Skimming Artex ceilings in Waterbeach houses
A third of the village's homes come from that period, and another 140 or so were built between 1945 and 1964. Lewis, our plasterer, and the master plasterer we work with skim the ceiling smooth instead of taking it down, which is quicker and far less disruptive.
We cover the floor and furniture, take down light fittings and prepare the surface so the new plaster bonds. The Artex skimming case study shows a finished example.
Older walls and ceilings that keep cracking
About 170 Waterbeach properties predate 1900. Walls of that age can be lath and plaster that the old wallpaper was holding together, and stripping it shows the problem. If that happens, we'll show you and agree the cost before any skimming. Sometimes lining paper is enough, and Graham will tell you which a wall needs.
A crack that returns after filling can point to movement or a leak above. We'd rather tell you that than paint over it. Once the plaster is dry, our interior decorating team finishes the room.
Waterbeach at a glance
- 1 milesby road from our Landbeach base, about 2 minutesOSRM routing
- 6%were built 1945 to 1964VOA Council Tax stock
- 33%were built 1965 to 1982VOA Council Tax stock
- 8%of properties were built before 1919VOA Council Tax stock
- 2,411householdsCensus 2021
- 4%date from 1919 to 1939VOA Council Tax stock
How we approach plastering
After skimming, the plaster is left to dry out fully. We then sand lightly with Mirka dust-free sanders to remove nibs, apply a mist coat of thinned emulsion to seal the surface and reveal any dips, fill what it shows, and finish with two full coats. New coving can go up between plastering and the final coats. The full method, products and FAQs are on our plastering page.