Professional Plaster Skimming Services in London & Kent
A smooth, perfect wall is the foundation of any beautiful room. At Sovereign Surfaces, we specialize in professional skimming & plastering services to transform your interiors. Whether you’re renovating a new build or refreshing a period property, our expert team delivers a superior, seamless finish that lasts.​​
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​At Sovereign Surfaces, we specialize in professional plastering and skimming services designed to give your walls a perfect, paint-ready finish. Whether it’s a new build or a period property restoration, our expert team ensures long-lasting results with precision and care, serving London and surrounding areas.
​Why Choose Sovereign Surfaces for Your Skimming Project?
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We don’t just apply plaster; we craft finishes. With over 30 years of combined experience across South London, Bromley, and Kent, we bring a commitment to quality that is unmatched.
At Sovereign Surfaces, Expertise You Can Trust: We understand the properties of different surfaces and the correct materials for every job, from skimming plasterboard in a new extension to restoring old lath and plaster walls.
Meticulous Preparation: We never cut corners. Our thorough preparation is what sets us apart and ensures a durable, beautiful finish that stands the test of time.
Clear Communication: We guide you through the process, explaining the work required and providing a clear, honest quote from the start.
A Flawless Finish: Our reputation is built on the quality of our work. We are not satisfied until you are delighted with the smooth, perfect walls we deliver.​
Our Services
Areas We Serve
Sovereign Surfaces delivers professional plastering, skimming, painting & decoration services across a wide area, including Bromley (BR), South East London (SE), Dartford (DA), and Kent (TN). We’ve built a strong reputation for quality and reliability throughout the region. Don’t see your area below? Reach out, we’re flexible with travel and happy to quote for projects outside our core areas.
What is Skimming Plaster?
Skimming plaster is the process of applying a thin, final layer of plaster over an existing surface. This technique is used to create a smooth, blank canvas for painting or wallpapering. Unlike traditional plastering, which can involve building up thick coats, skimming is a precise art that requires skill and experience to achieve a perfectly flat surface.
While it is possible for a keen DIYer to attempt skimming, it is a task that professionals recommend for the best results. An unskilled application can lead to an uneven finish, visible trowel marks, and future cracking. Our team at Sovereign Surfaces brings years of expertise to every job, ensuring a flawless, professional standard every time.
The Art of Skimming Plaster Walls
Skimming plaster walls is an excellent way to refresh a room without the mess and cost of completely replastering. Over time, old plaster can become marked, uneven, or develop hairline cracks. Skimming over these existing walls can restore them to a like-new condition.
The process for skimming plaster walls requires careful preparation:
Assess the Wall Condition: Before starting, we conduct a thorough inspection. We look for any loose, crumbly, or damp plaster that must be addressed first. Skimming over a damaged wall will only mask the problem temporarily.
Thorough Cleaning: We clean the walls meticulously to remove all dust, grease, and debris. Any contamination on the surface can interfere with the bond of the new plaster, leading to future failures.
Apply a Bonding Agent: This is the most critical step. We apply a PVA or Grit emulsion to the entire surface. This acts as a glue, creating a strong adhesive bond between the old wall and the new skim coat. We wait for this layer to become tacky before we begin plastering. On older, more porous walls, a second coat may be necessary to ensure a perfect bond.
The Skimming Process: Once the primer is ready, we apply the first thin coat of plaster. We wait for it to firm, then use our trowels to smooth out any ridges or trowel marks. A second coat is applied which fills any remaining imperfections and creates the final, smooth finish.
It is important to note that new plaster needs time to dry properly. While it may be touch-dry within a day or two, we recommend waiting at least one to two weeks before applying any paint or wallpaper. In some conditions, plaster can take up to 6 weeks to fully cure.
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Can You Skim Plasterboard? A Specialist's Guide
Skimming plasterboard is one of the most common applications we handle. Plasterboard, also known as drywall, provides an excellent base for skimming, but it requires a specific technique to ensure longevity and a perfect finish.
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At Sovereign Surfaces, our process for skimming plasterboard is meticulous:
Scrimming the Joints: Before applying any plaster, we reinforce all joints between the plasterboards with specialist scrim tape. This crucial step reinforces the seams and prevents future cracks from appearing. The plaster sets into the mesh of the tape, creating a unified, solid surface.
Preparing the Surface: While it is not necessary to apply a PVA base coat to new plasterboard, we assess the specific conditions of your project. For older plasterboard or in rooms with variable humidity, we may recommend a primer to ensure optimal adhesion.
Applying the Plaster: We use the skimming technique, applying two thin, even coats of multi-finish plaster. The first coat is applied and left to firm up before we trowel it to flatten any initial imperfections. The second coat is then applied while the first layer is still damp, to create a seamless bond and a perfectly smooth surface.
Skimming Over Wallpaper: Is It Advisable?
Skimming over wallpaper is a question we are often asked. While it is technically possible, it is a practice we at Sovereign Surfaces strongly discourage. The wallpaper creates a barrier that prevents the plaster from bonding properly with the wall underneath. This can lead to the plaster cracking, bubbling, or even detaching entirely in the future.
Nevertheless, for a guaranteed, long-lasting, and high-quality finish, we always recommend complete wallpaper removal before any skimming plaster work begins. This is the only way to ensure the new plaster has a solid, permanent bond with the wall.
Ready to Transform Your Walls?
Don't trust the crucial foundation of your decor to anything less than expertise. If you are considering skimming plaster for your home or project, contact Sovereign Surfaces today for a free, no-obligation consultation and quote. Let us provide you with a finish that is truly sovereign.
Frequently Asked Questions: Expert Plaster Skimming
Q: What exactly is "skimming" and how is it different from plastering?
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A: Skimming, or plaster skimming, is the process of applying a thin (2-5mm) final coat of plaster over an existing surface. The key difference is that traditional plastering can involve building up thick layers to create a wall's shape, while skimming is specifically for creating a perfectly smooth, flat finish on an already solid surface, ready for decorating.
Q: Can you skim over artex or textured ceilings?
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A: Yes, we can skim over artex to create a modern, smooth ceiling. However, it is crucial to note that artex applied before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. We always recommend testing if unsure. Our process involves assessing the texture height, applying a specialist binding agent, and skimming with multiple coats to fully encapsulate and flatten the surface.
Q: How long does it take for skimmed plaster to dry before I can paint it?
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A: While the plaster is often touch-dry within 24-48 hours, we strongly advise waiting at least 1-2 weeks before applying any paint or wallpaper. Painting too soon can trap moisture, leading in poor adhesion, peeling paint, and mould. For some backgrounds, it can take up to 6 weeks to fully cure, but 2 weeks is typically sufficient for painting.
Q: Is it better to skim over old plaster or replace it entirely?
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A: In most cases, skimming over old plaster is a fantastic and cost-effective solution to refresh a room. However, if the existing plaster is loose, hollow-sounding, or shows signs of significant damp damage, it may need to be removed and replaced. We will always conduct a thorough assessment to advise on the best and most durable course of action for your walls.
Q: You advise against skimming over wallpaper, but what if it's vinyl or sealed?
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A: Even sealed or vinyl wallpaper is not a suitable substrate for plaster. The bond is only as strong as the paper's adhesion to the wall underneath. Over time, the paper can shrink, bubble, or peel, taking the new plaster with it. For a guaranteed, long-lasting finish, removal is always the professional recommendation.
Q: Do I need to move all my furniture out for skimming work?
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A: While we are highly tidy and will use dust sheets, plastering is a messy process. For the best access and to protect your belongings, we recommend emptying the room completely. If this isn't possible, we can move and cover furniture, but this may extend the project timeline.
