature and ventilation. Skim coats typically take a minimum of 2-4 weeks before decoration. We provide aftercare advice specific to each project.