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While the overall cost varies depending on a number of factors, the average cost of plastering ranges from $23 to $70 per square metre. Find out more here.

For certain types of tasks, you may need to enquire as to what plasterer licenses may be required to undertake your task, as this can vary. Plasterers get a Certificate III in Solid plastering when they undergo an apprenticeship in general construction. Please make sure that you confirm that a Tasker has the relevant licence, experience, and insurance before accepting an offer.

That depends on the scale and complexity of the job. Plastering several ceilings and walls can take weeks, as most plaster needs to dry for at least a day before applying more layers to finish the job. Plaster repairs can take weeks, depending on the severity of the damage and how complicated it is to replace and repaint the damaged plaster. You can ask your Tasker for a more precise estimate of how long the job will take.

Unless there’s a compelling reason to do so, it’s better if you preserve the plaster, not replace it. The plaster in your home is handmade and adds to its aesthetic value and character. While it may sound reasonable to remove damaged plaster and replace it with drywall, this may not be the best decision as this can significantly reduce your home’s value. Consider hiring experts on Airtasker to restore the plaster and thus preserve the value of your home.

In some ways, yes, plaster can be better than drywall. Unlike drywall, plaster doesn’t allow mould growth. Plaster walls or drywall that’s plastered over offers better soundproofing and fireproofing. However, in terms of insulation, dry wall plastering can be better than some types of plaster, despite plaster being thicker. Plaster is a more labour-intensive material and takes more time to apply, but it is the more durable and stylish finish of the two.

Sure! You may want to consider plastering your walls and ceilings with this material as it not only prohibits mould growth but is also effective in repelling dust mites. Clay plastering for walls is perfect if you have family members that have asthma or are prone to dust allergies. As clay plaster is entirely natural, it doesn’t need or use any harsh chemicals, so it’s likewise safer for everyone in your home.

Yes! Just be specific when booking a Tasker to get your decorative plaster ceiling repaired or restored. Don’t forget that you can connect to many different ceiling plastering experts out there. You can also call on tradespeople who specialise in textured plaster ceiling repair, falling plaster ceiling repair or even repair small holes in plaster ceilings. Note that depending on the extent and nature of the damage, you may have to hire another expert to help in repairs.

For best results, wait at least a week for your newly plastered ceiling to dry before painting. While your plastered ceiling may look and feel dry to the touch after a couple of days, it may not have completely cured. If still wet, the deeper plaster layers can absorb moisture from paint and cause it to peel off. Don’t risk painting your ceiling plaster too soon and hire an expert to do it. 

Yes, you can! Though you may want to wait for a day before moving in. The room can have a lot of condensation and feel damp, and it may not be the most comfortable area to sleep in. The good news is that most plasters are non-toxic, so while the area may feel damp, you don’t have to worry about inhaling any harmful fumes and developing an allergic or adverse reaction. 

Maintaining your plastered ceiling involves regularly cleaning and washing off stains. You can use a vacuum with a brush attachment to loosen and remove dust and dirt. Apply diluted hydrogen peroxide or bleach on stains, then wipe off with a soft cloth. Another helpful measure is never to smoke indoors. Tobacco smoke can waft up and stick to your ceilings and leave unsightly stains.

There is no quick answer for this, as there are several types of plaster. The “best” plaster is one that offers you the best combination of durability, safety for your household members, aesthetic appeal and cost. Gypsum plaster is the least expensive option but isn’t very sturdy. Lime plaster is non-toxic, can regulate humidity in a space, is durable and natural but takes longer to apply and can cost more; spare yourself the hassle by hiring a Tasker!

Most plasterers recommend that the plaster stops at 2.5 cm or an inch before reaching the floor. This is assuming your floor has no skirting or baseboards. There should be some allowance because if the plaster extends to the floor, this can dry the fastest and create unsightly trowel marks that won’t match the colour of the rest of the wall. 

You can have the wiring installed before having your walls or ceilings plastered. Your electrician may do some rough work installing the wiring, switches and switch plates. The plasterer can mark these off and cover them with plastic, do the plastering then your electrician can come back to finish. If you have the plastering done first, your electrician will have to score plaster to fit wires, plugs and switches; then, your plasterer will have to do a lot of patch-up work.

It would help if you had the plumbing done before plastering - even before the wiring. Remember that it’s easier to bend wires or cables, but it’s more difficult to bend pipes! Your plumber must also test the water pressure and check for leaks. Doing the plumbing after the plastering means breaking plaster to access or mount pipes, and this can mean twice the work and cost of plastering.