Explained

What is plaster skimming?

Quick answer

Skimming is a thin, smooth finishing coat of plaster applied over existing sound walls or ceilings. It levels out minor imperfections and old texture to give a flat, flawless, paint-ready surface. It's the quickest way to freshen tired rooms without a full re-plaster.

In more detail

Skimming is all about the finish. Rather than building a wall up from scratch, it puts a fine 2–3mm coat of finishing plaster over a surface that's already sound, leaving it smooth and ready to decorate.

It's ideal for covering old artex, hiding cracks and patches, or smoothing walls after stripping wallpaper. If a wall is blown, damp or very uneven, it may need floating and setting or re-plastering instead.

We'll tell you honestly whether a skim will do the job or whether more is needed.

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