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  • Verified reviews icon37
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Find Plaster repair specialists in Van Meter

Avatar for Rudy's Drywall Services, LLC
Rudy's Drywall Services, LLC
4.6(
25
)
Plaster - RepairPlaster - Repair - For Business

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"His care and quality of the work were appreciated. The ceiling repair was done well and worked to blend well with the rest of the room. Very pleased with his work overall but lacked consistent logistics and communications a few times during the process. Overall, very happy with his work"
Bament
Kitchen repair
Flood Damage
Basment
Basment texture

+34

Response time1 day
Recommended by88%of homeowners
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Plaster Repair questions, answered by experts

Plastering and skimming are two different techniques for finishing walls. Plastering involves applying a thick layer of a plaster mixture—typically containing gypsum, lime, cement, sand, and water—to create a new surface. This process often requires multiple coats and is used for repairing significant damage or creating decorative textures. Skimming, on the other hand, is a technique that involves applying a thin layer of drywall compound or joint compound over an existing surface to smooth it out, covering minor imperfections, small cracks, or uneven textures for a polished look. Plastering is generally more costly and labor-intensive than skimming. Although some people use the terms interchangeably, they refer to different processes and materials.

The tool you use to sand plaster will depend on the size of the project. If you’re just working on a small section of your wall to get rid of an uneven spot on the surface, hand-sanding might work. However, for larger projects, a drywall sander can make a huge difference when it comes to both time and elbow grease—and an orbital sander can help for detailed areas such as around ceiling fans.

While it is possible to repair minor plaster cracks or holes yourself, it is generally not recommended for larger jobs or if you want a professional result. Plaster repair can be difficult in practice; proper wall preparation and achieving a smooth, seamless finish that blends with the existing wall requires experience, especially on textured surfaces. Hiring a professional ensures the repair will be durable and last longer, potentially saving you money over time. A pro can also determine if the cracks are from normal expansion or a more serious underlying issue.

If you already have plaster walls and ceilings, adding new plaster costs $2 to $10 per square foot. For an average-sized room, that would come out to $1,200 to $10,000. However, the cost to replace plaster with drywall is higher—running between $720 and $1,250 for a 10-by-8-foot wall or ceiling (not including drywall finishing).

Costs range from $200 to $800, depending on the area size and damage severity.

The Van Meter, IA homeowners’ guide to plaster repairs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.