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Plastering Contractors for New Walls, Repairs and Skimming

Plastering for new walls, extensions, repairs and skimming, inside and out. Send one free request and independent plastering contractors near you quote you.

Service
Plastering
Quotes from
Plasterers
Area
All nine provinces
Cost to you
Free, with no obligation
Plasterer smoothing fresh cement plaster onto a brick wall with a wooden float
Plasterer smoothing fresh cement plaster onto a brick wall with a wooden float

Good plastering gives walls a flat, durable surface that protects the brickwork and takes paint well. Poor plaster cracks, sounds hollow and lets damp in. Whether you need new walls plastered, an extension finished, or cracked plaster repaired, BuildingContractors.co.za can help you find plastering contractors. We don't plaster or sell materials ourselves. Tell us about the job and we pass your request to independent plasterers and builders in your area, who quote you directly. The request is free and you are under no obligation to accept a quote.

Types of plastering work

  • New plaster: internal and external cement plaster on brick or block walls
  • Extensions and alterations: matching new plaster to existing walls
  • Repairs: cutting out cracked, hollow or damp plaster and replastering
  • Skimming: a thin, smooth finish coat over plaster or ceilings
  • Bagging and textured finishes: a thin coat that shows the brick pattern, or a decorative texture

Plaster is normally around 12 to 15 mm thick, applied in one or two coats depending on how even the walls are.

Plaster sand and plastering mix

Plaster needs plaster sand, a finer, well-graded sand with less clay than the building sand used for bricklaying mortar. Clayey or dirty sand causes shrinkage cracks. A common plastering mix is about one part cement to five or six parts plaster sand by volume, often with lime added for workability, using 50 kg bags of CEM II 32.5N or 42.5N cement. Your plasterer will adjust the mix for the wall and conditions. External plaster in coastal and high-rainfall areas needs a well-proportioned mix and good curing to resist moisture.

Curing, cracks and painting

Fresh plaster must not dry too fast. In hot or windy weather, keep it damp for a few days, especially on west-facing walls. Fine hairline cracks are common as plaster shrinks, but wide or stepped cracks may point to foundation movement on expansive clay, which needs a builder's or engineer's opinion. Let new plaster cure fully before painting, usually several weeks. Hollow-sounding patches, found by tapping, mean the plaster has lost its bond and should be cut out and redone.

Comparing plastering quotes

Plastering is usually quoted per m² of wall, so measure or send plans. Ask whether materials are included, how many coats, the finish, scaffolding for high walls, and whether corners, reveals and beads are included. Agree payment by completed areas rather than a large upfront deposit, and ask to see finished walls before the final payment. Check the walls with a long straight edge and a light shone along the surface, which shows up waves and hollows.

Comparing quotes for plastering

The lowest price is not always the best value. When your quotes arrive, check:

  • Scope: what is included item by item, and which materials the contractor supplies.
  • Payment: a deposit and payments in stages as work is completed, never most of it upfront.
  • Time: the start date, how long the work will take and what happens if it runs late.
  • Compliance and guarantee: approvals and certificates needed for the job, and the guarantee on workmanship.

What to include in your request

  • Wall area in m², or plans with wall lengths and heights
  • Internal, external or both, and the finish you want
  • New walls, an extension, or repairs to existing plaster
  • Labour only, or labour and materials
  • Address, wall height and whether scaffolding is needed

Frequently asked questions

Do you do plastering yourselves?
No. BuildingContractors.co.za is a free quote-request service. We pass your request to independent plastering contractors and builders near you, who quote you directly. There is no charge for the request and no obligation to accept any quote you receive.
What is the difference between plaster sand and building sand?
Plaster sand is finer and more evenly graded, with less clay, so it gives a smoother finish and shrinks less. Building sand is coarser and is used for bricklaying mortar. Using building sand for plaster usually leads to a rough finish and more cracking.
Why is my new plaster cracking?
Fine hairline cracks usually come from shrinkage as the plaster dries, often worse in hot, windy weather or with clayey sand or too much cement. Wide, stepped or growing cracks may mean structural movement, especially on clay soils, and should be checked by a builder or engineer.
How long before I can paint new plaster?
New cement plaster should cure fully before painting, usually several weeks, depending on thickness and weather. Painting too soon can trap moisture and cause flaking or patchy colour. Many painters apply a suitable plaster primer first. Ask your plasterer and paint supplier for their recommended waiting time.

Plastering by province

Plastering by city and town

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