Plaster / render (interior & exterior)

Plaster (render) is the coating of walls and ceilings with plaster mortar that creates a smooth or textured, protective and decorative surface. A distinction is made between interior plaster (a smooth finish for living spaces) and exterior render (weather protection for the façade).

When plastering, a layer of mortar is applied to the masonry or concrete that evens out unevenness and prepares the surface for further finishing. Indoors, plaster creates smooth walls ready for painting or wallpapering and regulates room humidity; gypsum, lime or lime-cement plasters are used depending on requirements. Outdoors, façade render protects the building fabric from rain and frost and is often part of a thermal insulation composite system; weatherproof cement or mineral renders and top coats in various grain sizes are used here.

The process is divided into substrate preparation, possibly applying a bonding layer or base coat with embedded reinforcement mesh, and finally the top coat, which is smoothed, felted or textured. Drying times must be observed between layers. For an average flat, interior plastering takes several days; a façade additionally needs time for scaffolding, drying and weather-dependent windows.

Plaster matters in new builds after the shell, in renovations, in façade refurbishment and when damaged or cracked plaster must be replaced. Proper plastering is decisive for a clean paint result indoors and for the tightness and appearance of the façade outdoors.

As a rough guide (no guarantee), interior plaster in Switzerland costs around CHF 30 to 60 per square metre, while exterior render including scaffolding and preparation is usually about CHF 60 to 120 per square metre. Elaborate textures, difficult substrates or simultaneous thermal insulation raise the price.

Make sure the substrate is dry and load-bearing, that the right plaster system suits the masonry, and that for the façade the scaffolding and any painting work are clearly defined in the quote. Plastering too early on damp masonry leads to cracks and flaking.

Example

During the refurbishment of an old building in Basel, the owner has the cracked façade re-rendered. The plasterer sets up the scaffolding, removes loose plaster, applies a base coat with reinforcement mesh and, after drying, applies a mineral top coat. For around 140 square metres of façade including scaffolding, a guide price of about CHF 14,000 is quoted.

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Frequently asked

What does plastering cost?

As a rough guide (no guarantee), interior plaster in Switzerland costs around CHF 30 to 60 per square metre, and exterior render including scaffolding and preparation about CHF 60 to 120 per square metre. Textured renders, difficult substrates or simultaneous thermal insulation raise the price.

What is the difference between interior and exterior plaster?

Interior plaster creates smooth, paintable walls and regulates room humidity; gypsum, lime or lime-cement plasters are used. Exterior render protects the façade from rain and frost, is weatherproof and often part of a thermal insulation composite system with coarser top coats.

How long does plaster need to dry?

Drying times must be observed between plaster layers and before painting; depending on plaster type, layer thickness and room climate, these range from a few days to several weeks. Continuing too early leads to cracks and flaking.

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