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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 family run property development and maintenance company. Specialising in floor fitting, general joinery - doors/skirting, bespoke exterior yard doors and gates, fencing & decking & much more. We have time served plumbers and electricians waiting to service your property. The customer experience is important to us, our integrity and reliability is built and maintained by the positive experiences of our customers, please take a minute to browse our reviews! The following points encompass the ethos of Hamel Homes LTD • Customer focused. • Advice is given to benefit the customer. • We only use quality materials locally sourced when possible. • Friendly & reliable from quotation to follow up visit. • Professional and safe. • Work carried out with the minimum fuss to customer, all excess material and waste removed when possible. • We enjoy our work - it makes a difference. Frank Cacciapuoti Company Director
Very satisfied with the work. would definitely hire again.
Calling via the Rated People phone link button is the best way to make contact for a same day reply and lowest prices, call during November for a 25% discount on all quotes, offer ends November 30th If I miss your call, leave a message or text and I'll call you back on the same day Quotes can be given via pictures, and all payments can be made via bank transfer upon completion of all works. With over 25 years’ experience in the plastering, building trade and 10+ years of Rated People positive feedback, I provide a first-class service, including damp proofing, soundproofing and complete bathroom/kitchen and home renovations from start to finish
Excellent work from Sean who shines 5 ceilings for us. Lovely finish and very clean work.
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We are a family run business specializing in various types of gardening/landscaping/tree/property maintenance services/roofing, lawn care, garden designing, pressure washing, patios, driveways and much more. Please contact us for more in depth information and advice or for a no obligation quotation.
We used Kingz for clearance of a very overgrown garden and new fencing. They did exactly what they said they would do in their quote. They worked hard, left the garden tidy, and took away all the waste. They were very pleasant and Emma, in particular, gave good advice regarding ongoing after care of the garden. We were very happy with the results and would definitely recommend this family team!
Having worked for myself for 30 years in most aspects of construction and maintenance my good reputation means everything to me. I pride myself on leaving a satisfied customer who will recommend me to family and friends.
I found Paul to be approachable well mannered an excellent tradesman and just an all round really nice fella
Fullhouse maintenance offers services ranging from painting and decorating, plumbing, bathroom and fitting, tiling, flooring, carpentry, handy man,gardening and clearing, Plastering and general removals. We cover most areas in london and essex. We have our own equipments and vans.
We are a family run business with over 10 years experience in the building trade, we are very trust worthy and reliable always accomadating the customers needs. We specialise in all trade s from plumbing, electrical, carpentry ,full renovation s etc to pa
Very punctual and gave us I good advice and lots of ideas for layout of bathroom.
Jhb property services plastering,painting&decorating laminates and solid flooring,plumbing repairs&general maintenance fully insured services
Interiors4you is a norwich based company with over 25 years experience covering all trades within the building trade and working with the individual client to complete there project.
Great communication from Nigel. He understood the job and worked within my financial limitations to get the job done in a timely manner. Thanks Nigel. Would definitely recommend him.
A Carpentry company based in the heart of Birmingham taking on all kinds of work around The west midlands & East Midlands area, We work hours to fit tough schedules and time frames, weekends & bank holidays with vast experience in various trades in the construction industry, we offer a hassle-free service from start to finish. We offer full Joinery & Carpentry services. From Full renovations & Extensions, Flat Roofing, Outdoor structures, Door Hanging services, Boxing in, Decking, Stud walls, Floor Boarding, Laminate Flooring, Loft Boarding, Loft Hatches & Ladders, Loft Insulation, and also more complex work e.g. custom designed shelving, Wardrobes, Cupboards and Display cabinets. We also take on insurance work and offer a property maintenance service. 100's pictures on our page to describe further what we do. At HJ Barlow Developments Ltd we really do pride ourselves on our craftsmanship, work ethic and customer service, Our commitment to our customers really shows in our competitive prices, detailed quotes and our dedication to go the extra mile to make sure clients are completely satisfied with our work. We are a family and it is extremely important to us that we give a professional service to every single one of our clients and we endeavour to create a great working relationship & environment for them and ourselves. We are proud of our workmanship and strive to give each client the service they deserve. Fully insured to work on domestic and commercial properties and with vast experience in the industry, we offer a friendly and reliable service for all types of work from start to finish. Our call outs & quotes are completely free, we pride ourselves in always providing the fine details so the customer is never left in the dark at any part of their construction project. We have many contacts all around the midlands so if we can’t always help, we will know a trustworthy tradesmen that can, always available on mobile and email 7 days a week. Please see the photo section for more.
Quick to respond to the advertised job. He had a cancellation so came out quite quick. Came on time did the job in the time he said it might take. Very pleased with the result he was very cautious and explained everything throughout the process
Welcome to DW Plastering & Damp Proofing Services — your trusted plastering and damp proofing specialists based in Houghton Regis, proudly serving Luton, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, and surrounding areas. We provide a full range of professional services, including internal and external plastering, rendering, damp proofing, and dot and dab work. With years of experience and a strong reputation for quality, we’re committed to delivering smooth finishes, reliable protection, and exceptional results on every project. Whether you’re renovating your home or improving your business premises, DW Plastering & Damp Proofing is here to help — with friendly service, expert advice, and workmanship you can trust. “Quality Finishes That Last” “We’ve Got You Covered — Inside and Out”
Dean did an absolutely fantastic job of our kitchen n utility, which was a mismatch of plaster board, old artex n plaster n exposed bricks. It is now a super smooth freshly plastered room. We will definitely be having Dean back to do some other jobs and will 100% be recommending him to friends n family if they need a plasterer. Thank you Dean
I have over 16 years experience as a plasterer. I take pride in the work that I carry out and make sure that the workmanship goes above and beyond expectations. This is reflected in the ratings I have received so far.
My wife and I thought Tom did a fantastic job of skimming our front room. He gave excellent advice and a good price and finished before his deadline. He was completely honest and talked us through what was best for us and not what would make him the most money. Lovely guy and we will happily recommend to all our friends.
Hi my name is Paul, I have 10 yrs experience in all aspects of plastering with a high quality finish. I do a 2 coat skim not 1, I am always clean and tidy and I always protect floors and furniture. I have worked on many sites and residential properties.
Paul got the job done quickly, tidily, to a very high standard, and all for a very reasonable price. Would recommend him without hesitation!
Hi, my name is Artur. I'm highly qualified builder with 20 years experience. Provide fast and efficiency service for reasonable price, I specialize in flats and houses refurbishment-interior and exterior
Highly recommend. Extremely thorough, professional and reliable
We are a small company based in Sunderland,we cover all building work including extensions,loft conversions,kitchens,bathrooms and full refurbs
Excellent work from Steve and his team - weather hampered completion, but Steve kept us informed and the team delivered a great job ready for our new gates to be fitted ... the pillars look like the original and have always been there and they made a great job of the other works especially the blending in of the drive cobbles
Hi, my name is Neil. I've been a Landscape Gardener for 17 years and hold a City and Guilds Certificate in Decorating. My wife is also certified in Garden Design. We have two loyal members of staff and deliver a friendly and reliable service.
Good communication and all work completed to an excellent standard. No problems.
My name is Jason Radbourne, I am the sole owner of JR Handyman Services, I am a family man and have been trading since 2001. I pride myself on being reliable, hardworking and trustworthy.
Great job done , Jason worked hard , communication was great, he was punctual , very friendly and worked hard . Delighted with the result - just what we wanted and will definitely call him again if we need help in the garden - highly recommended
Providing a high standard in roofing and building services for commercial and domestic clients throughout London and the surrounding areas. Kensington Roofing & Building Services (KRB) are a firm of domestic and commercial roofing contractors providing a variety of roofing installation, maintenance and repair services across London and the surrounding areas. We have a reputation for high-quality work and reasonably priced services. Using our 18 years’ experience, we strive to provide the best possible service, ensuring we create a safe and well-structured system to satisfy every customer. We deliver projects on time, on budget and aim to cause as little disruption as possible, not only to the client but to the surrounding neighbourhood and area.
Someone that you can trust, job done as requested.willing to help.all good.
We are a family run business with over 25 years of experience in the building trade. Specialising in Plastering and Rendering. We are also the go to team for all your media walls. You can also look us up on Facebook and Instagram
Hi I work on my own I have been do roofing for 30 years . I hope I come a cross as an honest person , I do felt , slating , rub liquid, fiber glass , asphalting, gutters, fasica and soffit
Jake clearly explained the work that needed to be done and how and when he could do it. The job was completed to a very high standard on time and at a very competitive price.
Welcome to Aurora Skylights and building services.We are a family run building company and pride ourselves on customer care as can be seen in our ratings. Please check out our new website at Aurora skylights.
Marcus priced job for pointing and brickwork 17th April and was done and dusted 30th April. Pleased with job and would recommend.
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