How Long Does it Take to Skim a Room?
Skimming is the process of applying a thin, precise layer of plaster over the top of the thicker base coats to provide a smooth, even finish ready for priming and painting.
It can take anything from six hours to three days to apply, depending on the size of the room. Roughly speaking:
- A small wall or box room takes six to twelve hours to skim.
- Medium-sized ceilings required eight to twelve hours.
- A larger space will need approximately two to three days.
The primary factors are how large the room is and whether you need to skim the ceiling or just the walls. Ceilings are trickier and usually require a professional plasterer since it's a much harder DIY job than skimming the wall.
Another consideration is the drying time. You'd normally wait at least 24 hours before sanding back the skim coat, brushing off the dust, and priming the wall for painting.
Factors in How Long it Takes to Skim a Room
If you request a quote from a plasterer, they'll initially need to know:
- What sort of condition your walls are currently in.
- How high the walls are (i.e. whether they'll need to work at height).
- If the ceiling needs skimming along with the walls.
- The dimensions of the room.
Listed buildings will cost more to skim since the rendering and plastering must be consistent with traditional materials and techniques that are more complex than conventional methods.
However, skimming can be a cost-effective job.
For example, if you have an Artex ceiling and wish to decorate over the material, you might be able to have this skimmed rather than needing to remove the ceiling or cover it with new boards.
The time required also depends on the number of coats of plaster necessary.
Typically, a skim coat is a single application, but it might not be that simple if the existing plaster isn't in a good state.
An experienced plasterer will undoubtedly finish skimming much quicker and achieve a more uniform finish - so if you're looking to complete the work faster, it's worth hiring a professional.
Other Considerations in Applying a Plaster Skim Coat
Skim coats come in two types of joint compounds:
- A setting compound is a powder mixed with water that dries to a very hard finish.
- A ready-mixed compound is a thicker substance applied straight to the walls.
The typical application uses skimming to finish off an existing plaster wall with a perfectly smooth surface.
This is why skimming can take longer than you might expect - the finish needs to be completely flat, free of dents or ridges, and ready for painting.
An average-sized room takes around three days to skim, but as we've seen, this is subject to several variables.
Costs to Skim a Room
Most skim layers are around five to eight mm thick, so the finishing plaster won't cost as much or take as long as plastering bricks or plasterboard from scratch.
It's also not always the case that a smaller room costs less to skim since although it won't require as much in raw materials, it can be challenging to get into tight corners with restricted space.
Average UK costs for skimming projects are as follows:
- Small rooms, around two metres square: £440
- Medium rooms, of three metres square: £480
- Larger rooms of six by five metres: £650
Ceilings are another cost implication and add to your total budget by:
- £275 for a small room ceiling
- £342 for a medium-sized room
- £540 for larger rooms
Skimming work in London and the southeast usually costs more, primarily because the price of materials and labour is higher in this part of the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions - How Long Does it Take to Skim a Room?
Now we've covered the basics, let's answer some of the frequently asked questions about skimming over the base plaster in a room.
What is the Next Step After Applying a Skim Coat?
Once your skim coat has been applied, you'll need to leave it to dry out. This process can take an hour or two, but most contractors recommend waiting a week before you paint.
If the plaster isn't 100% dry all the way through, you'll have problems such as the paint peeling and bubbles appearing.
Dehumidifiers and improved ventilation can speed things up, and once the plaster has been set, you'll need to give it a sand and brush off any dust on the surface before painting.
Fresh plaster sucks in water, so it's advisable to apply a mist coat (an emulsion and water solution) to prime the wall before you start painting your topcoat on top of the skim layer.
Is Skimming Cheaper Than Plastering?
Skimming and plastering are two different jobs. Plastering can include several layers, stripping back old plaster, and working in stages to build up a solid plaster framework.
The final layer is the skim, which is significantly thinner, and provides the smooth surface that you can paint.
If your walls are in good condition but have a few rough patches or knocks, it can be much cheaper to have the plaster skimmed rather than a full re-plaster job.
How Long Should a Professional Take to Skim Coat a Wall?
As we've mentioned, skimming varies depending on the size of the wall, the height, how much refining is needed on your existing walls, and whether you need the ceiling skimmed simultaneously.
Most skim work takes from a few hours up to three days, although a plasterer will be able to give you a better idea when they survey the room.
Why Does Skimming Cost More in Older Properties?
Listed and older properties cost more to plaster because they may require lime plaster, a more specialist material and more expensive to buy than the cement rendering used in modern homes.
Many homeowners in listed properties need to hire an experienced contractor with a niche in this type of home, and the process will take longer than a normal skim project.
References:
- https://www.seniorcare2share.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-skim-coat-a-wall/
- https://cementanswers.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-skim-coat-a-room/
- https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/cost-skimming-room/
By Johnny Fuller
Home Improvement editor at NWrenovations.com
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