Decorative plaster is a finishing layer with a texture or pattern, applied to a prepared, level wall. You can choose it for a single accent wall, a hallway or a whole living room.
How decorative plaster differs from paint
Paint forms an even coat, but the look of decorative plaster comes from the work itself: how the material is applied, smoothed and worked. That is why two walls finished with the same material can look slightly different.
The texture and shade are chosen from the manufacturer's samples. In the request, write the product name if it is already chosen, or describe the look you want; you can send photos or samples to the specialist when they contact you.
The base decides the result
Decorative plaster needs a level, stable base. Cracks, holes and unevenness are dealt with beforehand by wall skimming or wall plastering, and these are separate price lines. The base is primed with the primer specified by the plaster manufacturer.
If you want a decorative surface without tiles in a bathroom or shower, see microcement application and check the manufacturer's guidance for wet rooms. In a hallway, where the walls are touched more often, a surface with a protective layer is useful; you will find ideas on the page hallway renovation.
How decorative plaster is applied
- Choosing the texture and shade The texture and shade are chosen from the manufacturer's sample.
- Preparing the wall The base is levelled and cleaned of dust.
- Priming The wall is primed with the primer specified by the manufacturer.
- First coat The first coat of material is applied.
- Texture and further coats The texture or pattern is formed and, if the system requires it, further coats are applied.
- Protective layer If the manufacturer specifies it, the surface is covered with wax or varnish.
What to decide before the request
- which wall or room;
- texture and shade;
- whether the surface needs a protective layer;
- whether you will choose the materials yourself;
- whether the other walls are painted at the same time.
In the form, write the address, the wall dimensions, the condition of the wall and the finish you would like.
Where decorative plaster works well
In a living room or bedroom, you can choose decorative plaster for one wall, for example behind the sofa or the bed, and paint the other walls. In a hallway or corridor, where the walls are touched by bags and shoes, choose a material that the manufacturer intends for heavily used surfaces.
In a kitchen above the worktop, where the wall is exposed to water and grease, tiles are usually chosen; see kitchen splashback tiling. For a bathroom and shower, compare with microcement and tiles.
If you want both long walls of 4 m × 2.6 m, that is 2 × 10.4 m² = 20.8 m² × €30 = from €624 (labour). That is why it is worth working out how many walls you really need before deciding.
How much decorative plaster costs
Decorative plaster application: from €30/m². Prices are for labour. Materials are calculated separately in the estimate.
Example: an accent wall of 3 m × 2.6 m = 7.8 m² × €30 = from €234. If the wall first has to be skimmed, add 7.8 × €10 = €78.
The price depends on the condition of the wall, the complexity of the texture, the number of coats and the chosen finish. An exact estimate can be made after seeing the apartment.
What the decorative plaster price includes
What this work includes
- decorative plaster applied to a prepared wall, priced per m² of wall.
What is calculated separately
- skimming (from €10/m²) or plastering (from €8/m²) beforehand;
- decorative plaster, primer, wax or varnish;
- painting of the other walls (from €4/m²).