A friendly, practical weekend for complete beginners who want smoother walls, greater confidence and a skill they can use in their own home.
Skimming is learned through touch, timing and correction. Craig will demonstrate each stage, watch you work and show you exactly what to adjust while the plaster is still on the wall.
You’ll practise the complete process: preparation, mixing, applying two skim coats, flattening, trowelling and finishing—then learn how the same principles change when working overhead on a ceiling.
Assess walls and ceilings, control suction and create the right background before you mix.
Get the right consistency, avoid waste and understand the working time of finishing plaster.
Load your hawk, hold the trowel correctly and use pressure and angle to keep plaster on the surface.
Lay on, flatten, apply the second coat and work through the correct trowelling stages.
Learn safe positioning, overhead trowel control and how to work methodically across a ceiling.
Recognise ridges, hollows, drag marks and missed edges—and learn what to do before it sets.
Both days run from 8:30am to 3:00pm, with a 30-minute lunch. Bottled water is available throughout.
Learn the process properly, practise without risking your own home and leave knowing how to approach suitable walls and ceilings with far more confidence.
No—and no credible course should promise that. You will leave with proper hands-on instruction, a clear understanding of the wall and ceiling skimming process, experience of every key stage and the confidence to continue practising at home.
None at all. The course is designed for complete beginners and DIY homeowners.
Yes. After a short safety, tools, preparation and mixing introduction, you’ll begin applying plaster to your practice wall before lunch.
No. The tools and materials you need during the course are provided. Wear comfortable old clothes and sturdy, closed-toe footwear.
Absolutely. Everyone is welcome. Teaching is friendly, patient and focused on helping each learner progress at their own pace.
Yes. The core process is developed on walls first, then the course introduces safe setup, application and finishing techniques for skimming ceilings.