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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

  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?

www.kbaconstruction.online MAKE YOUR HOUSE INTO A HOME TODAY WITH KBA CONSTRUCTION'S We are a building company with many years combined experience. working as Builder in London (UK), we help to make your house a home or property investment you can rely on.

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Reviewed by Connor on 13/9/2024

Did a fantastic job and at good price

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success!!! All jobs require the highest level of effort and attention to detail, my belief is every customer deserves the service I would expect for myself. I can offer professional advice and assistance to the keen DIY’er or self builder. Alternatively, I can take on and complete your home improvement projects. No job too big or small. Exterior jobs include but not limited to: •Painting •Patios & Decking •Driveways •Fencing •Drainage •Sheds and bases •Raised planters •Landscaping •Garden clearance •Demolition work •All small jobs including garden furniture assembly Interior jobs include but not limited to: •Painting and decorating •carpentry work •Light fittings and socket replacement •Flooring, skirting boards, door hanging & architraves •Blinds and curtain poles •Shelving and wall mounted TV’s •Bespoke built in wardrobes & media walls •Wooden furniture Repairs •Furniture and flat pack assembly I have the experience and knowledge to deliver most home projects. All jobs considered

WELCOME TO D.D BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING A small family team who can provide lots of services: PAINTING AND DECORATING TILING, FLOORING, PLASTERING RENDERING Astro Turf Block Paving Block Paving Driveways Brick Pavers Brick Wall Bricklaying Contractors Complete Design Concrete Driveways Construction Works Decking Driveway Repairs Driveways Fencing Full Garden Design Garden Buildings Garden Cleared Garden Fences Garden Landscaping Ideas Garden Lighting Garden Maintenance Garden Makeovers Garden Walling Garden Walls Garden clearance and tidy ups Gravel Driveways Ground Maintenance Hard Landscaping Home Extensions Home Improvement Landscaping Project Large Garden Natural Stone Patio New Driveways New Turf Outdoor Room Patio Design Patio Repairs Patios Paving Slabs Picket Fencing Property Maintenance Resin Bonded Driveway Resin Bound Driveways Retaining Walls Smaller Garden Turfing We specialise in all types of hard landscaping such as driveways, patio installations, garden walls, outdoor kitchen, ponds, artificial grass and much more. We also carry out soft landscaping, create planting schemes and offer a full Landscape Design service. Insurance work is undertaken, we have £1m public liability insurance and we accept all major credit cards.

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Reviewed by Naveena on 10/5/2025

J.S.B.D. specializes in building refurbishments all aspects of wall and floor tiling. We specialize in ceramics ,porcelain, and travertine. Bathrooms and kitchen refurbishments.Full refit, We offer a design and fit service.

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Reviewed by Juliet on 22/2/2025

He responded quickly and booked and completed the job the next week. He completed the work to a very good standard , leaving the room clean and tidy.I would recommend and happy to use in the future.

Small family based company. Pride ourselves in providing an efficient, clean and professional work. We specialise in interior plastering but also provide services for a range of other trades such as: TILING - ELECTRICS - FENCING - BRICKLAYING - GROUNDWORKS - PLUMBING - CARPENTRY

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Reviewed by Raj on 16/11/2024

Amazing finish, just the kind of person who relates to the request required, can’t thank him enough for this work. Prompt on time and day set, worked around the family members in the house at his pace, highly recommended to others that need work done. 100% will be calling him back on others parts of my house that need to be done in 2025.

WELCOME INPROJECT CONSTRUCTION - Building your future, one brick at a time. We have completed numerous projects, from small renovations to large commercial constructions. Our portfolio includes residential and commercial buildings, educational and healthcare facilities, and industrial constructions. Our mission at INPROJECT CONSTRUCTION Ltd is to provide our clients with exceptional construction services that exceed their expectations. We are committed to delivering high-quality workmanship, on-time completion, and cost-effective solutions. What sets us apart is not just our ability to construct buildings but our commitment to building relationships. We believe in honesty, integrity, and transparency in all our dealings with our clients. We value teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning and improvement. We prioritize transparent communication, ensuring that our clients are informed and involved at every step.

LGL BUILDING SERVICES I have been in the industry for nearly 16 years and specialise in a number of trades including extension,loft conversion, rifurbishmant ,carpentry , landscaping With great attention to detail I aim to provide the highest quality of work. I am a trustworthy and genuine person devoted to my buisness, carrying out work professionally to each individual requirement

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Reviewed by Liz on 28/2/2023

At HomeHappy, we offer comprehensive Property Maintenance & Home Care services to keep your home in top condition year-round. From routine inspections and repairs to seasonal upkeep, our skilled team ensures every aspect of your property remains well-maintained and functional. Trust HomeHappy to provide reliable, expert care, preserving the value and comfort of your home. Our Services Include: Roofing Roof and Wall Coatings Roof Cleaning Roughcasting K-Rend Solar Power Architectural Drawings Mono-Blocking Resin Driveways Double/Triple Glazing Double Glazing Refurbishment Garage Conversions Roofing Repair Pressure Washing

22 YEARS EXPERIENCE ON BUILDING and construction. With my team we did from Garden Landscape all the way to new build yet making sure Clinet saves as much as possible on they projects cost . We are qualified Gas safety Electrical Plumbing We specialaise on: Loft conversion Bathroom Kitchen Extensions Paiting and Decorating Plumbing Roofing Garden Landscaping Insured and insurance backed services

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Reviewed by Margaret on 14/2/2025

Prompt efficient service. Left area clean after work completed.

We are here to save your home from water damage with peace of mind, We have been about for many years to secure your first defense from bad weather entering your home

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Reviewed by Maxine on 14/4/2025

Nothing was to much trouble.Felt as if I had known Scott years.Proper professional and well pleased with what he done.Cheers Scott

With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, we know how to deliver work that looks good and lasts. We work on properties of all shapes and sizes, commercial and domestic, turning your dreams into a reality.

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Reviewed by Sohail on 15/12/2021

What an amazing guy!, another 2 weeks and he would have become a member of our family!. You can set your clock with George, he was at our door an 8am on the dot every morning. He gave us so many different ideas which really helped us. His workmanship i, totally flawless. We know what quality looks like now. George is a loyal, honest and hardworking individual who will always be our first choice when getting work done.

I am a fully qualified Painter and Decorator with over 27 years of experience in the building trade, and I’m also very competent in other areas of the construction industry. I have a full Multi trade/Property Maintenance Building Company that covers all aspects of the building trade, from small jobs to full house renovations. With my team of very competent and experienced tradesmen We specialise in kitchen and bathroom fit outs, and also do renovations, loft conversions and garage conversions.

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Reviewed by Julie on 24/5/2025

Excellent service, friendly, efficient and great quality of work. Would recommend!

I have been Plastering over 25 years, based in Romford covering all areas within reason , fairly priced, clean and tidy , can take on all Plastering work including standard Coving, re boards, removing Artex and Wallpaper included.

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Reviewed by Nazma on 6/6/2024

Lee has done an excellent job plastering one of my bedroom's. Responded very quickly. Very happy with his work.

ELANTI CONSTRUCTIONS LTD

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Reviewed by Toni on 19/5/2025

Amazing

Lambarde is located in the Sidcup area and covers most of the South east, we have a combined experience of 62 years, I started carpentry and building work as soon as I left school then going to college for two years becoming a fully qualified carpenter with Levels 1,2, NVQ Diploma. All of our team carry public liability insurance, so you’re in safe hands. We also work alongside other fully qualified trustworthy tradesman for our refurbishment works. We pride ourselves on: • Workmanship • Time keeping • Honest communication Portfolio on Instagram: Lambarde_ We specialize in: • extensions •.Loft conversions • Kitchens • Internal and external doors • Skirting and architrave • garden room/man caves • wall panelling • Roofs cut/pitched • Decking • Flooring laminate/herringbone • Ironmongery • Cladding • Refurbishments • Painting and decorating Free quote available

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Reviewed by Mark on 7/1/2023

Scott and his team did a fantastic job with our loft conversion. He was approachable, honest and friendly throughout. But most of all an excellent carpenter who did a first rate job with our loft and also dealt with our many requests and amendments with patience and professionalism. I have recommended Scott to friends and neighbours already and would recommend him for any work you are doing.

We Specialise in External Wall Insulation / External Rendering systems. Qualified Renderers. Johnstone’s Storm-shield Approved. We offer different ranges of Render - Silicone Enhanced Render - Full Silicone Render - Brick Slips - Pebble Dashing. - K-Rend

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Reviewed by David on 16/1/2025

Well so far Robbie has been great honest and straight to the point not getting job done till March but very happy with him not many like him.

Renovation Company With over 13 years of Renovation experience Gardens Renovation Exterior Renovation For more details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Reviewed by Ash on 16/11/2024

Timewaster

We are a building company located in manchester, providing all aspects of building services to our clients.

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Reviewed by Soumya on 30/5/2025

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