Third Generation Craftsmen
Decorative Solutions&Plaster Restoration
Three generations of craftsmanship. Venetian plaster, stucco restoration, precision painting, and decorative finishes. Serving Oahu, Hawaii and the greater Chicago, Illinois area.
Keeping a Dying Art Alive
One wall at a time.
Keeping a Dying Art Alive
One wall at a time.
Every service is backed by decades of hands-on experience and a commitment to quality that only a family business can provide.
Interior & Exterior Painting
Expert painting using only Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Duration products. On-site color match technology, full prep and prime, always two coats. Sherwin-Williams exclusive.
Learn More
Patching, Restoration & Water Damage
Expert repair of damaged walls, ceilings, and surfaces - including water damage remediation and full restoration to original condition.
Venetian Plaster
Our signature specialty. Authentic Venetian plaster applied by hand - a timeless, lustrous finish that no paint can replicate.
Stucco & EIFS Repairs
Exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) repairs and traditional stucco restoration - matching existing textures and finishes seamlessly.
Wallpaper & Wall Coverings
Expert installation of wallpaper, fabric wall coverings, and specialty textured finishes. Perfect seams, every time.
Window Film Treatment
Reduce heat, UV damage, and energy costs with professional window film installation for homes and offices.
Reflective & Glare Reduction Film
Specialized films that cut harsh glare without sacrificing natural light - ideal for offices, sunrooms, and south-facing rooms.
Window Frosting
Decorative and privacy frosted film applied to glass surfaces. Elegant, functional, and fully customizable patterns.
Small Handyman Projects
From minor repairs to finish carpentry touch-ups, we handle the small jobs that make a big difference in your home or business.
Keeping a Dying Art Alive
One Wall at a Time.
“The world almost forgot. We never did.”
The world chose drywall. We chose craft.
Why Plaster Beats Drywall
Every Single Time
Most contractors reach for drywall because it's cheap and fast. We use traditional plaster and lime because it's stronger, healthier, and built to last generations - just like our family business.
Naturally Antimicrobial
Lime plaster has a high pH that kills mold, bacteria, and fungi on contact. Drywall traps moisture and breeds mold behind the surface.
Fire Resistant
Traditional plaster is non-combustible and provides superior fire resistance compared to paper-faced drywall - critical for older homes.
Superior Soundproofing
Plaster walls are 3× denser than drywall, dramatically reducing sound transmission between rooms and floors.
Breathes & Manages Moisture
Lime plaster is vapor-permeable - it absorbs and releases moisture naturally, preventing the trapped humidity that warps and rots drywall.
Structurally Superior
Plaster bonds directly to the substrate, creating a rigid monolithic surface that resists dents, cracks, and impact far better than hollow drywall.
Zero VOCs - Healthier Air
Natural lime plaster contains no volatile organic compounds. Drywall joint compounds and primers off-gas chemicals for months after installation.
Want the full science behind it?
Read our deep-dive on traditional plaster techniques, lime chemistry, and the restoration process.
Through Three Generations - Not a Contractor. A Craftsman.
In 1948, Chuck Brainerd Sr. founded Brainerd Plastering in Dixon, Illinois - at a time when plaster was the backbone of every home. "He did all of the houses around here," as the family remembers. "Everything was plastered back then."
The business passed to Charles Brainerd Jr., who carried the name and the standard forward, expanding into decorative finishes and specialty coatings. In 2015, it was handed down once more - to the third generation, continuing as 3rd Generation Plastering & Consulting, operating as a subsidiary of Brainerd Plastering Inc. since 2007.
Today, it's just me and a trusted laborer - which means every job gets personal attention from start to finish, the same way my grandfather intended.
“The world almost forgot. We never did. When the world chose drywall, we chose craft - and we're still choosing it, every single day.”
Simple, Transparent Rates
Basic handyman rates apply to small call-out jobs only. Specialty services (Venetian plaster, painting, stucco, EIFS, water damage, wall coverings, window film) are not subject to these rates and are quoted by final proposal price. Free estimates available - call 815-677-7201.
“The Venetian plaster in our dining room is absolutely stunning. You can tell this is a family that has been perfecting this craft for generations. Worth every penny.”
“We've used them for three of our commercial properties now. The window film work is flawless and the team is always professional, on time, and tidy.”
“I refer them to all my clients for decorative finishes. The craftsmanship is exceptional and they understand design intent - rare in this trade.”
Now Booking Spring 2026
Limited project slots available in Oahu, HI and Chicago, IL. Third-generation family business. 75+ years of craftsmanship.
Your Space?
Fill out the form with photos and a description of your project - the more detail you provide, the better prepared I'll be when I arrive for your estimate. Or simply call or email directly.
Prefer to Talk Directly?
Call or email anytime. Serving Oahu, Hawaii and the greater Chicago, Illinois area.