What skimming is
Skimming is a thin finishing coat. It is common:
- over new plasterboard
- over existing plaster that is still sound
- after a patch when a wider, even finish is needed
- on ceilings that are otherwise in decent order
It is not the same as boarding a wall, and it is not external rendering. If you are unsure, describe what you can see.
What to include in an enquiry
- Town or full postcode
- Which rooms, and upstairs or down
- Walls, ceilings, or both
- Rough size (number of walls, or metres if you know them)
- Whether the surface is plasterboard, old plaster, painted, or blown
- Parking and whether furniture can be moved
- Preferred timing
Photographs of a typical wall and any damaged spots help. The form does not take uploads. Say if photos are available.
What usually affects a quote
What will the plastering cost? A plasterer will normally think about:
- Area to cover
- How much preparation is needed (filling, PVA, taking off loose material)
- Whether backing plaster or board is required first
- Height, stairs and protection of floors
- How empty the rooms are
- How many visits (skim, then a later check, then you decorate)
This site does not publish a "per metre" figure.
After the plaster is on
New skim needs time to dry before paint. The plasterer should say what they recommend. Do not assume you can decorate the next morning. Slight colour variation as it dries is normal.
Beccles and nearby
Intended first area: Beccles, Worlingham and nearby Waveney villages. Availability is checked for your postcode and job.
Plasterer in Beccles · Nearby villages
Lowestoft, Bungay or Great Yarmouth: nearby, ask. Coverage is not claimed.
Related jobs
Questions
Not always. A sound wall with a small repair may only need a patch. If lots of the surface is blown, a plasterer may recommend skimming the room.
Sometimes, after preparation. It depends on the paint and whether the plaster behind is sound. The plasterer should see it.
No. Independent plasterer, their quote, their contract.