When a homeowner in West Seneca recently replaced all the plumbing in their home, they faced the inevitable aftermath: damaged walls and ceilings. But unlike many contractors who offer quick fixes with drywall or patch compound, this homeowner wanted something authentic and lasting, real plaster repair.
That’s where we came in.
Unlike most painters in Western New York who advertise plaster repair but actually only offer drywall patching, Carrigan Painting is one of only four companies in the entire region that specialize in authentic plaster repair. Even more uniquely, we are the only company combining traditional plaster repair with professional painting services under one roof.
What Makes Real Plaster Repair Different?
Plaster and drywall are completely different materials. Plaster is a historic, durable material that requires specific skills and tools to repair correctly. Drywall patching, while faster and cheaper, often results in a less seamless finish and can lead to ongoing cracking and mismatches in texture. Because drywall compound shrinks, you have to apply more material to account for that shrinkage, often resulting in a bump. Plaster, shrinks about 1%, where as drywall shrinks up to 15%. With plaster repair, we are only applying enough material to seamlessly fill in the missing material.
Plaster is often installed as a 2 part wall system. A brown coat, and then the finish coat. Some companies cheat by using plaster basecoat, but then finishing the patch with drywall mud. We finish our plaster patches with plaster finish.
We are uniquely skilled at restoring damaged plaster to its original integrity, matching textures and finishes perfectly. This craftsmanship preserves the character and value of the home while providing a solid, lasting repair.
Why West Seneca Homeowners Choose Us
When the homeowner in West Seneca called around, many competitors offered drywall solutions disguised as plaster repair. We were the only team that could provide the real deal.
By trusting Carrigan Painting, the homeowner avoided the pitfalls of improper repairs, saving time and money in the long run — and ensuring the home looks great once the plaster repairs are painted.
Combining Expertise: Plaster Repair and Painting in One Company
Our unique combination of plaster restoration and professional painting means we handle the entire process seamlessly from start to finish. No need to coordinate multiple contractors or worry about inconsistent finishes. Also, because plaster is different than drywall, it also requires different primer prior to painting. Shellac and latex primers are insufficient.
This integrated approach has made us a trusted choice for discerning homeowners across Western New York who value quality and authenticity.
If you’re facing plaster damage after renovations or everyday wear and tear, don’t settle for less. Contact Carrigan Painting to experience true plaster repair done right.
Below is the first day. What you see here is the scratch coat of plaster. Tomorrow we will finish these patches with lime and plaster of paris. Two products, you can’t buy at a big box store.
7/25 update:
We finished off the patches with plaster today. As it dries, the patched areas will turn white. We will be back in a week or so to prime the new plaster so the homeowner can decorate as they please.
Update: 8/7/25:
We primed the patches with oil primer, and then applied (2) coats of paint to the ceiling. While painting of the ceiling wasn’t originally included in the Contract, I wanted to ensure uniform look of the ceiling, so we went ahead and painted it at no cost to the homeowner.
What Our West Seneca Plaster Repair Client Had to Say
From Google.
August 12, 2025.
Our home was built in 1949 and has authentic plaster ceilings and walls, which has served us well. Plaster is more durable and sound proofing, as well as a more fire resistant product than drywall. When we needed to replace the water pipes for the second floor bathroom, the ceiling and wall on the first floor needed to be opened. After upgrading the plumbing, I wanted a contractor that was going to close up the openings with plaster and NOT drywall.
After calling several “plaster repair contractors” and SPECIFICALLY telling them that I wanted original type plaster, and not drywall, many came out and gave me an estimate for drywall and joint compound!
Dave Carrigan, on the other hand, understood exactly what I wanted: to restore the walls and ceiling to the original type of plaster. The only caveat was that he had a four to six week waiting list (to me that demand was for good reason, a sign of the quality of his work). Dave’s estimate was a written one with everything spelled out, unlike some other contractors’, which were verbal and with a cost “range.”
Dave and Stacy put down tarps and hung plastic to protect the rest of the house from dust. They took their time and paid attention to the details. Unlike many contractors, they did not come in and slap it up and take off. They worked the walls and ceiling to perfection and made sure that the job met their high standards, even exceeding the contract specifications. Dave’s estimate was not the least expensive, but the quality of his work was worth every cent. By Stan and Mary Jo
As the author of The Painter’s Plastering Blog, Dave shares expert insights on home improvement, ceiling restoration, and industry trends. He also personally manages Carrigan Painting’s website and YouTube channel, providing homeowners with valuable resources and a firsthand look at the company’s craftsmanship.
With over 25 years of experience in residential construction, Dave specializes in ceiling repairs and high-end interior painting, often exceeding contractual obligations to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship. His ability to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction in such a demanding field is a testament to his expertise, integrity, and dedication to quality.
For 15 consecutive years, Carrigan Painting has maintained a perfect 5-star reputation—an achievement nearly unmatched in the industry.
Almost all of the work we have completed since early 2024 has been posted on this blog.
We do not believe in using AI to create content when we create amazing content every day.
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🔹 Interior Painting | 🔹 Ceiling Repairs | 🔹 Plaster Repair | 🔹 Drywall Repair
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