Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in North Pole, AK

You can skim coat plaster, but it’s better to repair the plaster itself. A skim coat is a thin coat of drywall joint compound spread over the surface of a wall. The result is a flat finish that looks pleasing, but part of the appeal of plaster is its imperfections and aesthetic. Skim coating is best when limited to drywall applications.

Plaster walls last 30 to 70 years, although expertly applied and well-maintained plaster can last for centuries. That’s why it’s important to leave plaster installation to a pro, treat cracks as needed, and have a pro inspect any concerning cracks as soon as possible. These efforts can greatly extend the life of your plaster walls for decades to come.

Plastering comes at a higher cost than installing drywall, but it also provides some pretty enticing benefits. First, plaster usually lasts longer than drywall, so long-term costs will usually be lower. Second, plaster is a highly insulative material, so it might help make your living area feel more comfortable and keep your heating and cooling costs lower, especially in the summer and winter. Finally, plastering is naturally textured, so it helps hide imperfections and often adds warmth to your home that drywall won’t.

Smaller is better when patching holes with spackle. Any holes wider than four to six inches in diameter tend to be too wide to repair with spackle alone. You'll likely want to patch bigger holes with a drywall panel. 

Even holes measuring up to 6 inches may be challenging to fill with spackle alone. For best results, purchase a wall repair patch made from wire mesh. Cut the patch to fit over the hole, then use the spackle to hold it in place. Apply the spackle over the patch as you would for a smaller hole.