Plastering (Escayola) in Mallorca — Drywall and Escayola Since 2004

Yes, we are specialists in escayola plaster (calcium sulfate hemihydrate CaSO4 half H2O) and drywall since 2004. We work with E-30, E-35 and E-45 plasters under UNE-EN 13279. We execute continuous ceilings, mouldings, cornices, ceiling roses, arches and restoration in heritage buildings in Palma old town. Base price: €22/m² continuous plaster, €12 per linear metre for mouldings, restoration quoted per project. We combine drywall systems (lightweight frame) with plaster finish (traditional aesthetic) for hybrid renovations.

We install 5 types of escayola: continuous on smooth ceilings (€22/m², Q3 trowelled finish), decorative with mouldings and cornices (€12 per linear metre), mechanically sprayed over large areas (output 80-120 m²/day), restoration using silicone moulds to reproduce historic ornaments, and prefabricated E-30 panels for demountable ceilings. Materials from Placo Escayola, Iberyeso and Yesyforma, certified to UNE-EN 13279-1. All accept trowelling, burnishing or smooth Q3 finish.

Escayola plaster in Mallorca starts at €22/m² (smooth continuous ceiling) and €12 per linear metre (standard mouldings). Detailed rates: continuous plaster ceiling Q3 finish €22-28/m², sprayed plaster €18-24/m² (large areas), perimeter moulding €12-18 per linear metre by profile, decorative cornice €20-35 per linear metre, ceiling rose or centrepiece €90-350/unit by diameter, heritage restoration €150-400 per linear metre. We work in Palma, Calvià, Manacor, Inca and across Mallorca. Quote and technical visit free.

It depends on the project: drywall for functionality (€29/m²), escayola for traditional aesthetics (€22/m² continuous). BA13 drywall lets you integrate LED downlights, air conditioning and Rockwool acoustic wool; it is light (8-12 kg/m²), demountable and quick (1-2 days for 50 m²). Escayola gives a nobler, jointless finish but weighs 20-30 kg/m² and does not easily house services. In high-end villas we combine both: structural drywall plus continuous plaster finish or perimeter mouldings.

Quick rule: drywall if the ceiling carries services or insulation (from €29/m², installed in 1-2 days, takes mineral wool with +8-12 dB improvement per CTE DB-HR); escayola if you want a seamless continuous surface, mouldings or restoration (continuous ceiling €22-28/m² Q3 finish, mouldings €12-18 per linear metre). Two local factors matter in Mallorca: holiday-rental works windows between seasons (October-April) favour drywall, and listed buildings in Palma old town require escayola cast from moulds of the original pieces. On full renovations we usually combine both: a drywall structure topped with 3-5 mm of trowelled escayola. We compare both systems figure by figure in the "Drywall or escayola" guide on our blog.

Yes, we restore escayola ceilings in listed buildings in Palma old town: La Calatrava, Sant Pere, Puig de Sant Pere, La Lonja and Santa Catalina. Process: damage survey, cleaning, reproduction with RTV-2 silicone moulds of original ornaments, reintegration with compatible E-30 plaster, patinated or aged-colour finish. Typical interventions: mouldings €120-280 per linear metre, ceiling roses €250-600/unit. Reversibility is guaranteed (Venice Charter 1964) and some listed buildings require a project from the Heritage Department.

A 50 m² continuous escayola ceiling is installed in 2-3 working days with a two-installer team. Breakdown: day 1 framing and support, day 2 two-coat E-30 plaster application, day 3 trowelling and Q3 finish. Sprayed plaster on 80 m²: 1 single day. Decorative mouldings add 4-5 days. Drying before painting: 24-48 h at 20°C. Clean execution with floor protection and extraction to minimise dust in occupied homes.

Yes, but always after a sealer primer to seal the porous surface. Process: 1) 48-72 h drying after installation (surface moisture below 5%), 2) 220-grit fine sanding, 3) water-based sealer primer (Titan Acuaplast or similar, 0.15 l/m²), 4) matt acrylic paint Q3 finish (2 coats, 0.3 l/m²). We deliver a Q3 surface ready to prime and paint. Escayola accepts vivid colours and specialist paints (mineral, silicate) for heritage restoration.

Q3 is a surface-quality standard for escayola and drywall defined in DIN 18181, with a maximum tolerance of 1 mm under a 2 m straightedge. Levels: Q1 (basic filling, for tiling), Q2 (standard finish for matt textured paint), Q3 (fine finish for smooth paints and raking light) and Q4 (mirror finish for gloss paints or stucco). Our standard is Q3 with trowelling + wet burnishing + 220-grit sanding. For Q4 we apply additional fine skim (surcharge +€8/m²).

Escayola is high-purity plaster (over 92% calcium sulfate hemihydrate CaSO4 half H2O) fired at 150-160°C, versus common plaster (YG/YF) fired at 120-140°C with 60-80% purity. Escayola (E-30/E-35/E-45) sets in 15-30 min with greater whiteness (Y greater than or equal to 90), flexural strength 2-4 N/mm² and Shore C hardness greater than or equal to 70. It is used for exposed decorative finishes; YG/YF plaster is used for base coats and rendering. Escayola €22/m² vs traditional plaster €14-18/m².

All three derive from gypsum but differ. Traditional plaster is applied wet on the wall — the classic Mallorcan finish. Escayola is high-purity gypsum (90% CaSO4·2H2O) for seamless ceilings, mouldings and ornament. Drywall (pladur) is industrial board screwed to metal framing: dry installation, 3x faster with no drying times. We have installed all three in Mallorca since 2004: plaster and escayola from €22/m² and drywall systems from €29/m², choosing by substrate, deadline and desired finish.