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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?
EHB Plastering
Plaster Skimming
Welcome to EHB Plastering, We are here to meet any of your plastering needs, we are a family run business. With Plastering being taught threw generations. We are truly passionate about doing a good job and known to be quite the perfectionists. We have vast experience in both domestic and commercial work and love a challenge! We here for any of your plastering needs, never too big or small. As a team of three, we pride ourselves in our attention to detail and customer satisfaction. EHB Plastering is based in Bedfordshire. We offer a broad range of plastering services and with many years in the trade and countless different obstacles, you can be assured that we deliver high standards every time no matter what you need. We have developed a reputation for our high standards of work. We promote best practice in all that we do and remain up to date with the latest techniques and materials. Before we undertake any job, we work with the customer to gain a good understanding of what they need ensuring that we always meet, or exceed their expectations. We understand the importance of being clean, although plastering can be messy at times, you can be assured we will never leave without the area being spotless and up to the customers expectation. We also offer a 10% discount to any blue light card owners. Thank you.
Page Developments undertake all aspects of building work, renovations and property maintenance across Cheshire.
Jack contacted me promptly this morning but I had already arranged for someone to view the job. Thanks for prompt contact anyway.
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.
Truly excellent honest reliable and helpful service and team. Highly highly recommended
At Custom Carpentry & Construction we offer all aspects of carpentry and refurbishment services from Kitchen installations to full refurbishments we cover it all. what sets us off from the rest is our bespoke carpentry services that can be tailored to suit any need. we pride ourselves on our professional approach and customer satisfaction is a priority.
Joe's done a brilliant job retailing my front porc h. I'd definitely recommend him, and use his services again.
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
Brilliant job! Shaun and his team were very punctual arriving early doors and worked non-stop. Did everything we asked for to a very high standard nothing was a bother. Lovely group of lads who we'd highly recommend! Thank you!
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We have over 12 years experience in internal plastering and external rendering. We cover all aspects of plastering including Venetian (polished plaster) and microcement.
the worst job ever i have seen i hired anthony as a professional to do some finishing touches on venetian plaster but he didnt do it he took a deposit then he disappeared for three weeks telling stories that he was sick or he didn't have time when he finally came to do the job he did it even worse than before came with one can of filler and made my walls a ugly color arguing that they couldn't be done better didn't return the deposit! i don't recommend it to anyone, do not pay deposit this person
With over 10 years of experience in the field, our dedicated team specializes in a wide range of refurbishment projects. We take pride in transforming spaces, whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial, ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to. Our expertise encompasses everything from interior renovations to exterior upgrades, allowing us to breathe new life into any environment. We are committed to delivering high-quality workmanship, utilizing the latest techniques and materials to achieve stunning results that meet our clients' needs and exceed their expectations.
Cosmin and team did an excellent job in my hallway and everything was finished to a very high standard. Highly recommended and would hire again
Hi my name is Tom I’ve been plastering for 20 years. I provide a clean helpful service and i do my up most to meet customers requirements
Tom came to skim my son's ceiling but because it had old artex and very uneven he decided to put a false ceiling in, board that and then skim it. Tom is a really friendly guy, kept showing me where he was up to in the job and was very tidy and did a great overall job at a good price. Wouldn't hesitate to use Tom again or recommend to friends and family.
Dear Customer, We are a construction company with over 25 years experience. We undertake all aspects of building work, including new builds, extensions, lofts, total renovations, new bathroom and kitchens. All work guaranteed and certified for, GasSafe and NiCEiC approved on completion.
Great job good price
J&B roofing and construction is a reliable hardworking company established by myself and my partner. After working together for several years on both private and commercial projects we decided to join forces and created J&B roofing. We specialise in roofing, any job any size. We complete all jobs to a professional high standard and are happy to customise every job to suit your individual need, budget and style.
James Butler also trades as CGS Landscapes. He paved my driveway with poor quality slabs in September 2024 blaming the manufacturer and not himself. More broken slabs has been replaced by him 3 times in 6 months. He has refused to respond to my calls. He texted back calling me. STUPID when I texted him to say I will report him to RatedPeople and the authorities. More slabs broke 2 days ago. Sent him the picture. He simply texted back: MOVED TO DEVON NO LONGER WORKING. Please don’t hire James Butler.
My name is Mariusz Olkowski and I am the owner Olek Builders ltd. We cover every element of the building process from design, , building work, through to finishing your project by fitting kitchens/bathrooms and overall decoration
Wehad the pleasure of hiring Olek and his team for a recent tiling project, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, their professionalism, attention to detail, and friendly demeanor stood out. We wholeheartedly recommend Olek for any tiling project. His workmanship, courtesy, and commitment to customer satisfaction are truly outstanding. Thank you for transforming our space into something remarkable!
I’ve been plastering for 35 years with vast experience in all aspects of traditional plastering
Peter and his crew arrived in good time, started work promptly (overboarding and plastering a slightly cracked ceiling), did a good job and finished earlier than I expected them too. One spontaneously offered help when my partner was moving some item. I selected them partly on the basis that Peter could come and see the job and meet me (rather than just sending someone unseen to to do the job on Friday). They were a cheerful and friendly bunch, and I'm happy to give them 5 stars.
ERA Construction Solutions Ltd WHO ARE WE? The story of our team, 16 years and going really strong: For a decade, Era Construction has been leading the way in all aspects of luxury design and build. Whether you're looking to expand or refine your home with a loft conversion, rear or side extension, basement excavation, cellar conversion or a top to bottom refurbishment. We also complete home renovations, roofing work and bespoke projects. Our ethos is quality-first craftsmanship for the very best in residential design and build in London. From small touch-ups to full property refurbishment - we make a neat job of it all. WHY OUR BUILDING COMPANY? When it comes to the quality and care that we put into every project, we think of ourselves as one of the leading building companies in London. This means that, as the right builder, we have the team, the expertise and the commitment to a high quality that sets us apart. 1. Fully insured with Public and Employers Liability, Professional Indemnity, Contractors All Risk and high-risk basement works. 2. We offer a 15-year guarantee on all of our structural building work. Proficiency only uses the highest quality building materials ensuring everything is built to standard and will last. 3. We have a large team of office-based staff, including a dedicated project manager providing you with peace of mind and security throughout your project.
The job is still going on not completed yet I will rate when the bathroom renovation is completed
"Here at AAR plastering & building services we have a wealth of knowledge throughout all the plastering and building sector, please get in touch for your free no obligation quotation today"
We are a family run business, and although new to the Rated People website for 2024, we have gained over 25yrs of knowledge and experience in dealing with damp and mould in properties. Understanding the issues these cause, we know how to fix them while keeping within a reasonable budget. There are numerous ways these issues arise and we take our time to survey your property to find the cause, advise you on the cure, and help you to have a dry, healthy home. Contact us today to find how we can help you. We cover all of Merseyside and surrounding areas, and can survey your property for you, within a few days to a week. We are certified installers of the damp and remedial products we use and have completed the Pam Ties and Safeguard Damp proofing course, to give you the peace of mind that all our work is undertaken correctly and to the required accordance with British Standards using fluid, approved by the BBA and we adhere to the code of practice laid down by the British Standards Institute. We can undertake any instruction, from an independent damp, timber and mould survey which will be approved by your mortgage lender, right through to a full damp course, wall tie replacement, brickwork pointing, Mould sanitisation, timber replacement, basement tanking and also wall insulation. We have also experience in full property refurbishments and project management of large conversion projects and have numerous trusted tradesmen who have worked for us for decades. Should you require any other jobs doing, please just ask. Check out our excellent 5 star Google reviews to see that we care about our customers and make sure we turn up when we say, do what we quote, and leave your property in a clean tidy state. Call us today to fix your damp and mould problems!
4 months?Done the job feb, rang you march, you gave advice and we put 2 fans on the wall for a month and rang you back to say wall didn’t dry. I’ll post all the photos up of the job including the rusted beads and beads put over the top by your lazy plasterer and let’s remember I said cancel your plasterer when you didn’t do the job I thought you were doing and pay you just for what you done. The evidence is there for people to decide
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.
Hi there. We are a family run business and have been trading for more than 20 years . myself and two sons are backed up by other trades as well and would be pleased to quote for any type of building works.
Thanks a million Steven. It seemed impossible to get a quote for the insurance comany. You came out as promised to view what work needed done, provided a quote which was accepted. You carried out all the work at such high standards + a few extras. Very much appreciated! You also explained everything and always showed up in time. Thank you so much!
At SKIM-IT we specialize in providing high-quality plastering and Ames taping services tailored to meet the needs of both residential and commercial clients. With years of experience in the industry, our skilled team is dedicated to delivering quality.
WARNING we asked skim it do do the work based on their reviews. They came out, gave a quote, did a bad job but it turned out that it was NOT Skim it. Apologies to this company for a 1 star but future customers need to know that it may happen, this is no reflection on your work
Gabrica Ltd is a leading construction company renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction. With a proven track record of delivering superior quality projects across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, Gabrica Ltd stands out for its meticulous attention to detail, stringent adherence to timelines, and unwavering dedication to customer service. Equipped with a team of highly skilled professionals and state-of-the-art technology, Gabrica Ltd excels in every aspect of the construction process, from initial planning and design to construction management and final delivery. Committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, Gabrica Ltd integrates eco-friendly practices into its projects, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities it serves. With Gabrica Ltd, clients can trust in a partner that consistently surpasses expectations, delivering exceptional results that stand the test of time.
Brilliant. Efficient, hard working, friendly, professional, good vale and quality work. I'm very pleased and will use again.
Yellow Home Services
Plaster Skimming
With over 15 years of experience in the field, Yellow Home Services offer a range of home improvement solutions including but not exclusive to - building/construction work, plastering/rendering, tiling and painting/decorating. We are happy to take on both large and small jobs respectively offering fair and competitive rates.
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