skimming

skimming

Skimming offers a smooth and professional finish to all types of walls. Here at DLD Damp Proofing we have been providing clients with a first class skimming service for over 20 years now, and pride ourselves on the quality of our work.

Freshen Up Your Walls With Our Skimming Services

Skimming can offer a new life to old walls which may have chips or dints in the existing plaster, or has become discoloured due to its age. We provide a traditional skimming service, which provides a finish that can be wall papered or painted to your specific tastes.

Don’t Delay – Contact Us for More Information About Skimming

Skimming to plasterboard is often the most popular method of providing a smooth, seamless surface ready to receive decorative treatment. Regardless of whether you require skimming or plastering we can help!

As a family run business we ensure to provide our clients with a high quality service each and every time.

What is skimming?

Are your walls in need of some TLC? We understand that cracks and uneven surfaces are difficult to cover up with a lick of paint so skimming may be a fantastic choice for you. Wondering what skimming is? Well, Skimming is a subset of plastering where a wall is plastered with a layer of thin
coat. Often, skimming is applied to an existing plaster to smooth the surface. Applying a white layer of lime to rough cement is called a skim coat which can then be painted to enhance the visual appeal of the wall. With skimming, it’s time to wave goodbye to lumps and bumps on walls and welcome
smooth, even surfaces that make your walls much easier to decorate.

What are the differences between plastering and skimming?

Whilst plastering also aims to decorate buildings and increase the durability of a wall, skimming is performed to upgrade an old building whereas plastering is performed on new buildings. Also, skimmed surfaces are smooth whereas plastered surfaces tend to be rough.

How does skimming work?

Skimming is a very time-sensitive process as you will need to work quickly once skimming is underway.
1. PREPARE THE ROOM
First, remove or cover anything in the room you don’t want to suffer from potential dirt and splatter arising from skimming, as well as removing cover plates from your light switches and plug sockets.
Before skimming begins, your walls should be clean from dust and any cracks should be sealed. Next, a water-based primer will be used to finish preparing your walls, sealing any loose wallpaper. Every surface intending to be plastered will be painted with a roller.
2. APPLYING THE FIRST SKIM COAT
After the walls have dried, the joint compound will be mixed, forming a muddy consistency which will be applied to the skimmer plate. Starting in one corner of the wall, the trowel will be dragged vertically over the wall, applying a firm, even pressure. Each new scoop will slightly overlap the last, ensuring there are no gaps so there is an even finish.
3. APPLYING THE FINISHING COATS
At least two coats will be applied for a smooth finish, smoothing over trowel marks to ensure a completely even surface.
4. SAND AWAY IMPERFECTIONS
Before picking up sandpaper, the walls need to be completely dry, which will probably take 24 hours.
Once dry, any rough edges, bumps or grooves will be smoothed using fine-grit sandpaper for a
completely flat surface.
5. CLEAN UP
Once finished, the room will be cleaned to remove any excess plaster dust as excess dust will make the surface less adhesive to wallpaper paste or paint. This will leave your walls ready to be decorated.
For more information about skimming or to get a free no obligation quote, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of experts who will be more than happy to help you with your query.