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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?

BUILDING CONTRACTOR Garage Conversions / Property Refurbishments / Extensions / Electrical / Plumbing and Heating Service. 35 Years of Satisfied customers Quality service and value. Wall & Floor Tiling Plastering Brick and block work Damp Proofing Garden Walls Pointing Garage Conversions Full Property Refurbishment Our Passion and Commitment We pride ourselves on exceptional service and outstanding results in every thing we do. Before we start we’ll meet with you and discuss your options and budget, meaning, we’ll know what will work best for you to deliver a outstanding bespoke project to fit your requirement . Please call us for free friendly advise.

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Reviewed by Jane on 18/12/2024

Neale is lovely to deal with whilst being professional, punctual and skilled. I didn't believe builders like this still existed. He turned up on time, every single time he said he would. He produced a detailed written quote and then didn't increase it throughout the job. He and his side-kick, John, worked non-stop overcoming every issue our wonky victorian terraced could throw at them. I'm so relieved and impressed. He's now my go-to builder.

Welcome to Brick Builds! We are a well-established building company in the South West with over 17 years of experience in both traditional and contemporary building techniques. Brick Builds offers a comprehensive service from design to completion, working closely with our clients to provide solutions tailored to their needs. Rest assured, all our tradesmen are professional, courteous, and respectful of both property and clients at all times. We look forward to working with you on your project.

`We are a building company with many years of experience. We specialise in bathroom and kitchen, from scratch to complete refurbishment, our work is of high quality at reasonable price, with warranties and is covered by public liability insurance

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Reviewed by Yury on 12/1/2025

Krzysztof did a great job fitting 2 showers, decorating ensuite, changing all the taps and 2 showers, and doing a number of small fixes and improvements in the flat. I appreciate his clear and detailed communication on job needed, options provided, and consulting on fittings and materials. He finished the job with high quality and with just a small delay despite of a good amount of obstacles (we did painting in parallel). Would definitely recommend Chris's services!

Sinevir Construction is your trusted partner in construction with over 15 years of experience. We offer a full range of services, including plumbing, tiling, bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, bathroom installations, and building homes from the ground up. We guarantee high quality, adherence to standards, and timely project completion. Our team of professionals uses the best materials and advanced technologies to ensure durability and reliability. We also provide competitive prices, offering an excellent balance of quality and cost. We value open collaboration and consider all your preferences at every stage of the project. Clients choose us for our professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to quality. With Sinevir Construction, your construction dreams become reality, backed by superior results and the best fair pricing.

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Reviewed by Raz on 28/9/2025

Outstanding job. Completely transformed the space. The guys were flexible (with my availability), worked really hard and kept me informed throughout the process. Will definitely get them in again to quote on other work I need to have done.

We are a family run business specializing in various types of gardening/landscaping/tree/property maintenance services/roofing, lawn care, garden designing, pressure washing, patios, driveways and much more. Please contact us for more in depth information and advice or for a no obligation quotation.

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Reviewed by Jennifer on 15/4/2025

We used Kingz for clearance of a very overgrown garden and new fencing. They did exactly what they said they would do in their quote. They worked hard, left the garden tidy, and took away all the waste. They were very pleasant and Emma, in particular, gave good advice regarding ongoing after care of the garden. We were very happy with the results and would definitely recommend this family team!

Eamonn Finnegan.plastering has been trading for over 30years ,we specialise in new and traditional Plastering and Rendering. We cover the whole of the midlands and travel nationwide ,taken on comecial and domestic work from new builds to small repair work.

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Reviewed by Paul on 8/4/2019

Great work, Comms and finish. Would definitely use again.

We are a family run business with over 30 years experience that you can TRUST to give you a QUALITY finish that will last.We aim to leave all our clients fully satisfied with our work and will treat your home and property with care .We are time served tradesmen who take pride in their work.

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Reviewed by Arlene on 3/5/2025

SEC Plasterers turned up on time and repaired the external wet cast on house wall expertly. Steven and Sons did an excellent job and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. Cleared up everything on finishing and I am delighted with the job. Thanks again.

JD Property Services Specialists in Plumbing & Heating, Boilers, Roofing, Bathrooms, Electrical, Extensions & General Building At JD Property Services, we are very proud to be one of the very best customer rated companies on Checkatrade throughout Greater Manchester. Known for our professionalism, workmanship, and customer service, ware dedicated to delivering the highest standards in every project we undertake. We specialize in the following: Installation and repair of boilers, central heating systems, radiators, and bathrooms—ensuring your home stays warm, efficient, and comfortable Comprehensive roofing and general building services, including repairs, maintenance, and full replacements, to keep your home safe and secure. Electrical full and partial Re wires. As accredited partners with leading brands like Worcester Bosch, Baxi, Glow Worm, and Vaillant, we offer extended warranties of up to 12 years, giving you complete peace of mind. With our Gas Safe registration, all gas work is carried out to the highest safety and quality standards. Our team of fully qualified engineers, roofers & builders have the experience and expertise to handle all types of projects, big or small. For reliable service across Plumbing & Heating, Roofing, Electrical & Building work, visit our website or contact us today for more information.

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Reviewed by Clifton on 14/10/2025

Both office staff and engineers were very helpful and patient.

Transforming spaces into stunning havens, Clean Lines Paving is your go-to partner for all things construction and landscaping in North East London, Enfield, and beyond. With a rich legacy spanning over 20 years, our craftsmanship speaks volumes, whether it's crafting bespoke patios, driveways, fencing, or foundations. But we're more than just surfaces; we're your trusted allies in home transformation. From seamless garage and kitchen conversions to elegant one-story extensions and inviting porches, we bring your vision to life with precision and flair. At Clean Lines Paving, we understand that every project is unique, just like every home. That's why we offer a diverse range of designs to perfectly complement your space, ensuring that every inch reflects your style and personality. When it comes to property maintenance and repairs, trust in our expertise to keep your investment in pristine condition for years to come.

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Reviewed by Mohamed on 2/9/2024

Very pleasant, understanding and efficient. Quote as would be expected for the job. I’m very happy with this company.

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Reviewed by Dafydd on 16/10/2025

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Reviewed by April on 1/4/2025

Contractors made arrangements to call, arrived on time, they seemed very nice & efficient; however we did not receive a quote as promised, when I queried it; he apologized saying he thought he had emailed me to say it would be late as he had broken his collarbone. Then I received a text saying he wasn't going to quote as he was off sick for 6 weeks, so unfortunately we are unable to rate his work...

hello I have 15 year in the trade I am a multi skilled tradesmen who takes pride in what I do I love my job I work on a basis you not happy with my work you don't pay simple as that I am fully insured and vetted

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Reviewed by Simon on 23/8/2025

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Eko Pro Ltd has an unparalleled customer and quality service. We’re dedicated to your happiness. That means we arrive on time and investigate your needs before diving blindly into the situation. We get it right the first time. Regardless of the size of the job or its complexity, your satisfaction is most important to us. Our mission is to provide our customers a once in a lifetime service. Our team is dedicated to delivering first-class work, and we understand the importance of communication. As a thoroughly family-owned company, you can trust us to give your family the same attention we give to ours. We treat your home as we would our own home, which is why we are committed to providing the highest quality services available. Our knowledgeable staff have over 30 years of combined experience. Book us in for a free consultation.

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Reviewed by ruth on 16/9/2024

EKO PRO painted our doors today . there were two polite men who did a fantastic job, they even sourced the paint for us ! Would recommend their work to anyone. They tidied up too, 5 gold stars. They were clean and tidy and we could not have asked for a better service and all done with a smile. We will definitely be using them again they are also builders and plumbers . Highly recommended

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Reviewed by Dee-Dee on 11/8/2024

Our build prerequisites were to divide a room & close an open archway, build two extra walls, move steps and a handrail, put in two entrances with doors for the new build and paint & carpet this area. Matthew (MDCC Construction) was qualified and very helpful – giving us good advice. He is an honest, tidy and thorough builder, willing to accommodate the building manager's questions and happy to make amendments. We were thrilled with the speed and finish of this build, and we will definitely use them again.

I've been plastering now for over 30 years working on all kinds of contracts from housing sites to schools and private houses leaving what matters most Good clean efficient work at a reasonable cost to the customer

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Reviewed by Nena on 10/7/2025

Very reliable, punctual and did a very good job. Thank you so much.

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.

22 YEARS EXPERIENCE ON Builder Contractor With my team we did from Garden Landscape all the way to new build yet making sure Clinet saves and reaches his goal on they projects. We are qualified Gas safety Electrical Plumbing Solar Heat pumps We specialaise on: Loft conversion Bathroom Kitchen Extensions Paiting and Decorating Plumbing Roofing Garden Landscaping Insured and insurance backed guaranteed services

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Reviewed by Anna on 27/10/2025

Great work. Knows the bathroom issue reasonable charge Would recommend to others

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 Jeff on 30/7/2025

Jim did a great job tiling our kitchen floor with large format tiles. The surface was slightly uneven, and he levelled it out well to a great finish. Very happy with how it all looks.

Established since 2001, I have delivered a variety of building projects efficiently, economically and stress free to very high standard. My services include Space Planning, Design & Build, Site Management (ACIOB). Project Management, Renovations and Refurbishment of both domestic and commercial properties. I pride my self on my ability to deliver the required project to the specified quality within the agreed duration & budget with a courteous and friendly approach throughout.

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Reviewed by Richard on 9/12/2023

Very good, fast efficient and clean, Definitely recommend, Thank you Khal very happy with my new unit.

I am a local tradesman with 25 years of experience in the building and plastering industry. I have a great, reliable team behind me who are not only friendly and professional but will also finish every job to the highest standard possible.

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Reviewed by Justin on 10/9/2017

Really happy with the work carried out. Any issues I raised were dealt with and any snagging I needed addressing were resolved. Would recommend Luke and his company and use him again.

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