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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?
Hi I'm Tony the owner of Hawarden doors With over 30 yrs experience in the replacement window and door industry providing services to large National and small independent Companies you can rest assure i have the experience and knowledge to complete any job associated with these around your property
Posts and gates erected by tony, excellent job from start to fnish, very pleased, would definatly recommend and hire agan
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I have been in the trade for 30 years and have carried out a huge number of successful renovations from full house conversions to bathrooms, wetrooms, and ensuites. I have worked for years with a number of different experienced tradesmen and can complete any renovation job in a timely managed manner. I have a wealth of experience in hydrated screed and water underfloor heating systems, unfortunately, I see so many people getting this expensive process wrong.
Did a brilliant job! Thank you very much. Had a lot of compliments on our new bathroom with the excellent tiling.
Grip Build
Plaster Skimming
Our company specialises in nearly all aspects of building works. If it's extension, loft conversion, garden project, patio or driveway, structural work or just refurbishment, new kitchen or bathroom, hanging some doors or fitting skirting, plastering room or two, even new lick of paint, we are here to help you achieve your goals and dreams so you can be proud of your home or your rental properties. With 28 years of experience in various trades, there is not many jobs we can't do. High quality of the finish and your satisfaction is what we are aiming for with each of our jobs. We completed vocational education in building industry in trades of bricklaying and carpentery. We are registered kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installers for two well known companies and registered with BiKBBI. You can rest assured your job will be done in professional, tidy and timely manner. We use electricians which are NICEIC registered and Gas Safe plumbers, so each job is safety guaranteed. Looking forward to work not just for you, but with you to get you results you are striving for.
lincs building services
Plaster Skimming
I have been in the building trade for 20 years and I specialize in property renovation but I have worked on new builds
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.
Professional builder.
Very polite. Quality service and would recommend to anyone. My internal doors look brilliant and workmanship was excellent. Even cleared up afterwards
I'm a self employed builder with over 12 years experience. I take on jobs of all sizes. I strive to do a quality job for a reasonable price always taking pride in my work
I have no hesitation to recommend George for any works his detail to finish makes his workmanship above and beyond any other works I have ever seen, George has also repointed the the entire front and rear of our property along with Chimney and ridge tiles the house looks even better than a new built house, he is an expert builder who takes pride in what he does. So much so I have already asked for further works to be done.
Skender Sokoli
Plaster Skimming
I’m Skender Sokoli who is an independent worker, when it comes to getting the job done right you can count on me. I’m highly skilled in plastering, painting, vending, and other sort of things. Whatever you need done you can count on me.
I provide a design and install service for fine stonework. I have varied and extensive experience in utilising and adapting stone products to suit design requirements. I have worked in a wide variety of sectors and have an extensive range of fixing methods to draw upon. Including cement, lime, resin, bitumen etc. Flooring, cladding, tiling, worktops, bathrooms, gardens, feature walls, orangeries, mosaic, Victorian geometric tiling, setts, calcada. Sandstone, Marble, Limestone, Slate, Basalt, Granite, Travertine, Porphyr, Lime render, lime repointing.
Corin was excellent,he did a very good job and nothing was too much trouble. I would highly recommend him.He arrived on time each day, and worked hard.
House Pamper LTD
Plaster Skimming
Unlock the art of home improvement with a painter, decorator, plasterer, and handyman all in one! Elevate your space with a touch of creativity, precision, and reliable service. From vibrant colour palettes to flawless finishes, let's redefine your living experience. Your dream space awaits. let's make it reality.
Forty years experience in the building trade, all types of repairs, alterations, updates, all our work is to the highest standard and guaranteed, punctual clean and tidy!
Very pleased
At TruleyMade we do painting and decorating, tiling, fixing rot windows and wood treatments, fixing and repairing a number of difficulties internally and external throughout homes across the UK.
Hi we are James and Dave of D J Plumbing,Heating and Bathrooms, We have over 25 years experience in the construction industry and are both time served tradesmen. We pride ourselves on our extensive experience and quality of work, using only quality products and an excellent installation service. We are so confident we even offer an twelve month guarantee on all our work. Let us enhance your home, Why not call us now and see what we can do for you..
Excellent high quality service. Both Jamie and Dave have done a fabulous job on refurbishing 2 bathrooms in an old property. Reliable honest and as good as their word - will be using them again in the future for other jobs. Couldn’t recommend them enough.
From the initial quotation - which was very reasonable – until the final job, Kaspars was very professional and did a great job plastering my bathroom ceiling. He was always prepared to work within my timeframe, arrived on time and was very, very thorough. It was a pleasure dealing with him. A really genuine guy. Will definitely use him again.
Hi we r family run business with over 20 years experience in the building game we carry out all types of building work from new builds to extensions two full ? refurbishment all types of groundwork ?drives ways patios jet washing painting all types of of construction fully in insured highly experienced company look forward to hearing from you
Honest reliable and hard working man. Very pleased with the results. Price quoted for unseen work involved was fantastic. Would recommend and definately hire again. One very happy customer
XProbuild Ltd is a London-based building company specialising in high-quality construction, renovation, and refurbishment projects. From roofing and structural works to full property renovations and bespoke garden houses, we deliver reliable, professional results — on time and on budget.
Lucian and his team were a dream to work with on our house renovation. They're professional, competent, and lovely company. The job was completed in good time, and without additional costs. Lucian went above and beyond to make sure we were happy with the finished project.
I come with over 20 years of experience, and for my customers, I come with many designs for new interior renovations.
A full service firm. We are able to tailor our offering to suit your demands from full service project management to small scale one off projects
Although a small scale job, Patrick was quick to respond to my post and very kindly talked me through a few options, which was very useful and much appreciated. Great that he was able to carry out the work so soon even with my tight timeline. Very satisfied with the result and price within my budget. Thank you, Patrick!
Welcome to Opuluxe Building and Damp Solutions! With over a decade of specialising in the damp proofing industry and expert plastering services, our company has built a solid reputation for delivering dependable, high-quality solutions. As a family run business, we are a dedicated and professional team known for our reliability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail standing out from the larger companies! We take great pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and presentable work environment on every project. All of our work is backed by a comprehensive 15-year guarantee, ensuring long-lasting protection and complete peace of mind for our clients.
Very good standard of workmanship. Paid good attention to detail and friendly. Price was as initially agreed. Recommended.
Hawk plastering provide plastering and rendering services to domestic and commercial properties we under take insurance work 20 years experience in the trade
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