Plasterers in the West Midlands

Plastering work across Birmingham and the Black Country covers a wide range of properties, from Victorian terraces in Balsall Heath with original lath-and-plaster ceilings and lime-based walls, to 1960s and 1970s builds around Solihull and Sutton Coldfield with plasterboard partitions, through to newer developments requiring only patch repairs or a final skim. Older properties in particular can hide uneven, cracked or previously patched substrates behind wallpaper or old paint layers, which only become apparent once work starts.

Jobs posted on FixAll-er range from small crack and hole repairs to full re-skims of a room, plasterboarding of stud walls or ceilings, and rendering exterior walls. Describe the room or area, the current wall or ceiling condition, and whether the surface is existing plaster, plasterboard or bare brick, and you will receive quotes from plasterers interested in the job.

Post a job — get free quotes

Typical plastering jobs

What to think about before you book

Substrate condition

What lies beneath matters as much as the finish. Sound plasterboard, solid brick, old lath-and-plaster and loose or crumbling existing plaster all need different preparation, and a plasterer will usually want to inspect or hack off unsound areas before quoting a firm price. Mention if walls feel hollow, bulge, or if plaster has recently fallen away.

Drying and curing time

Plaster needs to dry out gradually rather than be rushed with direct heat, which can cause cracking. How long it takes depends on the thickness applied, room ventilation, temperature and the time of year, and it is genuinely slower in cold or poorly ventilated rooms. Ask the plasterer for an estimate rather than assuming a fixed number of days, and avoid decorating until the surface is properly dry.

Access and sequencing on renovation projects

Plastering typically follows first-fix electrics, plumbing and any structural work, and comes before second-fix carpentry, flooring and decorating. Confirm the order of trades on a multi-trade job so plasterers are not working around wiring or pipework that still needs chasing in, or ahead of insulation that needs fitting first.

Type of finish

A smooth skim finish, a textured or artex-style finish, and a rendered exterior all use different materials and techniques. Say what finish you want and whether it is a full re-plaster or a patch repair blended into existing surrounding plaster, since matching an existing texture or level can be harder than a fresh skim.

What to specify when posting

Include the room size or wall area, whether it is a full re-skim or a repair, the substrate if known (plasterboard, brick, existing plaster), any history of damp or cracking, and whether you need coving, boarding or screeding included. Photos of the current surface help with an accurate quote.

Popular plasterers locations

Plastering: common questions

How long does plaster take to dry before I can paint or wallpaper?
There is no fixed number of days that applies to every room — it depends on the thickness of the skim, ventilation, temperature and the season. A plasterer can usually advise once the work is finished, and painting too soon is a common cause of a patchy or poorly adhering top coat.
Can I speed up drying with a heater or dehumidifier?
Gentle ventilation, such as leaving a window slightly open once the plaster has firmed up, generally helps more than direct heat, which can dry the surface too fast and cause cracking. Ask the plasterer what they recommend for your specific room and finish.
Do cracks always mean the plaster has failed?
Not necessarily — hairline cracks can appear as new plaster dries and shrinks slightly, and these are often filled as part of normal preparation before decorating. Wider or recurring cracks, especially ones that reappear after filling, are worth pointing out to the plasterer as they can indicate movement or an unstable substrate.
Is patch repair or a full re-skim better for an old ceiling?
It depends on the extent and location of the damage and the condition of the surrounding plaster. A plasterer can advise after inspecting whether a patch will blend in acceptably or whether the ceiling would benefit from a full re-skim, particularly on older lath-and-plaster ceilings.
What should I include when posting a plastering job?
The room or area size, whether it is a repair or full re-skim, the substrate if known, any history of damp, cracking or previous repairs, and whether you also need boarding, coving or screeding. Photos of the current condition help a plasterer quote without a first visit.

Related services

Plasterers by town & city

Ready to get quotes?

Posting a plastering job is free and there is no obligation to accept any quote you receive.

Post a job