Skimming
Skimming in Bridgwater
A smooth skim coat over existing plaster or fresh plasterboard, left flat and ready to paint.
Skimming is the quickest route to a flat wall when what's underneath is sound. A thin finish coat goes over the top and ties everything together, old repairs, stripped wallpaper, a moved socket, into one continuous surface.
The preparation decides whether it lasts. If the existing wall is dusty, painted with something that won't hold a bond, or still has adhesive on it, new plaster will craze or blow within months. I spend the time on that stage because I'm the one who gets the phone call if I don't.
If the wall underneath is too far gone to skim, I'll say so and price boarding instead rather than putting a thin coat over a problem.
What's included
- Existing surface stabilised and primed
- Loose or blown material cut back first
- Two-coat skim where the surface needs it
- Sanded and left decorator-ready
- No mess left behind
How skimming works
- Check what's underneathI test whether the existing surface is sound and well bonded. A skim is only as good as what it's stuck to.
- Prepare and primeWallpaper and loose material off, dusty or painted surfaces sealed so the new plaster bonds properly.
- Skim appliedFinish coat applied and worked flat, two coats where the surface needs it, corners and reveals squared.
- Sanded and clearedTrowelled up, checked in raking light, and the room left swept and decorator-ready.
Common questions about skimming
What's the difference between skimming and plastering?
Skimming is a thin finish coat, usually 2 to 3mm, applied over a surface that's already sound. Full plastering builds the wall out with a backing coat first. If your walls are solid but tired, you want a skim. If they're blown or uneven, you need more than that.
Can you skim over artex?
Yes, and it's usually the best answer. Deep texture gets a bonding coat first to fill it, then the finish goes over. It avoids disturbing the artex, which matters because older artex can contain asbestos.
Can you skim over wallpaper?
No. Wallpaper will lift as the plaster dries and take the new finish with it. It comes off first, that's part of the preparation and it's included in what I quote.
How soon can I paint after skimming?
Wait until it's gone completely pale and uniform, usually three to five days. First coat should be a watered-down mist coat so it soaks in rather than sitting on top.
Will there be much mess?
Less than people expect. Skimming is wet work rather than dusty work; the dust comes from removing old material. Everything is sheeted and I take the waste with me.
Recent skimming work
Reviews
What customers say
Toby plastered our downstairs artex ceilings in Ashcott, was very polite and did a very good job, we will be using him again on an upcoming project
Toby plastered our bedrooms and bathroom ceiling in Bridgwater, did a cracking job and will be using again
Toby came in and patch repaired our ceiling after a water leak, was very professional and turned up on time. Left a good finish and we were very happy
Very happy with work completed, very tidy and polite, will definitely be using again
Had Toby in to do some work for me. Very personal and tidy work
Skimming across Bridgwater and Somerset
Skimming available across Bridgwater and the surrounding Somerset towns and villages. Toby is based in Street, a short drive from most of them.