Plastering advice
Plastering vs Skimming — What's the Difference?
Short answer
Plastering is the broad term for applying plaster to a wall or ceiling, which can include backing coats and board work. Skimming is one specific part of that: a thin finish coat of around 2–3mm applied over a sound surface to leave it smooth and ready for decorating.
What skimming involves
Skimming is applied over an existing surface that is stable — old plaster in reasonable condition, or freshly fixed plasterboard. The surface is prepared and sealed, then two thin coats of finish plaster are applied and trowelled flat as they set.
It removes minor imperfections, old texture and general roughness, and gives you a clean flat surface for paint or paper.
When skimming is not enough
If the existing plaster is blown, damp, crumbling or hollow behind, a skim over the top will simply fail with it. In that case the failed material is removed and the wall is built back up properly before the finish coat goes on.
You can often find these areas yourself by tapping the wall gently — a hollow sound usually means the plaster has lost its grip.
Which do you need?
As a rough guide: sound but tired walls need skimming; failing or missing plaster needs replastering; new stud work or a stripped wall needs boarding first. We will tell you which applies when we quote.
Need this doing?
SJF Plastering covers Sutton, Surrey and South West London. Call 07967 302162 or message us on WhatsApp for a free quotation.