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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?
Honest, reliable service. Work carried out to the high standard with a Low price tag. Here at cosywarm plumbing and heating we offer over 15 years experience within the industry. we specialise in all plumbing, heating and ventilation requirements. we are credited Baxi And Ideal installers. All landlord and homeowner cp12 and servicing available. Boiler breakdown specialists. We also are bespoke and traditional bathroom and wet room designers and installers. Reliability and customer service is something this company is built around. No job is too small, and we have engineers available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Our rates are a one off and no hidden charges applied at the end. all work is quoted and agreed upon before anything is started. All work is carried out to a very high standard and customer requirements are always considered. Please call on phone number provided for a free no obligation quote.
Very pleased with the driveway and am looking forward to the firm doing a refurb of my bathroom next month
D.J.M Plastering are a professional and reliable plastering service providing first class workmanship throughout the South Yorkshire areas. We believe in providing customers with a quality service at a fair and competitive price.
Did an excellent job and successfully satisfied all of building control’s requirements. All the decorators who came to quote remarked upon what a decent plaster finish had been achieved
Welcome to JM Landscapes & Driveways Ltd, your trusted partner in transforming outdoor spaces across the Midlands! We're a family-run business founded on a simple principle: dedication to excellence in gardening and landscaping. At JM Landscapes & Driveways, we specialize in general garden maintenance, paving, fencing, and decking. Whether it's a residential haven or a commercial landscape, our team of two brothers brings a combined 15 years of expertise to every project we undertake. What sets us apart? Our commitment to your satisfaction. We stand by our work and won't expect payment until you are completely thrilled with the results. Your happiness is our priority, and we ensure that our craftsmanship exceeds your expectations. From sprucing up your backyard to creating stunning outdoor spaces, we're passionate about enhancing the beauty and functionality of your property. Our services cater to both domestic and commercial clients, offering tailored solutions to suit every need. When you choose JM JM Landscapes & Driveways Ltd, you're choosing a team dedicated to quality, reliability, and personalized service. Let's transform your landscape into a masterpiece together.
I used the rated people site to try & find a reliable company to relay my front drive. I had a first response from JM Landscapes and Myles of JM actually called out at the weekend, the day after my enquiry, to discuss the job & agree terms Myles, Jim and the team were ready to start the following Monday and worked efficiently and effectively to deliver an excellent job that I would be happy for anyone to view. First class service, first class job.! I can truly thank JM for their work & thoroughly recommend!
My one-stop-shop for all your home and garden needs is based in Wiltshire and surrounding areas. We provide a great service and an all around great experience for all your property needs inside and outside we take care of it all, no obligation quotes. All works carried out are guaranteed. I provide a professional and high standard of work and have been in the trade for over 10 years. We take a great deal of pride in all our work we do. A great deal of our business is through word of mouth, so we know the power of a reputation. I always try to agree a price that makes both the customer and myself happy. It can be tough to get great service for all those odd jobs around the house, you simply don’t have time for, so just contact me for all your property needs. no-obligation quotation and advice given on request. Happy renovations guaranteed.
Very prompt response, great expertise, excellent work all done within the expected timeframe and all well cleaned up on completion.
Welcome to Property Renovation and Decorating Services: " PROFESSIONAL SERVICE " We are professionals builders with over 17 years experience on all building works: extension loft conversion refurbishment bathrooms kitchens painting and decorating plastering, wood flooring, carpet fitting, tiling. building works undertaken: General Building, New Builds, full Interior & Exterior, renovations and much more. Emy has been providing professional home renovation services for over 17 years. He is praised by the customers for his attention to detail, responsiveness, timeliness and quality work. Call (text) for a free consultation and estimate:
We are a very reliable service to all of our existing and new customers,we have experience in the roofing industry since 1996.We are a family team,and all of us are aprooved contractors for domestic and commercial flat roofing.20 Year guarantee all work.
Very clean very professional and very polite overall a very good job definitely would recommend them
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We are a reliable, fully qualified, fully insured builders & landscapers, with many years experience and a long list of satisfied customers. Check out our reviews! Please visit our website to view our photos.
Oli is superb. Tidy, conscious, and adaptable. He stripped out the plasterboard walls and studwork in our home prior to remodelling. He worked quickly and confidently and respected our home. Whilst stripping out he came across some asbestos and he dealt with it appropriately, contacting an asbestos registered colleague and bagging it up and safety removing it at a very reasonable cost. We plan on using him again soon
Visionary Construction Ltd is a reputable and professional company comprising skilled tradesmen dedicated to delivering outstanding outcomes. With over 8 years of experience managing a diverse range of domestic and commercial building, renovation, and conversion projects, we have cultivated a satisfied client base and an impressive portfolio. Our approach combines expertise, innovation, and a meticulous work ethic to ensure the successful and timely completion of each project within the allocated budget. We take on a wide range of projects, consistently delivering impeccable results. Attention to detail is of paramount importance to us, and our personalized service ensures that your needs always take precedence. Prior to commencing any project, we provide a comprehensive overview of the timeline, our approach, and the associated costs. We maintain regular communication to keep you informed of our progress, and we consider a job complete only when you are absolutely delighted with the results. Our services are offered at highly competitive prices, and it is no surprise that our clients consistently recommend us to their family, neighbors, and friends. If you are seeking a team of passionate, reliable, and skilled tradesmen capable of delivering exceptional results at a reasonable price, we encourage you to get in touch with us.
i have over 20yrs experience in the building trade .have nvq level 2 brickwork qualification also work with various types of building companies to gain more knowledge in the industry ..i am firm believer in letting my work speak for itself.
Paul did a great job, arrived on time, clear communication, polite, professional, accommodating and cleaned up after the work. Quality of the work was great and can definitely recommend him.
AT V.T.BUILDERS WE ARE A FRIENDLY, RELIABLE AND TRUST WORTHY TEAM. WE COMPLETE ALL OF OUR JOBS TO 100% SATISFACTION. NO JOB IS TO BIG OR SMALL SO PLEASE DONT HESITATE TO CALL. ALL QUOTES ARE FREE.
If I could give more stars I would.Viktor came out to look at job and from just meeting him I knew we would have him to do our work.He is polite and friendly.Not the cheapest but also not the most expensive either.They tiled my hall and kitchen walls.The work him and his team did was amazing.They work very hard and get it done quickly.We are so pleased with his work we are getting him back to do our shower room.I would recommend V t Builders to anyone.Thank you again Viktor.
At AD Plumbing Heating and Electrical we put you the customer first. We aim to beat any quote and provide a better level of service. Flexible to suit your time schedules and aim to get it done as soon possible. We look forward hearing from you soon!
Very friendly and helpful, keen to make sure I was happy with the service provided, would definitely recommend.
Handyman with over 10 years experience and own my own building company ZN builders. Maintenance man by trade and have plumbing qualification. Can do everything from bathroom to flooring, decorating to extensions.
Bristol House Extensions is a family owned business. Our workforce is fully qualified and experienced at working in domestic and commercial properties and carries out work for our customer, customer satisfaction is our main priority.
Really helpful people to deal with.
2M Construction is a London based family business and we pride ourselves on our diverse portfolio, including different kind of projects in the residential sector. 2mconstruction co uk
Did a great job, very efficient and completed installing a shower unit, light and door in one day. Highly recommend.
J.S.B.D. specializes in building refurbishments all aspects of wall and floor tiling. We specialize in ceramics ,porcelain, and travertine. Bathrooms and kitchen refurbishments.Full refit, We offer a design and fit service.
Jim did a great job tiling our kitchen floor with large format tiles. The surface was slightly uneven, and he levelled it out well to a great finish. Very happy with how it all looks.
I'm a fully qualified builder & plasterer working on old and new properties. We specialise in Garage Conversions start to finish. New UPVC Conservatories. Single Extensions. Full Renovations. Building Alterations. All building work. All plastering work. - Artex ceilings covered. Plaster-boarding. Skimming. Patching. Building alterations. - Knock-throughs. Lintel installs. Stud walls. Repointing. Refurbishments. Conservatories. - Start to finish. Extensions. - Start to finish to current building regulations. No job too big or small. Always work in the cleanest safest way possible. Top quality assured. Fully insured/public liability. Free quotes and advice.
I hired Tom trading as Plaster Master to repair bedroom ceiling and board the loft and install loft ladder and replace the loft hatch. He gave an honest estimate for the work and the time line needed to complete the project which he did on time. I won't hesitate to use his services again.He was extremely reliable and professional arrived at the time he said and he tidied up at the end of each day’s work. I thoroughly recommend him! A job extremely well done.Definitely a 5 star review
I've been running my own business since 1986, specializing in bathroom installations from a simple face lift to full design and installation service, providing a first class service at an affordable cost. I have done work for Dolphin Bathrooms, B&Q and Tescos.
We are a friendly family run business of 3 generation's We offer a complete building service with all of our trades men in house. we have completed some major restorations such as Vermont hotel 108 bathrooms county hotel full conversion many extensions and house builds also maintenance for landlords and home owners give us a try and hope to see you soon.
Internal skimming Plaster boarding Dry lining External rendering and dashing EWI Over 30 years experience NVQ time served
Lovely job, Mark. I'm really pleased with what has been done. On time, very polite will definitely be using him again. Thank you
We had a huge renovation on our hands, so house full of builders, plumbers, electricians and then Michael and his young apprentice. He was the only consistently reliable worker and all of his work was totally to highest specifications. He even bailed out the builder a few times. Couldn't have wished for a better plasterer.
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