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?
Hi I'm Steve, I'm a paint & decorator & small handy man, I've been in the trade for over 30 years, take a look at my photos as well as my ratings if you like what you see give us a call.
Stephen replied to my post and came the next day which was Saturday afternoon to paint my stairwell. He did a brilliant job was clean tidy and quick. Very friendly and I would highly recommend.
NICEIC approved and fully insured electrical contractors covering all of London. Welcome to the world of Bennet Baldwin Ltd. We are the premium choice in emergency electrical work, offering our expertise and service to keep your home and business safe. Our team of professional and reliable contractors are available 24/7 to attend to all kinds of emergency electrical repairs and issues. Whether it’s fixing a faulty circuit or replacing your old fuse board, you can count on us to deliver the highest quality work at competitive prices. With the best materials, a comprehensive guarantee and full customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that you will get the perfect solution for your electrical needs. We understand that emergencies can occur anytime and we take pride in offering a fast and efficient response to ensure your safety and comfort. Our experienced electricians know exactly what needs to be done and are always prepared for any challenge. With the latest technology and top of the line safety equipment, no job is too big or small for us. At Bennet Baldwin Ltd, we strive to provide excellent customer service and value for money. With a free quote and free consultation service, you can be sure that you will get the best solution for your electrical requirements. Make the right choice with Bennet Baldwin Ltd . Put your mind at ease and get in touch with us today!
Quotes shared timely, good communication and excellent work done in under a week. Will certainly use their services again if needed. Recommended.
Welcome to our distinguished construction and roofing company in North West London. With over 20 years of experience, our skilled team delivers excellence in: - Building, - Roofing - Plastering, - Plumbing, - Carpentry - Painting - Plumbing - Electrician Discipline drives us to maintain high standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and precision in every project, no matter the size.
We needed some remedial decorating following water damage to hallway and some rooms. Amin and his colleague from Bizzlab did a very good job. They were efficient and neat and communicated well. I'd certainly invite them to do future decorating here.
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M12.5%2020.392a1%201%200%2001-.54.888l-5.274%202.73a1%201%200%2001-1.435-1.109l1.494-6.588a1%201%200%2000-.306-.964l-4.723-4.254c-.65-.586-.287-1.666.585-1.74l6.105-.514a1%201%200%2000.846-.629L12.5%200v20.392z'%20fill='%23F7DB34'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
Job Done has over 15 years experience providing a full range of services. We’re a one stop shop for garden renovations from design to completion. We employ a close team of specialists in their chosen fields,to cater to your specific needs.
Hardly worth commenting as no one contacted me.
FINISHERS. You're complete building & decorating solutions. Established 1995 , finishers is a family ran business in the centre of Cambridge we guarantee any work undertaken will be completed to the highest standards. For a free quote contact FINISHERS
my potting shed was reglazed and the rotten wood replaced arrived on time to give an estimate Work completed to a high standard prompt reliable Michael was open honest and the work done was value for money
BUILD SAFE LTD
Plaster Skimming
Hello, We are BUILD SAFE HOMES LTD Building contractor with 20 years of experience -Extensions -Loft Conversions -Kitchen fitting -Bathroom fitting -Plumbing -Electrical -Tiling -Carpentry -Decoration -Decking -Driveways -Garden offices -Scaffolding -Roofing All works are insured and covered by 12 months warranty. Please shortlist our company and we will be delighted to assist you with your building project! Regards BUILD SAFE LTD
Hi I'm shaun the director of s.s property services , I have 25 years of experience in the domestic building sector and can offer any services that you require to a professional level guaranteed, I look forward to meeting and completing your job soon .
Good communication before the job and leading up to the job to confirm a date. Carried out the work to a high standard. Even stayed an extra day to complete work that wasn’t originally planned for! Thoroughly recommend Shaun and his services.
YD Decorating Services Ltd is a family run business that offers a quality and professional interior exterior decorating and plastering services with over 15 years experience within domestic and commercial fields all our work is fully insured and carried out to exceptionally high standards to meet your full satisfaction.
Excellent job. Perfect. The job was completed as requested with no hassle - he even vacuumed at the end of each day. I've already asked him to do more jobs for me!
full bathroom, kitchen, plaster, painted, I work professionally and cleanly, I've been doing this for more than 15 years, thank you
Silviu was efficient and the job was high quality!
I am a self employed plasterer, Who is very motivated and takes pride in every single job no matter how big or small it is. I am totally reliable and professional in every single job I do. All my work comes with a 5 year guarantee, I have been plastering for 13 years and have built up a lot of regular clientele but I am always wanting to add new customers to that list
Calum came to board and re plaster a damaged bathroom ceiling. He did a great job for a very reasonable price, I am delighted with results, and no mess left at all. Would definitely recommend
General builders
Daniel ltd Team is built on traditional values, which is shared by all of my employees. You will receive the best service and quality in every phase of your project. Making the Ordinary, Extraordinary.
Daniel and team did a superb job in a tight time frame. Excellent work.
Just4U Builders We offer a wide range of home improvement and repair services, including: Painting Carpentry Flooring Plastering Plumbing Handyman Services Feel free to let me know if you'd like more details added or if you'd like me to assist with something else!
came on a sunday even - did a great job
Small team of ALL TEADES with more than 20 years experience in decoration we provide following services Painting and decorating, wallpaper hanging, plastering, tilling, laminated floors, doors replacement, all trades undertaken small and big projects everything you need we can realise welcome to have a look on my profile ????
We have worked with many contractors over the years. Finding Julian from the Colouring Team, was so fortunate for us! What a pleasure working with such a helpful, professional and hard working team. Julian absolutely went over and above, in assisting with the project of the refurb of our flat. We would recommend The Colouring Team without reservation. Thank you Julian and Team.
We are a family run building company, we cover a wide range of works from joinery , building, landscaping and maintenance, We have over 20 years experience and pride ourselves on our professional ability to adapt to each of are customers needs Thank you ,,and hope to help you with your job whatever the size big or small
Excellent work!
LP Plastering
Plaster Skimming
Hi there! I’m Lloyd from LP Plastering. We’re a team of three plasterers trading in Somerset for the last five years with more than 15 years combined experience. We pride ourselves on being clean and producing a flawless finish. We’re here to help with internal and external plastering needs. We’re looking forward to working with you.
We are a Father and Son team with 25+ years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in extensions and outbuildings.
Placed advert Thursday. Contacted same day by Mike with a view to coming out and quoting next day. Came on time priced the job on Friday and arranged to start work on the Tuesday. Mike worked with his son Silas. What a really nice pair. Genuine, polite and got on with the job even though I asked for a few tweaks along the way. Both very old school and worked at their own pace - happy with work carried out and will use them again. Reasonable price too.
Eko Pro Ltd has an unparalleled customer and quality service. We’re dedicated to your happiness. That means we arrive on time and investigate your needs before diving blindly into the situation. We get it right the first time. Regardless of the size of the job or its complexity, your satisfaction is most important to us. Our mission is to provide our customers a once in a lifetime service. Our team is dedicated to delivering first-class work, and we understand the importance of communication. As a thoroughly family-owned company, you can trust us to give your family the same attention we give to ours. We treat your home as we would our own home, which is why we are committed to providing the highest quality services available. Our knowledgeable staff have over 30 years of combined experience. Book us in for a free consultation.
EKO PRO painted our doors today . there were two polite men who did a fantastic job, they even sourced the paint for us ! Would recommend their work to anyone. They tidied up too, 5 gold stars. They were clean and tidy and we could not have asked for a better service and all done with a smile. We will definitely be using them again they are also builders and plumbers . Highly recommended
Welcome to AdvancedWall2Wall, where expertise converges with excellence in house extensions, renovations, and all-encompassing building solutions. As a family-run business with an illustrious legacy of over 30 years in the plumbing and heating industry and a robust background in the building trade, we take pride in transforming your vision into reality. Specializing in house extensions, AdvancedWall2Wall offers a spectrum of services covering every facet of your project, from initial groundwork to the final finishing touches. Our team comprises adept professionals, including experienced gas engineers, bricklayers, and plasterers, all proficient in navigating the complexities of home extensions. From conceptualization to execution, we bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring your dream space is realized with precision and care. Our dedicated team of 8-10 professionals is passionate about delivering top-notch craftsmanship in all aspects of building work. Recognizing the importance of a reliable and skilled workforce, we invest in continuous training and development to stay at the forefront of the industry. Whether it's creating a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics or addressing specific needs within renovations, we bring a wealth of expertise to elevate your project to new heights. At AdvancedWall2Wall, we are a fully insured limited company, placing the safety and security of our clients at the forefront. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond craftsmanship to offer you the peace of mind that comes with working with a reputable and reliable partner. Trust us to breathe life into your ideas, with an unwavering dedication to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction that sets AdvancedWall2Wall apart in the building industry. Your vision, our expertise – together, we build dreams.
Would highly recommend Wayne. Quick response to my advert, came out to look at the job quickly and arrived early, gave me the best quote and has done the job when he said he would and to a great standard. Really helpful and friendly, wouldn’t hesitate to use him again for future jobs.
At SKIM-IT we specialize in providing high-quality plastering and Ames taping services tailored to meet the needs of both residential and commercial clients. With years of experience in the industry, our skilled team is dedicated to delivering quality.
WARNING we asked skim it do do the work based on their reviews. They came out, gave a quote, did a bad job but it turned out that it was NOT Skim it. Apologies to this company for a 1 star but future customers need to know that it may happen, this is no reflection on your work
'%20rx='20'%20/%3e%3cg%20fill='%23FFF'%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.376%2016.914c-.555%200-1.006.454-1.006%201.013v37.416c0%20.578.472%201.014%201.097%201.014h34.109a1.007%201.007%200%200%200%20.972-.83%201.012%201.012%200%200%200-.161-.76l-6.446-9.416c-.375-.548-.567-1.085-.586-1.642-.034-.977.516-1.952%201.402-2.483%204.8-2.878%205.808-7.575%205.808-11.009%200-7.335-5.925-13.303-13.207-13.303H29.376ZM63.594%2059.75H29.467c-2.505%200-4.467-1.936-4.467-4.408V17.927c0-2.43%201.963-4.408%204.376-4.408h21.982c9.14%200%2016.577%207.49%2016.577%2016.698%200%205.879-2.46%2010.687-6.944%2013.607l6.17%209.017c1.37%202.002.868%204.752-1.12%206.132a4.336%204.336%200%200%201-2.44.778h-.007Z'%20/%3e%3cpath%20d='M38.767%2027.797c0-.749.603-1.357%201.347-1.357h6.427c3.979%200%206.426%201.72%206.426%205.099v.123c0%203.132-2.325%205.098-6.365%205.098h-3.848l-3.985%203.998V36.76h-.002v-8.963'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23FFF'%20fill-rule='nonzero'%20d='M18.176%2069.2h2.156v3.878h3.976V69.2h2.156V79h-2.156v-3.934h-3.976V79h-2.156v-9.8Zm16.428%207.98c.43%200%20.826-.08%201.19-.238a2.72%202.72%200%200%200%20.931-.658c.257-.28.457-.604.602-.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200%20.217-1.183V74.1c0-.42-.072-.817-.217-1.19-.145-.373-.35-.7-.616-.98a2.96%202.96%200%200%200-.945-.665%202.873%202.873%200%200%200-1.19-.245c-.439%200-.838.08-1.197.238-.36.159-.667.378-.924.658s-.457.604-.602.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200-.217%201.183v.028c0%20.42.072.817.217%201.19a2.959%202.959%200%200%200%201.554%201.645c.36.163.758.245%201.197.245Zm-.028%201.988a5.343%205.343%200%200%201-2.086-.399%205.187%205.187%200%200%201-1.645-1.078%204.823%204.823%200%200%201-1.078-1.596%205.029%205.029%200%200%201-.385-1.967V74.1c0-.7.13-1.356.392-1.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201%201.085-1.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201%201.652-1.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201%202.093-.399c.756%200%201.451.133%202.086.399a5.187%205.187%200%200%201%201.645%201.078c.462.453.821.985%201.078%201.596.257.611.385%201.267.385%201.967v.028c0%20.7-.13%201.356-.392%201.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201-1.085%201.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201-1.652%201.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201-2.093.399Zm8.14-9.968h2.324l2.576%204.144%202.576-4.144h2.324V79h-2.142v-6.398l-2.758%204.186h-.056l-2.73-4.144V79h-2.114v-9.8Zm13.152%200h7.392v1.918h-5.25v1.988h4.62v1.918h-4.62v2.058h5.32V79h-7.462v-9.8Zm13.866%209.94a6.49%206.49%200%200%201-2.198-.385%205.817%205.817%200%200%201-1.96-1.183l1.274-1.526c.448.364.908.653%201.379.868.471.215.987.322%201.547.322.448%200%20.796-.082%201.043-.245a.771.771%200%200%200%20.371-.679v-.028a.85.85%200%200%200-.077-.371.778.778%200%200%200-.294-.301%203.079%203.079%200%200%200-.602-.28c-.257-.093-.59-.191-1.001-.294a12.201%2012.201%200%200%201-1.344-.406%203.787%203.787%200%200%201-1.022-.553%202.237%202.237%200%200%201-.651-.819c-.154-.327-.231-.733-.231-1.218v-.028c0-.448.084-.852.252-1.211.168-.36.404-.67.707-.931a3.183%203.183%200%200%201%201.085-.602c.42-.14.882-.21%201.386-.21a5.86%205.86%200%200%201%201.981.322%205.743%205.743%200%200%201%201.659.924l-1.12%201.624a7.1%207.1%200%200%200-1.288-.707%203.292%203.292%200%200%200-1.26-.259c-.42%200-.735.082-.945.245-.21.163-.315.366-.315.609v.028c0%20.159.03.296.091.413.06.117.17.222.329.315s.376.182.651.266c.275.084.623.182%201.043.294.495.13.936.278%201.323.441.387.163.714.36.98.588.266.229.467.497.602.805.135.308.203.677.203%201.106v.028c0%20.485-.089.917-.266%201.295a2.66%202.66%200%200%201-.742.952%203.353%203.353%200%200%201-1.134.588%204.924%204.924%200%200%201-1.456.203Z'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles