Wall and ceiling skimming in Maidstone
Skimming is the most popular plastering job we do in Maidstone. It's quick, it's cost-effective, and on the right wall it gives you the same smooth finish as a full replaster with far less mess.
What is a skim coat?
A skim coat is a thin layer of finishing plaster, usually only a few millimetres thick, applied over an existing surface. It's normally put on in two coats and trowelled up as it sets to give a flat, smooth surface. Skimming can go over:
- Existing plaster that's sound but marked, patched or uneven.
- New or existing plasterboard.
- Textured coatings such as Artex, after preparation.
- Painted surfaces, once they've been prepared and sealed.
When skimming is the right choice
Skimming works when the plaster underneath is still firmly bonded to the wall. If there are a few small cracks or old filler patches, it covers them well. If large areas are loose or hollow, those need cutting out and replastering first, otherwise the new skim will fail with them. We check this when we come to price the job.
Here's a recent example: an uneven wall with old adhesive marks, skimmed smooth by our Maidstone plasterers. More jobs are on our past plastering projects page.
Skimming ceilings
Ceilings show every flaw once light rakes across them. Skimming a ceiling gets rid of old cracks between boards, patchy repairs and textured finishes. Cracked joints are taped first so they don't come back through.
Drying and decorating
Once skimmed, the plaster goes from dark pink to pale pink as it dries. That usually takes around one to two weeks, depending on the weather and ventilation. Before you paint, apply a mist coat of watered-down emulsion so the paint grips properly and doesn't peel.
Other plastering services in Maidstone
Skimming FAQs
How long does skimming a room take?
Most average rooms are skimmed in a day, with ceilings and larger rooms sometimes running into a second day. We'll give you a timescale with your quote.
Can you skim over painted walls?
Yes, as long as the paint is sound. The surface is prepared and sealed with a bonding agent first so the new plaster sticks.
Will skimming hide cracks?
It hides small, stable cracks. Cracks that keep moving can reappear, so we tape them first. Structural cracks need looking at by a surveyor before any plastering.