Skim Coating Secrets: Mastering The Art Of Smooth Walls

Skim coating is a process for re-texturing a wall with a smooth finish. It involves applying several thin layers of drywall mud (joint compound) to cover up drywall tape or previous texture and create a smooth wall texture. The materials needed are fairly inexpensive, so the cost of having it done by a professional is mostly for labour. If you have the time and patience, skim coating can be a cheap and satisfying DIY project.

Prep your space by covering floors and furniture

Preparing your space is an important step in the skim coating process. Here are some detailed steps to help you cover your floors and furniture and protect them from any damage:

• Clear the room as much as possible: Move any furniture and items out of the room that can be easily removed. The more you can clear the space, the easier it will be to work and the less risk there is of accidental damage. If there are large pieces of furniture that cannot be moved, push them to the centre of the room and cover them with plastic sheeting.
• Cover the floors: Use drop cloths, plastic sheeting or kraft paper rolls to cover the entire floor area. This will protect your floors from any spills, drips or dust. Make sure the covering is secure and won't move around as you work.
• Protect remaining furniture: If there are any pieces of furniture that are too large or difficult to move, make sure to cover them completely with plastic sheeting. You don't want any compound or dust to settle on them.
• Seal off the room: To contain the dust and mess to just the room you're working on, seal off the entrance with plastic sheeting. This will also help contain any dust created by the sanding process.
• Cover light fixtures and electrical outlets: Turn off the electrical circuits for any outlets and switches in the room. Cover light fixtures and outlets with painter's tape or socket blockers to protect them from compound splatter.

Remove baseboards, outlet and switch covers, and tape off outlets

Before you begin skim coating, it's important to prepare the area to avoid a messy outcome. Removing baseboards, outlet and switch covers, and taping off outlets are crucial steps in this process. Here's a detailed guide to help you through it:

Removing Baseboards

Start by carefully prying off the baseboards from your walls. Reinstalling them after the skim coating is complete is much easier than trying to work around them. It will save you a lot of time and effort, so don't skip this step!

Removing Outlet and Switch Covers

Next, you'll want to remove all the outlet and switch covers in the room. This is important because it ensures a clean look for your finished paint job. It's easy to do—simply unscrew the plates from the switches or outlets and gently pull them away. Be careful not to lose the screws, as they can be tricky to find again! You can either screw them back into the switches or outlets or keep them in a plastic bag for safekeeping.

Taping Off Outlets

After removing the covers, use painter's tape to cover the outlets and light switches. This will protect them from any drywall cement or joint compound that may be used during the skim coating process. It's important to take this step to avoid a messy outcome and ensure your outlets remain functional.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful skim coating project. Remember to take your time and work in small sections to achieve the best results.

Mix joint compound to the right consistency

Mixing joint compound to the right consistency is crucial for achieving a smooth and even finish when skim coating over striped knock-down texture. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the process:

Choosing the Right Joint Compound

Before you begin mixing, it's important to select the appropriate type of joint compound for your project. You can choose between ready-mix joint compound, which is more convenient and costs around $15 for a 5-gallon bucket, or powder joint compound, which is more cost-effective if you have a large area to cover.

Mixing the Joint Compound

• If you're using a ready-mix compound, start by adding a small amount of water at a time to avoid making it too runny. Adjust the consistency until it resembles thick pancake batter or mayonnaise. It should be thin enough to apply smoothly to the wall but not so thin that it drips or dribbles.
• For powder joint compound, use a mixing attachment with your drill to combine the powder and water until you achieve the desired consistency. Again, aim for a thick batter-like texture.
• Ensure that there are no lumps in the mixture, as these can affect the smoothness of your final coat.

Applying the Joint Compound

• Work in small sections, as the compound will start to dry quickly.
• Use a heavy-nap paint roller or a thick-nap roller to apply a generous amount of the mixed compound to the wall.
• Roll the compound onto the wall in different directions with each consecutive coat. For example, if you applied the first coat vertically, apply the second coat horizontally.
• If you're working on a heavily textured wall, you may need to apply multiple coats of the compound to achieve a smooth finish.

Remember to prep your workspace and cover any furniture or appliances before you begin. Take your time, and don't be afraid to make adjustments as you go to get the right consistency for your skim coating project.

Apply the joint compound to the wall

To apply the joint compound to the wall, you will need to work in small sections, as the compound dries fairly quickly. Using a thick-nap paint roller, apply a generous amount of compound to the wall. You can pour the compound into a roller tray or dip the roller directly into the bucket. The latter method is faster but messier.

After applying the compound to a section of the wall, use a trowel or drywall knife to smooth it out. The first coat won't be perfectly smooth, as it is filling in the voids around the raised surfaces in the existing texture. If you have a heavy texture, you may need to apply more layers of the joint compound. Each coat should be smoothed in the same direction it was applied, and you should alternate directions with each coat.

Keep a damp rag or spray bottle with water handy to wet the blade of your trowel or drywall knife before use. You can also use the spray bottle to mist the edges of the area you've just smoothed before you start on the next section. This will help the sections to blend together.

Smooth the joint compound with a trowel

To smooth the joint compound with a trowel, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Trowel

Before you begin, ensure that the trowel blade is clean and free of debris. A build-up of dried joint compound can ruin your results, so it's important to start with a clean trowel.

Step 2: Smooth the Joint Compound

Starting at the top corner of the section you're working on, place the trowel against the wall and pull it down in a smooth, even stroke. Overlap each vertical pass until you finish the section.

Step 3: Wipe the Blade

After each few strokes, wipe the blade of the trowel with a damp rag to remove any excess compound that has built up. This will help you achieve cleaner, smoother results.

Step 4: Repeat as Needed

You may need to go over some areas multiple times to achieve the desired smoothness. Don't worry if it takes a few tries to get the hang of using the trowel; with practice, you'll be able to smooth the joint compound like a pro.

Step 5: Switch Directions for the Next Coat

When applying multiple coats of joint compound, be sure to change the direction of each coat. For example, if you applied the first coat vertically, apply the second coat horizontally. This will help create a smoother finish.

Step 6: Sand as Needed

If there are still some small imperfections after the compound has dried, you can use a damp sponge or light-grit sandpaper to smooth them out. A damp sponge is a great option if you want to avoid the mess of sanding.

Tips for Success:

• Work in small sections: Joint compound dries quickly, so it's best to work in small sections (around 4 square feet) to ensure you have time to smooth it out before it dries.
• Keep a consistent angle: Hold the trowel at a consistent angle as you smooth the compound to achieve an even finish.
• Overlap sections slightly: When moving on to the next section, overlap it slightly with the previous section to ensure a seamless finish.
• Don't rush: Skim coating is a time-consuming process, and it's important to take your time to achieve the best results.

Frequently asked questions