Find a local plaster skimming specialist
Over 10,000 rated tradespeople
are ready to help you get your job done
Over 3 million happy homeowners
have found a quality tradesperson
Over 1 million ratings
with 88,000 5* ratings in the last 12 months
Join our group of happy customers
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Read real reviews from customers about their service experiences.
Miro gave me a fair price and had a slot so could do the work next day. He did an excellent job and was polite, clean and tidy. Had a short lunch break and was finished mid afternoon. Would recommend.
Richard
Brilliant, very nice man and did a very good job
Liam
GM Plasterers did a very good job for us. Quickly and up to a high standard.
Magda
Skimming plaster is a relatively straightforward job. It’s literally a few millimetres thick, but it can have a huge impact on your home. Finding an expert for your skimming is a must to get a smooth crisp finish. To refresh your walls and ceilings this year and create the ideal surface for decorating, find an expert plasterer today.
Browse Plaster Skimming specialists
Take a look at our Plaster Skimming specialists profiles, read reviews and request quotes directly.
Local plaster skimming specialists near me | Rated People
Skimming plaster is the secret weapon of any home renovation connoisseur, giving you a smooth, modern finish to work from. It instantly transforms a drab interior and can be used to cover up dated decorative surfaces and fusty old-fashioned patterns.
It may look easy enough, but skimming is a job for a seasoned plastering pro. The skim layer itself is wafer-thin –just 1–2 mm in depth. That means it must be applied precisely, and with painstaking care. And before you even reach for a trowel, you’ll need to ensure the surface you’re plastering is correctly prepared, while also mixing your skim plaster to perfection.
Once your tradesperson has finished skimming walls and ceilings in your home, it will be ready to decorate however you choose. But remember – painting on fresh plaster may need a dedicated base coat, or the new surface may start to flake and crumble.
What is the price of skimming?
Most plastering jobs are priced per square metre. While a full plastering job will cost around £15 per sqm, skimming alone is usually cheaper (as it’s quicker). Expect to pay between £3–£5 per sqm.
How to skim plaster
- Every experienced tradesperson knows that the essential first step in any job is gathering the right tools and materials. For skimming plaster, it means the correct type of plaster (more on that below). It also means a large bucket, an electric mixer (or a drill with a mixer attachment), a stainless-steel trowel, a plastering hawk, a float, a step ladder and a large paintbrush. Finally, you’ll need a supply of clean water nearby too.
- The next task is measuring the ceiling or wall to calculate how much plaster is needed. Depending on the type of plaster your professional is using (and the manufacturer), this could vary. Be sure to check the instructions on the plaster bag.
- Following those same instructions, your plasterer will slowly fill the required measure of water in a large bucket and gradually add the plaster, stirring the mixture as they go. When all the water and plaster has been added, they’ll start to mix using an electric mixer or drill. The consistency they’re looking for is similar to that of double cream.
- Your pro will moisten the surface of their hawk and apply some plaster to it. They can then take the necessary amount of plaster from the hawk onto the float and apply it to the wall or ceiling. When plastering, they’ll hold the float at a slight angle to the wall and work towards themselves, aiming for a thickness of around 1–2 mm.
- The entire wall or ceiling needs to be covered in one hit, including all edges and extremities. The plaster lasts around 30 minutes before it goes off. At this stage, the plasterer will just be looking to make sure there are no large lumps.
- After around 10–15 minutes, they can do a touch test. If the plaster marks but doesn’t leave a fingerprint, it’s ready to be smoothed over with a clean float. This is when any lines or bumps can be removed.
- It’s then time to apply a second coat of plaster, following the same process that we’ve outlined above. As soon as the second coat is dry, it can be “closed in” – smoothing it over with a metal float. This process should be repeated another three or four times, leaving an interval of around 10–15 minutes between each pass.
- Finally, your plasterer will use a dry paint brush to sweep away any plaster from the edge of your wall or ceiling. The plaster will then need to be left to dry out fully for a few days before decorating.
What type of plaster to use for skimming
Pop down to your local DIY store or builders’ merchant and you’ll probably find a deluge of plaster products. The type of plaster you’ll need will depend on the surface you’re skimming over.
Here’s a brief guide to the types of plaster you can use for skimming:
- Multi-finish plaster. A versatile plaster that can be used to skim over undercoats, existing decorative surfaces and plasterboard.
- Board-finish plaster. Ideal for use on plasterboard, as well as other low grip surfaces.
- Durable or tough-finish plaster. This versatile product is tougher than standard plaster and engineered to withstand knocks or bumps.
- Finishing plaster. Designed to finish undercoat plasters and plasterboard, this product delivers a supremely smooth surface.
- PVA-less plaster. A plaster that will grip without having to prepare surfaces using PVA first.
The qualifications your tradesperson needs
Your plasterer won’t necessarily need any trade body accreditations or formal certifications. But you should expect them to hold some evidence of training – either a City & Guilds, NVQ or diploma qualification. This shows they’ll be versed in best practices and have the necessary knowledge to deliver a top-notch service.
Insurance your tradesperson needs
Check your tradesperson has public liability insurance. Chances are everything will be fine. But just in case anything goes awry when your skim plastering is taking place (think stained carpets or damage to your possessions), public liability insurance will cover you and your tradesperson.
Questions you should ask your tradesperson
- What type of plaster would they recommend using (and why)?
- Can they skim over the particular type of surface you want to plaster?
- Does their quote include labour and materials?
- How would they recommend preparing the new plaster for decoration?
EJ Service has 15 years of experience in painting, decorating and paint spraying. Our customers are always very satisfied with the results. We make sure our job is done to perfection!
null
Over 30 years experience in all joinery, paintings and building.
Professional in his approach. Worked well. Very pleased with the work he did. I would recommend him to others.
Very fast service. Well within my budget.
KENDY PLUMBING AND HEATING LTD HERE TO SERVE. PLEASE DONT HESITATE THANKS DALE F.
Prompt response, friendly and did a good job. Would use again.
WBuild is a family run business with over 10 years experience within the construction industry! We pride ourselves on providing clients with high standards and overall great experience. Our main focus plastering/rendering all internal plastering and various external rendering systems and we offer both External wall insulation and internal wall insulation. We do offer additional tiling,carpentry,block paving. If you have any questions we’re happy to help.
Superb can't be faulted. job done on time and to budget even with complications tidy and their attention to detail was brilliant. highly recommended will be getting them back for rendering job
Hortn LTD
Plaster Skimming
Welcome to Hortn We are building contractors that have been serving the community for over 20 years. Our team of experienced professionals specialise in various building services such as custom home builds, renovations, groundwork and commercial construction. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is what sets us apart from the competition. Our Services We offer a wide range of services including custom home builds, renovations, and commercial construction. We are committed to delivering high-quality workmanship and outstanding customer service on every project. WHAT WE OFFER Extensions Loft Conversions Home Improvements Garage Conversions Building Alterations Renovations Windows General Joinery Plastering Painting and Decorating Drainage CCTV Drain Surveys Groundwork Fencing Driveways Patio Porches Fascia Installation Soffit Installation Gutter Installation Electrical Plumbing Heating Flooring Tiling Fitted Kitchens Fitted Bathrooms Fitted Bedrooms Home Studies Site Clearances
Newman plastering. I am a one man band company, with just myself on the tools This means I have no overheads, so I am able to keep the cost down for my clients, but if needs be I can lay my hands on quality plasterers who share the same skill and passion for the job as me. range of services cover: * skimming plastering * Damproofing * External rendering * Dry lining * Internal rendering * Monocouche scratched renders(k rend) Why choose me? * friendly & reliable service * Many years of experience * Pay attention to health & safety * clean & tidy I have more than 10 years experience in all aspects of the plastering trade, and started learning the art of plastering with my uncle . By the time I was ready to leave school I was already becoming handy with the trowel and had some experience behind me, so I went on to do my apprenticeship and work with various other plasterers gaining more experience and learning my trade on housing sites and various big commercial jobs, as well as doing the odd domestic and private jobs. What makes me different from most companies? Well, I actually enjoy what I do and love plastering, so you can be sure to get a top job. So now you know a bit about me, feel free to use me for your plastering needs.
Neat, tidy and excellent finish in a small rm
www.cgtbuild.com We are c g t building services We are a highly skilled, family run business with over 30 years experience in the building and landscaping sector. We pride ourselves in giving 100% customer satisfaction and can guarantee competitive prices against leading organisations, and have a solid team of dedicated and experienced tradesmen, producing quality, skilled craftsmanship, and delivering projects both on time and to budget. Our combined skills mean we can offer a full range of building services from fencing and decking, to extensions and refurbs. as well as having a fully licenced fleet of waste removal vans, offering a fast, and reliable waste clearance service at very competetive prices. so whether youre looking to extend, restore, or refurb, or are in need of a new kitchen fitted, or youre looking to clear out your garage or landscape your garden. Theres only the one team you need. The C G Team
With a rich heritage from Bulgaria, I, Asen Ognyanov, have proudly cultivated a career spanning 25 years as a plasterer, painter and decorator. Alongside my skilled colleague, we embark on each project with unwavering commitment to excellence, turning your vision into vibrant reality. Fluency in three languages – Turkish, Bulgarian, and English – enables us to foster seamless communication and a deep understanding of your aspirations. Operating under the banner of BUILD YOUR HOME LTD, our dedication shines through in our pristine track record of 100% customer satisfaction. Our brushstrokes bring life to your spaces, while our attention to detail and proficiency ensure that your project rests in capable hands. With Asen Ognyanov and team, you gain not only experienced professionals but also a peace of mind as we transform your spaces into living dreams. Let's paint your world with perfection. Contact us today for a transformative experience. Best regards, Asen Ognyanov and Team
Alex and Asen did a fantastic job of painting , decorating and making good of the walls and woodwork . They were friendly , punctual and hardworking and very respectful. They listened and kept within my budget . Would highly recommend them!
Hey I'm offering a wide range of services to help you improve your home. As a multi skilled handyman I can help you to complete your projects with careful and neat finish. I believe that any job needs to be done solid and correctly. Services I can provide: Painting and decorating Spray painting Tiling Flooring lvt, laminate, engineer wood floors. Kitchen and bathroom fitting Small plumbing and electrical works. Carpentry works as buildin warderobes and storages.
Kamil did a great job for me. He has got very good attention to detail and made sure everything looked smart with sharp lines (as requested by me!) Fear not, go ahead and book him in!
Providing high quality internal plastering and also mordern render systems with excellent communication and customer service. We specialise in systems such as: • Monocouche - k Rend • Thin coat systems • Machine rendering for larger projects Also including all aspect of bricklaying We are recommended and approved applicators for K REND
Turned up on time, did an excellent job, was a very tidy worker at very reasonable price. Don't let his young age put you off, he'll be my first call next time I need a plaster. Good job well done lads.
Page Developments undertake all aspects of building work, renovations and property maintenance across Cheshire.
Jack contacted me promptly this morning but I had already arranged for someone to view the job. Thanks for prompt contact anyway.
Plastering Rendering Silicone rendering Gardening General DIY
Reliable and communicative. Great job! The wall looks great!
N & K Flooring and Decorating offer a first class 5 star service laying hard floors . From initial contact through to completion of your project you will be happy you chose us to update your home.
Really good communication, skilled workmanship, really loving the new floor, feels so much better, Thank you.
Hi, I do high quality Carpantery work. -Fitting doors -kitchen fitting -wooden floor installation as well as sanding and varnashing -Fitting sash windows
Qamil He constructed our loft conversion, which we more than happy with. He paid attention to detail and followed the drawings by the architect precisely.He was always willing to discuss any issues and communicate his next plans for the ongoing work. As he was hardworking and punctual the work was done to programme. Would highly recommend him and all the sub-contractors that he has used. Tracey and Andy Sparks
Stuart has been in the Building industry for 25 years and cover a broad spectrum of building works services ranging from :- plastering *decorating *bespoke bathrooms,laminate flooring and kitchens and plumbing.Fully insured (certificate on request)
Stuart is a great communicator and gave some good advice. He did a great job and completed the work on time. I will definitely use him again.
C & N Constructions is a well-established company offering construction and landscaping services for both residential and commercial clients. Our faith: We believe in open and honest communication and shared goals which will generate greater continuity in workload and thereby provide sustained improvements in quality, efficiency & delivery. Our mission: To safely deliver any project, any time, in any environment for the benefit of our customers, shareholders, employees and the communities we serve. Company vision: C&N Constructions is committed to building long-term relationships based on integrity, performance, value, and client satisfaction. We will continue to meet the changing needs of our clients with our quality services delivered by the most qualified people. Get in touch and we can start asap! We offer free and no obligation project estimate.
The job was to cut back a severely overgrown patch of garden. Chris & his team, Adrian & Cosmin, gave me a competitive quote, after coming to visit the site to assess what needed to be done. They started next day and completed the job quickly and to my complete satisfaction. The site was cleaned up & all waste taken away. I will definitely use them again and strongly recommend them.
PB Design Builds
Plaster Skimming
We are a builders who carry out loft conversion and extensions along with all types of building work, we take no deposit, we send you to our last job we have completed, so you speak to customer. We are currently building a house from start to finish in Heysham which you can view, we have on board a part P electrical along with a gas safe heating engineer, we have a roofer who carry’s out all our roofing needs. All our lads are qualified and hold all certificates etc. We always send new customers to view our last jobs and lease with customer asking any questions regarding builds. Our insurance covers all aspects of all types of building works. We set out a payment plan, so payments are in stages, the last payment is when all work is completed and passed by building control.
Aquafix Property Maintenance specialise in property extensions, bathroom and kitchen refurbishments
Derek is a professional and he came around at short notice to fix my boiler. He gave clear advice and also what he was doing. The repair required multiple visits but he managed to keep me up to date on what he was doing and also the costs were reasonable. I highly recommend him.
Small team of hardworking individuals dedicated to bringing the best to our clients.
Amazing service - attentive and always communicative in terms of doing the right thing. Great job!
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles