Skimming Cost London
Skimming is the most common plastering job in London — applying a thin, smooth finishing coat of plaster to walls and ceilings. This guide covers the complete cost of skimming, from per-square-metre rates to whole-house pricing, so you can budget accurately and compare quotes with confidence.
How much does skimming cost in London?
Skimming in London costs £8–£15 per m² over existing plaster, or £12–£20/m² over Artex or damaged plaster. A standard room costs £400–£700 for walls and ceiling; a whole house £1,200–£7,500 depending on size. Skim dries in 24–48 hours before painting. London Plastering Service covers all 32 boroughs and quotes within 60 minutes.
- £8–£15 per m² over existing plaster
- Over Artex £12–£20/m²
- Standard room £400–£700
- Whole house £1,200–£7,500
- Dries in 24–48 hours
- All 32 London boroughs covered
How Much Does Skimming Cost in London?
Skimming costs in London range from £8 to £15 per square metre for labour and materials. The final price depends on the condition of the existing surface, wall height, access, and the size of the job. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of skimming costs for every common scenario.
Skimming is the final stage of plastering — a 2–3mm coat of multi-finish plaster applied over existing plaster, plasterboard, or bonding coats. It creates the smooth, paint-ready surface you see in finished rooms. For a detailed explanation of what skimming is, see our what is skimming guide.
Skimming Prices Per Square Metre
| Skimming Service | Cost Per m² | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Skimming over existing plaster | £8–£12 | Sound walls needing refresh |
| Skimming over new plasterboard | £10–£15 | New partitions, extensions |
| Skimming over artex | £12–£20 | Textured ceilings/walls |
| Skimming over bonding coat | £12–£18 | Bare brick/block walls |
| Ceiling skimming (per m²) | £12–£18 | Overhead work, scaffolding |
| High ceiling skimming (3m+) | £15–£25 | Period properties, stairwells |
Cost to Skim a Room
Small Room
£250–£450
Box room, WC, small bedroom
Standard Room
£400–£700
Average bedroom, living room
Large Room
£600–£900
Open-plan, large living room
The cost to skim a room includes all walls and the ceiling. Prices assume the existing plaster is in reasonable condition — if walls need extensive preparation or plasterboarding first, costs increase. For room-specific pricing, see our guides for cost to plaster a bedroom and cost to plaster a house.
Walls only (no ceiling): Deduct approximately 30% from the room price. Many clients choose to skim walls only if the ceiling is in good condition.
Single wall: Skimming a single wall costs £80–£200 depending on size. Most plasterers have a minimum charge of £80–£100 for small jobs.
Recent Skimming Projects Across London
Wall skimming — Croydon, CR0
Skim coat application — Croydon
Wall skimming — Southwark, SE1
Finished skim coat — Southwark
Fresh skim — Lambeth, SW8
Skim coat drying — Lambeth
Trowel finishing — Southwark
Wall skim — Camden, NW1
Cost to Skim a Whole House
| Property Type | Approx. Area | Skimming Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Studio flat | 40–50 m² | £800–£1,400 |
| 1-bed flat | 60–80 m² | £1,200–£1,800 |
| 2-bed flat | 80–100 m² | £1,800–£2,800 |
| 2-bed house | 100–130 m² | £2,000–£3,200 |
| 3-bed house | 150–200 m² | £3,000–£5,000 |
| 4-bed house | 200–280 m² | £5,000–£7,500 |
Whole-house skimming offers the best value per square metre because the plasterer is set up and working continuously. Per-m2 rates drop to £8–£10 for large jobs vs £12–£15 for single rooms. For full property replastering details, see our full house replaster page.
Skimming Cost FAQs
Get a Free Plastering Quote
Send us photos via WhatsApp and get a detailed quote within 60 minutes. No call-out charge, no obligation.
Get a Free Quote
Fastest quote = WhatsApp photos. Form is optional.
Lightning Fast Response
We reply to all enquiries within 60 minutes
Free Site Visit
We'll assess your project at no cost
No Obligation
Receive your quote with zero pressure
Prefer WhatsApp?
Send Message on WhatsApp