Yes, plastering is one of the core services we provide at Xmun Projects, and we work on everything from brand-new construction to centuries-old farmhouses and townhouses across Gozo and Malta. Plastering might seem like one of the simpler finishing trades, but in reality it is one of the most skill-dependent. The difference between a well-plastered wall and a poorly done one becomes painfully obvious the moment paint goes on or a light is switched on at an angle. Bumps, ridges, trowel marks, and uneven surfaces that were invisible on bare plaster suddenly stand out under a coat of paint, and fixing them after the fact is far more expensive and disruptive than getting it right the first time.
Our plastering team has the experience and expertise to handle the full range of plastering work, from straightforward new-build applications to the more demanding challenges of older Maltese properties with their unique limestone walls and traditional construction methods.
The two most common plastering services we provide are skimming and rendering. Skimming is the application of a thin, smooth finish coat of plaster over an existing surface — typically a block wall, a concrete surface, or an existing plaster layer that is in reasonable condition but needs refreshing. The goal of skimming is to create a perfectly smooth, flat surface that is ready to receive paint, wallpaper, or another decorative finish. A good skim coat leaves no visible trowel marks, no bumps, and no undulations — just a clean, uniform surface.
Rendering is a thicker application, typically used on exterior walls or on interior walls that need a more substantial build-up of material. External rendering in Malta and Gozo serves both a protective and aesthetic function. It shields the underlying block or stonework from rain, wind, and salt spray, while also providing a clean, finished appearance. Render can be applied in various textures — from smooth to lightly textured — depending on the desired look. For exterior applications in the Maltese climate, the choice of render material and the method of application are critical. The render must be able to handle the intense summer sun, seasonal rain, and in coastal areas, the corrosive effects of salt-laden air.
Cracks in plaster are extremely common in Maltese properties, and they appear for a variety of reasons. Thermal expansion and contraction caused by Malta’s significant temperature swings between summer and winter can stress plaster over time. Settlement of the building structure, particularly in older properties, creates stress cracks that follow predictable patterns. Poor original workmanship, inadequate curing, or the use of unsuitable materials can also lead to cracking and delamination.
At Xmun Projects, we do not simply fill cracks and paint over them. Depending on the cause and severity of the cracking, we may need to cut out and re-plaster affected areas, apply reinforcing mesh to prevent recurrence, or in some cases strip the plaster back entirely and start fresh. For hairline cracks that are purely cosmetic, a skim coat over the affected area is often sufficient. For structural cracks that indicate ongoing movement, we investigate the cause before plastering, because covering a symptom without addressing its root cause is a waste of time and money.
Surface levelling is another common requirement, particularly in older properties where walls have become uneven over decades of settlement, previous repairs, and the natural irregularity of hand-built limestone construction. We use a combination of base coats and finish coats to build up uneven surfaces to a true, flat plane. For severely uneven walls, we may recommend a dot-and-dab system or an independent lining to achieve the desired result without applying excessively thick layers of plaster.
Malta and Gozo have a rich tradition of lime-based plastering that stretches back centuries. Many older properties — particularly farmhouses, palazzos, and townhouses in the historic village cores — were originally plastered with lime mortar, which has different properties and requirements than modern cement-based or gypsum-based plasters.
Lime plaster is breathable, meaning it allows moisture vapour to pass through the wall rather than trapping it. This is particularly important on old limestone walls, which were designed to breathe. Applying a modern, non-breathable cement render to an old limestone wall can trap moisture within the stone, leading to salt crystallisation, spalling, and accelerated deterioration of the very stone you are trying to protect. For this reason, when we plaster older properties built with traditional limestone, we carefully consider whether a lime-based system is more appropriate than a modern cement system.
That said, modern plastering materials have their place and offer significant advantages in many situations. Pre-mixed, factory-produced plasters provide consistent quality and predictable performance. Polymer-modified renders offer improved flexibility and crack resistance. Lightweight gypsum-based plasters are ideal for interior finishing on modern block or concrete substrates. Our team is proficient in both traditional and modern techniques and will recommend the approach that is best suited to your specific property and situation.
Plastering requirements differ significantly between interior and exterior applications, and we handle both. Interior plastering focuses primarily on achieving a smooth, uniform finish suitable for decoration. The plaster must bond well to the substrate, cure without cracking, and provide a surface that takes paint evenly. In bathrooms and kitchens, the plaster system must also be compatible with the intended finish — for example, if the walls will be tiled, the plaster needs to provide a solid, flat base with good adhesion for tile adhesive.
External plastering in Malta and Gozo must withstand far more demanding conditions. The render is the building’s first line of defence against the elements, and it must handle direct sun exposure that can push surface temperatures well above 50 degrees Celsius in summer, driving rain in winter, and in coastal locations, constant exposure to salt-laden air and wind. The render must also accommodate thermal movement without cracking, as the temperature differential between a sun-baked facade and a cool evening can be substantial.
We specify and apply external render systems that are designed for the Mediterranean climate, with appropriate flexibility, water resistance, and breathability for each situation. Where needed, we incorporate waterproofing additives or apply dedicated waterproofing coats beneath the final render layer.
Working with old Maltese limestone presents a set of challenges that require specific knowledge and experience. Globigerina limestone — the soft, honey-coloured stone that makes up the majority of older buildings in the islands — is porous and relatively soft. Over centuries, it can deteriorate through weathering, salt crystallisation, and biological growth. The surface may be friable (crumbly), uneven, and contaminated with old lime wash, paint, or previous plaster that has partially delaminated.
Before plastering an old limestone wall, proper preparation is essential. This may involve removing loose or failing existing plaster, brushing down the stone surface to remove dust and loose material, treating any biological growth, and in some cases applying a salt-inhibiting treatment to walls affected by rising damp or salt migration. The choice of plaster system must respect the stone’s need to breathe, as discussed above, and the application must account for the stone’s high porosity, which can draw moisture from the plaster too quickly and cause poor curing.
Our team has extensive experience working with old Maltese limestone across Gozo and has developed a thorough understanding of how to prepare, treat, and plaster these surfaces for lasting results.
The quality of any decorative finish is only as good as the surface beneath it. Paint will highlight every imperfection in a poorly plastered wall. Wallpaper will bubble or peel if applied over a dusty, damp, or uneven substrate. Even tiling requires a flat, sound surface to achieve clean lines and lasting adhesion.
At Xmun Projects, we approach plastering with the final finish in mind. If a wall is to be painted, we ensure the skim coat is smooth enough to require minimal sanding and that any minor imperfections are addressed before the painters arrive. If the wall will receive wallpaper, we ensure the plaster is fully cured, sealed, and free of any surface defects that could show through the paper. If tiles will be applied, we ensure the plaster is flat, true, and strong enough to support the weight and stress of a tiled finish.
This coordination between plastering and subsequent finishing trades is one of the advantages of working with Xmun Projects as a multi-trade company. Our plasterers know what our painters and tilers need, and they deliver surfaces that meet those requirements without the miscommunication that often occurs when separate contractors are involved.
For any plastering project — whether it is a full house re-plaster, a single room skim, external rendering, or restoration work on a historic limestone property — contact Xmun Projects on +356 7906 4535, email info@xmunprojects.com, or reach out via WhatsApp. We will assess your property, advise on the best approach, and deliver a finish that lasts.
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