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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?
JP RENEWALS LIMITED
Plaster Skimming
10 UK experience ( plastering ,laminated floor installation,tilling,painting,bricklaying) specialities Venetian plaster and hi luxury decorations,joiner and carpenter level3 ,curtain wall installation level2 ,plasma,ipaff ,working at heights training course ,last year learning stone masonry heritage work ,and breathable plaster application with architect Andrew macavoy
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
Darren provided practical solutions to an unusual build, and a proper estimate. As the work was about to start the spec' changed a few times, and Darren was helpful with that. We agreed a new price and signed a straightforward agreement. Security was never an issue - we had no issue with giving Darren keys and access. He turned up when he said he would and always went through the issues of the day and the progress of the day on site and on the phone. The project has worked out really well, and it has been a very good working relationship. We have no hesitation in recommending Darren - he was helpful throughout, including managing the occassional curved ball. He runs work from a joinery led perspective, and has a wide range of understanding about the other trades and what should happen when. A pleasure to work with!
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Excellent, efficient job and area was left incredibly clean and tidy at the end. Very good communication throughout the quoting and arranging process. Highly recommended.
GD DIBDEN GENERAL BUILDERS
Plaster Skimming
We cover all general building works small, medium and large builds at a very high standard of work.
Thanks for visiting our page. You can see an archive of photos on this page and if you would like more photos of any specific type of job please ask. We are happy to tackle big jobs or small and strive on customer satisfaction and repeat custom. Thanks
Lee and Chloe were fantastic. They built a decking area for us which has transformed the garden. The quality of their work is excellent and their work ethic is superb. They offered great advice and ideas, which often saved us money. I would have no hesitation in recommending Lee and Chloe, lovely people, excellent quality work and great value.
NICUABRU SERVICES LTD is a company formed over 7 years ago, specialized in flats, houses renovation and house extensions. Our aim is to provide good quality services at a reasonable price and customer satisfaction is crucia
Fantastic work, above and beyond what we asked them to do. Very happy with the finished job, done quickly too. Also great advice on other aspects of the refurb. Would definitely want to use the guys again. Thanks Nicu and Daro.
About Arena Group – Maintaining Homes Together At Arena Group, we believe home maintenance is about more than repairs it’s about trust, safety, and building lasting relationships with the people we serve. With over 25 years of hands?on construction and refurbishment experience, we’ve grown into a trusted partner for homeowners, landlords, and housing providers across the UK. Our mission is simple: to maintain homes together, blending craftsmanship with care.
We are specialists in home development, loft conversions, extensions, renovations and refurbishments. With over 13 years experience in the building trade, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest standard of workmanship from qualified tradesmen. If you are unsure of your current requirements, call us and we will be more than happy to provide you with any information or advice. We mainly cover London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Kent. Over the years we have built up a strong reputation for our quality of service and finish, while efficiently planning & managing the job from start to finish.
Would like to thank mo and his team for all the hard work and effort they put in to the project, they helped us from start to finish and we're really helpful in the design process, again big thanks and would recommend.
My company can offer all aspects of home improvements and all aspects of roofing with a full guarantee with all woks carried out I have 15 years of experience in the trade With many happy customers and our company is fully insured so rest assured
Dwain and his team did a really good job. They responded to the job post and came to do the work quickly as I needed the work doing quite urgently. They did everything I asked, and got it just right. Friendly service with a smile. Would recommend.
PRESTIGE BUILD SOUTH WEST
Plaster Skimming
We are a dedicated and reliable team of local tradesmen with over 20 years experience in all aspects of general building that have combined forces to offer professional services at competitive prices. We are Fully insured and offer no obligation quotes. We are new to rated people hence why we haven’t had any reviews as of yet, but please check out our Bark site on Google and the photos of our 5 star reviews.
RM Tiling
Plaster Skimming
ES Building Services is a family run business with a team of highly skilled, well experienced and passionate professionals who puts your needs at the forefront of what we do. All our work is completed to the highest industry standards and compliance with current regulations is always met. We focus on providing a high end finish on all of our projects regardless of budget. We will make sure you are involved and understood at every step of the process, from design to completion. Whether it’s a simple maintenance job or a full internal refurbishment, we aim to provide a level of service that exceeds your expectations. Our predominant active contacts consist of bathroom and kitchen refurbishment work. We work alongside multiple industry leaders and have an excellent track record in providing high quality installations across London. With a skilled and mature team of professionals we have an abundance of experience in all areas of building services. We specialise in full internal refurbishments covering all aspects of the build: strip out, plastering, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrics and everything in between. With over 300+ 5* reviews accross all platforms, rest assured your property is in safe hands with ES Building Services. Kitchens Bathrooms Refurbishments Electrical installation + Everything in between NICEIC Aproved Contractor. GasSafe Registered Engineers. SafeContractor Approved.
Kitchen Edit is an Award Winning Kitchen Refurbishment company specialising in Kitchen Resprays, Replacement Kitchen Doors and Vinyl Wrapping.
They were very nice and good to have around .Did extra than quoted for and I would recommend them .
We are a building company based in Burton on Trent. We deal with wide variety of specialists that include: Painters and decoraters Plasterer/ Renderer Brick Masonry Extensions Bathroom design and instalation Professional tiling service Joiner Tiler Floor fitters Gardener / Landscape gardener Loft conversion specialist Roofer Stoneworker/ Stonemason
I first thought it was going to cost too much but they worked very hard, we were very impressed that they worked so hard during the very hot weather. Excellent work l would highly recommend.
S&D Construction Services is a premier general construction business with over of 23 years of Experience in the construction industry, we have established ourselves as a leader in delivering comprehensive construction services with a wide range of sectors including residential and commercial projects across London Our mission is to provide exceptional construction services and client-focused approach to every project we undertake
Nicolae was great to work with, very accommodating, quick and unphased by bad weather. Did an excellent job with the blockwork at a good price and a good job with the plastering, which was little bit more expensive, but worth the assurance of having the same person do both jobs. Would recommend for similar, quick turnaround jobs.
We are based in Exeter and offer property alterations & improvements, garage conversions & extensions, carpentry, plumbing, painting & decorating, kitchens & bathrooms, landscape gardening, fencing, log cabins. We are CRB checked & insured to £5M
Extremely useful to know someone with abilities spanning across different professions. He really is Handy Andy! Genuine and very pleasant.
Alex was very friendly and professional and did a good job replacing our sink. I would recommend his services.
We are a family run business, and although new to the Rated People website for 2024, we have gained over 25yrs of knowledge and experience in dealing with damp and mould in properties. Understanding the issues these cause, we know how to fix them while keeping within a reasonable budget. There are numerous ways these issues arise and we take our time to survey your property to find the cause, advise you on the cure, and help you to have a dry, healthy home. Contact us today to find how we can help you. We cover all of Merseyside and surrounding areas, and can survey your property for you, within a few days to a week. We are certified installers of the damp and remedial products we use and have completed the Pam Ties and Safeguard Damp proofing course, to give you the peace of mind that all our work is undertaken correctly and to the required accordance with British Standards using fluid, approved by the BBA and we adhere to the code of practice laid down by the British Standards Institute. We can undertake any instruction, from an independent damp, timber and mould survey which will be approved by your mortgage lender, right through to a full damp course, wall tie replacement, brickwork pointing, Mould sanitisation, timber replacement, basement tanking and also wall insulation. We have also experience in full property refurbishments and project management of large conversion projects and have numerous trusted tradesmen who have worked for us for decades. Should you require any other jobs doing, please just ask. Check out our excellent 5 star Google reviews to see that we care about our customers and make sure we turn up when we say, do what we quote, and leave your property in a clean tidy state. Call us today to fix your damp and mould problems!
4 months?Done the job feb, rang you march, you gave advice and we put 2 fans on the wall for a month and rang you back to say wall didn’t dry. I’ll post all the photos up of the job including the rusted beads and beads put over the top by your lazy plasterer and let’s remember I said cancel your plasterer when you didn’t do the job I thought you were doing and pay you just for what you done. The evidence is there for people to decide
Properties Direct Maintenance
Plaster Skimming
properties direct maintenance we specialise Rendering and plastering we also cover any, joinery work Widows and doors Locksmiths Convertions We priorites in staying clean on all our sites we work on. We hope to see you soon and look forward to working with you City & guilds qualified.
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