Cost Guide to Plastering for New Zealand homes (2020)

Is your home looking a bit tired? Tried doing it yourself but didn’t turn out like you wanted? Plastering is one of those things where if not done properly, it’s very easily noticeable. It is possible to get a professional to do plastering of the walls for you while you take care of the painting afterwards. Plastering the walls has been a popular option as opposed to wallpaper, main reason is for the ease of long-term maintenance.

If you’re thinking about getting a company to plaster your home, you would also be considering the cost of plastering a home and it usually depends on the wall space. Also, on the type of wall plastering you‘re looking for, like plasterboard, wet plaster, or plaster repairs cost differently.

Always remember, the cost of plastering a home varies from wall conditions to the finishing you need. However, removing the old plaster of a home, removing the wallpaper or adding special finishes could increase the cost involved. Most companies offer you a quote based on plastering prices per m2, while many others quoted according to the materials needed, the labour cost, and the total work time needed. Knowing the accurate cost for plastering can help you compare and contrast the different quotes and to ensure the rights service.

Curious about the cost of plastering your home?

Try our Plastering Cost Calculator tool to get a quick estimate within 2 mins.

We’ve put together this guide answer all the common questions we get from clients about plastering their home.

What is plaster?

Plaster is the mixture of lime or gypsum, in water and sand. It gets hard upon drying. This is one of the best material which can be used for wall coatings and partitions. Undoubtedly, this is the most ancient technique of protecting walls. An interesting fact is, ancient pyramids in Egypt have plastering, which has been done 4000 years ago and still looks tough and durable.

You must be thinking why you should choose to go with plaster. Well, it offers a range of benefits in terms of walls aesthetics but the best property is it is durable. When it gets mixed with all the ingredients, it creates a very strong wall finishing, which is resistant to whacks.

Which kind of Plaster should I choose? 

You can find an extensive range of variety of plasters to choose from. But we will discuss some of the most important ones.

Dry Plaster

It is the best option for most builders, as it includes fire-resistant options, with acoustic properties. Moreover, it works best to create partitions.

Lime Plaster 

As name shows, it is made up of lime and sand, this material works well as the undercoat, and giving a perfect finish to the walls.

Cement Plaster

If you are tired of bugs and parasites on your walls, then you need to give a chance to cement plaster. It works best against your walls. Its ratio is 1:3 cement to sand.

Ornamental Plaster

Name says all, this plaster is used to enhance the overall look of the walls. You can use it to design your ceilings to give an enchanted look.

Gypsum Plaster

Here we have the all-rounder— Gypsum plaster, which is known for its ability to reduce the chances of shrinkage and to crack. It not only works as casting, but as undercoat, and finish.

Wet Plaster

A mixture of lime, water, and cement, this plaster is mostly applied wet via a trowel.

Ornamental Plastering

Ornamental plastering is the most expensive due to its delicateness. Also, it is difficult to install.

Did you know?

Did you know that oil base primer needs to be applied (which is pigment sealer) to before plaster can be done, because this will prevent moisture from seeking into the gid and help plaster grip to the gib due to the glue.

Plastering Costs 

The cost mostly depends on the area being plastered. It usually ranges between $35 to $55 per square metre.

Additional plastering costs which you may need to consider:

• Removal of existing plaster or wallpaper
• The time required for the job
• Creativity/complexity fee
• Difficult access fee
• Chosen materials

Plastering Price List

Below is a plastering price list for you to consider:

Curious about the cost of plastering your home?

Try our Plastering Cost Calculator tool to get a quick estimate within 2 mins.

Factors which contribute to plastering prices

Here are various factors which contribute to plastering prices; some are as follows:

• Wall size: The one is wall size. You need to get to know about the dimensions of the wall you need to get to get an accurate quote.
• The complexity of the job: If you want to remove old plaster, then surely it will take a lot of material and time.
• Addition of decors and finishes: The more enhanced walls decoration you will desire for, the higher will be the quote.
• Removal of existing plaster or wallpaper: This is something you can consider doing it yourself as well, but it can be difficult dependant on how old the wallpaper/plaster is.

How to plaster a wall?

Plastering is a high-skilled and professional job, and it is always better to leave it to the experts. But in case, if your inner craftsman spirit urges you to go for DIY jobs, then you need to know that it will take you a lot of time, you may require professional tools. And, most importantly, patience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how plastering your walls with easy steps. You need to get yourself prepare for the hard work.

Shopping list:

• Dust sheets and dust masks
• Cutting knife
• Scrim tape to cover the joints
• Plasterer’s trowel and hawk
• Devilling float
• Plasterer’s float
• PVA glue, emulsion roller, and tray
• Clout nails
• Corner beading
• Board finish plaster
• Stirring rod or mixer
• 2 buckets (1 for plaster and 1 for water)
• Cloth/rags and spray gun for misting

Step-To-Step Guide to Plastering a Wall

1. Preparation

First of all, lay down a dustsheet to avoid any further work of cleaning plaster spilling. One more thing is to ensure the wall is properly cleaned and free from dust particles. It’s important, especially if you are dealing with the old one walls. You also need to fill the cracks and holes, if any. For this purpose, you can use screen tape.

2. Apply PVA to walls

If you wish for the top-quality results, then you can use PVA to your wall. Simply you need to dilute the 1:4 ratio of PVA with water. Now use a roller to roll onto the wall and get your wall properly covered.

3. Mix plaster

Put on a dirt mask before opening plaster bag. After that, mix the plaster into icy water, whipping until it gets the consistency of thick custard. There ought to be no lumps.

4. Practice plaster

Now it’s time to apply the plaster’s first coat with the help of hawk board, trowel, and of course, float. But before that, make sure you practice it on separate plasterboard; it will help you understand the right technique and avoid any problem. So in the first place, you need to place plaster on the hawk board. Then use float to push that plaster from hawk directly onto your walls. Now spread the plaster upward, and flatten it. It’s better to work from the lowest left-hand corner and then move upward section. At first, you need to use a small portion of plaster with lots of force on the float. You need to repeat the process until your whole walls get covered.

5. Skim & Smooth

Wait for some time once you are done with your first coating for at least 20 minutes to let the plaster dry properly. Use a trowel to avoid lumps and bumps, if any. It’s needed to smooth out all corners of the wall for better finishing. You can use the wet brush to even your wall edges.

6. Scrape

Many people prefer doing scrape before putting the second coat. It is performed to protect the first coat, and let the second coat adhere properly. You can use devilling float to perform this task; it’s designed for this work. You can use an old fork to scratch the surface. But if you don’t want to do it, then it is better to make sure the first coat is wet afore applying the second one.

7. Apply plaster

Once you are done with scratching the first coat, it’s time to apply the second and the final one. Make sure it should be thicker in consistency than the first one. For that, you need to get plaster diluted by mixing plaster with more water. Always aim to plaster a thin 2mm layer, and finally let the plaster to dry completely.

8. Finishing touches

If you find plaster is dried somewhat, you need to give a touch of perfection to it. All you need is to add water to the wall’s surface and for that you can use a spray gun. You can wet the edges and run the trowel to smoothen the surface. Make sure you use inward strokes and use wet brush around the crispy edges. Once the plaster gets dried out, you can you sanding paper to remove the excessive one from the wall.

9. Painting and wallpapering

However, once your plastering is complete, it’s time to go for painting and to wallpaper. Just to make you prime the surface by giving a paintbrush to the new plaster. Same for the wallpaper, moreover, use wallpaper adhesive for the better results. You can use one or maybe 2 coats of it, depending on the requirement.

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“From my experience, the most common issue with experienced plasters is leaving air bubbles and defects for the finishing, to make sure the plaster is done properly, always check the surface with a hand held light on a 45 degree angle once the undercoat is applied.” Michael Tran – Project Manager for Superior Painters

DIY or professional?

The cost of plastering does come as a surprise to most clients here are some considerations when it comes to professional plastering:

• One must have deep knowledge regarding plastering to get the perfect finish.
• It requires various professional tools and equipment, like scaffolding, etc.
• If you go for DIY, and it results in a poor job, then it could cost you more to get everything in shape back.

So taking in mind all the necessary points and considerations, it is much worth hiring a professional plastering company.

Tips and Advice

• Is there wallpaper? If there is wallpaper, it can’t be plastered, this will need to be removed first/ additional cost will be incurred. Client can remove wallpaper to save cost
• If the hole is big, replace the gib first before plastering – to save cost.
• It’s better to use 5 – 10min plaster for small repair work – full wall skimming to use 20-45min dry plaster. 

What should I usually ask when taking quotes for plastering? 

• How long will it take to get the job done?
• Are you fully insured?
• Do you have any references I can check?
• Do you have samples of similar jobs I can see?
• How much will plaster cost?
• Can you provide a written quote?

Common questions we get from clients

What kinds of plastering finishes are there?

You can have a variety of plastering finishes, including sand faced, roughcast, pebbledash, scraped finish, and many more.

Is plastering messy? 

Well, you could accept a less amount of dust, but when you hire professionals, you really don’t need to get worried about it.

How long does it take to dry?

Usually, it takes 5-6 days to get properly dry. However, it depends on time, surface, and quality.

How long does it usually take to plaster a room?

Well, on average, it could be done in a day or two. However, you should always ask the service provider when taking quotes.

For more information about our services as well as a free quote over the phone, contact us today!

Get In Touch, Free Color Consultation

Are you looking get an estimate for your painting needs? Need help choosing your paint colours or putting together a complete exterior or interior look for your property? Then request a visit from a Superior Painter Colour Consultant.

During the color consultation, you’ll receive:

1. Professional advice on color selection and design for your home
2. Free on-site project appraisal based on your needs
3. Plan of action/ proposal for your project
4. And get all your questions answered with no obligations

Get in touch today – Book Consultation – or call us directly on 0800 199 888 to speak to the team

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