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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.
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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?
At John stewart joinery we pride ourselves on bringing high quality work at affordable prices
With 20 years of experience in the building trade personally, we cover all aspects of domestic,commercial Plumbing,heating,gas along with bathroom installation,kitchen refurbishment. we also have a vast network of other trades to cover the majority of work in the building trade. so we know wehave the Skill and knowledge to guarantee the job will be done properly and to a high quality standard.
We are a family run business with experience in all aspects of Building, roofing & home improvements. working around Newport and the surrounding area's. We provide a fast and professional service at competitive rates. No job too small, call now for a free quotation, partner to ( shield roofing specialists south wales)
We undertake all building work but specialise in joinery
Hi I'm Andy I'm 43 and first started out in 1996 did my apprentice with George wimpy builders and spent 20 years in Various trades I am a multi skilled tradesmen and pride myself in my work and value my customers as you are the key to success
Really humble and professionals. My garden fence completely collapsed due to storm and I couldn’t afford a new one so they managed to fix it.
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Carpentry (Certified Fire Door Installer/competent person) Electrical and general builder
At The Ruby Team we value great work and our word. Reliable, trustworthy and punctual tradesmen is what we are. With fantastic quality of work and enthusiasm we really get the job done to a 5* level. With 7 years in the field as a multi-tradesman I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge in many sectors. No job is too small nor too big for us and we cover all areas in London and Essex. We follow a CLAYGO service which is a protocol we follow to ensure your house is as clean as when we entered it. #Residential. #Commercial. #Landscaping. Terms & Conditions. Any job cancelled by client with less than 48 hours notice will be subject to a flat £65 cancellation fee which is due when cancellation is confirmed. Payments are due on completion and once customer is satisfied with the quality of workmanship. If customer is not satisfied, it will be resolved with snagging or discount.
master craftsmen We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction, professionalism, cleanliness and punctuality. Let your home reflect you ! all plastering & Rendering aspects covered.
I can’t recommend Rees highly enough. He did a beautiful job, worked quickly without cutting corners, and was polite, professional, and hardworking throughout. The finish is excellent, and he left everything tidy when the job was done. We’ll definitely be calling on him again. Thanks again, Rees!
Time - Served Joiner Advanced Craft 43 Yrs Experience All aspects of joinery Fire Door Installation Plasterboarding Approved Fitter Wren Kitchen & Fitted Wardrobes - B&Q /Wickes
Ernie is a really pleasant guy, his work is of a high standard and he is very reliable ...we will be contacting Ernie again for more work throughout the house. Highly recommend
Abigail Construction are a local based firm of General Builders and Brickwork contractors. We have over 30 years experience and specialise in all aspects of brick/masonrywork internal and external house renovations and improvements.
Fair quote which didn't change. We had some family issues and Gavin was very accommodating with changes. Got job done quickly and looked great. Will definitely use again
Electrician at Self employed electrical engineer
Came out short notice. Managed to squeeze me in. Due to short notice of getting room plastered 3 days later. Had 4 double plugs put in. In chrome like I wanted. They were professional and cleaned up after themselves. Will definitely use again
We are a limited business local to blackpool, friendly, trustworthy and reliable in the trade. We offer a range of services available to the end user ie. Roofing/flat roof/ re-roof. We have 40 years experience so feel free to have a look at the reviews on our page and ask any questions. Yours faithfully Mark
Great team. Fast and efficient. Great job done in what was not the best weather. They powered through and were a great help solving my roofing issues. Would highly recommend.
I have been in the building trade for more than 30 years. I have a good reputation and I thrive on working to a high stranded. If references are required then I will provide them and I will guarantee all my work.
Top and totally professional plasterer arrived on time and did amazing job on my media wall Mark and his team totally professional and tidy worker will always recommend them to my friends and family will use their services again and again .
We are a well known family run business based in Birmingham. We cover all areas in Birmingham/Solihull and specialize in plastering & decorating. Lvl 3 qualified and CRB checked. We offer hard to beat quotes and deliver exceptional standards at work. Phone
I am a fully qualified and insured plasterer from Essex. No job is to small or big. I am reasonably priced and love the work I do.
Unfortunately I disagree. I posted this as one job and can prove this so will be taking this further. I also paid most of the money. Scott only called back after the tenant was fed up of the job being left unfinished for many many months. He also left a ceiling light hanging which was a health and safety concern and refuses to provide his insurance details.
MR roofing and building. Over 20 years roofing and building experience we pride ourselves on quality work at a high standard. We specialise in all aspects of roofing and building maintenance/repair. We are a honest and reliable company and take great pride in every job we do. The type of work we normally do is tile and slate roof repairs, flat roof repairs,chimney repairs, Lead flashings, guttering,fascia and soffits. All aspects of bricklaying, pointing, internal reconstruction, installing lintels, structural reinforcement, opening up and blocking up fireplaces,flagging, Rendering, plastering. All work done by a experienced qualified tradesmen. No job is too small. •Qualifications. Fully qualified NVQ2 bricklayer. CSCS card holder. Construction skills certification scheme. Time served roofer. City and guilds in •Engineering craft studies. • Mechanical production. • Industrial studies. • Material removal. • Joining. • Assembly and dismantling.
Hired to fix my guttering and they have done a brilliant job, they came to check and work out what the problem is and gave me a reasonable quote, they arranged a date and time to carry out the work and the leak and guttering issues are completely gone. Would highly recommend.
Construction and brickpaving company...we have been In business since 2005 with over 100 happy customers to date no job too small.... James eves JLE paving ????
James is a fantastic tradesman: he is highly skilled and knowledgeable. James is a great communicator and he talked me through all the options. What a hard working and friendly person. I highly recommend James
Hi we do from one slate or tile too full re roof flat roofs garage roofs all upvc fasica boards soffit boards guttering and down pipes all tree work plus waste removals plus much more
RJR Home Improvements are here to help! We are a family run business who pride ourselves on high quality workmanship and customer care. We offer a friendly reliable and trustworthy service. Our high standards and customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us. Our skills cover the whole building sector, everything from odd jobs as small as garden & gutter clearances to full refurbishments & replacements from top to bottom of your home. We have a combined experience of 45 years in the trade which means when you choose RJR you can rest assured that your project is in the best of hands.
Ryan was punctual at all times. His communication skills are excellent. Ryan and the team worked efficiently and effectively. The finish on the job was good. I believe that he diagnosed correctly the problem with the roof. I can’t confirm yet whether the leak has been resolved. I’ll have to wait until it rains!
We take on most of interior house jobs.Including kitchen and bathroom fit.Plumbing,flooring,painting. Carpentry jobs.All small jobs also considered. Home maintenance and handy jobs. We do Plastering as well as exterior render and painting.
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