After 15 years of installing and restoring fibrous plasterwork across the UK, I've seen the same mistakes come up again and again. Here's what I wish every homeowner and designer knew before starting a project:

1. Not all plaster mouldings are the same.

There's a massive difference between fibrous plaster (run on a bench, reinforced with hessian and timber) and GRG or polyurethane replicas. If you're restoring a period property, the wrong material will look off — and it won't last.

2. Matching existing profiles takes skill, not just measurement.

You can't just measure a cornice and order a replacement. Original Victorian and Georgian mouldings were hand-run with custom templates. A proper match needs someone who understands the tooling.

3. Ceilings move.

Old buildings are alive. Lath and plaster ceilings shift with temperature and moisture. If your plasterer doesn't account for this, cracks appear within months.

4. Paint prep matters as much as the moulding itself.

A beautifully installed ceiling rose will look terrible if the joints aren't properly made good. The finishing is half the job.

5. You don't need to rip it all out.

Most damaged mouldings can be repaired and restored rather than replaced. It's often cheaper, faster, and keeps the building's character intact.

Got a plasterwork question? I offer free guidance in my Homeowner's Guide, or you can book a 45-minute expert consultation if you've got a specific project in mind.