What Exactly is Skimming?
You've done the hard work of plasterboarding, or perhaps your existing walls and ceilings are looking a bit tired and uneven. What's the next step to achieve that flawlessly smooth, ready-to-decorate surface? The answer is often skimming with finish plaster.
Skimming is the application of two thin, final coats of finishing plaster (typically 3-5mm thick in total) over an existing surface. This surface can be new plasterboard, an old, damaged plastered wall, or even an artexed ceiling that needs modernising. The goal is to create a perfectly smooth, uniform surface ready for painting or wallpapering.
At Skim 2 Fin in Cobham, Surrey, we know that the final finish makes all the difference. Skimming is a crucial step in creating beautiful, durable, and professional-looking walls and ceilings in your home.
The Undeniable Importance of Skimming
Think of skimming as the skin of your walls and ceilings. It's what everyone sees and touches, and its quality dictates the overall impression of a room. Here's why it's so important:
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Creates a Flawless Foundation: Whether you're painting a vibrant colour or a subtle neutral, any imperfections on the surface below will be magnified. Skimming eliminates bumps, dips, joint lines from plasterboard, and old damage, providing a truly flat and smooth canvas.
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Enhances Paint Finish: Paint adheres better and looks more consistent on a skimmed surface. You'll achieve a richer, more even colour without patchy absorption or visible brush strokes/roller marks caused by an uneven base. High-sheen paints, in particular, will highlight any imperfections if the surface isn't skimmed properly.
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Improves Durability: A skimmed surface provides a harder, more robust finish than bare plasterboard or an old, crumbling wall. This makes your walls more resistant to minor knocks and everyday wear and tear.
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Prepares for Wallpapering: If you plan to wallpaper, a smooth, non-porous skimmed surface is essential for good adhesion and to prevent the pattern from being distorted by underlying textures or imperfections. It also makes future wallpaper removal much easier.
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Modernises Old Walls: Skimming is a fantastic way to revitalise old, damaged, or textured walls (like artex, once properly prepared) without the need for complete re-boarding. It brings a dated room into the modern era with clean, sleek lines.
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Reduces Dust: Compared to the dusty surface of bare plasterboard, a skimmed wall is sealed, making it easier to clean and reducing airborne dust in the long run.
Are your solid walls cold and attract condensation?
The Benefits of a Professionally Skimmed Surface
Investing in professional skimming offers a multitude of benefits that truly transform your home:
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Aesthetics: The most immediate and noticeable benefit is the superior aesthetic appeal. Walls and ceilings look crisp, clean, and perfectly finished, giving your home a polished, high-quality feel.
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Increased Property Value: A well-finished interior is a significant selling point. Smooth, modern walls and ceilings demonstrate attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, which can increase your property's market appeal and value.
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Longevity of Finish: A properly skimmed surface means your paintwork will last longer and look better for years to come, reducing the frequency of redecoration.
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Easier Maintenance: Smooth walls are much easier to clean than textured or uneven surfaces, which can trap dust and dirt.
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Improved Light Reflection: A smooth, flat surface reflects light more evenly, making rooms feel brighter and more spacious.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing your walls and ceilings are perfectly prepared eliminates the frustration of trying to achieve a good paint finish on a poor base.
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When is Skimming Essential?
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New Plasterboard Installations: Always skim new plasterboard to hide joints and screw heads and create a smooth, paintable surface.
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Over Damaged Plaster: If your existing plaster has cracks, small holes, or uneven patches, skimming can revive it without tearing it all down.
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Covering Artex: Skimming is the most common way to get rid of textured artex ceilings or walls (after appropriate preparation and safety checks for asbestos in older properties).
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Prior to High-Quality Paint Finishes: For a truly premium paint job, especially with satin, silk, or gloss finishes, skimming is non-negotiable.
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Achieve the Perfect Finish with Skim 2 Fin
Whether you're embarking on a full renovation or just looking to refresh a room, don't underestimate the power of a perfectly skimmed wall or ceiling. It's the foundation for a truly beautiful home.
At Skim 2 Fin in Cobham, Surrey, our experienced team can also offer expert advice to help you get the job done right.
Get in contact with us today, or browse our online portfolio to put your mind at ease and let us take care of the rest.