What's the difference between plaster and drywall?

Plaster is a dense, hard surface traditionally applied by hand in multiple layers over wooden lath or metal mesh. It's durable and sound-dampening but prone to cracking with structural movement. Drywall is a modern, factory-made panel of gypsum sandwiched between layers of paper. It's easier to repair and more flexible, but less dense. Both create smooth, paintable walls but require different repair techniques.

How much does plaster repair cost?

Plaster repair costs vary widely depending on the scope of damage, surface texture, and level of detail required. In Kansas City, we've seen repair costs range from $50 for a simple patch to $5,000 for extensive restoration. Typical small repairs (hairline cracks, small holes) run $800-$3,500 depending on complexity.

How do you prevent dust from spreading during repairs?

We seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and zipper doors (ZipWall containment) to prevent fine plaster dust from migrating throughout your home. Floors, furniture, and fixtures are carefully covered with drop cloths and plastic sheeting. We use HEPA sanding equipment where feasible and perform daily cleanup to minimize mess.

Can you match existing wall textures?

Yes. A smooth patch on a textured wall sticks out like a sore thumb, so we blend repairs to match the existing surface—whether it's orange peel, knockdown, or popcorn texture. For older popcorn ceilings, we recommend testing for asbestos before making any changes.

How long do plaster repairs take?

Most plaster and drywall repair projects take 1 working day for typical small holes, stress cracks, and corner bead repairs. Larger projects with extensive damage may take longer depending on scope. Multiple thin coats of joint compound need to dry between layers before priming and painting.

What types of cracks and damage can you repair?

We repair hairline cracks (common in all homes), larger holes from accidental impacts or plumbing work, water damage from leaks, nail pops from settling, and delaminated plaster. We can handle stress cracks, corner bead damage, and texture blending. Note: cosmetic repairs won't fix structural movement issues—those require addressing the underlying cause.

Plaster and Drywall Repair

Home
/
Plaster and Drywall Repair

Typical $800–$3500

Timeline 1 days

Warranty 1-year workmanship on repairs

Areas Kansas City MO, Prairie Village KS, Neighborhoods: Brookside, Valentine, Hyde Park, Mission Hills KS, Fairway KS, Westwood KS

Call 816-805-4515

Plaster & Drywall Repair

Things shift, cracks appear, and sometimes walls just don't cooperate. Whether it's a sneaky leak or wood expanding and contracting with the seasons, plaster and drywall repairs are a standard part of any interior painting project . Because let's be honest - paint looks best on a smooth, well-prepped surface.

Plaster & Drywall Repair — Quick Facts

Crack stitching, skim patches, and texture blending. Dust-controlled work with tidy daily cleanup.

Timeline: 1 working days
Typical Price: $800–$3500
Warranty: 1-year workmanship on repairs
Prep: ZipWall containment & floor protection, HEPA sanding where feasible, Primer sealing (BIN/Gardz as needed)
Coatings: Zinsser BIN / Gardz (primers as needed), Ben Moore Regal / SW Cashmere (topcoats)
Includes: Small holes, stress cracks, corner beads, Blend texture to adjacent surfaces
Excludes: Structural movement issues, Full-home skim coats (quoted separately)
Service Area: Kansas City MO, Prairie Village KS, Neighborhoods: Brookside, Valentine, Hyde Park, Mission Hills KS, Fairway KS, Westwood KS

816-805-4515

Plumbing wall damage

Repairing Traditional Plaster

Time-tested techniques like plaster washers, patching compounds, and bonding agents can restore damaged plaster without compromising its integrity. Often, large hole patches (say, after a plumber finishes) will involve techniques from both traditional plaster and drywall.

Repairing Drywall

Drywall repairs start with secure screws and proper bracing. Setting-type joint compound provides strength and durability, while joint tape reinforces seams and prevents future cracking.

Plaster Repair Process

Seal the Area to Help Prevent Dust Migration

Plaster repair creates fine dust that can settle everywhere if not properly contained. We seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and zipper doors to keep the mess where it belongs.

Tape ‘n Tarp to Protect Your Possessions

Floors, furniture, and fixtures are carefully covered with drop cloths and plastic sheeting to keep dust and debris from settling on your belongings.

Firmly Fasten Loose Plaster

If plaster has separated from the lath, it needs to be reattached before repairs begin. This is done using plaster washers and screws to secure the loose areas and prevent future movement.

Nail Pops Too

As buildings settle, nail pops — small bumps where nails push through drywall or plaster — can appear. These are set back into place, secured, and properly patched.

Paper Tape Helps Prevent the Crack from “Telegraphing” Through

To prevent cracks from returning, paper tape is embedded in joint compound to reinforce the repair and prevent movement from re-exposing the damage.

Skim and Sand Smooth for a Seamless Appearance

The final step is a smooth, seamless finish. Multiple thin coats of joint compound are applied and sanded between layers to blend the patch perfectly into the surrounding surface before priming and painting.

review exterior painting

Plaster and Drywall Terms

Joint Compound (Mud) – A paste used to fill seams, holes, and imperfections in drywall.
Tape – Paper or mesh material applied over seams to reinforce drywall joints.
Sanding Sponge – A flexible sanding tool used to smooth joint compound.
Drywall Screws – Special screws with coarse threads for attaching drywall to studs.
Studs – Vertical wooden or metal framing members that support drywall.
Corner Bead – A metal or plastic strip that creates sharp, straight corners.
Mesh Tape – Self-adhesive fiberglass tape used to reinforce seams.
Paper Tape – A traditional tape for drywall seams that requires joint compound.
Blueboard – A type of drywall designed to bond with plaster finishes.
Skim Coat – A thin layer of joint compound or plaster applied for a smooth surface.
Popcorn Ceiling – A textured ceiling finish that was once popular in older homes.
Knockdown Texture – A drywall finish where the texture is slightly flattened after application.
Level 5 Finish – The highest-quality drywall finish, including a full skim coat.
Plaster Keys – Small ridges of plaster that hold it onto wooden or metal lath.
Drywall Anchor – A device used to securely attach screws to drywall.
Lath – Thin wooden, metal, or gypsum strips that hold plaster in older walls.
Crown Molding – Decorative trim installed at the intersection of walls and ceilings.
Drywall Knife – A tool used to apply and smooth joint compound.
Texturing – Applying a decorative finish to drywall using tools like brushes or sprayers.
Plaster Patch – A repair technique for fixing small cracks or holes in plaster.