What to Know About Plastering

Plastering Problems? Here's What to Know Before You Paint

If you’re gearing up for a kitchen reno, refreshing the lounge, or just tired of staring at those mysterious wall cracks, plastering might not be the first thing on your mind – but it should be.

At Hire A Hubby, we’re more than just handymen — we’re property maintenance experts. Our team across Aotearoa handles everything from minor repairs to full-scale renovations, and plastering is a crucial step that makes all the difference before the paintbrush comes out.

Why Good Plastering Matters

Plaster isn’t just there to make things look smooth; it also protects your walls, helps paint adhere properly, and can even affect how long your paint job lasts. If your walls are bubbling, cracking, or uneven, even the fanciest paint won’t hide poor prep work.

Here’s how to spot common plastering issues before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems:

• Cracking or flaking paint: Often caused by poor surface preparation or structural movement underneath.
• Bubbling or blistering: Usually due to moisture issues or applying paint over damp plaster.
• Uneven surfaces: Sometimes it’s a rush job or not enough coats — either way, it’ll show up under fresh paint.
• Shadow lines or sanding marks: Signs of patchy skim coating or poor blending.
• Discoloured patches: Could point to water damage or dampness that needs investigation.

If you're seeing any of the above, it’s a good idea to get it checked before booking your painting. It'll save you time, money, and another round of repairs later down the line.

What to Know About Plastering (Before You DIY or Call In a Pro)
Here’s a quick crash course on what’s actually involved in good plastering, and why it pays to get it right:

🛠️ It’s not just ‘one coat and done’
Depending on the job, plastering usually takes multiple coats — base, skim, and finishing layers — with drying time in between. Rushing this means you’ll likely get cracks, shrinkage, or uneven texture later on.

🎯 Surface prep is everything
Dust, grease, moisture, or flaky old paint all interfere with how well plaster bonds. A quality job starts with a clean, dry surface, and sometimes even sealing or priming beforehand.

⏳ You have to wait before you paint
Plaster must be fully dry before you slap on colour, and that can take several days (even longer in winter). Painting too soon can trap moisture, leading to bubbling or peeling.

🌦️ Moisture is the silent destroyer
If you’re noticing repeat plaster issues in the same spot, it might be a sign of a leak or poor ventilation. A good tradie will check what’s behind the damage, not just cover it up.

🎨 A smooth finish = better paint results
Lumpy patches, sanding scratches, or unlevel joins will stand out like a sore thumb once painted. Proper sanding and skimming make all the difference for that clean, crisp finish

We Don’t Just Patch — We Prep Properly
Our local Hire A Hubby experts don’t cut corners. We’ll assess the damage, check for moisture issues, and use the right products for your space and climate. Whether it’s a full skim coat or repairing isolated defects, our plastering services make sure your paint goes on smoothly and stays looking sharp for years.

You might be searching online for “painters near me” or “house painting quotes”, but without solid plaster underneath, even the best paint job can fall flat. That’s why our team can handle both plastering and painting, saving you the hassle of juggling multiple trades.

Thinking Bigger? Renovations Start Here
Planning a kitchen renovation or a full interior refresh? Start with a solid foundation. Our team of property maintenance experts can manage the entire project, including plastering, painting, flooring, and even cabinetry installs.

Hire a Hubby Near You
We’ve got Hubbies right across the country, from Northland to Southland, so if you’re on the hunt for “handyman near me”, “plastering services”, or just someone you can trust to get the job done right, we’re your people.

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