Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Dunbar, PA

Damp plaster does dry out, although the drying time depends on several factors, including the type of plaster, the surrounding temperature, moisture content, and the extent of the dampness. Sometimes, it can take weeks or months for wall plaster to dry naturally.

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).

It is possible to repair plaster yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Plaster repair is easy in theory but difficult in practice. Applying repair plaster is straightforward, but ensuring the area is prepped properly to receive the new plaster and ensuring that the finished product looks smooth and professional both demand experience. Plus, repairs are especially difficult if you have a textured ceiling or walls. Paying for professional plaster repair is worth the investment if you want your wall to look good as new.

Plaster can be a difficult DIY to master, especially if you plan to plaster an entire room, rather than patch a small area. Before you begin a plaster DIY project, you need to know which tools and type of plaster to use. It's also important to know how to prepare the surface and apply the plaster for a smooth finish. If that all sounds like a lot of work, you may prefer hiring a local plaster repair contractor to do the job.