Hi, been in the decorating trade over 30 years and have always disliked using lining paper as a base for emulsion. On a project around 15 years ago I was filling walls and ceilings with joint cement, just where I thought it was required. However, when I stood back, I thought, “this is mad!! I would be as well fully skimming everything!!”
How to with Skim a Wall With knauf Filler
So, the next job I got that required lining, I convinced my customer to try this. The process is amazingly simple. (people will have different methods and tools). Fully strip any existing wallpaper the room. Once that’s done you have the option to use Zinsser Gardz to seal old paste residue. Or what I do is wash over with a bucket of water with a touch of powder flash in it.
Anyway, did it that way with zero problems. Then any deep holes and cracks are repaired with EasiFill of your choice. Then onto the skimming. I use Knauf blue top which I buy online. It’s excellent for this job and can be thinned for easier application. I use a caulker board and evenly spread the cement all over the area at a depth of maybe 2 mm (no more as it can crack when dry).
The first coat I call the “base coat” and doesn’t have to be spot on. Once this is dry, which can be anything from a couple of hours, to the next day, I go over all again as before.
This time though, you find it a lot easier and you can get the walls virtually sanding free bar a odd edge etc. Once all dry I Mirka very lightly over all walls or ceiling just to catch any ridge or nib.
And that’s it, walls are ready to emulsion. I put a slightly thinner coat on top but not as if misting. After the first coat if you notice any small areas you are not happy with, it’s a simple fix and sand before you put your finish coat on. I’ve added a few photos of before and after.
It’s all straight forward to be honest. Any competent decorator will be able to do this without any issue at all. You will be able to create flawless walls, without needing to hire a plasterer, or lining.
Final Thoughts and Where to Buy
Skimming with Knauf Blue Top is a lot easier than I thought it would be. I think any tradesman would be able to turn their hand to it, and it’s like having brand-new walls to work on. You can buy this product up from several trade centres. I tend to buy mine online. Click here to see online prices.
Skimming with Knauf blue top – written by a decorator
How did he reach the top ? Big old ladders?
I see they dicontinued the patch plaster in July can you still get this one
I don’t normally read reviews etc as I get bored easily but I actually read all of that & think I might even have a go at using the Knuff next time. Nice job btw 👍
I use the knauf finishing plaster. Lovely stuff. Reckon I could do larger areas then little bits. After reading this I think I’m gonna try more.
Yes we used the same product over anaclipta paper we only done 2 walls we pva first then but the blue one on first up to 2ml thickness then another one then we but the finishing tub is red top and it turned out spot on
It looks brilliant Andy.
Great job!! 👍
Crown paints have started selling knauf.
Think I will pick up a bucket.
Just wondering do you need to prime the blue fill and finish before top coat