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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?
`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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Very fast service. Well within my budget.
Home Improvements services, all jobs taken on. Call for a quote today.
Mo came and surveyed what was needed. Then quoted. Had a team he said would be fast and thorough.paid 40% deposit He did not discuss and liaise with other trades working on house. This Caused problems. Ended up flooding both up and downstairs with full radiators left on sides draining onto laminate. floors. Floors ruined and had to be removed and I face 8/10k to replace. Broke fibre optics cable. Refused to accept responsibility for any of the errors and mistakes. Dreadful experience and nothing but stress.
Ceiling 2 Floor Ltd
Plaster Skimming
Having been in the field for over 3 years, working for people , decided to take it further by opening my own construction company. We are a dynamic construction company specializing in innovative and high-quality building solutions. We deliver excellence with a commitment to precision, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. We specialise in resin driveways, Resin internal floors, resin worktops we work with resin like no other. We also specialise in stretch ceilings(fabric ceilings) and Venetian plaster/polish plasters. We believe we are the only company that offers those services under one roof. Although we specialise in newer products, we never shy away from any challenges, as we are fully qualified plasters, ceiling installers, dry liners and in floor installation.
Hi,I am a British Gypsum Certified Plasterer with over twenty years experience. Working for customers both on private and commercial-plastering,decorating and coving.
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.
LMD is a small,friendly,family business with 25 years experience in the decorating trade. With considerable knowledge we are able to provide a fast,tidy & reliable service to local sussex.
Lee and his team done a fantastic job, well pleased, they came on time everyday, we had a great time with them during the spell they were here, would recommend Lee, I will be using him again for future work????
Quebuild London Ltd offers a full building service with every aspect of works covered no matter the scale or scope of works to both residential and commercial buildings.We also provide proactive and reactive maintenance packages with 24/7 one hour service for emergency call outs.We pride ourselves on using only highly skilled and courteous tradesmen with all trades in house so as a company we have full control of our projects. From your initial meeting with one of our knowledgeable estimators who provide fixed price detailed estimates to completion of works overseen by amazing management our clients needs are paramount,this ensures a streamlined service with quality controlled finishes beyond the industry standard. We have full public liability insurance with all risk assessments and method statements in place at all times no matter the size of works for peace of mind for us as a company but more importantly you as our client.
John at Quebuild went above and beyond for us on this job. He completed all the work in a timely manner and for a very reasonable price. He was super knowledgeable and extremely attentive to detail, making sure to leave a high quality finish in terms of decoration - and he came back afterwards to address a few small things that needed doing. He was also a pleasure to have around - and I would highly recommend him for any other work. 10/10.
Over the years of being in the construction industry we pride ourselves in effectively carrying complete house renovations ,new kitchens and bathroom installations ,plastering, tilling, plumbing, painting and electrical works, consumer units,complete rewire, inspection and testing,and we Part P Registered under the NICEIC brand.
Sylvester arranged and managed the refitting of my kitchen - plastering, plumbing, cabinets, tiling. Even Replacing joists and floorboards (I had a wood worm problem). We could not be happier with the result and Sylvesters accommodating attitude towards much unexpected/unplanned work all carried out within quoted timeframe. Could not rate him higher! As an electrician he refitted a few of our lights and provided a valid certificate for all work done. Very professional and tidy.
Hi my name is Jordan John Phillip and my company is Jordan JP Plastering. I am a clean, effective and professional plasterer. I take pride in my plastering ability and I always do my best to keep my customers happy with my work.
Lovely young man. Did the job swiftly and was very neat and tidy. Will definitely be using him again. He made the payment so straightforward.
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.
Really good communication, skilled workmanship, really loving the new floor, feels so much better, Thank you.
If only all tradesmen were like Norman and his team. He turned up when he said he would and kept me in the loop with what he was planning to do and what his team were doing. His team is made up of friendly guys and they've done a great job!
Welcome to Trusted Maitenance- your local, reliable service for a wide range of maintenance jobs around the home. We have been working with many happy customers around Central London areas and also with local councils Please give us a call for a quotation for any of the following:
Trusted Maintence did an excellent job building a bespoke cupboard for my living room. Karl was knowledgeable and took time to understand exactly what I was looking for. His measurements were precise, communication was clear throughout, and the pricing was very reasonable. The finished cupboard is exactly what I wanted, with a well executed replication of period charm. Overall, a professional and reliable service that I would use again and recommend.
Established since 2001, I have delivered a variety of building projects efficiently, economically and stress free to very high standard. My services include Space Planning, Design & Build, Site Management (ACIOB). Project Management, Renovations and Refurbishment of both domestic and commercial properties. I pride my self on my ability to deliver the required project to the specified quality within the agreed duration & budget with a courteous and friendly approach throughout.
Very good, fast efficient and clean, Definitely recommend, Thank you Khal very happy with my new unit.
Page Developments undertake all aspects of building work, renovations and property maintenance across Cheshire.
Page Developments did a great job and really quickly
My company is ?been registered since 2016 and I have been working since 1987 I have so much experience of working. Is been 32 to 33 years of work in this kind of industry we Have so much experience also we promise and we deliver our work also the work that we do is exceptional?? if you are looking for a plasterer to do your job quick for you then you don’t need to look at anywhere else by contact us we will come and do the job for you and after you are going to be smiling and be happy what else do you want?? apart from we keep our clients happy all the time we put smile on their faces??????
Prince arrived on time, excellent work and clearly very experienced. Nice friendly and cheerful guy. Would certainly recommend him.
I've been working in the maintenance Industry for the past 19 years and i've worked for 6 different councils in London, I've been trading since 2012 with this company.
A & L Ever Ready did an amazing job. I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them again.
Professional , friendly and thorough of customers needs . All types of property works covered with many skilled tradesmen . All works bespoke to requirement .
AVOID AT ALL COSTS I can't recommend Tom. Previously TH&Jones Ltd he has changed the company name. He has left us with an extension that doesn't meet building regulations and needs to be taken down. Our house unsalable. I have an independent report to support it. Insufficient foundation, no damp course, insufficient insulation, incorrect installation of roof. He said he would rectify if we paid for 'things unquoted' but failed to show exactly what. We haven't heard from him in months. Stay away!!
A* Property Services
Plaster Skimming
Hi we are a family run business that’s been operating for 40+ years we cover all aspects of property maintenance down to internal paint correction on your walls, to complete re roofing of your property. Due to us being a family run business you have none of the normal communication issues you would have from much larger companies. We are always one phone call away to answer any questions you may have
Hi we are professional team covering all the painting job plastering (skimming) bathroom fitting) laminate flooring
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