It’s Only Plastering
I was asked, whilst enjoying a short break after three + hours or prepping, mixing, and applying approximately 100kgs of…
Strong Surfaces, Safer Homes
Specialising in Plastering Services, Rendering, Wall Insulation, Cork Coatings and Spray Solutions throughout West Yorkshire.
No Obligation Quote
About
MAK Surface Systems
Hi, I’m Mak, a proud Yorkshireman with over 20 years in the construction industry, and 10 of those focused solely on plastering. I started out in the military, which taught me discipline and a love for routine (though I don’t miss sleeping in holes). Civvy street led me to construction sites across the North, where I discovered a passion for plastering.
From patch repairs to full house re-skims, I’ve worked on all kinds of projects – including period homes with beams, cornices and quirky curves, media walls, fireplaces, bathrooms, kitchens, even the odd scout hut.
I take real pride in both the finish and the process – delivering work that’s clean, solid, and built to last.
In 2025, I became an accredited Spray Cork UK affiliate (an eco-friendly insulation system) and am currently training in the use of lime plaster.
I don’t do corporate waffle – just proper plastering, plenty of graft, and usually a cuppa on hand.
Services We Offer
What is Spray Cork?
Spray Cork is a modern innovation in surface coatings. It’s currently gaining popularity due to its unique properties and inherent benefits. This eco-friendly product is made from natural cork, making it an organic and sustainable choice for various applications.
SprayCork Key Benefits
On top of features such as weatherproofing, B rated fire resistance, acoustic absorption, adhesion to almost every surface, and a natural resistance to cracks, damp & condensation, algae & moss, SprayCork offers the following additional benefits:
- Sustainability: Spray Cork is derived from renewable resources, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Its production process emphasises sustainability, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers
- Superior Insulation: One of the standout features of Spray Cork is its exceptional insulation properties. It effectively regulates temperature, keeping spaces cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can lead to energy savings
- Easy Application: The application process for spray cork is straightforward, allowing for quick and efficient installation. This ease of use makes it a preferred option for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors
- Versatility: Spray Cork is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and even outdoor areas. Its adaptability makes it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial buildings
Spray Cork
Before and After
Is It Worth It?
With its combination of sustainability, superior insulation, ease of application and acoustic sound-deadening properties cork spray delivers a great deal of bang for your buck.
It covers several important bases for the canny home or business owner, doesn’t require painting and the mess is minimal compared to lime or traditional plastering methods.
If you are considering tackling issues such as damp, heat loss, noise reduction then spray cork is the perfect choice.
If you are ready to upgrade your insulation, add value to your property, enjoy a quieter space whilst also contributing to the environment, reach out via email or phone for more information.
Spray Cork Benefits
High Durability
Highly durable and flexible coating to prevent cracking.
Super Adhesive
When it’s on, it stays on covering a range of surfaces.
Thermal Performance
Strong thermal insulator and reduces thermal bridges.
Good Sound Insulation
Acoustic insulation goes hand in hand with thermal insulation. A ReveCork coating can absorb up to 38dB of noise, giving occupants of roadside properties a more peaceful life.
Patch Repairs
Patch repairs possible (avoids costly or time-consuming whole-wall re-rendering).
Fire Resistant
(Euro-class B safety rating), water resistant and breathable (this helps prevent mould and damp, gives people a healthier living and working space).
How Our Consultation Works
Plastering and cork spray applications are similar, and for those wanting an overview of the process involved, I’ve set out the key points below.
Protection
The areas around the works will need to be protected, so a combination of dust sheets and Roll And Stroll can be used. Roll And Stroll is a roll of plastic membrane that’s adhered to flooring; its edge to edge, rolled on, and left down for the duration of the works. Furniture items that cannot be removed are covered with dust sheets or plastic sheeting. Spray cork requires windows, doors and piping to be covered due to overspray. This is usually done using plastic sheeting and tape.
Prep
Plastering: if boarding is required, it will be done at this stage. Plasterboard sheets are attached to the walls/ceilings, and a special tape (scrim) is used to tape the joints. Regardless of whether boarding is used a coat of bonding liquid is applied to all surface/s prior to applying the plaster.
Cork spraying: the walls need to be solid, dry and clean prior to application. External surfaces may require treatments to remove things like algae, or a power wash to ensure a clean surface. If required scaffolding will be erected at this stage.
Application
Plastering: Plaster is mixed according to area, surface conditions, temperature and humidity on the day. This is an aspect of a plasterer’s expertise that’s unforeseen. Once mixed the plaster is applied by hand; the first coat is called ‘scratch coat’, essentially a measured though roughish application. Once it begins to ‘go off’, it needs several passes to create a smooth, blemish free surface; this involves the flattening/smoothing of the plaster which, like the application stage, requires a great deal of skill and patience.
Cork spray: Cork Spray is applied using an air compressor machine. As the name suggests spray cork is more viscose than plaster, therefore it requires a different method of application. Externally it’s an effective render, providing thermal insulation and protection against the elements. Internally it’s applied in two 2 to 3mm coats. As with external applications it provides internal walls with moisture resistance and thermal insulation.
Clean Up
For both, the clean up is the same. All protective coverings are removed, any scaffolding will be dismantled/removed by the scaffold company. A general tidy up (sweeping, removing excess debris etc) will complete the whole process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every project is unique, so quotes are tailored to your space. Prices depend on:
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Total area to be plastered
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Condition of existing surfaces
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Complexities (e.g., access issues, period features, tricky surfaces)
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Preparation required (skimming vs. boarding, bonding, beading, etc.)
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Time needed
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Cost of materials and labour
Plastering is a bespoke service — no two jobs are the same
Typically 3–5 days, depending on conditions.
Only once the plaster is completely dry.
Yes. Plastering is labour-intensive, dusty and messy. For best results (and to keep costs lower), please ensure rooms are cleared of:
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Furniture and décor
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Wall hangings and window dressings
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Any other obstacles
The easier the access, the smoother the job.
Yes. All plastering-related debris and mess are cleared away at the end of the job.
No. Plastering requires a clean surface. Any wallpaper must be fully removed before work begins.
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If walls are already stripped, your quote will be lower.
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If we need to strip or finish stripping wallpaper, this will add to labour costs.
One More Question?
Let us know, if you need some help and didn’t find an answer to your question.
MAK Surface Systems Blog
Contact
Need guidance and advice? We’re here to help!
Email us: matthew@maksurfacesystems.co.uk
Call us: 07852 582821
A: Unit 10b, Leys Ln, Emley, Huddersfield HD8 9QY
Let’s find the solution for you, the easy, stress-free way.