Should I replace my plaster walls with drywall?

Rarely necessary. Plaster in reasonable condition can almost always be repaired for less than the cost and mess of demolition. Replacement makes sense when large areas are detached or when walls are being opened for other work anyway.

Why do cracks keep coming back in the same place?

Usually because the crack was only filled, not reinforced. Cracks at corners of doors and windows move seasonally. Taping with mesh and skimming over the area distributes that movement so the crack stays hidden.

How do I know if my paint contains lead?

Any home built before 1978 may have lead paint under newer layers. A test kit or lab test can confirm it. We assume older paint may contain lead and use containment and cleanup practices whenever we sand or scrape it.

What paint sheen should I use in a bathroom?

Satin or semi-gloss resists moisture and wipes clean more easily than flat paint. Good ventilation matters just as much as the sheen.

How long does it take to paint a room?

A typical bedroom with minor repairs takes one to two days, including drying time between coats. Rooms with extensive plaster work or skim coating need extra days for drying.

Can you paint kitchen cabinets?

Yes. Cabinets are cleaned, deglossed, primed with a bonding primer and finished with a durable enamel. Doors are usually painted off site or in a dedicated area for a smoother finish.

When is the best season for exterior painting?

Late spring through early fall, when temperatures and humidity fall within the paint manufacturer's range. We watch the forecast closely and avoid painting right before rain or cold nights.

Plaster Repair & Painting in Everett, MA | Interior & Exterior

Plaster & Painting in Everett, Brookline and Newton

Many homes in Brookline, Newton and Everett still have their original plaster, and that is a good thing. Plaster is harder, quieter and more fire resistant than drywall. It does crack and loosen over time, though, and painting over those problems only hides them for a season. Our approach is to repair the wall first and paint second.

Plaster repair starts with understanding why it failed. Hairline cracks from seasonal movement are treated differently than plaster that has pulled away from its lath. We reattach loose areas with plaster washers and adhesive, cut out and fill failed sections, tape cracks with mesh, and skim the surface so repairs disappear under paint.

For walls and ceilings with many patches or a rough texture, a full skim coat gives a smooth, uniform surface that looks like new plaster. Where a modern finish is wanted, we can also skim over drywall to remove texture or old wallpaper damage.

Painting is mostly preparation. We protect floors and furniture, fill and sand, caulk trim joints, spot-prime repairs and stains, and only then apply finish coats with sharp cut lines at ceilings and trim. We help you choose sheen levels that suit each room, from flat ceilings to scrubbable eggshell walls and durable semi-gloss trim.

Exterior painting follows the same rule. Loose paint is scraped, surfaces are sanded and primed, failed caulk is replaced and rotted wood is repaired by our carpenters before paint goes on. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, and we follow lead-safe work practices whenever paint will be disturbed.

Trim boards laid out in a freshly painted room as the new stair goes in

What you get

Repairs that last

Loose plaster is reattached and cracks are taped and skimmed instead of filled with caulk.

Smooth, even walls

Skim coating creates a uniform surface that paint cannot achieve alone.

Sharp cut lines

Clean edges at ceilings, trim and accent walls with no roller marks or lap lines.

The right sheen

Finishes chosen for each room's use, from moisture-resistant baths to washable hallways.

Protected home

Floors, furniture and fixtures are covered, and dust is controlled during sanding.

Lead-safe practices

Older surfaces are handled with containment and cleanup appropriate for pre-1978 paint.

What is included

Plaster repair

Crack taping and filling
Reattaching loose plaster
Patching holes and damaged areas
Ceiling restoration

Surface prep

Skim coating walls and ceilings
Wallpaper removal and repair
Sanding and dust control
Stain-blocking primer

Interior painting

Walls, ceilings and closets
Trim, doors and windows
Cabinet painting
Color consultation

Exterior painting

Scraping and sanding
Wood repair and caulking
Priming bare surfaces
Siding, trim and doors

Our plaster & painting process

Inspect surfaces
We look at cracks, stains and loose areas and explain what each needs.
Choose colors
You select colors and sheens, and we can help test samples on your actual walls.
Protect and repair
Rooms are covered, plaster is repaired and skimmed, and surfaces are sanded smooth.
Prime and paint
Repairs are primed, then finish coats go on with careful cutting and even rolling.
Touch up and clean
We review the rooms in good light, touch up anything missed and remove all protection.

Why hire a professional

Plaster repair is a fading skill. Many painters only know drywall compound and caulk, which fail on old plaster because they do not address why the plaster moved. A crew that understands lath, keys and bonding agents produces repairs that do not reappear every winter.

Professional painting is also faster and cleaner than it looks. With the right ladders, sprayers where appropriate, and a sequenced plan, a house can be repainted in days rather than weekends, with a finish that holds up to everyday wear.

Finally, a professional crew knows how to protect a lived-in home. Furniture is moved and covered, floors are masked, sanding dust is contained and cleaned daily, and rooms are returned in usable condition each evening, which matters when you are working, cooking and sleeping in the house while the project goes on.