What is the difference between hard plastering and skimming?

Hard plastering is a backing coat applied to bare brick or uneven masonry to create a flat, solid base. Skimming is the thin finishing coat applied on top. Hard plastering comes first; skimming finishes the surface.

Do I need hard plastering or can you skim directly?

If your walls are bare brick, blockwork or very uneven, you'll need a hard plaster backing coat before skimming. If the surface is already reasonably flat, skimming alone may be enough. We assess this during your free site visit in Livingston.

How long does hard plastering take to dry?

Hard plaster backing coats typically take 1–2 weeks to dry before a skim coat can be applied. Drying time depends on thickness, temperature and ventilation.

How much does plastering cost?

Every job is different, so we always do a free site visit before giving a price. As a rough guide, skimming a single room typically starts from around £180–£300. Use our online estimator for a quick ballpark.

Do you offer Venetian plastering?

Yes, we are qualified Venetian plastering specialists. It is waterproof, antimicrobial, 100% eco-friendly and looks stunning.

How long does plastering take to dry?

Fresh plaster takes 2–4 weeks to fully dry before painting depending on room size and ventilation.

Do I need to move furniture before we arrive?

We'd appreciate if larger items can be moved away from the walls. We protect all floors and remaining furniture with dust sheets as standard and leave the space clean before we go.

Are you fully insured?

Yes, CTL Plastering is fully insured for public liability.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We're typically booked 2–4 weeks ahead, though we occasionally have short-notice availability. Get in touch as early as you can.

Do you do external rendering?

Yes, external rendering is one of our core services. We assess the current exterior, recommend the right product, and apply a durable, weatherproof finish.

What areas do you cover?

We cover a 20-mile radius from Linlithgow including Edinburgh, Falkirk, Stirling, Bathgate, Bo'ness, Livingston and more across the Central Belt.

Will you leave my home clean and tidy?

Always. We protect your floors and furniture throughout, and clean up fully before we leave. The majority of our five-star reviews specifically mention how tidy we leave things.

How do I get a quote?

Use the free estimator on this page for an instant ballpark, or call Andy on 07599 220555 for a free no-obligation site visit.

Traditional Craft

Hard Plastering in Livingston | CTL Plastering

Hard plastering is the traditional backing coat applied to bare brick or uneven masonry before skimming. CTL Plastering provides expert hard plastering services across Livingston, where a new town with a high volume of modern housing stock across developments like Almondvale, Craigshill and Dedridge. As a new town, Livingston has a high volume of modern housing — skim finishing and dry lining are among our most common jobs here.

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What Is Hard Plastering?

Hard plastering is the application of a thick backing coat — usually sand and cement or browning — directly onto bare brick, blockwork or uneven masonry. It creates a solid, flat base that's ready for a finishing skim coat. Without this backing layer, you can't achieve a smooth finish on rough or bare surfaces. It's the essential first step for many renovation projects in Livingston.

Our Hard Plastering Service in Livingston

We apply hard plaster backing coats to bare walls, extensions and renovation projects across Livingston. roughly 15 minutes from our Linlithgow base — one of our most active working areas. We assess the substrate, apply the backing coat to the correct thickness, and ensure it's flat and ready for skimming. Whether you're converting a garage, restoring an older property or building an extension in Livingston, we provide a solid, durable base that stands the test of time. Every job starts with a free site visit and a fixed-price quote.