If you’re doing some building work, renovating a property or simply need to prepare some walls for decorating, you’ve probably come across the terms plastering, skimming and rendering. Whilst they’re often used interchangeably, they describe different plastering techniques carried out in different areas of the property.
Knowing the difference between plastering, skimming and rendering will allow you to make informed decisions when finding a professional plasterer for your project.
What Is Plastering?
Interior walls and ceilings are often plastered to provide a solid, level base surface. When properties are built or extensions constructed, plasterboard will often be attached to the walls and ceilings before plastering is applied.
Plastering is a thicker coating applied to walls or ceilings to cover up brickwork/blockwork surfaces or plasterboard.
Plastering is used to:
- Create a solid interior wall surface
- Cover up raw brick/block walls
- Provide a level base for decoration
- Increase durability
- Improve insulation properties
- Allow for finishing coats to be applied
Typically materials used for plastering include:
- Gypsum plaster
- Lime plaster
- Bonding plaster
- Undercoat plaster
All of these materials are layered on the wall/ceiling and then smoothed over to create an even base.
Plastering is used on walls and ceilings inside the property. Common applications include:
- Brick walls
- Blockwork walls
- Ceilings
- Renovation work
- New build properties
Skimming is often carried out after plastering to provide the final smooth finish.
What Is Skimming?
Skimming refers to a plastering process that creates a smooth finish on walls or ceilings. Skimming is classed as plastering but differs from traditional methods as it’s much thinner and applied as a final layer.
Skimming usually only applies to interior walls and ceilings as it’s not required on external walls as it’s done to create a perfectly smooth surface which is ready for decorating.
When interior walls are skimmed, they’re coated with a thin layer of plaster and then smoothed over. This provides paint-ready surfaces on walls and ceilings and is not to be used to build up large gaps or holes.
Skimming is typically used for:
- Covering plasterboard
- Renovating older walls
- Repairing damaged plaster
- Preparing walls for paint or wallpaper
- Achieving a smooth modern finish
Many homeowners choose to have their walls skimmed as part of renovation projects to create a clean, smooth finish.
There are several advantages of skimming including:
- Creates smooth surfaces that are ready for paint
- Refreshes older walls
- Covers up imperfections
- Quick method
- Cost-effective alternative to replastering walls
As skimming is such a fine layer of plaster, it’s important to hire experienced tradespeople who know what they’re doing. Many DIY videos make skimming look easy but it’s much harder than it looks.
What Is Rendering?
Unlike plastering and skimming, which are carried out internally on a property, rendering is used on external walls.
Rendering is a cement-based mixture which is applied to the outside of walls to weatherproof and protect them. Render provides a similar function to plaster but is used on the outside.
Rendering serves a few different purposes including:
- Protecting walls from rain
- Adding insulating qualities
- Improve weather resistance
- Strengthens walls
- Enhance property’s appearance
Rendering is mostly used on most modern homes as standard.
There are a few different types of render including:
- Traditional sand and cement render
- Monocouche Render
- Silicone Render
- Lime Render
Each of these has their own benefits and features which can make them more suitable for specific properties. Rendering is pretty similar to plastering on the inside of properties. Like plaster, render is a combination of materials mixed together and applied to walls.
The Key Differences Between Plastering, Skimming and Rendering
Whilst plastering, skimming and rendering all fall under the same category of wall treatment, there are clear differences between the three. Understanding these can help you identify what your property needs.
Plastering
- Used inside property
- Applied thickly to create base layers
- Applied to brick/block walls
- Forms a solid internal wall surface
Skimming
- Used inside property
- Thin finishing coat (usually around 2–3mm)
- Applied over plasterboard/plaster walls
- Finished coat before decorating walls
Rendering
- Used on the outside of property
- Cement-based mixture
- Protects external walls
- Weatherproof coat on walls
To sum up:
- Plastering creates the base layer on walls
- Skimming applies the final smooth finish
- Rendering is used on exterior walls
When Would You Need Each Service?
The type of work you’re doing on your property will determine whether you need plastering, skimming or rendering.
You’ll likely need to plaster if:
- Your walls are bare brick or blockwork
- You’re renovating an old property
- Walls are severely damaged or uneven
- You need to create a strong base layer
You’ll likely require skimming if:
- Walls require a smooth finish before decorating
- You’ve installed plasterboard in your property
- Walls are in fairly good condition but unfinished
- You want to refresh the walls in your home
Rendering will be required if:
- Exterior walls need protecting from weather
- You want to improve the appearance of your building
- Walls need better insulation or waterproofing
A professional plasterer will be able to advise you on whether you need plastering, skimming or rendering done.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Plastering
While many YouTube tutorials may make plastering or skimming look easy, it’s an art that takes years to perfect.
Badly carried out plastering or rendering can cause problems with your walls in the future. Issues could include:
- cracks appearing
- Poor paint finishes
- Moisture penetration
- Reduced durability
Professional plasterers know the correct way to plaster walls and ceilings. Along with using the right tools and techniques, they also know which plastering materials are best suited to certain areas.
Find a Professional Plasterer
If your property requires plastering, skimming or rendering, it’s important you find a reliable and reputable professional who specialise in all three.
Look for professionals who:
- Are able to work internally and externally
- Provide detailed quotes and timescales
- Only use high-quality materials
- Have good customer reviews
- Offer tailored advice for your property
By working with a trusted plastering professional you can ensure your walls look great and will survive the test of time.
Some Common FAQs
What is the difference between plastering and skimming?
Plastering is a thicker base coat applied to walls/ceilings. Skimming is a thinner layer applied to create smooth surfaces.
Is skimming the same as plastering?
Technically skimming is a form of plastering, but it refers to applying a thin finishing layer of plaster rather than the traditional method.
What is rendering used for?
Rendering is used on external walls to protect them from weather using a sand and cement mixture.
Do you need to plaster walls before skimming?
Yes, if your walls are bare brick or block you’ll need to plaster them before applying a skim. Sometimes skim can be applied directly to plasterboard.
Can old walls be skimmed rather than re-plastered?
Yes, if your existing plaster is in decent condition you can have them skimmed to provide a fresh smooth surface.
How long does plaster/skim take to dry?
- Skim plaster will usually take around 2–3 days to dry.
- Full plastering may take between 4–7 days to dry.
- Rendering can take longer to dry depending on how thick it is applied and weather conditions.