Plasterboard Painting in Barnstaple
Barnstaple Decorators are North Devon’s plasterboard painters, covering new builds, extensions, and loft conversions across the area.
- Freshly plastered walls and ceilings: sealing coat and finish
- New build decoration from first fix to handover
- Extension and loft conversion painting
- Plasterboard repair and patch painting
- Full room decoration after renovation
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Call 01271 444479 for your free quote.
Why Choose Barnstaple Decorators
Sealing Coat Done Right
New plaster demands a diluted first coat, not straight emulsion. We mix sealing coats at the correct ratio for your plaster type and never start until the surface is fully dry.
Clear Pricing
Fixed price from the first quote. No unexpected additions.
Fully Insured
Full public liability cover on every job.
Highly Recommended
Most of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals.
Plasterboard Painting Services
New plaster needs different treatment to existing walls. The wrong paint applied too early ruins the finish and wastes the plaster job. We apply the correct sealing coat first, let it cure, then build up to a quality finish. See our interior painting in Barnstaple page for full decoration detail.
Freshly Plastered Walls
New plaster must dry fully before painting. Applying emulsion too early seals the surface and traps moisture. This causes the plaster to crack and the paint to peel. We check plaster colour before starting: dark grey or patchy plaster is still wet. Fully dry plaster is a uniform pale pink or cream. We do not start painting until the surface is ready.
Sealing Coat Application
A sealing coat is a heavily diluted emulsion applied as the first coat on new plaster. It soaks into the porous surface and seals it without trapping moisture. We mix sealing coats at the correct dilution ratio for the plaster type. Skimmed surfaces over plasterboard are different from solid sand-and-cement plaster and need a different approach. The sealing coat stage determines the quality of the finish coats above it.
First and Second Fix
New build and major renovation projects typically involve two decorating stages. First fix covers walls and ceilings before skirting and architraves are fitted. Second fix adds joinery painting and final touch-ups after carpentry and flooring are complete. We coordinate with builders and site managers on Roundswell and Whiddon Valley new build projects to ensure both decorating stages fit the build schedule.
New Build, Extension and Repair
We work on new builds in Roundswell, extensions in Braunton, and loft conversions across North Devon.
New Build and Extension
New builds and single-storey extensions produce large areas of fresh plasterboard in a single job. We work on extensions across Barnstaple and the surrounding villages: Braunton, Fremington, Landkey, and South Molton. We quote by room count or total square meterage on larger jobs. For ceiling-specific work, see our ceiling painting page.
Plaster Repair and Preparation
Patch repairs, filled holes, and skim repairs over damaged sections all need the sealing coat approach. Localised repairs absorb paint differently to surrounding surfaces. We seal all repair areas individually before applying finish coats. For rooms where patchwork has accumulated over time, we can carry out a full re-skim. See our wall painters page for full wall painting and repair services.
Call 01271 444479 to arrange a site visit and written quote.
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Here’s How It Works
1. Assessment
We check plaster dryness, note any repairs or patches, and confirm the job sequence with the client or builder before starting.
2. Sealing Coat
We apply a correctly diluted sealing coat to all new plaster surfaces. We allow full drying time before the next coat.
3. First Finish Coat
We apply the first finish coat of emulsion once the sealing coat is completely dry. We check for suction variation and address any patchy areas before continuing.
4. Second Finish Coat
A second full coat gives the depth of colour and even sheen required. Most Barnstaple clients choose a matt emulsion for ceilings and a washable matt or soft sheen for walls.
5. Joinery and Touch-Ups
On second fix jobs, we paint skirting, architraves, and door casings after walls and ceilings are complete. We protect finished surfaces during joinery painting.
Plasterboard Painting Costs in Barnstaple
Prices below are estimates only. Every job is different. Call 01271 444479 for a precise quote.
What Drives the Cost
A typical bedroom or living room in a Barnstaple new build or extension typically costs £250 to £500 to decorate, including sealing coat and two finish coats. Room size and ceiling height are the primary factors. Number of coats required can increase cost for dark colours or where three finish coats are needed. Adding joinery (skirting, architraves, door casings) to the scope adds time but is more efficient than returning for a separate visit.
Typical Ranges
Single bedroom (freshly plastered walls and ceiling, sealing coat and two finish coats): £200 to £350. Open-plan kitchen and living area (new build extension, Roundswell or Braunton): £400 to £700 depending on size. Full new build house (first and second fix, all rooms): most three-bedroom Barnstaple new builds fall between £1,800 and £3,000.
More Services
Call 01271 444479 to arrange a site visit and written quote. For full interior decorating across existing rooms, see our interior painting in Barnstaple page.
Visit Barnstaple Decorators for our full range of services.
Plasterboard Painting FAQs
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