Plaster repair requires different skills, tools, and materials than drywall repair. Many Las Vegas homes built before 1970 have plaster walls — thick, hard, and heavy — and matching the repair to original plaster is genuinely difficult work. We’ve been doing plaster repair in Las Vegas for 7 years. Call (725) 337-6885 for a free written estimate.
Plaster vs. Drywall — What’s the Difference?
Traditional plaster walls are built in multiple layers applied over wood or metal lath. The base coat (scratch coat) is applied directly to the lath. A second coat (brown coat) smooths and levels the surface. The finish coat is a thin, smooth layer applied last. The entire assembly is 7/8 to 1 inch thick — significantly harder and heavier than the 1/2 inch drywall in modern construction.
If you have plaster walls and patch them with drywall, the patch is visible and sounds hollow when tapped. The right repair is plaster — or at minimum, a plaster skim coat over a drywall backer that makes it feel and sound the same.
Plaster Repair Services We Offer
Crack Repair in Plaster Walls
Plaster cracks are common in older Las Vegas homes. Desert temperature swings and minor foundation movement cause the rigid plaster to crack — especially at corners, around door and window frames, and at seams in the lath. We open the crack, remove loose material, apply bonding agent, pack with plaster compound, and finish to match the original surface. We don’t just fill cracks with caulk — that’s a cosmetic fix that fails within months.
Plaster Hole Repair
Holes in plaster walls happen during electrical work, plumbing repairs, and renovation. Small holes (under 4 inches) can be packed with setting-type joint compound and skim coated. Larger holes require installing backing material (metal lath or drywall backer), building up to the original thickness with multiple plaster coats, and finishing to match. We bring the repair to the level of the original surface — not proud or low.
Delaminated and Blown Plaster
“Blown plaster” is when the bond between the plaster coats and the lath fails. The plaster becomes hollow and spongy, and sections can fall off. We remove the delaminated section down to the lath, treat the lath, and apply new plaster in the original coats and thicknesses. For large areas of blown plaster, the most cost-effective approach is often to remove the plaster entirely and drywall over it — we discuss this option honestly when it applies.
Water Damage in Plaster Walls
Water-damaged plaster is soft, discolored, and often separated from the lath. We remove all compromised material, dry the structure, treat for mold if needed, and rebuild to the original thickness. Water damage in plaster buildings often extends further than what’s visible — we check moisture levels before scoping the repair.
Skim Coating Plaster Walls
When plaster walls have been painted many times over decades, the surface can become rough, uneven, and crazed (covered in hairline cracks from paint layers). We skim coat — applying a thin layer of finish plaster or compound over the entire wall — to restore a smooth, flat finish. Skim coating is also used when converting a textured plaster wall to a smooth finish for a modern look.
Plaster Repair vs. Drywall Overlay
When plaster damage is extensive, there are two paths: repair the plaster to match, or overlay with drywall. Drywall overlay is faster and often less expensive for large areas, but it reduces ceiling height slightly and changes the wall’s feel. We present both options honestly and let you decide. Most homeowners with historic or character homes prefer plaster repair. Most who are renovating for resale or rental prefer drywall overlay for cost efficiency.
Plaster Repair Pricing in Las Vegas
- Hairline crack repair: $100–$200
- Small hole (under 4 inches) in plaster: $100–$200
- Medium hole (4–12 inches): $200–$400
- Blown plaster repair: $8–$15/sq ft
- Skim coat (per room): $400–$900
- Water damage repair: Call for estimate
Plaster Repair FAQ
Can you match original plaster finish on an old Las Vegas home?
Yes. We assess the texture and composition of the original plaster and mix accordingly. For smooth plaster, we apply finish plaster compound. For sand finish or other textured plasters, we match the aggregate and application technique. A well-matched plaster repair is invisible.
Should I repair my plaster walls or replace with drywall?
Isolated cracks and holes are better repaired than replaced — drywall patches in plaster walls look different and sound hollow. Large areas of delaminated or water-damaged plaster are better replaced with drywall for cost-effectiveness. We walk through your specific situation and give you an honest recommendation.
How do you know when plaster is failing vs. just cracked?
We tap the wall. Solid plaster sounds hard and sharp. Delaminated plaster sounds hollow. We check for movement — if sections flex when pressed, the bond to the lath has failed. We also check moisture levels. Cracks in otherwise solid, dry plaster are a straightforward repair. Hollow sections are a delamination problem that requires more work.
Do you repair plaster ceilings in Las Vegas?
Yes. Plaster ceilings are especially common in pre-1960 Las Vegas homes. They crack and delaminate from the same causes as walls — plus gravity works against them. We repair plaster ceiling cracks and holes. Large-area ceiling plaster replacement is typically done with drywall overlay for safety and cost reasons.
Get a Plaster Repair Estimate in Las Vegas
Call (725) 337-6885 or use our contact form. We serve Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Enterprise, and Paradise, NV. Free written estimates on all plaster repair work.