Plastering & Skimming in London
Plastering & Skimming Contractors in London
Need smooth, crack-free walls and ceilings? IMD Building Services provides expert plastering and skimming in London, from a single re-skim to full-house plastering, with over 10 years' experience and a 4.8 rating from 52 local customers. We skim over tired walls, plaster new surfaces, cover artex and repair damaged areas, leaving a flat, even finish that is ready to decorate. Based in E6, we work throughout East London's period terraces and modern flats, and we take real pride in the finish - because plaster is the base every other trade is judged on.
Our Plastering & Skimming Services in London
Whether you are refreshing one room or plastering a whole property, we deliver a smooth, flat finish that is ready for paint. Good plastering is all in the preparation and the trowel work, and that is exactly where our experience shows.
Skimming & Re-Skimming
A fresh skim coat over tired, uneven or previously painted walls and ceilings, leaving a smooth, flat surface ready for decorating. The quickest way to transform a room before painting.
Plastering Walls & Ceilings
Full plastering of new or stripped-back walls and ceilings, built up in coats and finished flat and true, whether it is a single room or an entire property.
Plastering Over Artex
Cover dated artex and textured ceilings with a smooth plaster finish, modernising a room without the mess of removing the old coating.
Rendering
External rendering and repairs to protect and smarten up brickwork, applied in a durable finish that stands up to the London weather.
Dry Lining & Plasterboarding
Plasterboarding and dry lining for new stud walls, ceilings and reveals, taped and skimmed ready for a seamless finish - ideal for extensions and loft conversions.
Patch Repairs & Crack Filling
Repairs to damaged plaster, filled cracks and made-good areas around new work, blended into the surrounding surface so the repair disappears once painted.
Areas We Cover Across London
We are based in East Ham (E6) and regularly plaster throughout East London and the surrounding boroughs, including Newham, Barking & Dagenham, Stratford, Ilford, Romford, Walthamstow, Leyton and Forest Gate, as well as Central London on larger projects. Working locally means we arrive on time, respond quickly during the job and are easy to reach afterwards. If you are not sure whether we cover your postcode, just ask - we are always happy to confirm before you commit to anything.
How Much Does Plastering Cost in London?
Plastering costs depend on the size and condition of the walls or ceilings and the type of work involved. London labour rates sit above the national average. The figures below are typical market ranges to help you budget - they are a guide only, not a fixed quote:
- Skim a single wall: roughly £150-£350, depending on size and condition.
- Skim a room (walls & ceiling): typically £400-£900.
- Plaster or re-skim a whole room: generally £500-£1,200 depending on the amount of preparation needed.
- External rendering: roughly £40-£70 per m², depending on access and finish.
Older walls that need extra preparation, or ceilings and stairwells that need access equipment, take longer. We never quote off the top of our head - we assess the surfaces first, then give you a clear, fixed written quote with no hidden costs before any work begins.
How Long Does Plastering and Skimming Take?
A standard room re-skim usually takes a day or two, while full plastering of several rooms or a whole property takes longer. Plaster also needs time to dry fully before painting, which we always factor into the plan. Because timing matters when you are decorating or moving other trades in behind us, we agree a realistic schedule with you before we start and keep you updated throughout.
Every wall is finished flat and polished by hand, because a smooth base is what makes the paintwork on top look right - we never rush the final trowel.
Our Plastering Process
We keep things simple and transparent. Here is how a typical plastering project runs from your first call through to a smooth, ready-to-paint finish:
- Free survey & consultation. We visit, assess the walls and ceilings and talk through what the surfaces need.
- Fixed written quote. You receive a clear, itemised breakdown of costs with nothing hidden in the small print.
- Preparation & protection. We prepare the surfaces, apply any bonding or backing coats and protect your floors and belongings.
- Plastering & skimming. The plaster is applied in coats and finished flat and smooth by hand.
- Final check & clean-up. We check the finish, deal with any snags and clear away all waste so the room is ready to decorate once dry.
Recent Plastering Projects in London
A few examples of plastering and skimming we have completed for London homeowners. Every job gets the same flat, smooth finish, whatever the size.
Why Choose IMD Building Services
There is no shortage of plasterers in London, so here is why local homeowners keep choosing us and recommending us to their neighbours:
- Over 10 years' plastering experience across London
- Rated 4.8 from 52 customers - see our reviews
- Smooth, flat, crack-free finish ready to decorate
- Skimming, plastering, rendering and dry lining all in-house
- Floors and belongings protected, mess kept to a minimum
- Fixed written quotes with transparent pricing
- Tidy, respectful and reliable - we turn up when we say we will
- Local to E6 and easy to reach before, during and after the job
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plastering and skimming typically take?
The duration depends on the size of the area, the condition of the walls or ceilings and the complexity of the desired finish. On average a standard room re-skim takes a day or two, while full plastering of several rooms takes longer. Plaster also needs drying time before it can be painted.
Do I need to prepare the walls or ceilings before plastering and skimming?
It helps for surfaces to be reasonably clear, but we handle the preparation as part of the job - cleaning down, removing loose material and applying any bonding or backing coats needed. We will let you know if anything needs doing beforehand when we survey.
How soon can I paint or decorate after plastering?
Fresh plaster needs to dry out fully before painting, which usually takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on conditions and the number of coats. We will advise on the right drying time for your job and the best way to seal new plaster before decorating.
How can I maintain the quality of the plastered surfaces over time?
To keep plastered surfaces in good condition, avoid excessive moisture and sudden temperature changes, which can lead to cracking. Filling any minor hairline cracks and keeping the room ventilated helps preserve the finish for years.
Do you provide a written quote and a guarantee?
Yes. After a free survey we provide a fixed, itemised written quote, and our workmanship is guaranteed. To get started, call us on 01375 404498 or request a free survey online.
Ready When You Are
Planning a Plastering Project?
Tell us what you have in mind and we will arrange a free, no-obligation survey at a time that suits you. Honest advice, a fixed written quote and a smooth finish you can decorate straight over.