Wall Skimming Costs

Scope of Works

• Survey & moisture check existing plaster; mark cracks, blown areas and socket positions.

• Sheet‑up, mask and protect floors, radiators and furniture.

• Apply PVA bonding coat, rake out cracks and bead corners where required.

• Mix and trowel on two tight coats of finish plaster, achieving a smooth 2–3 mm skim.

• Polish off as the set firms, leaving a glass‑smooth surface ready for paint.

• Clean down, de‑mask and dispose of waste bags and empty plaster bags responsibly.

  
  

Typical Cost (inc. VAT)

Time on Site

A straight re‑skim of an average bedroom generally takes 1 day (set‑up, two coats, tidy). Add time for extensive crack repairs, drying in cold weather, stairwell heights or bonded base coats on damaged walls.

Questions to Ask Your Trade

1. Will you PVA‑bond or blue‑grit the walls, and is it included in the price?

2. How long before I can prime and paint after skimming?

3. Do you supply all corner beads and mesh tape for cracks as standard?

4. What steps will you take to protect flooring and furniture from plaster splatter?

5. Are you City & Guilds/ NVQ‑qualified and can you show recent customer references?

6. Is disposal of bags and spent plaster covered, or will a skip be needed?

7. What is your workmanship guarantee against cracking or debonding?
   

How to Avoid Surprises

• Clear the room and provide parking near the door for carrying bags of plaster.

• Confirm power, water and good ventilation are available for mixing and drying.

• Check if radiators or sockets need removing before the plasterer arrives.

• Agree a fixed, written quote (inc. VAT) showing prep, skim and clean‑up.

• Plan for at least 5 – 7 days’ drying before scheduling decorators or wallpapering.