Historic Plaster Patch Repair for Walls & Ceilings

We restore plaster the way it was meant to be done—respecting original materials and techniques. Whether a ceiling section fails or a wall shows stress cracks, our goal is a stable, long‑lasting repair that blends in with the surrounding surface.

Why Preservation-Grade Repairs Matter

Historic walls and ceilings breathe through lime and gypsum layers. When a section fails, we keep that vapor-open assembly intact instead of covering it with joint compound or drywall patches. The result is a repair that honors the surrounding plaster and keeps the envelope flexible through seasonal movement.

Our Historic Plaster Repair Process in the Hudson Valley

Each project begins with documenting the failure, cleaning back to solid plaster, and vacuuming the lath cavities. From there we:

• Stabilize the base – Consolidate loose plaster, tie original lath to framing, and replace missing lath if necessary.
• Bridge gaps – Install corrosion-resistant mesh or hessian along the patch footprint so the new work feathers into the existing field.
• Lock it in – Use plaster washers or concealed fasteners where needed, keeping the face ready for new veneer.
• Build back with veneer plaster – Scratch, brown, and finish coats are applied with traditional tools; Diamond veneer is our go-to for a dense, polishable surface.
• Blend texture and sheen – We match surrounding movement, burnish level, and sheen so the repair disappears once cured.

Walls, Ceilings & Decorative Profiles

We rebuild flat fields, cornices, curves, stair soffits, and medallion tie-ins. Structural grids or plaster buttons remain hidden so the face reads as one continuous plane. Matching radius corners and bevels is part of the scope—not an add-on.

Stress-Crack Campaigns

Hairline cracks and seasonal seams are treated with flexible mesh seams, mineral skim coats, and breathable primers. This keeps historic walls monolithic without resorting to drywall overlays.

Project Timeline & Coordination

Most patches cure within a few days, but we build in time for moisture cycling so finishes age at the same rate as existing plaster. We coordinate with painters and millworkers so trim, lighting, and HVAC grills stay protected.

Service Area

We repair plaster throughout the Hudson Valley region—including Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange Counties—from historic Rhinebeck farmhouses to Cold Spring brownstones.

Request a historic plaster repair estimate

Related Reading

Interested in finishes for period homes? See our take on Venetian plaster in historic homes, explore Imperial veneer basecoat finishes, or compare textured plaster options.