Internal Plastering Services in Exeter

Professional re-skimming, new plaster, and repair work throughout Exeter and East Devon.

What Is Internal Plastering?

Internal plastering involves applying a smooth finishing coat of plaster (usually multi-finish or board-finish) over walls and ceilings. This creates a flat, paintable surface ready for decoration. It's one of the most common finishing trades in UK construction and renovation.

Most modern plastering uses a two-coat system: a base coat (browning or bonding) followed by a skim coat. However, if you're working over plasterboard, only a thin skim coat is usually needed.

When Do You Need Internal Plastering?

You might need internal plastering if:

• You're renovating a property with damaged or uneven walls
• You've removed old wallpaper and found the walls beneath are in poor condition
• You're converting a space (loft, garage) and need new walls finished
• You've had damp treatment and need walls replastered
• You're building an extension and need the interior finished
• Cracks have appeared and simple filling won't give a smooth enough finish

Our Internal Plastering Services

Re-Skimming Existing Walls

Re-skimming is the most common type of plastering work. We apply a thin (2-3mm) finishing coat over walls that have been stripped of wallpaper or are showing minor damage. This gives you a perfectly smooth surface for painting or wallpapering.

Typical cost: £15-22/m² + VAT

Full Replastering

If your walls are in very poor condition, have been treated for damp, or you're working with bare brick or blockwork, you'll need full replastering. This involves applying a base coat (usually bonding plaster) followed by a finishing skim.

Typical cost: £25-35/m² + VAT

Ceiling Plastering

Ceilings are more challenging than walls due to working overhead. We can re-skim existing plaster ceilings or apply new plaster to plasterboard ceilings. Artex removal is also available.

Typical cost: £18-25/m² + VAT

Repair Work

Not every job needs a whole room plastering. We also handle smaller repair jobs: patching holes, fixing cracks, repairing corners, and touching up damaged areas.

Typical cost: £150-300 per visit depending on extent

The Process

Here's what happens when you book us for internal plastering:

1. Free site visit: We assess the walls, measure up, and discuss what needs doing
2. Written quote: You receive a detailed quote within 2 days, breaking down materials and labour
3. Preparation: On the day, we protect your floors and furniture with dust sheets
4. Surface prep: We clean and prime the walls, ensuring good adhesion
5. Plastering: We apply the plaster in thin, even coats
6. Drying time: Plaster needs 1-3 days to dry (we'll advise on this)
7. Clean-up: We remove all waste and leave the room ready for painting

Materials We Use

We use British Gypsum products for all internal plastering work:

• Multi-Finish: General-purpose finishing plaster for most walls and ceilings
• Board Finish: For plasterboard surfaces
• Bonding: Undercoat for low-suction backgrounds (concrete, brick)
• Browning: Undercoat for high-suction backgrounds (blockwork)

How Long Does Internal Plastering Take?

Timings depend on the size and condition of the space:

• Small bedroom (re-skim only): 1 day
• Medium living room: 1-2 days
• Whole 3-bed house (re-skim throughout): 4-7 days
• Full replastering after damp treatment: Allow 1-2 extra days per room

These times include the plastering itself. Drying time is additional (typically 1-3 days before you can paint).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to plaster a room?

A typical small bedroom (3m × 3m) costs £350-500 + VAT for re-skimming walls and ceiling. A medium living room (4m × 4m) costs £600-850 + VAT. Larger rooms or those needing full replastering will cost more. We always provide a written quote before starting work.

Can I paint straight after plastering?

No. New plaster must dry fully before painting, which takes 1-3 days depending on the weather and room temperature. We'll advise on the exact drying time. When the plaster turns from dark patches to an even light pink or grey, it's ready to paint.

Do I need to move furniture?

Ideally yes, or at least move it to the centre of the room so we can access the walls. We'll bring dust sheets to protect furniture that can't be moved and to cover your floors.

Will plastering be messy?

Some dust is unavoidable, but we take care to minimize mess. We use dust sheets, vacuum up regularly, and remove all waste at the end of each day. Most customers are surprised at how tidy we leave things.

Do you work in occupied properties?

Yes. Most of our work is in homes where people are living. We'll work around your schedule and can plaster room by room if you prefer, so you don't have to move out.

What's the difference between plastering and dry lining?

Plastering applies wet plaster directly to walls. Dry lining involves fixing plasterboard to walls (usually with dabs of adhesive or a timber frame), then applying a thin skim of plaster over the boards. Dry lining is faster and often used in new builds or when you need to hide services behind the walls.

Last reviewed: August 2026
Prices sourced from: Checkatrade average costs, MyBuilder price guides, 2026 trade rates