If you’re looking to redecorate a room but you’ve noticed the walls are looking a little tired with a few lumps and bumps, you probably need to have them skimmed.

Skimming a room involves a plasterer smoothing a thin layer of finishing plaster over the walls to give them a perfect surface ready for painting or wallpapering. But how much will it cost?

How much does it cost to skim a room?

Skimming a room is an effective way to achieve smooth, even walls ready for painting or wallpapering. It’s cheaper than plastering a room, as only a thin layer of plaster is applied over walls that have already been plastered in the past.

Expect it to cost £490 for an average-sized room (approx. 3m x 3m) to be skimmed.

Skimming cost per m²

Skimming cost per m² tends to range between £20-£30. However, it’s rare for plasterers to give you a quote or estimate for skimming, as it’s easier to give a price per job. The cost will vary based on the complexity of the job – bear in mind that although less materials are needed for smaller rooms, the lack of space may make the job more tricky for a plasterer, so the cost per m² may still be high.

Factors that affect the cost of skimming a room

There are a few factors that affect the cost of skimming a room that you should take into account when getting quotes or estimates for the job:

• Room size: Larger rooms require more materials and labour, increasing the overall cost.

• Condition of walls: Walls in poor condition may need additional preparation work, and if they are particularly bad, your plasterer may recommend re-plastering rather than skimming.

• Access: Difficult-to-reach areas will take your plasterer longer, so they’re likely to charge more.

• Experience of the plasterer: More experienced plasterers may charge higher rates, but their work can result in a better finish.

• Your location: Where you live has a big impact on the cost to skim a room. The cost of living varies across the UK, so plasterers will charge accordingly. The most expensive rates tend to be in large cities, with more rural areas experiencing lower rates.

At HaMuch, we’ve used our database of hourly and daily rates to estimate how much skimming a room costs in your area. Simply take a look at the table further down the page and find your local town or city to get a more accurate idea of how much skimming costs.

How long does it take to skim one room?

The time required to skim a room depends on its size and the condition of the walls. The average-sized room will take between 1-2 days to be skimmed, including preparation and clean-up. Larger rooms or those requiring extensive prep work could take longer.

What's the difference between plastering and skimming?

As homeowners, we tend to use the terms plastering and skimming interchangeably. The truth is, they mean slightly different things. Plastering is the term given to the trade, and encompasses a range of techniques related to applying plaster to walls and ceilings. However, plastering can also refer to the practice of removing existing plaster, plasterboarding over then skimming to finish. This is usually done when walls are in particularly bad condition.

Therefore, skimming is a technique that plasterers use when they’re applying plaster. It’s typically done to refresh walls ready for painting or wallpapering and involves applying a thin layer of finishing plaster over the walls.

Is skimming cheaper than plastering?

Skimming is generally cheaper than full plastering because it involves applying a thinner layer of plaster and typically requires less material and labour. Plastering usually includes removing all existing plaster, dry lining or plasterboarding, then skimming the new boards to create an even finish. This work is much more extensive and can take up to double the time, so usually costs significantly more than skimming.

How do I know if I need skimming or plastering?

Consider whether your home fits into one of the following scenarios to determine whether you need skimming or plastering:

You may need skimming if:

• The walls are in relatively good condition but have minor imperfections.

• You want to refresh old or uneven surfaces to prepare for painting or wallpapering.

• There is existing plaster that needs a smoother finish.

You may need plastering if:

• The walls are new or have never been plastered before.

• There are significant damages, such as large cracks, holes or crumbling plaster.

• You need to build up the thickness of the wall for insulation or soundproofing.

How long does a skimmed room take to dry?

A skim coat can take anywhere from 24 hours to 3 days to dry, depending on factors such as room temperature, humidity and ventilation. In colder or more humid conditions, it may take up to a week to fully dry. The good news is that there’s a tell-tale sign that your skim coat is dry: it goes from a dark brown colour to a light pink. Once there are no more dark patches, the plaster is dry.

How long after a skim coat can I paint?

After skimming, it is essential to wait until the plaster is completely dry before painting. It’s sensible to wait at least 2 days before painting, even if you’ve noticed all the plaster turn light pink.

Don’t forget that you must apply a mist coat to fresh plaster, as it’s extremely porous. Water down your paint so that it’s half paint and half water then apply this to your walls before painting properly.

How long does a skim coat last?

A well-applied skim coat can last many years – often up to 20 years, provided your walls remain stable and free from significant movement or damage. Regular maintenance, such as filling minor cracks and repainting, can help extend its lifespan.

Can I skim my own walls?

While it is possible to skim your own walls, it requires a high level of skill to achieve a professional finish. Plasterers train for a number of years to get the finishes they achieve, and it’s difficult to get the same look on your first try.

We’d always recommend hiring an experienced plasterer for any skimming or plastering work you want to have done, but if you want to try a DIY job, it’s best to start on a small area first and practise before you go ahead and try to skim your own walls.

Ready to get quotes for skimming your walls? Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with reliable plasterers in your area.

Estimates for common plasterer jobs;

Rates for other trades