Plastering Courses London
Whether you want to learn basic skimming for DIY home projects or pursue a professional plastering qualification, London offers a wide range of plastering courses. This guide covers course types, costs, durations, and how to choose the right training for your goals.
How much do plastering courses cost in London?
Plastering courses in London cost £100–£150 for a 1-day DIY taster, £400–£700 for a 5-day intensive course, £500–£1,000 for specialist lime or Venetian courses, and £800–£1,500 for a 2-week NVQ Level 2 qualification. Prices typically include materials, tools and certification. Skilled London plasterers earn £200–£300 per day.
- 1-day DIY taster £100–£150
- 5-day intensive £400–£700
- Specialist courses £500–£1,000
- NVQ Level 2 £800–£1,500
- Materials & tools included
- Pro plasterers earn £200–£300/day
Types of Plastering Courses in London
DIY / Taster Courses
1–2 day courses for homeowners who want to learn basic skimming for home projects. No experience needed.
- • Duration: 1–2 days
- • Cost: £100–£250
- • Level: Complete beginner
- • Outcome: Basic DIY skills
5-Day Intensive Courses
Comprehensive week-long courses covering skimming, boarding, and patch repairs. Hands-on practice.
- • Duration: 5 days
- • Cost: £400–£700
- • Level: Beginner to intermediate
- • Outcome: Confidence for larger DIY
NVQ Level 2 Courses
Recognised professional qualification. Required for CSCS card and site work. Assessment-based.
- • Duration: 2–6 weeks + portfolio
- • Cost: £800–£1,500
- • Level: Professional entry
- • Outcome: NVQ qualification
Specialist Courses
Advanced training in lime plastering, rendering, Venetian polished plaster, and decorative work.
- • Duration: 3–10 days
- • Cost: £500–£1,000
- • Level: Experienced plasterers
- • Outcome: Specialist skills
Choosing the Right Course
The right plastering course depends on your goals, experience level, and budget. Here's how to choose:
For DIY home projects: A 1–2 day taster course is perfect. You'll learn the basics of skimming — how to mix plaster, apply it to a wall, and achieve a smooth finish. This is enough to tackle small repairs, skim a single wall, or cover artex. Expect to pay £100–£250. Look for courses that provide all materials and tools, and that give you maximum hands-on practice time.
For serious DIYers: A 5-day intensive course takes you from beginner to confident intermediate. You'll cover skimming, plasterboarding, patch repairs, and possibly ceiling work. By the end, you should be able to tackle a full room re-skim. Courses cost £400–£700 and are the best value for homeowners planning significant renovation work.
For aspiring professionals: An NVQ Level 2 in Plastering is the standard professional qualification. It's assessed through practical work and a portfolio — you'll need to be working (or volunteering) on real plastering jobs to complete it. The course component takes 2–6 weeks, but the full qualification requires a portfolio built over months. Total cost: £800–£1,500.
For existing plasterers: Specialist courses in lime plastering, rendering, or Venetian polished plaster allow you to expand your services and charge higher rates. These are typically 3–10 day courses for experienced plasterers and cost £500–£1,000. They're an investment that pays for itself quickly — specialist plasterers earn 50–100% more per day than general plasterers.
What to look for in a course: Check that the training centre is CITB-registered or accredited by a recognised body. Ensure class sizes are small (6–8 students maximum) for adequate individual attention. Verify that all materials and tools are included. Look for courses with positive reviews from past students. Avoid courses that promise unrealistic outcomes — no 5-day course makes you a professional plasterer.
Plastering as a Career in London
Plastering is one of the most rewarding trades in London's construction industry. The city's constant demand for renovation, new builds, and property maintenance means skilled plasterers are always in demand — and well paid.
Earning potential: A qualified plasterer in London can earn £40,000–£60,000 per year employed, or £50,000–£80,000+ self-employed. Day rates range from £180–£300 for standard work, and specialist plasterers (lime, Venetian) can charge £350–£500 per day. Experienced plasterers with a strong reputation and referrals can be booked months in advance.
Job security: London's construction and renovation market is one of the most active in the UK. New builds, extensions, loft conversions, and period property renovations all require plastering. Unlike many trades, plastering can't be automated or offshored — it requires skilled, physical, on-site work. This means job security is high for qualified plasterers.
Career progression: Many plasterers start as employees, gain experience and qualifications, then go self-employed. Some specialise in high-value niches like lime plastering or Venetian polished plaster. Others move into contracting, managing teams of plasterers for large projects. The skills are transferable across the UK and internationally, giving you flexibility.
Getting started: The traditional route is an apprenticeship — working with an experienced plasterer while completing an NVQ. Apprenticeships pay £150–£250 per week while you learn. Alternatively, take an intensive course, then work as a labourer for an established plasterer to build experience before going solo. Most plasterers recommend at least 6–12 months of on-the-job experience before working independently.
Plastering Courses FAQs
Questions About Plastering Training?
Whether you're considering a career change or want to learn DIY skills, we're happy to advise. Contact us for guidance on the right course for you.
Get a Free Quote
Fastest quote = WhatsApp photos. Form is optional.
Lightning Fast Response
We reply to all enquiries within 60 minutes
Free Site Visit
We'll assess your project at no cost
No Obligation
Receive your quote with zero pressure
Prefer WhatsApp?
Send Message on WhatsApp