Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Eagleville, MO

Plaster repair costs range from $4 to $10 per square foot for refinishing, while skim coating can be less expensive, usually between $2 and $5 per square foot. The price you pay for plaster repairs will depend on the extent of the damage, the type of plaster you have on your walls, and the accessibility of the damage. Plaster repair on the exterior of your home tends to be more expensive, as there’s a higher chance that ladders or scaffolding will be necessary to carry out the repair.

Although their applications are very similar, no drywall compound and spackle are not the same thing. Spackle is a bit thicker and is used to patch holes as it dries quickly and is easy to sand. Joint compound shrinks a bit more and can be more temperamental to spread. However, one benefit is that you can use joint compound as spackle (for small jobs), but you can’t use spackle as joint compound.  

Plaster ceilings can sag for several reasons. In some cases, the plaster and other building materials shift and come apart over time, which is why you’ll commonly find drooping plaster ceilings in older homes. Improper installation, foot traffic, and water damage—often from a leaky roof or a broken pipe—can also cause plaster ceilings to sag.

Whether you can repair or install plaster yourself depends on the project size and your tolerance for DIY projects. You may feel perfectly comfortable taking on a small plaster repair project, but prefer to leave a room restoration or renovation to a local plaster repair professional.

Since the project's end result, including its durability and appearance, depend on how well you prepare the wall and apply the plaster, you may want to let a professional take it on if you're not 100% confident.