Your frequently asked plastering questions answered

1. How much do you charge?

I know it's a cliche but every job really is different, so offering a fixed price is impossible. If all goes well the job will come in at the estimated quotation I gave you after first visiting your premises to assess the job in question. That estimation is based on the cost of the materials that I think will be required and the number of days labour that I think will be required.
However, it's not uncommon for a job to throw up a time-consuming problem that could not have been foreseen prior to starting the work. In which case the cost of the job will go up to reflect this.
I always communicate with my customers about such problems. Obviously this doesn't make them go away but it does mean you are in the know at all parts of the process. There's usually more than one solution to such problems - all of which I will discuss with you openly to come to the resolution that most suits your needs and your budget.

2. Will I need to remove the wallpaper before you can plaster the walls?

Yes you will need to remove wallpaper and ceiling tiles unfortunately as plaster will not stick to them. If you require assistance to remove either, this is a service I can offer and discuss with you when I come to assess the job.

3. What do I need to do to the room before you can plaster it?

I can work much faster and efficiently in a clear room. It is better if the furniture is removed, or, at the very least kept to a minimum, so that it can be worked around. I am a very clean worker and bring with me my own dust sheets to ensure all flooring and other fixtures are protected. I also always thoroughly clean up after myself. Special arrangements can be made for the elderly, or people with a disability who are unable to move furniture. So please do tell me if you feel that you will have a problem in preparing the room for me.

4. How soon can you complete the plastering work?

I complete my plastering projects swiftly and professionally. It is always my aim to turnaround jobs as quickly as possible. So get in touch, and I'll look at my commitments and then book in the job in a timely manner.

5. Is it possible to plasterboard over artex?

Yes. If the artex ceiling is level enough, 9.5mm, or 12.5mm plasterboard can be used to overboard it and then a skim coat applied to the plasterboard.

6. Is it possible to skim straight over artex?

If it's a low depth pattern then yes it is possible. If not it may be best to apply a bonding coat prior to skimming. Also consideration needs to be given to how old the artex is. If it was applied before 1988, it may contain asbestos. In which case over-boarding with plasterboard, prior to skimming, is the safest way to proceed both for myself and the occupants of the dwelling in question.

7. My property is old and the ceilings are bowing will they need to come down and be re-done or is it possible to plasterboard over them?

I would prefer to look and carry out my own survey of any ceilings like this on an individual basis. But generally, yes, it is possible to plasterboard over it and in some cases this is a better option and will certainly be cheaper and create less mess.

8. How much time do I need to wait before painting a newly plastered surface?

You will find a range of opinions in answer to this question. But ultimately the right answer is based on the time it takes for plaster to cure properly. A newly skimmed wall or ceiling can be painted within 4 to 5 days after plastering. A longer 7 days drying time is necessary if the walls or ceiling were bonded rather than skimmed. Colder weather means slower drying times for all plastering work as well. Go on too soon and the paint may bubble. In high traffic areas bubbles eventually pop and peel off. Smoothing over the edges of the resultant bald patches, prior to repainting, is not easy. Prevention is the best cure for this scenario. Just wait the above stated recommended amount of time for the plaster to cure before painting.

9. Are you insured?

Yes, I have public liability insurance, so you'll have true peace of mind when I, and any of my labourers, are working in your property.

10. Can you provide estimates for insurance purposes?

Yes. If your property has suffered damages and you're looking to claim from your insurance company, I'll come in, quote the job, and rectify the problem as soon as possible.