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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?
A joiner by trade but an experienced tradesperson in a number of home related areas including kitchens, bathrooms & maintenance
Fast, professional and friendly. Recommend
Landscaping company that specialises in low mantinance , astroturf ect.
A family run plastering and rendering company who pride ourselves on quality and assurance
I was very impressed with Anthony and this company. He identified the problem immediately and quickly took steps to arrange a builder to fix it. I was pleased to be given a clear final price and really appreciated being kept up to date every step of the way. The work was carried out efficiently and all mess was cleared away. I would happily recommend Anthony's company to anyone needing rendering done. I also recommend using Rated People to find the correct, professional tradespeople for the job.
We are a company that specializes in external rendering throughout the uk.We cover every external finish from traditional sand and cement render to through coloured polymer renders. We aim to leave all our customers 100% happy.we also cover internal plastering and plasterboarding mainly in the winter months.
Jonathan of Classic Coatings completed a very professional pebble dashing job on my house in Wiltshire. He is both an extremely competent and a professional specialist in exterior rendering. He listens carefully to all your requirements
We are a friendly and reliable family run business with numerous years of experience,concentrating on plastering and specialist coloured renders throughout the UK. We have an array of satisfied customers past and present.
Sean did a perfect job of skimming my bathroom walls. High standard of finish, clean and tidy, polite, good communication, good value, can't fault.
Dear Customers IE-DESIGN with years of experience offers interior and exterior work such as painting and decorating.We also undertake and manage landscaping and gardening services of any kind. Additionally our experience leads to the unique 3D projects if required. We can promise a competitive price and perfect finish as Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do.
Hi, I am Stefan, and I have three decades of experience as joiner, specialising in wood flooring and tiling, doors, wardrobes, decking, bathroom fitting and refurbishment.
BZ GARDENS was established in 2010 and has quickly grown to become a well-established and well-regarded business, working at the top end of our industry. Our business model is built on constantly challenging ourselves to conceive, create and care for unique gardens and open spaces for residential, commercial and public clients across London, Greater London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
From providing estimates to signing contracts, we have been very impressed with BZ Gardens. Thank you.
I am an experienced plasterer with over 20 years of expertise in the Hampshire and Surrey area. My knowledge spans both traditional and modern plastering techniques, and I pride myself on providing a reliable and friendly service
Quick response, clear interaction - options, plan and quote, good job done, nice guy - would use again
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.
At O.B.Build we want to make your home look amazing inside or outside.We take pride in our work and can handle any job or task.We are clean tidy, polite and always deliver a quality finish.
Brilliant refurb of 2 bedroom flat, timelines were tight but John delivered to great standards on time! Job included damp control, relaying floors, and painting/redecorating. Would highly recommend. Thank you John!
No job is too small By choosing our company you choose professional service and fast realization time. We are local Edinburgh based with over 10 years of experience. We love what we do and we are proud of providing excellent service. Our clients are number 1 in customer satisfaction. We always ensure high quality finish which meets your requirements.
I hired Dream Renovations (Patryk) to fit vinyl plank flooring in my shower room. Great job: quick and tidy. Following that I hired him to repair a collapsed ceiling. He turned up when he said he would, and did a great job: plasterboard, plastered, and painted. If I need any work carried out in the future, Patryk will be the first person I will contact, and I am happy to recommend him to anyone who needs work done in their home.
Hi we are professional team covering all the painting job plastering (skimming) bathroom fitting) laminate flooring
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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
The team did a great job helping us get new kitchen doors, panels and plinths in. They also helped to get us ready for our new worktops to be measured up and our applicances reinstalled once the new worktop was fitted. They were really helpful and worked around the changing delivery dates from our suppliers
I am a fully qualified painter & decorator and with over 26 years experiance and can also carry out many other tasks. I have built a good reputation with customers over the years and aim to maintain that good reputation for many years to come.
Nice job kitchen now looks fresh. Great price and carried out quickly.
I represent a company with a strong and established presence in the market. Specializing in bathrooms, kitchens, and comprehensive renovations of real estate and apartments, we have 33 years of experience in delivering high-quality projects. In addition to renovations, we also offer services in loft conversions, new extensions, and other general building works. Our expertise and track record ensure that we can handle a wide range of construction needs with precision and excellence.
Andrew excellent job removing an old bathroom and installing a new walk in shower & toilet. A good job well done quickly with plenty of updates
Hi there. We are a family run business and have been trading for more than 20 years . myself and two sons are backed up by other trades as well and would be pleased to quote for any type of building works.
Thanks a million Steven. It seemed impossible to get a quote for the insurance comany. You came out as promised to view what work needed done, provided a quote which was accepted. You carried out all the work at such high standards + a few extras. Very much appreciated! You also explained everything and always showed up in time. Thank you so much!
We are a well established family business with many years experience within the home maintenance industry. We pride ourselves on being, friendly, trustworthy and reliable, leaving every job to a high standard at an affordable price. Read our ratings they speak for themselves.
CAREFUL ATTENTION TO DETAIL, TIDY, CLEANED HANDS WHEN ASSEMBLING AND GOOD HUMOURED- WE EXCHANGED GIFTS AND HAD A GOOD TIME WITH AREK
I am an experienced builder. i have built my business up through a good reputation. I have 21 years of experience within the building trade with qualifications within all aspects of plastering and rendering. I have a small team of skilled tradesmen, including roofers, carpenters, and plumbers, which enables us to take on a wide variety of jobs and complete them to a high standard.
Excellent work. They really go the extra mile to make sure the work is done right. Very happy with what they have done for us. I've already recommended them to people and I will 100% use them again.
`We are a building company with many years of experience. We specialise in bathroom and kitchen, from scratch to complete refurbishment, our work is of high quality at reasonable price, with warranties and is covered by public liability insurance
Krzysztof did a great job fitting 2 showers, decorating ensuite, changing all the taps and 2 showers, and doing a number of small fixes and improvements in the flat. I appreciate his clear and detailed communication on job needed, options provided, and consulting on fittings and materials. He finished the job with high quality and with just a small delay despite of a good amount of obstacles (we did painting in parallel). Would definitely recommend Chris's services!
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