Find a local plaster skimming specialist

Post your job for free. Get quotes. Read reviews.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 Lovejeet Singh (Lucky), the managing director of RSP A1 CONSTRUCTION I now have 17 years of experience in this trade. We provide a full building service. Loft conversion, Extension, Full Refurbishment and many more. We are a team with intelligent, physically strong, hardworking, and professional tradesmen who give 100% all the time. We are always on time at work and finish within time scale. WE WILL ACHIEVE YOUR VISION and most importantly NO SHORT CUTS

Right Choice Builders: London’s Premier Extension, Renovation, Loft Conversion, Plumbing, and Electrical Experts At Right Choice Builders, we take pride in transforming your visions into reality with unparalleled craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail. Based in London, our dedicated team of professionals specializes in home extensions, renovations, loft conversions, and comprehensive plumbing and electrical services. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we offer bespoke solutions tailored to meet your unique needs. Our holistic approach ensures that every project, big or small, is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Choose Right Choice Builders for your next project and experience the difference of working with a company that values quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction above all else. Whether you’re expanding your living space, updating your interiors, or ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home’s essential systems

Hello, I'm Mike, I'm a plastering professional with 12 years of experience, I'm polite and smiling, I like the work I do, I welcome you

Our company Construction and Renovation work of 25 years. At this time, we have gained a wealth of experience backed by references received from our customers. Cost estimates are free of charge. Professionalism guaranteed.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Sarah on 2/11/2016

Greg is a very helpful and professional. Arrived when he said he would and gave sound advice on a very tricky guttering problem.

Impress Europe Ltd is a full service construction company offering comprehensive solutions for residential, commercial and industrial projects. From design and planning to building and finishing, we handle everything - including new builds, extensions, loft conversions, renovations, landscaping and custom projects. Our team of skilled professionals are committed to delivering quality, safety and excellence in every job. We pride ourselves on reliability, clear communication and building long lasting relationships with our clients. Choose Impress Europe for all your construction needs - one company, every solution.

Martons Building Contractors is a trusted name in construction, known for our problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and innovative designs. Our mission is simple: to exceed the expectations of every client we serve. We offer a range of services including conversions, extensions, groundworks, new builds, and roofing. With a combined experience of over 100 years, our team of 5-6 professionals ensures that every project is executed with precision. While our core team is small, we have a network of reliable subcontractors for electrical and plumbing work. Based in Leeds, North Yorkshire, and Lancaster, we are dedicated to serving these areas with quality construction services. Choose Martons Building Contractors for reliable craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence in every project. All contracting works available and covered in and around Yorkshire.

Our Service We offer free no obligation quotations. Our quotations are always detailed and fully inclusive. Our residential projects includes renovations, loft conversion and extensions. Working on occupied and fully operational homes are never a problem here at Baltic Star Design & Build. Your Build As experienced building contractors, we offer a complete end-to-end client experience from inception of the design of your project, to the build and any additional items such as bespoke kitchens and bathrooms. Why Us Our extensive project management and construction skills along with a multi-disciplinary team, enables us to provide turn-key solutions and beautiful design. Building your Future.

Full property maintenance Handy man no job to big Painter & decorator Kitchen fitting r Bathroom fitting Tiles fitted Full house refurb HMO conversion

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by David on 10/12/2024

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.

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

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by zaid on 21/3/2024

Visited the site before quoting, offered a competitive quote and did a fantastic job. Well pleased.

we pride ourselves on offering our customers a full quality range of services; with a minimum amount of fuss and disturbance whilst carrying out their individual decorating requirements. we have been providing quality services for over 15 years

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by JOHN on 28/8/2024

We work off trust and quality of work, along with the best customer service, making sure clients are happy and satisfied at all times. We have a combined total of 25 years experience in the Maintenance and Waste Trade in the Oxfordshire area. Fully insured and licensed up to 10 million for customers and employees. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we look forward to hearing from you.

Supreme Plastering Services LTD Offers a wide range of services varying from, Plastering EWI Rendering, Dry lining. Myself and my team have over 16 yrs or experience. First Started off in London City working on luxury apartments to high standards. We are very professional and produce high quality work. We have top quality equipment to delivery top quality finishes. Once the work is completed we will also make sure the property or location is left clean. We also concentrate on time keeping and producing high quality finishes to a set time so your project will also be delivered on time.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Armaghan on 30/9/2021

Adrian did an amazing job rendering my house which had terrible pebble dash all around.  The house has now been completely transformed with an absolute perfect monocouche render finish, which is why I would highly recommend him for his brilliant rendering talent. He is a perfectionist and a very hard working individual. Adrian was very punctual and finished the job in the agreed time. Highly Recommended.

ADI CARE&CONSTRUCT LTD is one company with more than 20 years of experience in construction. we have skills like partitioning, extension, plastering, painting, laminate, tiling, paving , and gardening. We are working fast, clean, and open to offer good service and prices. My Company is looking for extending in Doncaster area and not only. We need all trust and support, and we offer the same. Thanks .

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Phil on 18/9/2023

Good quality work. Got the job done quickly. Would recommend!

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Tom on 6/3/2024

Absolutely top notch job, nice tidy job.

Welcome to Claremont Carpentry & Decorating! a family run business which prides itself on exceptional services and customer satisfaction. We have grown over the last 25 years to include services under Carpentry, decorating and plastering works. We boast many years of happy and returning customers, this is because our values are embedded in every project completed. We believe honesty, passion, details and communication deliver exceptional results and our customers agree. Check out our feedback to see more detail of our work

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.

A highly competent, enthusiastic and hardworking team with ability to adapt to any environment. We are flexible guys who enjoys of challenges of meeting deadlines and targets. We have excellent communication skills and attention to details. Positive and highly self motivated professionals with proven excellent work skills.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Anthony on 28/6/2019

Truly excellent honest reliable and helpful service and team. Highly highly recommended

We have been serving the Renfrewshire and surrounding community for many years focusing within domestic homes delivering all type of Plumbing & Heating repairs, Installations, Renewals and Servicing through our experienced qualified engineers. Electrical works also undertaken. Our 24 Hour, 7 day a week cover ensures we are on hand for you, when you need us. We understand that you need a reliable, trustworthy name for your plumbing and heating needs, we will ensure you have the confidence having us working in your home. We believe Consilium should be your No.1 choice when it comes to Plumbing and Heating, please call us or message on the below enquiry form, we can’t wait to hear from you. Consilium are Gas Safe, NIC EIC, TrustMark, ISO 9001, ISO14001 and ISO 45001 accredited. We are a company you can trust in to deliver your needs

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Anita on 17/1/2025

Very happy with the final outcome of the renovation. Very professional company with friendly, hardworking and skilled staff. Couldn't be more happy with how the bathroom looks now. Brilliant communication skills and friendly service. Would definitely recommend to anyone needing their bathroom done.

Est since 1985,BDI PLASTERING prides itself on quality workmanship,reliability,and honest advice.Please click on my photos,showcasing previous works,and click onto my homeowner reviews for client testimonials.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Dean on 4/10/2024

Pocock developments has been trading in and around Berkshire and the home counties for some 30 years with great references. its a family run business with myself and my wife Kerry. We Produce fixed price quotations. we are Elecsa certified.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Susanne on 25/3/2025

Spencer at Pocock Developments project managed our work very well. From the fully detailed quote, to advising on any pricing changes and providing some extra plastering work - got to say everything was managed smoothly and transparently, and the one hiccup over the roof tiles was put right quickly. Plus we appreciated Myron and Ivan's eye for detail and managing their work around the weather. Our two dormers look great, so thanks Pocock Development and we'd definitely use them again ????

Post your job for free

app-icon

Get our app for homeowners

  • Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
  • Add photos to get more accurate quotes
  • View tradespeople's profiles