Pre-war apartments are some of the most beautiful — and most demanding — interiors in New York. The plaster is thick and characterful, but it cracks, bows, and carries the scars of a hundred years of repairs. Painting one well is as much restoration as it is finishing.
We specialize in bringing these walls back. Proper crack repair, skim coating, and priming mean the finish coat lands smooth and stays smooth — not a quick cover-up that telegraphs every flaw a month later.
What pre-war restoration includes
- Assessment of plaster condition and movement
- Crack stabilization and repair that won't return
- Level skim coating for a smooth, flat surface
- Lath and plaster patching where needed
- Stain-blocking primer over old water marks
- Two finish coats in a premium low-VOC paint
Why pre-war walls crack — and how we fix it for good
Most cracks come from seasonal movement and old plaster keys failing against the lath behind them. Painting over them just resets the clock. We address the cause: re-securing or rebuilding the substrate, bridging cracks with the right materials, and feathering repairs so they disappear under the finish.
Level 5 skim coating for flawless walls
Where walls are wavy, patched, or stripped of old wallpaper, a skim coat creates a uniform, glass-smooth surface — the same standard used in high-end new construction.
- Removes the rippled, patched look of old plaster
- Ideal before deep or high-gloss colors that show every flaw
- Primed and sealed, ready for a perfect finish coat
Pre-war apartment painting NYC cost
Pre-war work is prep-driven, so cost tracks the condition of the plaster:
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Crack repair & spot skim (per room) | $400 – $1,200 |
| Full Level 5 skim coat (per room) | $900 – $2,500 |
| 1-bedroom restore + repaint | $5,000 – $11,000 |
| Plaster/lath repair (per area) | Quoted on inspection |
Because no two pre-war walls are alike, we always assess in person or from detailed photos before quoting. The estimate is free and fully itemized.
Frequently asked questions
Not when the substrate is repaired properly. We address why the crack formed — not just the surface — so repairs stay invisible through normal seasonal movement.
Yes. Stripping old wallpaper often leaves adhesive residue and gouged plaster; we clean, skim, and prime to a smooth surface before painting.
Both. Plaster and lath restoration is one of our specialties — it's what makes a pre-war repaint actually look right.
If your walls are wavy or patchy, or you're using a deep or glossy color, yes — skim coating is the difference between 'repainted' and 'like new.'