Skimming Services
If your walls are looking tired, cracked, or uneven, it may be time for a fresh surface—this is where skimming comes in. At Reliable Plaster Liverpool, we specialise in professional skimming services that breathe new life into homes and buildings. But what exactly is skimming, and why should it matter to you?
What is skimming?
Skimming is a plastering technique used to create a smooth, flawless finish on interior walls and ceilings. It involves applying a thin coat of finishing plaster often over existing plaster, plasterboard, or even old paint to leave a surface ready for painting or decorating. Skimming doesn’t just hide imperfections; it transforms your space into something fresh and clean.
Skimming is ideal when renovating older properties or correcting uneven surfaces. It’s also a cost-effective alternative to full plaster replacement and adds both aesthetic and practical value to your property.
Why You Might Need Skimming Services
Skimming is often overlooked until cracks and rough textures become too noticeable to ignore. But did you know it can also improve energy efficiency and make paint last longer? Here’s why homeowners and landlords turn to skimming:
Old, cracked walls that ruin interior design.
Uneven surfaces that make decorating difficult.
Water-damaged plaster that needs a refresh.
Property renovations where walls need a new lease of life
What Are the Types of Skimming?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your wall condition and the surface material, different skimming techniques might be used to achieve the best finish. Here are the most common types:
Single Coat Skimming
A light skim applied to fresh plasterboard, usually in new builds or extensions. This method is ideal when the surface is already level and smooth, providing a quick, effective finish that’s ready for painting or decorating.
Two-Coat Skimming
A base coat followed by a second finishing layer, ideal for rough or damaged walls. This approach offers greater durability and a smoother finish, making it the go-to choice for surfaces that require extra attention, such as walls with cracks or uneven textures.
Skimming over Artex
Old-fashioned textured ceilings can be smoothed out with specialised skimming techniques, leaving a sleek finish. This is a popular option for homes that still feature Artex ceilings, as it removes the outdated texture while providing a modern, smooth surface.
Patch Skimming
Targeted skimming for specific areas of damage—efficient and cost-effective. Patch skimming allows you to focus on small sections that need repair, such as holes or cracks, without the need for a full re-skim. It’s a practical solution to quickly restore damaged walls.
What Is Skimming a Wall?
Skimming a wall refers to applying a thin coat of smooth plaster across the surface to remove imperfections. It can be done over painted walls, old plaster, or plasterboard. The goal is to produce a perfectly level and even texture that’s ready for painting or wallpapering.
Skimming Interior Walls
Skimming interior walls is one of the most effective ways to refresh tired, uneven surfaces and prepare your home for decoration. Whether you’re renovating an older property or finishing a newly built extension, skimming ensures your walls are perfectly smooth and paint-ready.
The process involves applying a fine layer of finishing plaster to cover imperfections such as cracks, dents, or uneven patches. It not only improves appearance but also helps improve paint adhesion, reduces maintenance, and increases the overall value of your property.
Is Skimming Right for Your Property?
If your property has:
Flaky, damaged plaster
Cracks or dents from past wall fittings
Surfaces that feel uneven to the touch
Older walls needing a refresh before sale or rent
Then yes—skimming is likely your best move.
It’s not just cosmetic. Properly skimmed walls improve insulation performance and extend the lifespan of your interior décor. This makes it especially valuable for landlords, renovators, and homeowners preparing a property for sale.
What to Expect from Professional Skimming Services
Professional skimming isn’t just about applying plaster. It’s about attention to detail, proper preparation, and perfect timing. Here’s what happens when you hire an expert:
Assessment
A skilled plasterer begins by thoroughly inspecting your interior walls and ceilings to identify any underlying issues such as damp, structural damage, or previous poor workmanship. This step ensures the surface is suitable for skimming and helps avoid complications later in the process. An accurate assessment allows for better planning and reliable results.
Prepping the Area
Before any plaster is applied, your space is carefully protected. Furniture is covered or moved, and floors are shielded with dust sheets. The walls are then cleaned, repaired, and primed using bonding agents if necessary. This preparation stage is essential for proper plaster adhesion and a consistent, professional finish across every surface.
Plaster Application
Using top-grade skimming plaster, the technician applies either a single coat or two thin coats, depending on the wall condition. Skilled trowelling techniques ensure a smooth and even surface across all areas. This stage demands precision and timing, as the plaster must be spread and smoothed before it sets. The goal is a flawless, uniform finish.
Drying and Finishing
Once applied, the plaster is left to dry naturally—typically over 24 to 48 hours, depending on room temperature and humidity. After it’s fully dried, the surface is checked for imperfections and lightly sanded where necessary. The end result is a smooth, glass-like wall ready for painting, wallpapering, or decorating with minimal effort.
Why Skimming Is an Investment Worth Making
While DIY videos make it look easy, skimming is a skill that takes years to perfect. A poorly skimmed wall can leave bubbles, cracks, or uneven finishes that ruin the look of your home and cost more to fix later.
Hiring trained professionals ensures:
Smooth, consistent finishes
Long-lasting results
Quick and clean turnaround
No mess or stress
This is especially important when prepping a house for sale or renting, where first impressions matter.
Reliable Plaster Liverpool vs. Logic Plastering Services:
| Aspect | Reliable Plaster Liverpool | Logic Plastering Services |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Over 20 years of expertise in plastering and skimming. | Established but relatively newer in the industry. |
| Service Range | Specialises in a wide variety of plastering services, including skimming, dry lining, and rendering. | Focuses mainly on basic plastering and wall skimming. |
| Quality of Finish | High-quality, smooth, durable finishes with attention to detail. | Quality may vary depending on individual projects. |
| Customer Focus | Prioritises customer satisfaction, providing tailored solutions. | Offers standard services, though customer feedback suggests less personalisation. |
| Response Time | Quick response and timely project completion. | Response times may vary depending on demand. |
| Pricing | Transparent pricing with competitive rates. | Prices may vary, but often seen as slightly higher for similar services. |
| Location Focus | Primarily serves Liverpool and surrounding areas. | Serves a broader regional area with no specific focus. |
| Reputation | Excellent reputation with numerous positive reviews. | Decent reputation but fewer reviews in comparison. |
Why Choose Us for Your Skimming?
At Reliable Plaster Liverpool, we bring decades of expertise and a commitment to delivering top-quality results. From the initial inspection to the final skim coat, we ensure your walls receive the care and precision they need. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or undertaking a full renovation, our skimming services are tailored to suit your requirements and budget.
As a trusted name in Liverpool, we take pride in our impeccable finishes, quick turnaround times, and a customer-focused approach that guarantees satisfaction.
📞 Ready to transform your walls?
Contact Us today for a free consultation and experience the difference a flawless finish can make. Let us help you create the smooth, beautiful space you deserve.
FAQs
What is skimming in plastering?
Skimming in plastering refers to applying a thin coat of finishing plaster over walls or ceilings to create a smooth, even surface. It’s used to improve the appearance of existing plaster or drywall, filling imperfections and making the surface suitable for painting or wallpapering.
What Are The Two Techniques Of Skimming?
The two common techniques are traditional skimming and dry skimming. Traditional skimming uses plaster applied by hand to create a smooth surface, while dry skimming involves using plasterboard or drywall with a pre-applied skim coat to achieve a similar smooth finish.
How Do You Skim Over Plasterboard?
To skim over plasterboard, first apply a bonding agent to the surface. Then, using a trowel, apply a thin layer of finishing plaster to the board, smoothing it out to eliminate any air bubbles or unevenness. Allow the surface to dry and sand it lightly.
How is Skimming Different to Plastering?
Skimming is a form of plastering, but it specifically refers to applying a thin finishing coat over a surface to smooth it. Plastering, in general, can include the application of both base and finishing layers, while skimming only focuses on the final smoothing layer.
Skimming: How Does It Work?
Skimming works by covering a rough or uneven surface with a thin layer of plaster to create a smooth, uniform finish. The plaster is applied in thin coats, and each layer is leveled and smoothed out before drying to create an ideal surface for decoration.