Decorative & Specialty Plastering Sydney

Many Sydney homes—especially older terraces and apartments—have walls and ceilings that don’t age well. Paint starts to crack, wallpaper leaves marks, and sometimes the plaster underneath shows every bump. That’s where skimming makes a difference. It’s a thin coat of plaster applied over an existing surface, and when it’s done properly, it leaves you with walls that look like new.

I’ve been skimming and resurfacing walls for more than 30 years, and no two jobs are ever the same. Some people call me after removing old wallpaper in a Federation home in Balmain. Others just want to smooth out the patchy look left behind by previous repairs in Bondi apartments. In each case, the goal is the same—a perfectly flat, durable finish that painters love working on.

One of my clients, Aida, asked me to sort out a long partition wall in her salon that was falling apart. She later told me: “John was professional and efficient—after he was done, the salon looked modern and brand new. He’s a master of his trade.” That’s the kind of feedback I hear often, and it’s why so much of my work comes through word of mouth.

Skimming might look simple, but it requires care, timing, and the right materials for Sydney’s climate. The humidity in summer or the cool damp of winter can affect how plaster sets. Over the decades, I’ve learned how to adjust so that the final coat cures properly and holds its finish. Whether it’s one wall or a whole house, the result should be smooth, even, and ready for painting without any extra sanding.

If your walls are cracked, uneven, or just tired, skimming is a smart way to bring them back to life without the cost of a full re-plaster. At Art of Plaster, we’re licensed (Contractor Licence 398795C), insured, and committed to workmanship that lasts. I’ve skimmed walls in terraces across Paddington, renovated kitchens in Drummoyne, and even prepared new apartments in Chatswood. No matter where in Sydney you are, the aim is always the same: to leave behind a surface so clean and flat you can run your hand over it and feel nothing but smoothness.

Ornamental plasterwork is where craftsmanship and artistry come together. From ceiling roses and detailed cornices to arches and custom mouldings, these features give a room personality and connect it to its architectural era. In Sydney, homes ranging from Victorian terraces in Glebe to grand Federation residences in the Eastern Suburbs often rely on this type of plastering to preserve their character.

I’ve worked on projects where entire sections of decorative plaster were missing, leaving homeowners unsure if the original look could ever be recreated. By taking moulds directly on-site, I’ve been able to replicate cornices, roses, and panels so accurately that even architects have commented on the authenticity. Alex French, an architect I collaborated with, said: “From providing samples through to the custom moulded cornices and ceiling patterns, John was a pleasure to deal with. I’d use him on every job.”

Not every project is about replication. Many Sydney homeowners also choose ornamental plasterwork to introduce something new—like a feature ceiling rose in a modern renovation or decorative arches to frame open-plan living spaces. The key is balance: matching proportions, style, and finish so the plaster feels like it belongs, whether the home is 120 years old or just built.

Our team handles everything in-house, from creating custom moulds to fitting and finishing, which means no waiting on third parties and no compromises on quality. We’ve completed ornamental plasterwork across Sydney in heritage properties, luxury apartments, and even commercial spaces where a decorative feature adds a touch of distinction.

Art of Plaster is licensed (Contractor Licence 398795C) and insured, and every project is delivered with the same care—whether it’s a single cornice repair or a full decorative ceiling restoration. For homeowners and designers looking to add detail, depth, and tradition to their interiors, ornamental plasterwork is one of the most rewarding choices.

Textured plaster finishes give walls depth, character, and a sense of individuality that paint can’t achieve. In Sydney homes, they’re often used to create feature walls, add warmth to living spaces, or bring a rustic edge to otherwise modern interiors. From subtle patterns to bold designs, the right texture can change the way a room feels the moment you walk in.

Many of our clients choose textured finishes when they want something truly unique. One couple in Marrickville asked me to rework a plain lounge wall into a focal point, and when the plaster was finished, they said it completely shifted the atmosphere of the room. That’s the advantage of texture—it isn’t flat or predictable, it draws the eye and creates contrast.

There are plenty of options to suit different styles:

• Smooth but lightly brushed finishes for a softer look

• Heavier textures to mimic stone or concrete

• Patterned designs created with specialist tools

• Subtle layers that catch natural light through the day

• Finishes that can be painted or left in natural tones

Textured plaster also works well in commercial spaces across Sydney. We’ve used it in cafés, salons, and offices where owners wanted a wall that stood out without relying on cladding or expensive stone. It’s durable, cost-effective, and can be tailored to match existing décor.

Because it’s applied by hand, no two textured finishes are ever identical. That’s why homeowners often call us back for additional rooms once they see the result—each surface feels crafted, not mass-produced. Whether it’s a Bondi beachside apartment, a heritage home in Balmain, or a modern renovation in Chatswood, textured plastering adds personality that paint alone can’t deliver.

A ceiling rose can turn a plain ceiling into the centrepiece of a room. It frames light fittings, adds depth overhead, and in many heritage Sydney homes, it restores the original character that time or renovations may have removed. I’ve fitted and restored roses in Federation homes, Victorian terraces, and Art Deco apartments, each time seeing how such a small detail can completely lift a room’s atmosphere.

The work is more than just attaching plaster to a ceiling. Roses often need to be scaled to the proportions of the room and matched to the style of cornices or mouldings already in place. In older homes, it’s common to find cracked or incomplete roses that need careful restoration. This requires mould making, patching, and finishing so the repair is invisible.

One homeowner shared their experience after purchasing a heritage property in Paddington:

“As an owner/builder purchased a Heritage property in Paddington. Plaster work cornices roses and ceiling in state of disrepair. Got Johns details and found him to be an outstanding tradesman who was well mannered easy to deal with and a great time keeper. Highly recommend!” – Thomas Patrick Gormley, 11 Mar 2024

This type of work is all about precision and patience. The rose has to sit flush, the joins must disappear once painted, and the design should feel like it belongs in the home from day one. Whether you’re restoring an ornate feature in an older property or fitting a new decorative piece into a modern space, the right ceiling rose makes a room feel finished.

At Art of Plaster, we bring the craftsmanship and care needed to ensure every ceiling rose installation looks authentic, balanced, and built to last.

Custom stucco design allows homeowners and builders across Sydney to create finishes that are both durable and decorative. Unlike standard plaster or paint, stucco adds texture, depth, and protection to walls, making it a popular choice for both exterior facades and feature interiors. Every project is different—some clients want a subtle Mediterranean-style surface, while others prefer bold textures that make the wall a centrepiece.

I’ve worked on stucco projects in everything from Bondi beachside houses to commercial properties in the Inner West, each one tailored to the building’s character. Because stucco can be tinted, shaped, and finished in so many ways, no two jobs are ever identical. That’s what makes custom design such a versatile option.

Here are a few directions clients often take with custom stucco design:

• Smooth, polished finishes for a refined, modern look

• Rougher, traditional textures that mimic stone or adobe

• Decorative mouldings and trims formed directly in stucco

• Colour-integrated stucco for long-lasting, fade-resistant walls

• Special coatings to add waterproofing or extra durability

One of my clients in North Bondi shared after their project: “Hi. I had Art of plaster come around and render our block retaining wall / fence at the back of our property at North Bondi. Turned up on time / completed the job the same day. Done an excellent job and after they cleaned up you would not know any work had been done back there apart from the excellent finish to our fence. Highly recommended.” – Brent M, 5 Mar 2024

Custom stucco design combines strength with individuality. Whether it’s a bold exterior statement or a subtle interior detail, the end result is always tailored to your vision while providing the toughness stucco is known for. At Art of Plaster, we bring the skill, patience, and attention to detail needed to make each design look intentional and built to last.

Stucco trim and mouldings bring definition to walls and facades. In Sydney, they’re often used to frame windows, highlight entrances, or add architectural depth to otherwise plain surfaces. Unlike flat render, trim and mouldings stand proud, catching the light and giving a building the kind of detail that turns heads.

I remember a project where the challenge was to repair and replicate heritage-style mouldings that had been damaged over time. The detail was delicate, with curves and lines that had to match perfectly, and the client was worried it couldn’t be done. Once the work was finished, the mouldings looked seamless—new sections blending with the old so well that even close inspection couldn’t reveal where the repairs had been made.

A client once summed up this kind of craftsmanship perfectly: “High quality work, great craftsmanship. We had Jono on different jobs, he managed to deliver excellent results with architectural finishes in plaster, cornices, arches and plastered walls.” – Luis Castaldelli

That’s what stucco trim and mouldings should feel like—architectural details that don’t just decorate, but enhance the whole structure. Whether it’s creating bold frames around a modern Bondi renovation or restoring intricate heritage mouldings in the Inner West, the result is always about balance: strong enough to last, detailed enough to look intentional.

At Art of Plaster, we craft and install stucco trim and mouldings with care, ensuring every line and curve looks right for the building’s style. Done properly, they’re not just additions to a wall—they become part of the architecture itself.

Restoring stucco mouldings takes more than patching and paint. The details—whether curved, fluted, or sharply edged—need to be replicated with accuracy so that once repairs are complete, the mouldings look like they’ve always been there. In Sydney, I’ve worked on everything from terrace houses with crumbling exterior trims to heritage facades where water damage had eroded decades of detail. Each restoration is about bringing those lost lines back to life.

What sets Art of Plaster apart is the ability to handle every part of the restoration process in-house. We create custom moulds, match profiles with existing sections, and use time-tested techniques so the repaired areas blend seamlessly with the originals. This isn’t work you can rush—getting the proportions right and finishing with precision makes the difference between an obvious patch and a true restoration.

One client described the outcome of their project like this: “Art of Plaster restored our art deco ceilings and cornices and John did a wonderful job. High quality, meticulous workmanship and was also completed on time. Very happy customers.” – John Strother

That’s why Sydney homeowners continue to call us when their stucco mouldings need attention. The focus isn’t just on fixing what’s broken—it’s on restoring detail in a way that respects the building’s original design while ensuring it lasts well into the future.