Skim coating can be a labor-intensive process, which is why it's best to consider hiring a professional. Adding primer first should ensure that everything looks uniform and that you'll only need one coat of paint instead of several. Paint your new walls or ceiling the same way you would with any other painting project. Once the skim coat is complete and everything is dry, you can begin to apply the primer. This will seal the porous joint compound and make it easier for the paint to adhere smoothly and evenly. The thin layer of joint compound may show through, so it's essential that you apply a quality primer before painting begins. If you're not planning to re-texture your walls, you'll want to paint them after skim coating. Once everything is complete, your walls or ceiling will be sanded with 100 or 120-grit sandpaper.
![best joint compound for skim coating best joint compound for skim coating](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c5/56/99/c55699b6b7fccf5fb06e302e3ab1ee1c.jpg)
This material dries fast, so the contractor will be able to apply additional layers quickly. The second layer is when any imperfections or other damage is covered by the joint compound. Applying Layersįor most skim coating projects, at least two layers will be required. If necessary, a second coat of joint compound may need to be applied. Next, the joint compound is dried and inspected for any uneven sections, then sanded to remove remaining mud lines or lumps. Each vertical pass is overlapped to ensure that everything is evened out. Starting at the top of the walls, the contractor will slowly smooth everything section by section. Using a squeegee knife, the mud is smoothed out even further. This compound is applied evenly onto the surface, and it must be as smooth as possible before moving onto the next step in the process. The consistency of the mud is slightly thinned out and usually applied with a heavy-nap paint roller. The contractor will work in small sections as they smooth out the joint compound before it dries. Once the primer is dry, a layer of all-purpose joint compound is applied. The compound is hardened and smoothed, and then a high-quality primer is applied to the surface. If there is any visible damage, holes or ripped wallpaper can be patched using a joint compound before applying the primer. Your wall will need to have a layer of primer applied before the skim coating can begin. Several layers of the product are applied to create a smooth, even finish. Next, a special mud is applied and wiped down. Now that you know a bit more about what skim coating is and a general overview of the cost, what's involved in this meticulous process? If you're not dealing with new construction or a remodeling project, the contractor will simply start by prepping your walls. It's also a good way to remove old popcorn ceiling texture or the popular orange peel texture from your walls if you prefer things to appear smooth and seamless. This process will create a new, smooth surface that can make applying new texture easier and more uniform throughout. Texture: If you're planning to change the texture of your walls or ceiling, skim coating is highly recommended. A new layer of skim coat can give your home a whole new look without having to do a complete demo and reinstallation of the drywall. It's a great option if you have an older home, or if your walls just seem worse for wear. Refresh: Skim coating can renew and refresh old, dingy walls. Damaged drywall and ceilings can easily be repaired with a few layers of skim coat.
#Best joint compound for skim coating professional#
Wall repair: If you have cracks or other damage to your walls or ceilings, a professional application using the skim coat technique can make everything look new again. You can request skim coating for a variety of projects around the home, including: The idea of skim coating is to create a smooth, flawless surface to make it easier for painting or surfacing your home's interior. Overall, it could cost anywhere between $464 to $569 to skim coat your entire home, depending on the size and amount of labor required. The cost to skim coat can range from around $1.10 to $1.30 per square foot not including new gypsum board. Once the board is hung, an even coat of the material is applied as it's smoothed and polished to a beautiful finish. This type of board is usually blue in color to distinguish itself from traditional gypsum board. The paper over the gypsum board is chemically treated to create a bonding surface for the mud or plaster.
![best joint compound for skim coating best joint compound for skim coating](http://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/018236/018236500027.jpg)
![best joint compound for skim coating best joint compound for skim coating](https://www.paintzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/residential-banner2.png)
Often referred to as veneer plastering, this process uses a thin later of plaster or mud (drywall compound) that's applied directly over a gypsum panel when doing so on new construction.
![best joint compound for skim coating best joint compound for skim coating](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ad/e6/bf/ade6bf8ea8481ff39335ee7604a03b40--skim-coating-drywall.jpg)
Skim coating your walls is a form of plastering or "mudding" that has become more popular and has seen a resurgence in recent years.