As an avid DIYer, you may have taken on the challenge of renovating a room in your home.
While most minor repairs and cosmetic changes are straightforward, skim coating walls requires patience and the proper technique to achieve a smooth, professional finish.
Skim coating is a multi-step process used to smooth rough or damaged walls before painting or wallpapering. If your walls show signs of water damage, cracks, or other imperfections, skim coating provides an affordable solution to create an even surface.
With some basic equipment and the proper materials, you can skim coat walls yourself without the cost of hiring a professional. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to skim coat walls like a pro and prepare the surface for a fresh coat of paint.
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What Is Skim Coating?
Skim coating is a technique used to smooth out rough wall surfaces. It involves applying a thin layer of joint compound or drywall mud over the entire wall surface. Once dry, the wall is sanded smooth, creating an even base for painting or re-texturing.
Skim coating is a great solution for walls that are damaged, uneven, or improperly prepared for painting.
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It can cover cracks, holes, bumps, and rough textures, creating a smooth surface that blends in with the rest of the wall. The process typically requires at least two coats of joint compound, allowing each coat to dry completely between applications.
Skim Coating Materials You’ll Need
To skim coat a wall, you will need the proper tools and materials. Gather the following supplies:
Joint compound
Also known as drywall mud, joint compound is a plaster-like material used to seal and smooth drywall seams and imperfections. For skim coating, use a premixed lightweight joint compound. You will need 3-4 gallons for an average sized room.
Drywall knife or putty knife
A 6-inch and 12-inch knife will allow you to spread joint compound over large areas as well as in corners and edges.
Drywall tray
A tray will hold the joint compound so you can easily dip your knife into it. Disposable trays are convenient since joint compound is difficult to wash out completely.
Also read; What are the Benefits of Coating a Wall Exteriorly?
Sandpaper
After the joint compound dries, use fine-grit sandpaper (150-220 grit) to sand the area smooth in preparation for the next coat.
Paint roller
Use a 3/8-inch nap roller to apply a base coat of joint compound to the entire wall. This step will save you time and energy compared to applying coats with just a drywall knife.
Drop cloths
Joint compound splatters and drips easily, so cover the floor and any trim or baseboards with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
Cleaning supplies
Have rags, water, and a multi-surface cleaner on hand to wipe away drips and splatters and clean your tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Skim Coating
To skim coat a wall, follow these steps:
Prepare the wall surface
Inspect the wall for any holes, cracks or loose plaster and repair as needed. Clean the wall to remove any dirt or debris. Lightly sand the wall to rough up the surface so the skim coat will adhere properly. Vacuum away dust.
Mix the skim coat compound
Combine skim coat compound powder with water in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The consistency should be slightly thicker than pancake batter. Add water slowly while mixing until you achieve the proper consistency.
Apply a base coat
Use a trowel, drywall knife, or spatula to spread a thin layer of the skim coat compound over the entire wall surface. Work in small sections. Apply firm and even pressure to fill in imperfections as you go. Let the base coat dry as directed.
Apply additional coats
Apply 2-3 more coats of skim coat compound, waiting for each coat to dry completely between applications. Feather the edges of each coat outwards using light pressure and multiple strokes. Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper before applying the next coat. The final coat should produce an ultra-smooth finish.
Final sanding
Once the final coat is dry, sand the entire wall lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit or higher) to achieve an even, smooth surface. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth. Apply a primer before painting for the best results.
Skim Coating Tips and Tricks for Beginners
When skim coating a wall, following some key tips and tricks can help ensure success for beginners.
Prepare the wall surface thoroughly
Preparation is key to achieving a smooth finish. Clean the wall to remove any dirt or debris. Fill in any holes, cracks or imperfections with a drywall compound or spackle and sand smooth. Lightly sand the entire wall surface to provide “tooth” for the new skim coat to adhere to. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
Choose the right tools and materials
For large, open walls, a wider drywall knife, trowel or spatula will make the job easier. A mud pan or bucket to hold the compound, a mixing drill with paddle, dust mask, protective eyewear and drop cloths are also recommended. Use a high-quality, lightweight all-purpose joint compound, ideally with a vinyl base for easier sanding.
Apply a primer for problem walls
If the wall surface is glossy or uneven, apply a coat of primer. This provides a consistent surface for the skim coat to bond to. Let the primer dry as directed.
Mix the compound to the proper consistency
The compound should have a creamy, yogurt-like consistency. Mix in small amounts of water at a time, stirring frequently with the drill paddle. Test the consistency on your spatula or knife—it should easily glide on without being runny.
Conclusion
That covers the basics of how to skim coat a wall.
While it may seem like an intimidating task, with some patience and the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a smooth finish. Start with proper preparation by cleaning the walls, then apply a primer. Work in sections, using a putty knife to spread the compound evenly.
Sand between coats and wipe away dust. When done, you’ll have walls ready for painting with an ultra-smooth surface. With some practice, skim coating can become second nature and help you transform rough, uneven walls into a blank canvas for any decor.
