If you need some domestic plastering work done in your home, then you will have started to look for plastering contractors. While you can find a lot of companies and tradies with plastering skills, you're not sure which one to choose.

When you look at websites, some talk about wet plastering work, some say they do dry work, and some don't differentiate between the two. What's the difference between wet and dry plasterers? Does your plastering project affect the type of plasterer you use?

What's the Difference Between Wet and Dry Plastering?

Wet plastering describes plastering work that applies wet plaster to an existing surface. So, for example, if you want a wall skimmed, a wet plasterer would apply a wet plaster mix on to the wall and smooth it out with a trowel. This plaster would then dry to coat the wall. This is sometimes also known as solid plastering.

Dry plastering describes plastering work that uses solid materials to create plaster surfaces. These materials are ready-made for fitting. So, for example, a dry plasterer would install plaster sheets or boards to line a wall.

How Can You Find the Right Plasterer for Your Job?

Some states differentiate between different types of plastering jobs for licensing purposes. Some plasterers do wet work; others do dry work. Often, you'll find that a general plasterer has experience of both kinds of jobs. However, depending on where they work, they may need a licence for both services.

Your first step is to work out what you want from your plasterer. If you want a wall replastered, then you need to find a contractor with experience of working with wet plaster. If you want ready-made mouldings added to a ceiling, you need a tradie with dry plastering skills.

Sometimes, you may not be sure which approach to take to get your job done. For example, you may not know whether it is best to have a wall wet plastered or whether to install plasterboard sheets on the wall instead. If you aren't sure how to approach the project, then call a few local plasterers and tell them what you want to do. Some may want to come out and look at the job before giving you advice and a quote. As well as looking for a good price, you should also check that the plasterer has the right experience of working on the type of plastering you need.

Share