Call for a Quote

Home / Services / Skimming

Expert Skimming Services

NVQ Level 2 Qualified · CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card
We provide skimming and re-skimming for walls and ceilings, from a single room through to a full property. Old, uneven and patched surfaces are brought back to a smooth, level finish that is ready to decorate.
Every job is priced in writing before work begins, and each surface is left flat, sound and properly finished.
Call for a Quote →

NVQ Level 2

Qualified in Plastering

CSCS Blue Card

Skilled Worker

Walls & Ceilings

Interior and exterior work

Free Quotations

No-obligation enquiries

What skimming is

A Finishing Coat, Not Full Replastering.

Skimming is a thin finishing coat of plaster applied over a surface that is already sound. It is what turns a rough, uneven or badly patched wall into a flat surface you can paint straight onto, without stripping everything back to brick.

 

Because the background stays in place, skimming is the faster route to a smooth finish. The one condition is that the existing plaster has to be stable. Where plaster is blown, damp or pulling away from the wall, skimming over it only hides the problem. We check that on the site survey and tell you honestly which option your walls actually need.

Internal Skimming Solutions

From a single ceiling through to a full property re-skim, these are the types of skimming work we carry out.

Skimming & Re-Skimming

Fresh finish coats over existing walls and ceilings that have seen better days.

Skimming Over Artex

Dated swirl and stipple ceilings covered and flattened for a clean, modern look.

Skimming Over Plasterboard

New dry lining taped, jointed and skimmed so screw heads and joints disappear.

Full Property Re-Skims

Whole-house work for renovations, refurbishments and pre-sale preparation.

Patch & Blend Repairs

New openings, removed chimney breasts and chased walls blended into the existing finish.

Corrective Over-Skimming

Poor finishes left by a previous contractor brought back to a professional standard.

From prep to perfect finish

Our Skimming Process

A skim is only ever as flat as the surface beneath it. Most of our time on site goes into preparation, because that is what decides how the finished wall looks.
Step 1

Thorough Preparation & Protection

We mask up windows, sockets and floors to keep the site clean, then prep the surface. Loose material is scraped back, holes filled, cracks cut out and beads set to corners so the finish has something sound to grip.
Step 2

Expert Plaster Application

The wall is primed so suction is even, then the finish coat is applied with a consistent working rhythm, taking walls and ceilings in open plane so the thickness stays even throughout.
Step 3

Flawless Finish & Clean-Up

Every surface is trowelled to a flat, smooth finish and checked in daylight before we call it done. We then carry out a full site clear-down, taking waste with us and leaving the room ready for decorating.

Why Choose Our Skimming Services

Anyone can quote a job. These are the standards we hold ourselves to on every skim, whether it is one ceiling or an entire property.

Qualified Tradesman

NVQ Level 2 qualified in Plastering and a CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card holder, so the person quoting the job is the trained tradesman carrying it out.

Clean, Protected Sites

Floors sheeted, sockets masked and furniture covered before anything starts, with waste taken away and the room swept before we leave.

Flat, Smooth Finishes

Every surface is left flat and ready for decoration once completely dry., with no filling or making good needed first.

We Solve Complex Wall & Ceiling Issues

Most skimming enquiries start with one of these problems. Each has a proper fix and each has a bodge. We only do the first.

Tired of Artex?

We specialise in safely covering dated Artex ceilings to give you a clean, modern, flat finish.

Uneven or Wavy Walls?

We straighten walls affected by structural settling or poor previous workmanship, using expert skimming techniques to restore a true, level plane.

Visible Cracks?

We do not simply skim over cracks. They are cut out, taped and reinforced with quality mesh so they do not re-emerge through your new paintwork.

Poor Finish from a Previous Builder?

If you have been left with a rough or patchy finish from another contractor, we can over-skim and restore your walls to a professional standard.

Walls After Wallpaper Removal?

Stripping paper often tears the top layer of plaster away. A full skim resets the whole wall in one pass instead of endless filling and sanding.

Blown or Hollow Plaster?

Skimming over blown plaster only buries the problem. We tap-test the walls and tell you honestly where a full re-plaster is the right call.

Scope of work

What the Job Includes

  • Site survey and written, itemised quotation
  • All dust sheets, protection and masking
  • Surface preparation, filling and bead work
  • Crack cutting, taping and mesh reinforcement
  • Priming and bonding treatment
  • Finish coats applied and trowelled up
  • Full clear-down and waste removal
  • Walk-round with you before we leave site
Good to know

Quoted Separately

  • Painting and decorating
  • Damp proofing or treating the source of water damage
  • Removing or refitting kitchen units and radiators
  • Electrical work such as moving sockets or lighting
  • Full re-plastering where existing plaster has blown

Recent projects

Our Skimming Work

A selection of skimming jobs, photographed on the day of handover. Ask us and we will send more examples of work like yours.
See more plastering projects

Skimming FAQ

What is the difference between skimming and re-plastering?
Skimming is a thin finishing coat over a surface that is already sound. Re-plastering means taking the old plaster off and starting again. Which one you need depends on the condition of the existing wall.
Yes. We hold an NVQ Level 2 in Plastering and a CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card. Both can be shown on request.

In most cases, yes. High-relief patterns are knocked back first, then bonded and skimmed flat. Where the Artex is very deep or unstable, over-boarding may be the better option, which we would explain before starting.

It varies with ventilation, the season and the background underneath. Wait until the plaster has gone a uniform pale shade with no dark patches, then apply a watered-down mist coat before your top coats.
Move small items and valuables. Larger furniture will be moved and covered, and floors are sheeted before work begins. Ceilings are easier with the room fully clear.
Yes, though the finished wall may sit slightly proud of the others and the difference in flatness can show. Where that matters, doing the full room is usually the better option.
Then skimming is the wrong solution. Blown plaster has to come off and the wall needs a full float and set. The walls are tap-tested before quoting so you are told which job is actually needed.
Get in touch with your postcode and we will confirm whether your job is within our working area.
Related work

Often Booked Together

Skimming is frequently one part of a bigger job. These are the services customers most often combine it with.

Plastering

Full float and set where the existing plaster has to come off completely.
View service →

Plasterboard Installation

Dry lining walls and ceilings to create a clean, flat base ready for a skim.
View service →

Emergency Repairs

Fast fixes for leak damage, cracked ceilings and blown patches.
View service →

Thinking about a skimming job?

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quotation.
Get in touch

Request Your Free
Quotation

Tell us the rooms, rough sizes and current condition, and send a couple of photos if you have them. We will come back to you with a written quotation.
Phone
07777393120
Email
info@proplasteringservice.co.uk

Send an Enquiry

We aim to respond to every enquiry as quickly as possible.