Find a local plaster skimming specialist
Over 10,000 rated tradespeople
are ready to help you get your job done
Over 3 million happy homeowners
have found a quality tradesperson
Over 1 million ratings
with 88,000 5* ratings in the last 12 months
Join our group of happy customers
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Read real reviews from customers about their service experiences.
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.
Browse Plaster Skimming specialists
Take a look at our Plaster Skimming specialists profiles, read reviews and request quotes directly.
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?
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M12.5%2020.392a1%201%200%2001-.54.888l-5.274%202.73a1%201%200%2001-1.435-1.109l1.494-6.588a1%201%200%2000-.306-.964l-4.723-4.254c-.65-.586-.287-1.666.585-1.74l6.105-.514a1%201%200%2000.846-.629L12.5%200v20.392z'%20fill='%23F7DB34'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
Introducing "Handyman in London": Your Trusted Partner in Home Repairmi ons and Renovations Are you in search of a skilled and reliable handyman in London to take care of your home improvement needs? Look no further than Handyman London, where expertise meets dedication. With over 22 years of hands-on experience in bricklaying, plastering, and painting, we are your go-to solution for all things home repair. Our founder, a seasoned solo builder with a wealth of knowledge, has dedicated years to perfecting the art of transforming houses into homes. However, life took an unexpected turn when faced with health challenges that remain undiagnosed. Despite these difficulties, our commitment to delivering exceptional service has only grown stronger. At Handyman London, we pride ourselves on our versatility and attention to detail. Whether you need a wall repointed, a room painted, or a plastering job done to perfection, we've got you covered. Our founder's extensive experience ensures that each project is approached with a keen eye for craftsmanship and a passion for turning your vision into reality. In addition to our expertise, we understand the importance of trust when inviting someone into your home. Our commitment to professionalism and reliability sets us apart. Rest assured, when you choose Handyman London, you are not just hiring a handyman; you are gaining a trustworthy partner in maintaining and enhancing your living space. Though our founder faces health challenges, our dedication to our clients remains unwavering. Our partnership with Rated People reflects our commitment to transparency and quality, ensuring that your satisfaction is our top priority. Experience the difference with Handyman in London – where reliability, craftsmanship, and dedication converge to create a home you can truly be proud of. Contact us today and let us turn your home improvement dreams into a reality.
Alec visited and gave me a thorough and professional quote.
Burscough's oldest UPVC window, door and conservatory fitting business. Established 1989. Certass registered and compliant under the Safe Trader Scheme. Not always the cheapest but definitely the best.
Reliable and quick.
Dowe's Plastering Services
Plaster Skimming
Specialists in plastering services with experience and a passion for perfection, we bring your vision to life, one immaculate surface at a time From initial consultation to project completion, our team is committed to delivering exceptional service, on time and within budget. Specialists in repairing water damage, mould growth and any other issues caused by moisture. OUR SKILLS: Skimming Plastering Plaster patch work Damp Proofing Tanking Silicone render K render/monocouche Boarding Partitioning Dry Lining Sand and cement render
carpentry LTD, fitted laminat flooring, solid wood flooring, inginering wood floring, carpet.
Ion worked hard and quickly to paint our whole flat over a day and a half. He provided all the materials and was thorough and cleared up well when he left. His quote for the job was fair.
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.
NO UPFRONT PAYMENTS 0R DEPOSITS REQUIRED FREE QUOTATIONS. Luxury Spaces specializes in joinery, plumbing, and electrical services,l honed over 22 years to meet exceptionally high standards. Our commitment is to transparency and integrity in every project, collaborating closely with clients to achieve optimal results within their budget. We offer no-fuss financing options—simply reach out for guidance. Services' provided are as follows, Kitchen, bathrooms, bespoke staircase's, extensions, windows. As a family-operated business spanning generations, we take pride in passing down expertise from father to sons. Our dedication to excellence extends from military training—an artillery Gunner for five years—to every task we undertake. With honesty at our core, we consistently deliver value for money. Our clientele, diverse yet united in their desire for quality workmanship, inspire us to exceed expectations. To honor service professionals, Blue Light cardholders, and pensioners, we extend special discounts as a token of appreciation. For further details, visit our website: lux-spaces co,uk,
Aaron came out quickly to give us a quote to change bath to step in shower. Gave us a good price and was able to fit us in because of a cancellation. Had a couple of issues with finishing touches but Aaron was as good as his word and came back out to fix them. Tidy worker and good communication throughout the whole process.
Excellent time served Plasterer with 16 years building experience all over the UK .No job to small and always to highest standard possible. Experienced with:Skimming,Boarding,Damp proofing, wall removal (Steel work), extensions, Rendering, roofing, tiling, bathroom fitting Coving,brickwork , joinery. All work is guaranteed . Give us a call for your free quotation
Came on time as promised, worked non stop till the work was completed, Shawn & the team were very friendly & did a great job, very happy with the price & quality of the finished job, would definitely recommend & use again.
CTA BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD
Plaster Skimming
We are General Contractors and can undertake renovations/refurbishments as well as newbuild homes or extensions. We have qualified electricians, plumbers and highly carpenters. No job is too big or complicated. The principles of the business have combined experience of over 15 years and we pride ourselves on leaving our customers very happy.
I am a general builder that has many skills, I have built extentions, fitted kitchens and bathrooms, removed and rebuilt interior walls, fitted windows and doors. I also have done all specialist types of external rendering, I also tile walls and floors not only with your everyday tiles but I also do natural products such as stone. I laid patios, turf and general gardening,
Chris did a great job of tiling and I wouldn’t hesitate to ask him to do another job for us.
Full property maintenance Handy man no job to big Painter & decorator Kitchen fitting Bathroom fitting Tiles fitted Full house refurb HMO conversion
Absolutely 1st class response by Harj & his team to some very challenging works. Cannot recommend highly enough for any domestic or commercial projects. Good value, reliable, always polite & goes the extra mile to deliver the highest quality.
We are your trusted experts in comprehensive building & maintenance services, offering a wide range of solutions to meet all your needs. From minor repairs to large-scale projects, we’ve got you covered. Our skilled team specialise in all aspects of construction, including plumbing, boiler breakdowns, emergency call-outs, and gas safety/boiler services. We also excel in joinery work, handling both minor repairs and major construction projects, from kitchens to full house renovations, extensions property refurbs. In addition, we provide all aspects of plastering services, encompassing repairs, full-house projects, damp course works, external rendering, and k-render applications. Roofing is another of our specialties, with services ranging from repairs to complete house renovations. When it comes to electrical work, we take care of it all, from repairs and installations to full re-wires, EICR certificates, and remedial works. Our skilled painters and decorators, who are part of our dedicated team, ensure your space looks its best. We also offer EPC certificates and guarantee that all our work meets the necessary standards. For those looking to transform their homes completely, we offer full house renovations from start to finish. Landlords benefit from our fast turnaround times, ensuring their properties are ready for sale or back on the market promptly. All major works and extensions come with our comprehensive guarantee. Choose us for your maintenance needs, and experience quality service from start to finish. List of services Joinery Plumbing Expert painting and decorating Plastering all aspects Roofing works Electrical works Property maintenance Bathroom refurbishment Kitchen refurbishment Full property refurbishment Extensions and conversions Fire door checks sign off Minor or major repairs Planning and a full schedule of works with all quotes.
Hi there we do external wall insulation such as EWI-system,EPS-system and many more…we have 8 years off experience in this building system we do also plastering.
Had my artex in living room & 2 bedrooms plastered. The rooms look so much better now- really good job
Modest Property Services is your trusted partner for all your home improvement needs. We pride ourselves on providing honest advice and delivering top-quality craftsmanship on every project. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and a reputation for reliability, Modest Property Services ensures your home is in expert hands. Services Include: Kitchens & Bathrooms Renovations, Plumbing & Heating, Boiler Installation, Gas & LPG Installations, Tiling, Plastering, Dry Lining & General Construction."
Excellent job at a fair price, friendly service, would highly recommend.
Hi I'm Steve, I'm a paint & decorator & small handy man, I've been in the trade for over 30 years, take a look at my photos as well as my ratings if you like what you see give us a call.
I am so pleased with services they provided for me. Rollers did an excellent job and also went above and beyond. Recommend their services. ART
With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, we know how to deliver work that looks good and lasts. We work on properties of all shapes and sizes, commercial and domestic, turning your dreams into a reality.
What an amazing guy!, another 2 weeks and he would have become a member of our family!. You can set your clock with George, he was at our door an 8am on the dot every morning. He gave us so many different ideas which really helped us. His workmanship i, totally flawless. We know what quality looks like now. George is a loyal, honest and hardworking individual who will always be our first choice when getting work done.
Small family Business with over 30 years in the Building trade NVQ Level 3 qualified from Box Rooms to Ballrooms for a free and friendly estimate please call on the number provided
A marvellous job done by Sean very happy with the results and left clean and tidy thanks.
Friendly and trustworthy handyman providing the following services • Shop Fitting • Home Refurbishing, (bathroom and kitchen ) • Painting and decorating • Carpentry, fixing doors, replacing locks, changing door handles ) • removing walls or partitions or making partitions • Floor Laminating--- Tiling • TV wall mounting/Mirror or any thing to hang on the wall or ceiling • Electrical work • Installing CCTV Camera • Installing Appliances New or Old • Waterproofing floor and roof • Plumbing work (fixing leaks, replacing water taps, replacing silicone) • Handyman work
Great service. Got a quick appointment and on time completed the job. Thank you.
We are a family run building company, we cover a wide range of works from joinery , building, landscaping and maintenance, We have over 20 years experience and pride ourselves on our professional ability to adapt to each of are customers needs Thank you ,,and hope to help you with your job whatever the size big or small
Excellent work!
hi my name is Andrew Silvera I've been an electrician for 28 years I also used to teach electrics at college to apprentices ,so it's Fair to say there's not much I don't know about electrics or anything with cables/signals. I'm an electrical Project manager as my daytime role trade so safety and quality is my forte .
I do not usually leave reviews but to protect other customers this is a review worth leaving. Please do not use this builder, he was incompetent and did not manage to complete any of the works to a suitable standard. On top of this he fitted a new tap on my bath tub but did not connect the waste pipe and as a result caused a leak which effected the apartment below. Tiling and shower door were not fitted correctly and these were straight forward jobs and have to be redone.
'%20rx='20'%20/%3e%3cg%20fill='%23FFF'%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.376%2016.914c-.555%200-1.006.454-1.006%201.013v37.416c0%20.578.472%201.014%201.097%201.014h34.109a1.007%201.007%200%200%200%20.972-.83%201.012%201.012%200%200%200-.161-.76l-6.446-9.416c-.375-.548-.567-1.085-.586-1.642-.034-.977.516-1.952%201.402-2.483%204.8-2.878%205.808-7.575%205.808-11.009%200-7.335-5.925-13.303-13.207-13.303H29.376ZM63.594%2059.75H29.467c-2.505%200-4.467-1.936-4.467-4.408V17.927c0-2.43%201.963-4.408%204.376-4.408h21.982c9.14%200%2016.577%207.49%2016.577%2016.698%200%205.879-2.46%2010.687-6.944%2013.607l6.17%209.017c1.37%202.002.868%204.752-1.12%206.132a4.336%204.336%200%200%201-2.44.778h-.007Z'%20/%3e%3cpath%20d='M38.767%2027.797c0-.749.603-1.357%201.347-1.357h6.427c3.979%200%206.426%201.72%206.426%205.099v.123c0%203.132-2.325%205.098-6.365%205.098h-3.848l-3.985%203.998V36.76h-.002v-8.963'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23FFF'%20fill-rule='nonzero'%20d='M18.176%2069.2h2.156v3.878h3.976V69.2h2.156V79h-2.156v-3.934h-3.976V79h-2.156v-9.8Zm16.428%207.98c.43%200%20.826-.08%201.19-.238a2.72%202.72%200%200%200%20.931-.658c.257-.28.457-.604.602-.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200%20.217-1.183V74.1c0-.42-.072-.817-.217-1.19-.145-.373-.35-.7-.616-.98a2.96%202.96%200%200%200-.945-.665%202.873%202.873%200%200%200-1.19-.245c-.439%200-.838.08-1.197.238-.36.159-.667.378-.924.658s-.457.604-.602.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200-.217%201.183v.028c0%20.42.072.817.217%201.19a2.959%202.959%200%200%200%201.554%201.645c.36.163.758.245%201.197.245Zm-.028%201.988a5.343%205.343%200%200%201-2.086-.399%205.187%205.187%200%200%201-1.645-1.078%204.823%204.823%200%200%201-1.078-1.596%205.029%205.029%200%200%201-.385-1.967V74.1c0-.7.13-1.356.392-1.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201%201.085-1.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201%201.652-1.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201%202.093-.399c.756%200%201.451.133%202.086.399a5.187%205.187%200%200%201%201.645%201.078c.462.453.821.985%201.078%201.596.257.611.385%201.267.385%201.967v.028c0%20.7-.13%201.356-.392%201.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201-1.085%201.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201-1.652%201.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201-2.093.399Zm8.14-9.968h2.324l2.576%204.144%202.576-4.144h2.324V79h-2.142v-6.398l-2.758%204.186h-.056l-2.73-4.144V79h-2.114v-9.8Zm13.152%200h7.392v1.918h-5.25v1.988h4.62v1.918h-4.62v2.058h5.32V79h-7.462v-9.8Zm13.866%209.94a6.49%206.49%200%200%201-2.198-.385%205.817%205.817%200%200%201-1.96-1.183l1.274-1.526c.448.364.908.653%201.379.868.471.215.987.322%201.547.322.448%200%20.796-.082%201.043-.245a.771.771%200%200%200%20.371-.679v-.028a.85.85%200%200%200-.077-.371.778.778%200%200%200-.294-.301%203.079%203.079%200%200%200-.602-.28c-.257-.093-.59-.191-1.001-.294a12.201%2012.201%200%200%201-1.344-.406%203.787%203.787%200%200%201-1.022-.553%202.237%202.237%200%200%201-.651-.819c-.154-.327-.231-.733-.231-1.218v-.028c0-.448.084-.852.252-1.211.168-.36.404-.67.707-.931a3.183%203.183%200%200%201%201.085-.602c.42-.14.882-.21%201.386-.21a5.86%205.86%200%200%201%201.981.322%205.743%205.743%200%200%201%201.659.924l-1.12%201.624a7.1%207.1%200%200%200-1.288-.707%203.292%203.292%200%200%200-1.26-.259c-.42%200-.735.082-.945.245-.21.163-.315.366-.315.609v.028c0%20.159.03.296.091.413.06.117.17.222.329.315s.376.182.651.266c.275.084.623.182%201.043.294.495.13.936.278%201.323.441.387.163.714.36.98.588.266.229.467.497.602.805.135.308.203.677.203%201.106v.028c0%20.485-.089.917-.266%201.295a2.66%202.66%200%200%201-.742.952%203.353%203.353%200%200%201-1.134.588%204.924%204.924%200%200%201-1.456.203Z'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles