I’m hoping to get insights about realistic expectations and what to ask for in terms of plaster work in an old (c.1908ish) home. The main question is whether I can realistically expect to eliminate cracks and have smooth looking plaster walls without damaging the original trim and other woodwork.

We found a well reviewed plaster specialist who we hired to repair one wall— the job consisted of patching and plastering over a hole made for an electrical update and skim coating over 2 big cracks. When he finished, the wall generally looked nice and smooth, but I swore I could still see the vestiges of the cracks in certain lighting. At the time, my husband and the plaster guy convinced me that it was shadows, but a year later, I’m certain the cracks are still visible and my husband now agrees with me. We can also see the outline of where it was patched around the electrical work, and the plaster is a little wonky around the wood trim in some spots— eg bumpy along the seams.

We have a couple more areas where we’d like to have cracks repaired in the plaster walls and ceilings, including a room with original unpainted wood beams. I’m going to find a new guy, but is it unrealistic to expect for it to look as smooth as drywall and for them to be able to work around and protect the woodwork? Should the original guy have cut out and patched the cracked section rather than skim coat, and should I insist on this next time?

Thanks for any guidance!