Walls that take paint properly start with proper skimming. Flat, smooth finishes across Old Street — preparation done right, coats applied evenly, surfaces ready for whatever decoration you’re planning.
Getting clean, smooth walls shouldn’t involve managing a procurement process. The big platforms turn simple skimming jobs into comparison exercises that waste your time. One phone call to a trusted tradesman gets better results faster.
Quality plastering needs a different approach.
One experienced plasterer covers skimming work across Old Street. Direct contact eliminates platform delays — you speak to the tradesman who’ll actually transform your walls into smooth, paintable surfaces.
Skimming addresses different wall and ceiling conditions. New plasterboard finishing differs from renovation re-coating, and each surface type requires appropriate preparation — proper evaluation ensures smooth, lasting results ready for any decorative finish.
Have a look below at what’s included in our skimming service. If it covers your situation, get in touch and we’ll respond fast. If not, that’s absolutely fine — thanks for your time.
Quality wall skimming eliminates surface problems that make decorating difficult. Cracks, bumps, patches, and uneven textures disappear beneath professionally applied skim coats, leaving smooth walls that take any finish beautifully. Experienced plasterers work methodically — proper prep, consistent application, clean finishing — delivering surfaces that transform how your rooms look and feel.
Professional ceiling finishes start with expert skimming that transforms rough or textured surfaces. Outdated Artex, damaged plaster, and uneven areas disappear beneath smooth skim coats applied by skilled tradesmen. Working overhead requires specific technique and experience — delivering flat ceilings that reflect light evenly and make rooms feel fresh.
Quality repair skimming makes wall damage disappear without extensive replastering. Localised problems — fixture marks, impact holes, cracked areas — respond to professional patching that blends seamlessly. Skilled plasterers prepare surfaces properly, match existing textures, and finish so repairs become completely invisible under any decoration.
Quality plasterboard finishing completes construction projects with smooth, decoration-ready surfaces throughout. Extensions, loft rooms, and garage conversions all need professional taping and skimming to transform raw boards into finished walls. Skilled plasterers deliver seamless results — invisible joints, consistent coverage, professional finishing — spaces ready for decorating.
Complete re-plastering transforms whole rooms with consistent smooth surfaces from every angle. Full wall and ceiling skimming ensures unified finishes throughout — same quality everywhere, seamless results, professional standards. Skilled tradesmen work efficiently, delivering even coverage that refreshes entire spaces and simplifies decorating.
Walls that look smooth wet can show every flaw once painted. Here’s how we ensure finishes stay flat under any light throughout Old Street.
Working across Old Street for years means knowing property histories. The streets around Smithfield Market flooded in ’97. The estate near St Johns Gate had cavity wall insulation problems. The houses toward Sadlers Wells Theatre suffer from condensation. History affects wall condition.
Old lime plaster, modern gypsum, fresh plasterboard, patched areas mixing all three — each responds differently to skim coats. Experience across Old Street properties means recognising what we’re working on and adjusting technique accordingly.
converted warehouses and georgian terraced houses dominate Old Street, usually 2.7m to 3.2m (8.9ft – 10.5ft) to the ceiling. These property types have predictable quirks — common damp spots, typical movement cracks, characteristic construction methods. Knowing them speeds every stage from quote to finish.
Enquiries reach the plasterer personally — not intermediaries booking jobs they don’t understand. You discuss surface conditions with someone who’s seen thousands of walls and knows which need stripping, which need bonding, and which just need keying.
Discussion establishes what you’re working with — existing surface types, room sizes, any issues you’ve noticed. Based on initial information, a site visit gets scheduled to assess walls properly, identify preparation needs, and provide accurate pricing.
Assessment means examining walls properly — testing adhesion, checking suction, spotting blown areas, assessing previous plaster quality. Clear explanation of preparation needs follows. Pricing reflects genuine surface requirements, not guesses from photographs.
Skimming proceeds professionally — proper surface prep, fresh mixing, controlled application, timely finishing. Work areas get full protection, and complete tidying follows. Clear guidance addresses drying stages, mist coating requirements, and realistic decoration timing.
Skimming questions tend to follow patterns — how’s it done, how long’s it take, when can I decorate. Clear answers below, nothing complicated.
A day covers most bedroom skimming when surfaces behave. Walls requiring bonding, extensive repairs, or previous coat removal add significant time. Ceilings alongside walls extend schedules. You’ll receive realistic duration estimates after wall assessment.
Stripping depends on what exists already. Firmly attached plaster in decent condition receives skim directly. Delaminated areas, failed coats, or excessive thickness need removal first. Assessment determines genuine requirements for your specific walls.
Skimming applies thin finish layers over prepared surfaces — creating smooth walls from existing plaster. Full plastering includes base coat application on masonry, rendering, or building thickness. Typical home re-finishing means skim coats over what exists already.
Paint condition affects preparation significantly. Matt emulsion over good plaster takes skim after proper keying. Gloss finishes, silk coatings, or thick paint layers prevent adequate adhesion — typically requiring removal or bonding treatment. Assessment determines your needs.
Allow surfaces to dry properly before painting — 2-4 days minimum in ventilated rooms, though complete curing takes 2-3 weeks. Apply mist coat first with watered-down emulsion. Early decoration causes peeling and blistering issues.
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Professional skimming operates throughout Old Street. Local knowledge of housing types, construction methods, and wall characteristics that determine preparation needs and finishing approaches.
