
What Is Plaster Skimming?
Plaster skimming (sometimes called re-skimming) involves applying a thin finishing coat of plaster over existing walls or plasterboard. This process transforms uneven, cracked, or patched surfaces into a smooth plaster finish.
It's ideal for homeowners wanting to refresh interiors, property developers modernising spaces, or contractors preparing new builds for decoration. Whether you're in Plymouth, Cornwall, or wider Devon, Shore Building Services brings expert skim coat walls Plymouth residents rely on.
How Does Skimming Works?
We use top-quality finishing plasters and skilful techniques to ensure an even coat every time. Skimming covers pre-existing imperfections, fills small cracks, and gives a fresh foundation for paint or wallpaper.
It's a popular choice because it's fast, effective, cost-efficient, and helps extend the life of your interior walls and ceilings, making them look and feel as good as new.
Why Is Skimming Important?
A smooth plaster finish isn't just about looks, the quality of wall and ceiling skimming directly affects how your final décor appears. Skimming protects surfaces, prevents further deterioration, and allows for easy maintenance in the future.
For property owners across Devon as well as in Plymouth and Cornwall, investing in re-skimming services from Shore Building Services means your investment goes further with lasting visual appeal.
Where Can Plaster
Skimming Be Used?
Domestic Homes
Perfect for homeowners renovating or preparing their property for sale or let.
New Builds
Completes the last stage before decorating in newly constructed houses or apartments.
Offices & Commercial Premises
Ensures a modern, professional environment for staff and clients alike.
Ceilings and Feature Walls
Ceiling skimming contractors Cornwall clients trust for smooth, crack-free surfaces.

Why Choose Shore Building Services for Skimming?
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15+ Years of Experience
We bring a wealth of local experience on projects across Plymouth, Cornwall and Devon.
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Professional Expertise
You'll work with a team that's specialised in wall smoothing and plaster finishing.
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Competitive Pricing
Transparent quotes and excellent value for domestic and contractor clients alike.
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Comprehensive Services
We can integrate skimming with other work like boarding, repairs or external rendering to save you time and hassle.
Areas We Cover
Shore Building Services is proudly based in Plymouth, placing us perfectly to serve a wide area across Devon and Cornwall. Our expert plasterers provide skimming and wall smoothing services not only in Plymouth itself, but also throughout the surrounding towns and regions. We regularly work with customers in Exeter, Torquay, Newton Abbot, Tavistock, and Ivybridge, ensuring dependable service across Devon.
In Cornwall, we offer our professional plaster skimming and re-skimming services to clients in key towns including Liskeard, Saltash, Bodmin, St Austell, Truro, and Newquay. Wherever you are in Devon or Cornwall, you can count on Shore Building Services for reliable, high-quality plaster finishing.
Questions about our plaster skimming in Devon
What is skimming and how is it different from plastering?
Skimming is a finishing technique where a thin coat of plaster is applied over existing walls or ceilings to achieve a smooth surface. Unlike full plastering, which involves multiple layers from bare brick or blockwork, skimming is used for refreshment or improvement.
Who should consider skimming their walls or ceilings?
Anyone with tired, cracked, or uneven surfaces benefitting from wall smoothing should consider skimming. It's ideal for home renovations, property updates, or preparing for decorating in homes or offices.
My newly plastered walls have some small cracks in them. Is this normal?
Minor hairline cracks may occur as plaster dries, especially if the room dries too quickly. Most small cracks can be easily filled during painting preparation.
How long do I have to wait before I can paint my new plaster?
Newly skimmed walls need to dry fully, which usually takes 5–7 days. Always check for complete dryness and follow Shore Building Services' aftercare advice before painting.
Do I need to put PVA on the newly plastered walls before painting them?
It's not necessary to apply PVA before painting. Instead, use a mist coat of diluted emulsion as your base when the plaster is dry.
Can you plaster over wallpaper or do I have to remove the wallpaper first?
Wallpaper must be fully removed and the surface cleaned before any skimming work. Skimming over wallpaper reduces adhesion and risks finish quality.
I have had water damage to my ceiling. Should the ceiling be completely re-plastered?
If ceiling damage is extensive or plaster is loose, a full ceiling skim is recommended. Shore Building Services can assess the extent and advise on the best solution.
How long does skimming take to complete?
Typical wall skimming services in Plymouth, Devon, or Cornwall can be completed in 1–2 days per room for an average property, depending on size and preparation needed.
How much does skimming cost in Plymouth?
Costs depend on surface condition and size. Shore Building Services offers competitive plaster skimming prices—contact for a free, accurate quotation.

