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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 have 15 years of experience within the industry. We offer a wide range of services: Laminate Flooring Floor Tiling Door / Window painting External wall painting Internal Painting & Decorating Wall murals / Paint effects Wall Tiling We work hard and clean and make sure that our clients are happy.
Alin is reliable, punctual, and honest. We agreed the price of the job and I did not have any surprise, and when we had to do something extra he was very reasonable with price. He and his team started on time, were very respectful, did a good job, and are very easy to work with. I would happily work with them again.
LEO POP CONSTRUCTION
Plaster Skimming
We are at your disposal to help you with Leo pop construction property maintenance Ltd We arrange tiling works, gardens, paving and other interior paint?ing and exterior jobs .
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Job Done has over 15 years experience providing a full range of services. We’re a one stop shop for garden renovations from design to completion. We employ a close team of specialists in their chosen fields,to cater to your specific needs.
Hardly worth commenting as no one contacted me.
Hello, we are Trader Brothers Ltd. We offer the highest quality service at a competitive price, our staff have several years of experience and are here to help and advise you to convert your house into the home you always desired. To book in for a free quote you can contact us via email or mobile and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Services Trader Brothers offer: Painting and decorating General and bespoke Joinery Kitchens and Bathroom specialist Flooring and wall isolation All aspects of flooring: laminate, tiles, hard wood
Arrived at appointmented time, with all necessary precautions taken during survey of job. Estimate was a fair price. Detailed and professionally prepared.
Roman home improvements is a company who pride them selves on high quality workmanship at affordable prices. We have over 20 years experience and cover all aspects of construction. We are here to not only build for your needs but with our experience and knowledge to help design for your needs.
Prompt response and quote. Options fully explored and explained. Work starts soon.
Call us for Professional Painting & Decoration Services Established in London with 20 years experience . Our Experienced Painters Use Time Honcured Methods to do Fast Cleaning Work .
Good work, nice team
FINISHERS. You're complete building & decorating solutions. Established 1995 , finishers is a family ran business in the centre of Cambridge we guarantee any work undertaken will be completed to the highest standards. For a free quote contact FINISHERS
Michael replaced the window in the garage with a glass door on time and on budget. He is easy to communicate with, cheerful , efficient, and tidy. We liked his positive attitude.
Izyy Builders
Plaster Skimming
Hi everyone Im Izyy over 10 years experience on construction. I take my job very proudly and I like to help everyone out with their project. I’m very tidy,clean , very responsive and very professional . Please feel free to give use a call for further assistance.
Hi my name is lawrence ive been a plasterer for over 30 years so i have a very good knowledge of the building game such as extentions dampprofiing flat roofing block work drainidge most everything to do with the building game drop me a line and ill get back to you thanks
What an absolute star! Lawrence gave me a good quote, insisted on clear communication using both phone and email. When the job needed extra materials (it was surprisingly large) Lawrence was open and clear about what it would cost. Amazingly, he still managed to complete the job in the three days initially quoted - remarkable! I was kept informed about each stage of the job and given options for these. The work is very well finished and has been highly approved by all the stakeholders in this job.
London/ Essex - Surrounding areas I am a hard working with great attention to detail, I ensure all the work I carry out is to a high standard and I take pride in what I do. I make sure that I am fully equipped for the job and make sure customers are always happy.
I have been trading for over three years I specialise in garden and landscapes and construction extension porch garage and more please letmy help we’d your projects thank you
Visited the site before quoting, offered a competitive quote and did a fantastic job. Well pleased.
KENDY PLUMBING AND HEATING LTD HERE TO SERVE. PLEASE DONT HESITATE THANKS DALE F.
Prompt response, friendly and did a good job. Would use again.
https://www.jmp-plumbing.co.uk JMP plumbing & heating we take pride in our high standard of work & customer service. Our main focus is to deliver a reliable contact for homeowners and businesses. Our services include but are not limited to; all aspects of plumbing from maintenance, installations & after care. Working alongside skilled tradesmen we cater plastering, carpentry and joinery, tiling and decorating. Fully insured, our work comes with long warranty to give you peace in mind when choosing a business to carry out your projects. Feel free to contact us with queries We offer 24/7 call out No obligation quotes
Jamie was very helpful and courteous. Came out on a Sunday and resolved the issues for us and cleared up. Would while heartedly recommend his services.
Sweet Plastering & Carpentry is a small local business who pride themselves on carrying out a high standard of workmanship with a reputation of great customer service. We carry out all aspects of building work internal and external by qualified tradesman.
Plastering was not completed, wall left with no skim on it. Plaster did not go up to the ceiling so gaps to be filled everywhere. The edges of the walls are still unfinished and rough. We was quoted one price then they said they couldn't finish the job at that price said they would come back to finish for another 400 pound but still have not seen where this money was spent. The first dsy they was here for maybe 4 hours the second vist was less then an hour the final day they arrived at 8.30 gone by lunch.
With over 30 years of experience, Omni Drylining is a family-run business, founded by Owen O'Brien. Working as contractors or sub-contractors in both commercial and domestic sectors, our tradesmen cover all aspects of drylining, plastering, rendering, screeding and general painting & decorating. ? Omni Drylining is proud to work with a number of suppliers and are a recommended contractor for Weber products. Whether it be work on new builds, existing properties or commercial projects, we aim to deliver the highest quality of workmanship at a fair price. ? Our clients goals are at the heart of everything we do. To ensure this, we promise a unique full method statement and risk assessment for each individual client. All our workers carry CSCS cards as proof that they have the appropriate training and qualifications for each project they undertake. Omni Drylining Ltd is covered by full Public & Employers liability insurance of up to £10m.
Owen was amazing given the short notice of my request, and remained patient and flexible, proving to be very reliable! I am very pleased with the finish and will be in touch again for future work. Many thanks Owen!
I'm experienced handyman skilled painter & decorator , plaster inside ,external render outside ,key render, tiling, kitchen/bathroom floors general builder works
Landi did a great job at short notice and for a reasonable price. I will certainly be using him again for future jobs.
Electrician at Self employed electrical engineer
Came out short notice. Managed to squeeze me in. Due to short notice of getting room plastered 3 days later. Had 4 double plugs put in. In chrome like I wanted. They were professional and cleaned up after themselves. Will definitely use again
UV INTERIORS LTD
Plaster Skimming
Welcome to UV Interiors! Your number-one construction company in North West London, and the surrounding areas. With over ten years’ worth of combined experience, our commercial contractors have become industry leaders in their field. For the past decade, we have been delivering high-quality construction services to the community. As a result, we have been building up a large pool of satisfied customers in the area. Some of our services include: Property Renovations Painting and Decorating Kitchen Renovations and more! So, if you are looking for a particular service, we may have a team waiting to help. Take a look at our services and get in touch with us using the details below. Our expert commercial contractors in North West London would love to hear from you!
we are a family ran company that specialises in bathrooms ,kitchens ,basement & loft conversions. we also have a team of professional decorators,tilers,plasterers,joiners & plumbers. we are very competitive on price and quality of work comes as standard.
Yes arrived when they arranged to and did excellent job
Valentino has done a fantastic job of bathroom and kitchen refurbishment. He has delivered what he had promised no hidden charges and no false promises. Very reliable and soft spoken. He uses the best material in the market so quality of product is very good. He did the facia as well which is also of very good specifications. Overall he is a fantastic builder and I would 100% recommend him.
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