Bad plastering is forever — every paint job over it shows the wave. Good plasterers are slower, expensive, and the difference is visible the day the work is done.
What plastering covers
- New brickwork plaster — base coat and skim
- Repair patches — after pipework, electrical, or damp removal
- Skim-coat on old walls (dramatic finish improvement)
- Bagging — exterior textured finish
- Cornices — installation, repair, replacement
- Ceiling repairs — drywall and traditional
What plastering costs in South Africa (2026)
New plaster on bare brick R220-R380 per square metre including materials. Skim-coat over old walls R150-R280 per square metre. Patch repairs typically R350-R900 per patch (callout-driven). Bagging R280-R550 per square metre. Cornice installation R65-R120 per linear metre. Always ask whether the wall needs a primer/bonding coat first — saves rework.
What to look for
- Photos of straight, level work — the wave is visible in raking light.
- Realistic drying time before painting — minimum 14 days for fresh plaster.
- Material spec — cement-sand ratio matters.
- Detail at corners and door reveals — most amateur work falls apart there.
Handi-za plasterers post finish photos in raking light and reviews on workmanship. Post the wall area and you'll get accurate per-square-metre quotes.