Plastering might look straightforward on YouTube, but achieving a smooth, long-lasting finish on real walls is a different story. Poor plastering can ruin the look of a room, cause cracking, and even affect future decorating.
If you’re based in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham or across Torbay and South Devon, here are the most common mistakes we see when people try DIY plastering instead of using a professional plasterer.
1. Painting Too Soon
This is one of the biggest errors.
Fresh plaster holds moisture. If you paint over it too soon:
- Moisture can get trapped behind the paint
- You’ll often see cracking, peeling and flaking
- The finish will never look properly smooth
A professional plasterer will check moisture levels and advise when it’s safe to decorate, so your walls last longer and look better.
2. Applying Plaster Too Thickly
Thick plaster might feel like a shortcut, but it causes:
- Uneven drying
- Shrinkage cracks
- Sections that can delaminate and fall away from the wall
At Get Plastered SW Ltd, our plasterers in Torquay apply multiple thin, controlled coats. This gives your walls strength, durability, and that perfectly smooth finish you simply can’t achieve with heavy, rushed layers.
3. Poor Surface Preparation
Plaster only sticks properly to a well-prepared surface. DIY jobs often fail because the base wasn’t right. Common problems include:
- Dusty or greasy walls
- Old flaky paint not removed
- Damp patches left untreated
- No bonding agent or incorrect primer used
Our team always clean, repair and prime walls before plastering. Proper preparation is the difference between a finish that looks good for a few weeks and one that still looks great years later.
4. Ignoring Temperature and Ventilation
Plaster is very sensitive to its environment. If the room is:
- Too cold
- Too damp
- Poorly ventilated
…then drying will be slow and patchy, increasing the risk of cracking and crazing.
Professional plasterers manage the conditions carefully — keeping the room warm, stable and gently ventilated so the plaster dries evenly and cures properly.
5. Using the Wrong Material
Not all plasters are the same. Using the wrong product for your property or substrate can cause serious long-term issues. For example:
- Older properties may need breathable lime-based products
- Modern homes often suit gypsum-based plasters
- Different backgrounds (brick, block, plasterboard, painted surfaces) all need different preparation and sometimes different plaster systems
At Get Plastered SW Ltd, we select the right materials for your walls, your property age, and local conditions in Torquay and South Devon — helping prevent damp, cracking and future failures.
Why Using a Professional Plasterer Matters
Avoiding these mistakes is about more than just appearance. Poor plastering can:
- Cost more to fix later
- Delay decorating and other trades
- Reduce the value and appeal of your home
By using a professional plasterer in Torquay like Get Plastered SW Ltd, you get:
- Expert preparation and material choice
- A smooth, durable finish that’s ready for painting or wallpaper
- Work completed safely, cleanly, and to a high standard
If you’re planning plastering or skimming in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot or across Torbay, let our experienced team handle it properly from the start — so you only have to do it once.
