How much does craft plaster cost?

Prices vary between materials and finishes and are driven by factors unique to each project such as wall height, square footage, special features, existing wall conditions, and preparation. Plaster requires careful wall preparation and the application of several coats by skilled artisans. So while it will cost more than a basic paint project, the quality is incomparable. Our plasters start at about $7 per square foot of wall for a standard finish with basic wall preparation. Specialty finishes, such as Tadelakt, are significantly more. Contact us with more information about your project for an accurate estimate.

What size projects do you accept?

We are a small, artisanal company that installs high-quality, custom plaster finishes. Because we prioritize quality over quantity, we limit the size and number of jobs we accept.

We work on an intimate scale. We accept projects as small as an accent wall or fireplace and as large as a few rooms.

Our schedule fills up quickly. We are often booked up 3 months in advance. Contact us well ahead of your installation date to secure a spot in our schedule.

Do you work outside of San Diego?

In the interest of sustainability, we’ve made it our policy to work as locally as possible. We are based in central San Diego and usually don’t accept projects outside of San Diego County. Within San Diego County, projects outside of our general service area will be subject to a travel fee.

What surfaces can be plastered?

With the right preparation, craft plasters can be applied to almost any surface including new or previously painted drywall and non-drywall substrates such as brick and cinder block. Highly polished surfaces, such as tile, may need additional preparation. Surfaces prone to movement, such as wood, will need to be covered by a solid substrate before plastering.

Are craft plasters durable?

Yes. Clay and lime plasters are both durable, but in different ways. As with any wall covering, the degree to which they hold up will be based on the wear and tear they receive, and also on which product and finish is used. There are pros and cons to each material and there’s a good plaster for almost any situation from shower surrounds to high-traffic hallways. We can help you find a plaster and finish that will work best for your needs.

What is the point of choosing a natural plaster for a conventional home?

We come from a background of designing and building high-performance natural homes. In an ideal world, we would all get to live in homes like that. This is not an ideal world. Few of us are in a position to buy or build a totally natural home. Although conventional construction is problematic, it is how most homes are built. Isn’t it better that some of the materials in a home are non-toxic and low impact, rather than none? Isn’t it preferable that the surface of your home, which you see and touch every day, reflects your taste and values, even if other parts of your home can’t? Isn’t it less consumptive to make sustainable improvements to an existing home rather than knock it down and start all over again? Every decision matters so why not choose carefully when covering your walls?