Surfaces that perform under paint, paper, or any finish you choose. Quality skimming across Bargate — preparation done thoroughly, application done properly, results that show.
Skimming is skilled work that deserves a skilled tradesman, not the cheapest bidder from a platform race to the bottom. When quality matters more than saving twenty quid, direct contact with a proven plasterer makes sense.
Our approach is more straightforward.
Bargate has one trusted skimming specialist assigned. When you need walls finished properly, you contact them directly — and they respond promptly without platform delays or competitive quoting processes.
Skimming work varies significantly depending on existing conditions. Sound plaster just needs re-coating, compromised areas need stripping back, and new boards need proper preparation — identifying the starting point ensures professional finishes.
See what we handle below and decide if we’re the right people for your job. If yes, contact us and we’ll get things moving. If no, that’s completely fine — thanks for checking.
Re-skimming walls removes years of imperfections and creates fresh, smooth surfaces throughout your property. Old wallpaper damage, filled holes, patchy repairs, and uneven textures vanish beneath professional skim coats applied by skilled tradesmen. Proper preparation, quality materials, and careful technique ensure lasting results — walls that stay smooth, take paint evenly, and look professionally finished for years.
Professional ceiling re-skimming removes outdated textures and creates clean, contemporary finishes throughout your home. Artex patterns, stippled surfaces, and swirl textures all respond to expert skimming that delivers flat, smooth ceilings. Skilled plasterers work methodically overhead, ensuring even coverage without joins or imperfections — ceilings that look right and make decorating straightforward.
Professional patch skimming restores localised damage without full room replastering. Impact holes, cable chases, and cracked sections respond to targeted repairs that blend perfectly with surrounding plaster. Experienced tradesmen match textures and finishes exactly — patches that disappear completely and save the cost of larger-scale work.
Plasterboard skim finishing delivers new-build quality on extension walls, conversion ceilings, and renovation projects. Professional joint treatment and smooth skim coats create seamless surfaces that transform raw construction into finished living spaces. Quality workmanship ensures lasting results — walls ready for decoration and built to stay that way.
Full room skimming creates fresh, unified spaces with consistent smooth finishes across all surfaces. Comprehensive coverage ensures walls and ceilings match perfectly — no texture variations, no patchy areas, just seamless results throughout. Professional plasterers transform rooms completely, delivering even quality that makes decorating effortless.
Most skimming complaints come six months later when cracks appear. Here’s how we prevent that across Bargate properties.
Years covering Bargate from Bevois Valley Road shops through St Marys Church to Portswood Park builds genuine understanding. You learn which developers cut corners, which streets have damp problems, which estates used experimental materials. That insight prevents problems before they start.
Board finishing for new builds, renovation re-skims on tired walls, insurance repairs blending into undamaged areas — the starting conditions vary enormously. Consistent Bargate quality means adjusting approach while maintaining standards.
Local housing comprises mainly victorian terraces and hmo conversions, 2.7m to 3.0m (8.9ft – 9.8ft) ceiling heights. Familiarity with these exact property types means recognising wall conditions quickly and applying proven preparation approaches rather than guessing.
When you call, the plasterer picks up — same person who’ll read your walls and make preparation decisions on site. That means proper discussion about surface condition, realistic expectations, and what’s actually involved in getting smooth results.
Conversation covers current wall condition, rooms requiring attention, and any concerns about existing surfaces. Assessment timing gets agreed based on mutual availability — no rushed phone quotes, just proper site evaluation before pricing.
Assessment involves reading walls professionally — tapping, testing, checking, noting. The plasterer identifies preparation requirements and explains them plainly. Quotes reflect actual surface condition rather than optimistic estimates from phone descriptions.
Work proceeds methodically — surface preparation, fresh plaster mixing, controlled application, skilled finishing. Dust sheets protect belongings throughout. Complete cleanup happens after. You’ll understand drying times, mist coat requirements, and decoration scheduling.
Planning plastering work brings practical questions — preparation needs, realistic timelines, decoration timing. Here’s the straightforward information most people ask for.
Duration depends on what the walls need, not just room dimensions. Sound surfaces needing simple re-skimming complete faster than blown plaster requiring strip-back. Standard bedroom typically takes a day on good walls, longer with preparation complications. You’ll receive realistic timing after surface inspection.
It depends on current wall condition. Well-bonded existing plaster takes skim coats directly after proper keying. Delaminated areas need stripping. Multiple thick coats may require removal. Assessment determines what preparation your specific walls actually need.
Skimming applies thin finish coats over existing surfaces — typically 2-3mm thickness creating smooth, paintable walls. Plastering involves thicker applications — base coats on bare brick, render layers, or building up depth where needed. Most domestic re-finishing work involves skimming over existing plaster rather than full plastering from scratch.
It depends on paint type and buildup. Thin matt emulsion can receive skim after surface keying. Heavy coatings, gloss finishes, or silk paint cause bonding failures — usually requiring stripping or adhesion agent application. Assessment identifies specific requirements.
Allow 2-4 days minimum for surface drying in well-ventilated rooms, longer for complete curing. New plaster needs mist coat first — diluted matt emulsion seals the porous surface for proper paint adhesion. Rushing decoration risks peeling and blistering.
Fill out the form or call now to speak directly to the plasterer covering your area. No call centres, no delays – just clear answers and fast action.
Your details are safe – we only use them to respond to your enquiry
Professional skimming covers all locations across Bargate. Local knowledge of housing types, original construction methods, and surface characteristics that affect preparation requirements and finishing quality.
