Plastering, Skimming
& Rendering in
Headcorn and Mid Kent

Request a free quote

Tell us about the job using the form on this page and we'll get back to you with a free quote. Include the postcode, the rooms involved and a short description of the surface condition if you can, and we'll follow up by phone or email to arrange a visit.

What we do

Plastering covers replastering walls and ceilings that have blown, cracked or come away from the background. Skimming applies a smooth top coat over sound plaster or boards, ready for decorating. Skimming over artex is a common request from homeowners who want rid of a textured ceiling without the mess of removing it outright.

Ceiling work ranges from patch repairs to full replastering or overboarding where the existing ceiling is tired but structurally sound. Rendering covers external walls, and plasterboarding is used for new stud walls or after alterations such as a chimney breast removal. Coving finishes the join between wall and ceiling and can be fitted alongside a fresh skim.

Experience and qualifications

Stephen O'Brien has 25 years' experience in plastering, is Level 2 qualified in solid plastering and is a British Gypsum certified plasterer. Plastering, skimming over artex and ceilings are the main services.

Artex and ceilings, a speciality

Many enquiries come from homeowners with an older textured ceiling who want a smooth, modern finish. Skimming over artex is usually the practical route rather than scraping or sanding it away, and it's covered in more depth on the dedicated skimming over artex page.

How a job runs

Discuss the surfaces first, then agree the scope of the quote. Ask about preparation and protecting the room before plastering begins. After the work, allow the finish to dry before decorating, and clarify any room access or clean-up arrangements when planning the job.

Area covered from Headcorn

Based in Headcorn, Stephen O'Brien Plastering travels up to 25 miles, covering Staplehurst, Maidstone, Ashford, Tenterden, Bethersden, Biddenden, Sutton Valence, Paddock Wood and Chatham. See the areas page for the full list, or call if your location isn't shown.

Real job photos

Browse Stephen’s job photographs in the gallery, including plastering, ceiling work, repairs and rendering.

Things to sort out before the visit

Before a visit or quote, it helps to have a rough idea of which rooms need attention and what's wrong with each one: a cracked ceiling, a patchy wall, an old textured finish, or a damp patch that's bubbled the surface. A few clear photos taken in daylight, including a wide shot of the room and a close-up of any cracks or damage, let the condition be assessed before anyone arrives on site.

It's also worth thinking about access. Furniture that can be moved out of the room in advance saves time on the day, and letting us know about anything awkward, such as a loft hatch, a steep staircase or limited parking, means the visit or the job itself can be planned around it properly.

Living in the house during work

Most plastering jobs happen in homes that are still lived in day to day. Dust sheets go down over floors, carpets and furniture before any plaster comes off a wall or ceiling, and doorways can be screened off to keep dust from spreading into the rest of the house. Having another room or two usable while the work room is out of action makes the week easier, particularly if a kitchen or bathroom ceiling is involved.

Pets and young children are usually best kept away from the work area while tools, trestles and wet plaster are around. Once the plastering is finished for the day, the immediate area is left tidy, though a fine layer of dust can still settle nearby until the room is properly cleaned at the end of the job.

Choosing the right type of work for your problem

Not every tired-looking wall or ceiling needs the same treatment. A surface that's just rough, marked or dated usually only needs a skim. One that's cracked, hollow-sounding or bulging has gone further and needs replastering. An old textured ceiling can often be skimmed straight over rather than stripped out. Getting this right first saves time, because the wrong approach can mean redoing work later.