Skim Coat vs Full Re-Plaster: UK Cost & Guide

What's the Difference Between Skim Coating and Full Re-Plastering?

When your walls need work, you'll hear two main terms: skim coating and full re-plastering. These are completely different jobs with different costs, timescales, and purposes. Knowing the difference will help you choose the right option for your home.

A skim coat is a thin layer of plaster, typically 2-3mm thick, applied over existing plasterwork. It's a finishing treatment. Your plasterer spreads a smooth coat across the walls to cover minor imperfections, cracks, or refresh an old surface. Nothing underneath gets removed; you're simply adding a thin layer on top.

Full re-plastering means stripping back to the brick or block, then applying plaster from scratch. This involves removing all old plaster, preparing the substrate, applying a base coat (scratch coat and float coat), and finishing with a top coat. It's a complete renovation.

Your choice depends on wall condition, budget, and what you want to achieve. Not every wall needs full re-plastering, but some walls won't be helped by a skim coat alone.

When You Need a Skim Coat

Skim coating works best when the underlying plaster is sound but the surface is worn or damaged. Think of it as cosmetic repair rather than structural work.

Consider a skim coat if your walls have:

• Minor surface cracks and hairline fractures that haven't widened
• Uneven texture from years of decoration
• Shallow dents, scrapes, or scuff marks
• Dull, patchy appearance
• Water staining or discolouration on otherwise solid surfaces
• Old artex or textured finish you want to smooth over

Skim coating is also ideal for preparing walls before high-quality interior decoration. A professional skim coat creates a flawless surface that paint, wallpaper, or other finishes will sit beautifully on. Many homeowners choose skim coating purely to achieve that showroom-quality finish in living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways.

Speed is a significant advantage. A plasterer can typically skim a standard bedroom (around 100-120 square metres of wall space) in a single day. With drying time, you're looking at 24-48 hours before decorating. That means minimal disruption to your home.

When You Need Full Re-Plastering

Full re-plastering is necessary when the existing plaster has failed or is failing. If the base is unstable, a skim coat simply covers up a deeper problem.

You'll need full re-plastering if you have:

• Deep cracks that have widened or follow structural patterns
• Plaster that's blown (separated from the substrate underneath)
• Rising damp causing bubbling or weeping plaster
• Walls that are significantly uneven or out of plumb
• Old, crumbling plaster deteriorating throughout
• Cavity walls where old plaster is incompatible with modern requirements
• Areas of mould or significant water damage
• Walls where existing plaster is failing to provide a stable surface for skim coating

If you tap the wall and it sounds hollow in places, or if you press your hand against it and feel movement, the plaster is blown. This means the plaster has lost adhesion to the brick or blockwork beneath. A skim coat won't fix this because there's no solid foundation. You must strip it back and start again.

Rising damp demands full re-plastering. If moisture is climbing up from the ground (usually due to a failed damp-proof course), old plaster will continue to deteriorate. You need specialist waterproof plaster applied to a properly prepared base.

Cost Comparison: Skim Coat vs Full Re-Plaster

The financial difference between these two options is significant.

Skim coat costs in the UK typically range from £12 to £20 per square metre, depending on your location and job complexity. For an average living room (about 150 square metres of wall), you're looking at £1,800 to £3,000 all-in. This includes labour and materials.

Full re-plastering costs range from £25 to £50 per square metre for straightforward work. The same living room would cost £3,750 to £7,500. If walls are significantly uneven or in poor condition, costs will be higher. London and the South East tend to be 20-30% more expensive than northern regions.

The cost difference reflects the extra work involved:

• Labour to remove old plaster and dispose of waste
• Longer timescales mean higher labour hours
• More plaster material required for multiple coats
• Preparation work, including damping down substrate and addressing issues like damp
• Additional mess and protection needed during work

When getting quotes, ask whether the price includes disposal of old plaster and materials. Some plasterers quote labour-only; others include everything.

Timescales and Practical Considerations

The time your home will be disrupted differs significantly between these options.

A skim coat job typically takes 2-5 days, depending on room size and number of rooms. One day for application, then 24-48 hours drying time before decorating. If a plasterer is working across multiple rooms, add a day or two, but you're unlikely to exceed a week.

Full re-plastering of the same space takes 1-2 weeks minimum. Stripping old plaster is labour-intensive and messy. You'll then wait 2-3 weeks for plaster to fully cure before decorating. In Victorian or period properties with lime plaster, timescales stretch longer because lime plaster requires more careful drying.

Full re-plastering is disruptive. Dust penetrates everywhere. You'll need to protect furniture and seal off rooms from the rest of your home. Expect mess, noise, and limited access to rooms being worked on.

Skim coating is far less disruptive. You'll have dust and drying time to manage, but the work is quicker and tidier. Most people continue using their homes with minimal inconvenience during a skim coat job.

Quality and Longevity

Both skim coating and full re-plastering can deliver excellent results when done by a competent plasterer, but their longevity differs.

A well-executed skim coat can last 10-15 years or more, provided the underlying plaster is sound. However, if the base plaster begins to fail during the skim coat's lifespan, you'll need to address the underlying problem. You can't simply re-skim a wall indefinitely if the foundation is deteriorating.

Full re-plastering provides a fresh start. When done properly, new plaster can last 20-30 years. You've eliminated the unknown factors in the old work. This makes it the better long-term investment if you're staying in the property for many years.

Always hire a plasterer who's properly trained. Check their qualifications, ask for references, and view examples of previous work. A cheap job, whether skim coating or full re-plastering, often costs more in the long run when you need to fix poor workmanship.

Making Your Decision

Ask a plasterer to inspect your walls. They can identify whether plaster is blown, whether there's damp, and whether a skim coat will genuinely solve the problem. A thorough survey costs £50-150 but saves you from wasting money on the wrong solution.

If walls are generally sound but look tired, skim coating gives you excellent value and a quick transformation. If walls are failing, cracked, damp, or uneven, you need full re-plastering. The foundation has to be right.

Budget-conscious homeowners often skim coat high-priority rooms (lounge, master bedroom) and address other areas later. This spreads costs across years while maintaining the property's appearance.

Compare quotes from 3 providers in your area for accurate pricing. Each will assess your walls differently, and prices vary significantly based on exact conditions, accessibility, and regional factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a skim coat last?
A well-executed skim coat typically lasts 10-15 years or longer if the underlying plaster remains sound. Once the base plaster begins to fail, you'll need to address the underlying problem rather than simply re-skim.

Can I skim coat over blown plaster?
No. If plaster is blown (separated from the substrate), a skim coat won't stick properly or last. You must remove the blown plaster and start with a stable base.

What's the quickest way to refresh old walls?
Skim coating is the quickest option. A plasterer can complete a standard room in one day, with the surface ready to decorate within 24-48 hours.

Do I need full re-plastering if I have rising damp?
Yes. Rising damp means moisture is continuously wetting the wall. Old plaster will keep deteriorating. You need specialist waterproof plaster applied to a properly treated base.

How much more does full re-plastering cost than skim coating?
Typically 2-3 times more. Skim coats cost £12-20 per square metre; full re-plastering costs £25-50 per square metre depending on wall condition and your region.

Can I re-skim a wall multiple times?
You can re-skim a wall, but only if the underlying plaster remains sound. If the base is deteriorating, repeated skim coating just delays the need for full re-plastering.