Skimming is the process of applying a very thin coat of finishing plaster to a wall or ceiling. It creates a perfectly smooth, flat surface ready for painting or wallpaper.

What does plasterboarding involve?

Plasterboarding (or dry lining) involves fixing gypsum plasterboard sheets to timber or metal studs. It’s a quick way to create new partition walls or reline ceilings before taping and skimming.

When should I use Venetian plaster?

Venetian plaster is a decorative finish made from polished lime and marble dust. Ideal for feature walls, it gives a deep, slightly glossy texture that mimics natural stone.

What is the difference between rendering and plastering?

Rendering is the exterior equivalent of plastering, applying a cement or lime-based coat to outside walls to protect and weatherproof. Plastering refers to internal walls and ceilings.

How long does a skim coat take to dry?

A standard skim coat typically takes 24–48 hours to fully dry, depending on temperature and ventilation. Once dry, it can be sanded smooth and decorated.

Do you repair cracks and holes?

Yes—whether it’s hairline cracks, holes left by old fixtures, or more extensive damage, our team will prepare, fill, and re-skim the area so it blends seamlessly with the surrounding surface.

How do I maintain a freshly plastered wall?

Keep new plaster out of direct drafts and extreme heat while it dries. Once decorated, clean gently with a damp cloth—avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive moisture.

Which areas of Edinburgh do you cover?

Lothian Plaster serves every corner of Edinburgh, including Colinton, Craiglockhart, Craigmillar, Fairmilehead, Fountainbridge, Gorgie, Leith, Morningside, Bruntsfield, Oxgangs, Corstorphine and beyond.

Begin by applying a bonding coat to seal the surface, then follow with a 2–3 mm finish coat of ready-mixed skim plaster. Use a broad steel trowel, keep the plaster wet while you work, and lightly polish as it sets. For perfect results, our NVQ-qualified skimmers can handle every detail.

Plasterboard vs skimming

Plasterboard is a rigid sheet used to level walls or ceilings, then jointed and often skimmed. Skimming alone is a thin finish coat directly on brick, block, or board. We often combine boarding and skimming to ensure straight walls and a flawless finish.

Skimming vs. plasterboarding—what’s the difference?

Skimming is a cosmetic finish applied as a final coat, while plasterboarding builds or lines walls with gypsum panels. Each has its place—our experts choose the right method for your project.

How to patch a small hole in plaster?

Clean and dampen the hole, apply a bonding slurry, then fill with fine finishing plaster. Once set, level with a trowel and sand smooth. Our team handles these quick repairs daily—no mark left behind.

What is plasterboard vs skimming?

Plasterboard sheets fix over uneven surfaces to create a flat substrate, then joints are taped and skimmed. Direct skimming applies a thin coat over masonry. Both deliver smooth walls; we’ll recommend the best approach for your home.

Skilled Plasterers Covering Morningside, Edinburgh

Call us on: 07795555373 or Email: lothianplaster@gmail.com

Fully Qualified Plasterer | CSCS Certified | Morningside’s Certified Plastering Experts

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Morningside’s Trusted Plastering Experts You Can Rely On

At Lothian Plaster, we’re proud to be Morningside’s go-to plastering team, specialising in the area’s distinctive architecture, from elegant red-sandstone tenements on Morningside Road to charming Edwardian villas and contemporary townhouses. We know the local building styles inside out, so whether you’re bringing back historic cornices, repairing a cracked ceiling, or smoothing walls ahead of a fresh coat of paint, we deliver flawless results that honour your home’s character.

Our skilled plasterers work with precision and respect, keeping dust to a minimum, protecting your fixtures and floors and finishing on time. As fellow Morningsiders, we understand the pride you take in your property and we treat every job be it big or small, with the same careful attention to detail and friendly service you’d expect from a neighbour.

Our Plastering Services in Morningside

Plaster Boarding

Skimming/ Re-Skimming Walls & Ceilings

New Ceilings & Ceiling Repair

Stripping Walls

Plastering Walls

Venetian plastering

Dry Lining Walls

Rendering

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About Lothian Plaster

Since opening our doors in 2017 just around the corner from Morningside, Ben has turned his NVQ Level 2 and CSCS Skilled Worker qualifications into a plastering service that Morningside locals trust. Today, our team knows the area’s classic tenements, Victorian villas, and family homes inside out and we bring that neighbourhood expertise to every job. From a simple patch-up to a full-house skim, we arrive when promised, work cleanly and efficiently, and never cut corners on quality.

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What Customers in Morningside Say

Ben did a brilliant job - we were so pleased with the quality of his work. He was really accommodating to a few additional jobs too which was much appreciated! Wouldn't hesitate to recommend 🌟

Excellent, very professional service and quick in communication. I got my textured ceiling plastered over and they did a fantastic job. Thanks!

Ben came alone to quote for the work, made some suggestions which I took on board and then proceeded to complete the job with his team for the amount discussed, in the timescale agreed. Great work too. Bedroom ceiling looks superb.

Would definitely highly recommend Lothian Plaster to anyone looking to get work done. So professional and did a very good job. We had two rooms done and I will definitely be contacting them in the future for further jobs. Great guys. Friendly and professional. Ben always responded quickly to my queries and the end result is excellent.

Why Choose Lothian Plaster in Morningside?

Local Expertise
We know Morningside’s character, from its elegant Victorian terraces and sandstone tenements to its modern townhouses and tailor our plastering approach to each building’s heritage and style.
Bespoke Solutions
Whether you’re preserving ornate cornices in a period home or creating a flawless skim finish in a contemporary flat, we design our work to complement your interior aesthetic and practical needs.
Durable, Decoration-Ready Finishes
Our team uses premium materials and proven techniques to deliver surfaces that look stunning and stand up to everyday life, ensuring paint and wallpaper go on smoothly and last for years.
Reliable, Neat & Professional
From clear communication and punctual arrival to clean workspaces and respectful service, we treat your Morningside home as if it were our own.

Experience why Morningside homeowners trust Lothian Plaster for quality, consistency and a perfect finish every time.

Edinburgh plastering service in progress. An example of Lothian Plasters work

A new ceiling that we put in | Edinburgh Plastering | Lothian Plastering

After Our Edinburgh Plastering service was done. Lothian Plaster.

Before our Edinburgh Plastering Service had started.

Lothian plaster ceiling work | Edinburgh plastering

Lothian plaster dry wall | Edinburgh Plaster

If you would like more information on our Morningside plastering services

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Morningside Plastering | Lothian Plaster | Bespoke Plastering