Gypsum skim coating

A gypsum skim coat is a thin layer of compound that turns rough plaster into a smooth surface for paint. Without it, side light from a window shows every wave and grain in the plaster. Skimming covers priming, two coats of compound and sanding smooth.

The price is per square metre. Levelling large unevenness before skimming is a separate service.

How skimming works

• protecting floors, windows and doors;
• priming the wall or ceiling;
• corner beads on external corners;
• first and second coats of skim;
• sanding, dusting and priming before paint.

Skim and uneven walls

Skim goes on thin, usually a few millimetres. It will not straighten a crooked wall or fill deep holes. If the differences are larger, the wall is first levelled with plaster or a levelling compound and only then skimmed. The tradesperson checks with a straightedge before quoting.

What to prepare

An empty room or furniture in the middle under sheets. Sanding skim is very dusty even with an extractor sander, so close the doors to other rooms. Give the wall and ceiling area in the request, with photos in side light.

Common questions