Wall and Ceiling Skimming

When skimming is the right choice

Skimming suits walls and ceilings that are structurally sound but look tired: patched, uneven, previously wallpapered or covered in an old textured coating. It is also the standard finish over new plasterboard in extensions, loft conversions and partition walls.

If the existing plaster is hollow, cracked through, contaminated with damp salts or badly out of line, a skim coat will not fix the underlying problem. In those cases we will recommend repairs or re-plastering and explain why.

Skimming over Artex and textured ceilings

Textured coatings applied before 2000 may contain a small amount of asbestos. Before we skim over or disturb an older textured ceiling, we recommend a sample test by an accredited laboratory. Where the coating is confirmed as asbestos-free, or can be safely encapsulated without sanding, we prepare it and apply a skim coat to give a flat, modern ceiling.

Preparing for decoration

New skim should be left to dry fully before decorating and sealed with a mist coat of diluted water-based emulsion. We give written drying and decorating guidance at handover so your decorator can plan their start date.

Benefits

• Smooth, even surface for paint or wallpaper
• Less mess and disruption than full re-plastering
• Covers old textures, patching and board joints
• Faster drying time, usually a few days
• Suitable for single rooms or full properties

Suitable property and project types

• Existing homes with tired or patched walls
• Ceilings with old textured coatings (once tested)
• New plasterboard in extensions and lofts
• Rental and investment properties between tenancies
• Offices and commercial units during refurbishment