Frequently asked
questions.

Plastering is for internal walls and ceilings — usually multi-finish plaster applied over plasterboard or bonding. Rendering is for external walls — a cement-based or silicone system designed to weatherproof the building. Different products, different trades in some respects, but we do both.

A 2-3mm skim coat typically takes 3-7 days to dry fully, depending on temperature, humidity and ventilation. We don’t recommend painting for at least 7 days after plastering — painting too early can cause the paint to flake. We provide an aftercare guide with every project explaining drying times for your specific conditions.

Yes, in most cases. We can either scrape back the high points of the Artex and skim over the top, or bond and skim over the whole ceiling for a perfectly flat modern finish. We can also remove Artex back to the original surface if needed. Note that some older Artex (pre-1980s) may contain asbestos — we can test and refer a specialist if needed.

Yes — airless spray plastering is one of our specialities. It’s ideal for large projects (full house re-skims, new-builds, extensions) where the speed advantage really matters. A full 3-bed house can be plastered in 1-2 days with airless spray, compared with 4-6 days for hand trowel. The finish is slightly different (a fine stippled texture) but equally paint-ready.

For most plastering jobs (single room, patching) yes, you can stay in the house. For full house re-skims we recommend finding alternative accommodation for 2-3 days while the plaster dries — there’s no smell but the work area needs to be kept warm and ventilated.

It depends on the system, the size of the property and the condition of the existing walls. Silicone and monocouche cost more than sand-and-cement up front, but sand-and-cement needs painting every few years. We give fixed written quotes after a free site visit — never a figure over the phone.

A typical 3-bed semi takes 5-7 working days from scaffold erection to final coat. Detached homes and larger properties take 7-14 days. EWI installations take 2-4 weeks.

For most Bristol and Bath homes, no — rendering and EWI are permitted development. Exceptions include listed buildings, properties in conservation areas with specific Article 4 restrictions, and some post-2020 new-builds. We’ll advise at the site visit.

It depends on your substrate, budget and the look you want. Silicone is the most popular modern system — self-cleaning, water-repellent, 25+ year lifespan. Monocouche is slightly cheaper and gives a more traditional mineral finish. Acrylic is cost-effective for over-coats. We’ll recommend the right one at your free site visit.

Yes. We typically scrape off loose stones, key the surface, then apply a base coat before the chosen topcoat. For very thick or well-bonded pebbledash we may apply a mesh-reinforced base coat directly over.

Bonding plaster is the base coat applied to bare brick or blockwork — typically 8-15mm thick. Skim plaster is the final 2-3mm coat applied over bonding (or over plasterboard) to give a smooth paint-ready finish. Most plastering jobs use both.

It depends on the service. Rendering and external wall insulation come with a 10-year workmanship warranty as standard, plus the relevant manufacturer system warranty (typically 25 years for silicone, monocouche and EWI) where installations meet spec. Internal plastering carries a 5-year workmanship warranty. Your quote will state which applies.

Yes. We carry £10m public liability insurance plus employer’s liability cover. Documentation available on request.