Plastering

Plastering costs vary based on room size, surface condition and finish requirements. For skimming existing walls, expect £25-£35 per square metre. Complete replastering with board replacement typically costs £45-£60 per square metre. Ceiling skimming averages £30-£40 per square metre due to additional complexities. Factors affecting price include wall condition, preparation requirements, access difficulties, and material selection. Traditional lime plastering for period properties in Bath typically costs 50-75% more than standard modern plastering due to the materials and specialist techniques required. We provide detailed quotations following assessment, ensuring complete transparency.

Modern gypsum plaster typically requires 3-7 days to dry completely, depending on conditions. The initial set occurs within hours, but full drying takes longer. Factors affecting drying time include room temperature, ventilation, humidity levels, plaster thickness, and underlying surface porosity. Traditional lime plaster used in Bath's period properties takes significantly longer, requiring 2-4 weeks for initial drying and several months for complete carbonation. We provide specific guidance for each project, including recommendations for heating, ventilation, and when decoration can safely begin. Proper drying is essential for ensuring finish quality and preventing future issues.

Skimming involves applying a thin (2-3mm) finishing layer of fine plaster over existing surfaces to create a smooth finish ready for decoration. It's ideal for refreshing reasonably sound surfaces with minor imperfections. Complete plastering (often called 'backing and skimming') involves applying a thicker basecoat followed by a skim finish, creating a completely new surface. This more comprehensive approach is necessary for damaged walls, new plasterboard, or significant renovations. Skimming is generally faster and less expensive, while full plastering provides a more substantial renovation, addressing underlying issues and creating a completely new surface. We assess each project to recommend the most appropriate method based on existing conditions.

Lime plaster is essential for Bath's historic buildings for several key reasons. Unlike modern gypsum plasters, lime is breathable, allowing walls to naturally regulate moisture and prevent trapped dampness that leads to deterioration. Lime's flexibility accommodates the natural movement in older buildings without cracking. For listed properties, lime plastering is often required by conservation officers to maintain historical authenticity. While requiring specialist application and longer drying times, lime plaster provides superior long-term performance in traditional buildings, working harmoniously with original construction methods. Our experienced lime plasterers ensure proper application using traditional techniques appropriate for your specific property.

Yes, we specialise in ornamental plasterwork repairs for Bath's Georgian and Victorian properties. Our process includes careful assessment of damaged elements, creation of moulds from intact sections or period-appropriate patterns, and skilled reproduction using traditional materials. For cornices, ceiling roses, and decorative mouldings, we can match existing designs through expert craftsmanship or source appropriate replacements from specialist suppliers. When working on listed buildings, we liaise with conservation officers to ensure appropriate techniques and materials. Our plasterers combine traditional methods with modern reinforcement where needed, creating repairs that are both historically authentic and structurally sound. This specialist service preserves the architectural character that makes Bath's heritage properties distinctive.