Plastering a wall yourself costs €5 to €15 per m² in materials. A plasterer charges €20 to €50 per m². On 100 m² of walls that’s a saving of €1,500 to €3,500.
What Does Plastering Cost? DIY vs. Plasterer
| DIY (materials) | Plasterer (materials + labour) | |
|---|---|---|
| Base coat (sand and cement/lime) | €5 – €10 per m² | €20 – €35 per m² |
| Finish plaster (skimming) | €3 – €8 per m² | €15 – €30 per m² |
| Complete room (base + skim, 50 m²) | €400 – €900 | €1,750 – €3,250 |
Base Coat vs. Finish Coat
Base Coat (Render / Browning)
- First layer on masonry or concrete
- Evens out major irregularities
- Provides key for finish coat
- Layer thickness: 8–15 mm
- Material: Sand/cement render (universal), Lime render (internal use)
Finish Coat (Skim)
- Final coat over base coat
- Creates smooth, paint-ready surface
- Layer thickness: 2–5 mm
- Material: Multi-finish plaster (easiest for DIY), board finish for plasterboard
Materials List: Room of 25 m² Wall Area
| Material | Quantity | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Finish plaster / multi-finish (25 kg bag) | 3–4 bags | €45 – €100 |
| Base coat / render (25 kg bag) | 2–3 bags (if needed) | €30 – €70 |
| PVA bonding agent | 1 litre | €10 – €20 |
| Screed feather edge (2 m) | 2 pieces | €10 – €20 |
| Finishing trowel (inox, 270×130 mm) | 1 piece | €15 – €40 |
| Plastering trowel (280×120 mm) | 1 piece | €15 – €30 |
| Float | 1 piece | €10 – €20 |
| Mixing paddle for drill | 1 piece | €15 – €30 |
| Buckets (15 litres) | 2 pieces | €8 – €16 |
Step-by-Step: Plaster a Wall in 8 Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
- Tap the wall to find hollow spots – hollow-sounding areas need repair
- Remove old, flaking paint or wallpaper
- Check for dirt and grease – scrub clean
- Fill cracks and holes with filler
- Apply PVA bonding agent to absorbent surfaces
Step 2: Set Up Depth Guides (Screeds)
Screed beads act as guide rails for getting a consistent depth.
1. Fix metal bead or timber screeds vertically to the wall
2. Level with spirit level and straight edge
3. Spacing between screeds: approx. 1–1.5 m
Step 3: Mix the Plaster
- Add clean cold water to the bucket (quantity per bag instructions)
- Add plaster to the water – never reverse
- Mix thoroughly with paddle at low speed
- Leave to slake for 3–5 minutes, then mix briefly again
- Consistency: should fall heavily from the trowel but still spread
Step 4: Apply Base Coat (If Required)
Only for major unevenness or transitions from brick to concrete.
1. Throw plaster onto the wall with the trowel, working bottom to top
2. Screed off horizontally using the depth guides
3. Layer thickness 8–15 mm
4. Allow at least 24 hours to dry
Step 5: Apply Finish Coat
- Mix finish plaster (slightly wetter than base coat)
- Apply evenly with finishing trowel
- Layer thickness 2–4 mm
- Screed off using the guides
- Protect external corners with angle beads
Step 6: First Trowelling
When plaster starts to set (no longer wet, but still workable):
1. Work over the surface with a slightly damp trowel in circular movements
2. Dampen trowel occasionally
3. Finish by drawing across the surface in one direction
Step 7: Second Trowelling (Final Finish)
When plaster is almost dry (30–60 min after first trowelling):
1. Use only a barely damp trowel
2. Apply firm pressure at a shallow angle
3. This creates the smooth, polished surface
Step 8: Drying and Finishing
- Ventilate the room evenly – no draughts, no direct sunlight
- Allow at least 7 days before painting
- If white patches or cracks appear: it dried too fast – ventilate less next time
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Surface not prepared | Plaster doesn’t bond, flakes | Use PVA, clean surface |
| Plaster applied too thick | Cracking from slow drying | Max 8–15 mm per coat |
| Second coat too soon | Uneven drying | Let first coat dry completely |
| Mix too wet | Plaster slumps | Test consistency |
| No screeds set | Uneven surface | Always use screeds for flat results |
Drying Times
| Plaster Type | Surface dry | Through dry |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-finish / skim (5 mm) | 4–8 hours | 2–3 days |
| Sand/cement base coat (15 mm) | 24 hours | 7–14 days |
| Ready-mix finish | Per manufacturer | Usually 3–5 days |
FAQs
How long does plastering a room take?
An experienced DIYer covers about 10 m² of wall per hour. A 25 m² room: 1–2 days (including prep and drying time).
Can I plaster directly onto plasterboard?
Yes, but you always need to apply PVA first. Keep layers thin: max 3–5 mm finish coat on plasterboard.
When can I paint after plastering?
After complete drying: 7–14 days (depending on plaster type and thickness).
Building Plans and Guides
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