"Mike Sauer and his crew did a great job. They not only repaired plaster but also removed fixtures (like tv brackets) and repaired the plaster after removal. Mike went the extra mile by painting after plastering, getting someone in to repair some grout and also remembered to install a door stop. He and his crew were organized and easy to work with and finished in a very timely manner. They also were very careful with our wooden floors that had just been refinished. I wish everyone I hired to do work in our home was this responsible. I highly recommend Mike and his crew."
"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! "
"Ruele did a terrific job replacing the stucco on our home and our casita. Their crew is great - very professional, competent, friendly and considerate. I really appreciated the thorough and careful way they approached their work and their attention to detail. I would highly recommend Ruele."
"Bill did an excellent job of filling, sanding, and painting the columns, vigas, and latillas. For the wood under the portal where we wanted to maintain stain, he did a beautiful job of matching the wood and making the filled areas look natural. He also painted our ductwork and other metal components to color match the stucco, repairing the stucco in a few places along the way. Bill is extremely reliable, meticulous in his cleanup, and fairly priced. Our next door neighbors saw Bill's work and hired him for their project."
"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. "
Drying alone can take 1 to 4 hours to dry to the touch per plaster layer, but some types of plaster take several hours longer to dry. However, this doesn’t mean the job is done because plaster doesn’t fully harden until it cures, which can take a few days to a couple of weeks. It may take even longer if you’re building a new, pretty thick plaster wall. Allow the plaster to cure before painting it.
You can repair plaster ceilings yourself after the cause of the ceiling damage has been addressed. However, the repair can easily take 5 hours and can be slightly challenging for those without previous experience. If you do decide to flex your DIY muscle, have a helper to help hold the ladder and pass you the tools for safety purposes.
Yes, you can install drywall over plaster, but there are important factors to consider. While it can create a smooth, flat surface, it is often not the best approach. Installing drywall over plaster will increase the wall's thickness, which can cause issues with existing window and door frames that may no longer fit. You might also need to adjust power outlets to keep them accessible. A better, though more expensive, option is to remove the old plaster and lath entirely before installing new drywall. Drywalling directly over plaster seals in the old material, and if any problems arise later, you will need to remove both layers down to the structural beams for repairs. Given the potential complications, this job is best handled by professionals.
To maintain plaster walls, inspect them regularly for cracks and seal them early. Clean the walls by dusting regularly or using a gentle, damp cloth. It's also important to avoid moisture exposure. Repainting as needed will help maintain the wall's appearance and longevity.
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.
The Santa Rosa, 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.
