Plastering Costs at a Glance (2026)
| Job | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skim coat — small room (bedroom) | £150–£280 | Over existing plaster or board |
| Skim coat — medium room (lounge) | £250–£400 | Standard finish |
| Skim coat — large room | £350–£550 | Open plan or large reception |
| Dot-and-dab plasterboard + skim | £400–£700 | Per room, average size |
| Full replaster (sand & cement + skim) | £600–£1,200 | Per room, stripping back to brick |
| Per square metre (skim) | £12–£20/m² | Benchmark rate |
| Per square metre (full plaster) | £20–£35/m² | New sand & cement base + skim |
| Artex removal + replaster | £15–£30/m² | Test for asbestos first if pre-1984 |
Skim, Board, or Full Replaster: What Do You Need?
Skim coat — a 2–3mm layer of finish plaster over an existing sound surface. The cheapest option if your walls are structurally okay but just cracked, tired, or newly boarded.
Dot-and-dab plasterboard — plasterboard is glued directly to masonry walls (no timber frame), then skimmed. Common in extensions and new builds. Faster and cheaper than traditional backing coats.
Sand and cement backing coat + skim — the traditional approach, stripping back to brick or block and starting fresh. Necessary when damp has damaged existing plaster, or walls are severely uneven.
If you're not sure which you need, ask a plasterer to inspect before quoting — they'll probe the existing plaster and advise. Hollow-sounding areas when tapped = existing plaster has lost its key and will need removing.
What Affects the Price?
- Ceiling plastering — working overhead takes longer and costs 20–30% more than walls for the same area
- Decorative coving and cornices — fitting new coving adds £15–£30/metre; replicating existing period cornices is significantly more
- Access — high ceilings, stairwells, and difficult access add time and scaffold cost
- Substrate — skimming over painted walls requires bonding agent (extra £30–£80 for materials); skimming over new plasterboard is faster
- Damp — if walls are damp, they need treating before plastering. The plasterer may refuse to skim without damp treatment first, adding cost
- Location — London and South East rates are typically 25–40% above national average
How Long Does Plastering Take to Dry?
This is where most homeowners go wrong. Newly skimmed plaster takes:
- Surface dry — 24–48 hours (can touch without marking)
- Ready to paint — minimum 4–6 weeks for a full skim in average UK conditions
- Fully carbonated — 3–6 months
Painting too early traps moisture and causes flaking. If you must paint before 4 weeks (e.g. before moving in), use a mist coat of watered-down emulsion (10:1 or 5:1 water:paint) as the first coat. This lets moisture escape while sealing the surface for subsequent coats.
Signs plaster is dry: colour changes from dark pink/brown to pale pink/cream throughout (not just on the surface).
Asbestos Warning for Pre-1984 Properties
Artex and some older textured coatings applied before 1984 can contain white asbestos (chrysotile). Before sanding, grinding, or removing old textured plaster in a pre-1984 property:
- Have it tested by an accredited asbestos surveyor (cost: £80–£200 for a sample test)
- If asbestos is confirmed, removal must be done by a licensed contractor under HSE regulations
- Asbestos removal + replaster costs significantly more: £400–£900 per room
Skimming over intact Artex (encapsulation) is a valid alternative — it doesn't disturb the fibres and costs the same as standard skimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to plaster a room in 2026?
A skim coat in an average bedroom costs £150–£280. A medium-sized lounge costs £250–£400. Full replastering (stripping back to brick) costs £600–£1,200 per room.
How much do plasterers charge per square metre?
Skim plastering costs £12–£20/m². Full plaster (sand and cement backing plus skim) costs £20–£35/m².
How long after plastering can I paint?
Minimum 4–6 weeks in normal conditions. If you must paint sooner, apply a mist coat (watered-down emulsion 5:1) to allow moisture to escape. Painting over wet plaster causes flaking.
Can I plaster over old plaster without stripping it?
Only if the existing plaster is sound (bonded to the wall). Tap the wall — hollow areas mean the plaster has lost its key and must be removed before new plaster is applied.
Do I need to test for asbestos before plastering?
If your property was built or last refurbished before 1984, yes — particularly for textured coatings like Artex. Testing costs £80–£200. If asbestos is found, removal requires a licensed contractor.
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