Re-Plastering Services in Essex — Fresh Plaster from Scratch

Re-plastering is a comprehensive process that involves stripping existing, failing plaster right back to the bare brick or blockwork, and building up a completely new surface from scratch. This is much more involved than simply skimming over existing walls, but it is often the only way to guarantee a solid, long-lasting finish in older properties or after major building works.

When is Re-Plastering Needed?

• Failing Plaster: When old plaster is hollow, "blown", crumbling, or physically detaching from the wall.
• After Damp Treatment: Following the installation of a new damp proof course, the salt-contaminated plaster must be removed and replaced.
• Period Properties: In Victorian or Edwardian homes where the original lime plaster has reached the end of its lifespan.
• Major Renovations: After knocking through walls, rewiring, or extensive building works where the existing plaster is too damaged to save.

Signs Your Walls Need Re-Plastering

Not sure if you need a full re-plaster or just a skim? Look out for a hollow sound when you tap the wall, cracks that keep returning no matter how often you fill them, plaster coming away in chunks when removing wallpaper, or persistent damp staining.

The Re-Plastering Process in Full

1. Stripping: We physically knock off and remove all the old, blown plaster back to the bare substrate.
2. Preparation: The bare brick or blockwork is cleaned, treated, and primed to control suction.
3. Backing Coat: We apply a thick backing coat (such as Hardwall, Sand and Cement, or Bonding) to level the wall and build up the required thickness.
4. Finishing Skim: Once the backing coat has set, we apply two coats of finishing plaster, trowelled to a perfectly smooth finish.

How Long Does It Take?

Because of the extra layers and drying times involved, a full room re-plaster typically takes 2 to 3 days. The backing coats must be allowed to set properly before the finishing skim can be applied.

Frequently Asked Questions