"Micah is a wizard with plaster color and texture. He fixed our Variance plaster, matching it perfectly. He was punctual, professional, and did an amazing job fixing our rotunda, which is the showcase of our residence. We had been told that there was no way to match the texture and color and we would have to pay thousands of dollars to replanted the entire rotunda. Micah was able to fix everything for a fraction of the cost. We highly recommend Illusions for any work of this type."
"It has been a pleasure having Miguel complete work for our company. Every time we hire him and his crew we are treated like we are his only customer. He is very attentive to all of our companies needs."
"The crew showed up every morning on time. They patched/drywalled and textured numerous small areas. The texturing was so good, that it is almost impossible to detect where the repairs where made. They also framed, drywalled and textured the kitchen area for recessed lighting installation. They repaired an area where there was a shower leak. They replaced the drywall and textured an area where a closet had been removed. On every part of the project, they exhibited superior workmanship. And at the end of every day, they cleaned up after themselves. Hire them again? Definitely yes! "
"Fortunately for us, Reule Sun Corp also install windows and have extensive experience with home construction in general. Reule Sun Corp sealed all the existing windows after the structural repair had been done. Before continuing with the stucco work they tested the window for leaks. The work they did was very professional, the project manager was there every step of the repair making sure that the work was done properly and was ready to re-schedule their stucco crew as soon as they needed to be there. Bob Reule was in daily contact with us and visited the job every day.
"It was a shaky start with some unforeseen obstacles. However, after things settled down Bill got to work and met the deadline that I had originally set. The paint came out great. I needed 2 living rooms and a dining room painted, along with the ceilings in each room. They were able to complete everything in the timeframe given, even after my wife changed her mind on the one of the walls that had already been painted. I had movers coming the next day and Bill even offered to come back the day after the movers to fix any scuffs or scratches that occurred. If you are looking for a great finished paint job hire Bill."
"They did a great job of cleaning the roof and applying the Gaco. They found some wet spots in the foam, cut it away and repaired the areas at no extra charge. They had done stucco work for me before and did a great job. In the future, I will call them again for roofing or stucco work. They do good quality work and are the best contractor to use for this kind of work. The reason I gave them a B rating rather than an A for the overall work, is because they could have done a better job of cleaning up and following up on details. For example, we agreed they would have our satellite TV working at the end of everyday when they had to move the dish to work under it. I had to call after the workers had left and had them come back to fix the dish. I had to call them several times to come back to clean up. They were always good about coming back, but I should not of had to call them. The foreman and project manager should of had the crew do these tasks without me pointing them out to them. Overall I was happy with the work and would hire them again."
"I made the appointment to redeem my Big Deal with no problem. Even so, no one showed up at the appointed time. A half hour after the service provider was to arrive, I called the owner, Michael Ortiz, who apologized and got off the phone to call his crew. He called me back in a few minutes, and said that he would personally come over and do the job himself. He arrived promptly 20 minutes later and swiftly and expertly completed my drywall repair job. He was very professional and courteous. I will use hime again. "
Diamond Ridge Construction LLC is a company based in Santa Fe, NM, we specialize in paint, stucco, & plaster with 15+ years of experience. We believe in quality and customer satisfaction, which is why we strive to exceed our customers' expectations.
Yes, you can use drywall repair techniques for some types of plaster damage. Tiny holes and small cracks in plaster can be patched in similar ways to drywall. You apply the necessary compound to fill the hole, wait for it to dry, then sand it down. For larger damage, like water damage or mold, you need to use plaster-specific techniques and materials.
Ceiling-mounted curtains won’t damage the ceiling if they’re installed properly. Using the right anchors or securing the brackets into joists will ensure the curtain weight is properly supported and prevent damage. However, overtightening screws, using weak anchors, or repeatedly removing and reinstalling hardware in the same spot can cause cracking or sagging over time. In that case, you might have to call a pro for ceiling repair.
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.
Venetian plaster is a highly durable wall finish that becomes a rock-like substance once dried, making it last longer than most other wall finishes. Its lifespan can range from decades to centuries, potentially lasting a lifetime. Key factors influencing its longevity include the quality of the initial application, whether it's properly sealed against moisture, and how the wall is maintained and treated (e.g., how often it is touched or bumped). Due to its mineral content, it can also develop a patina over time.
It is possible to apply plaster on the interior or exterior of your home, but we don’t recommend it. Plaster is easy to apply in theory, but in reality, it can be a challenging material to work with, and it’s difficult to get the finished product to look clean, even, and smooth. Many DIYers end up calling in a professional afterward to touch up the area or even redo it entirely because of mistakes they made in the process. Hiring a plaster pro will cost more, but it’s usually the best option to achieve high-quality results.
The Dulce, NM homeowners’ guide to plaster repairs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Venetian plaster can add depth and texture to your aesthetic. Learn how much Venetian plaster costs based on factors like square footage and whether you hire a pro to help.
You can find plaster walls in a lot of older homes. What’s behind these walls—whether that’s lath or calcimine—can have an impact on how long they last. Finding out the age of your house can help you determine what you’re dealing with.
Who does plaster work? A plasterer, of course—one who’s gone through years of training to master this subtle construction art. Here’s what you need to know.
