It is a long story

nowadays, with goldband , you dont need all that hassle
that s the difference
in the old days , there were different plaster types and techniques
they had to be applied separately
that s where the ” skimcoat” comes in, as a more finer finish type of plaster on top of the raw plaster finish

What is the difference between skim coat and plastering?

In olden days of yore plaster was applied over wooen lath which gave the plaster something to adhere to . Thus a much heavier coat of plaster could be applied because of the space between the lathes. the next day a second coat was applied called the skim coat because it’s only purpose was to fill in the imperfections left from the first coat. fast forward to now the plaster comes in sheets much the same as sheetrock ex cept it is blue, and rightly called blueboard , after the hangers screw the bluboard to the wall and ceiling a team of plastererscome in and put a skim coat of plaster over the whol board, the joints require a heavier coat. After this coat dries in a couple of hoursor less the plasterers come back and apply a veneer thickness to the wall and dampen the plaster with a brush being waved in front of the board.Thus completing the plaster job. Now a oldtime plasterer like my brother-in-laws brother is a real plasterer and I was lucky enough to have him plaster my house when we built it, would walk off a job if they wanted him to use blueboard., as he is a old time plasterer who is an artist as he makes crown mouldings an other plaster designs on top of a coulple of inches thick.of base plaster. if you get a chance to see a real plaster job and a blueboard job you can tell the difference and both shine over sheetrock and compound job.

Yes would be nice if you can provide more background on the sort of plaster you are using, this skim coat type.Looked into it myself but hard to find technical information about it.
I think there is extra limestone in it, if so , that s good news, but again would be pleasant if you can provide some links or information on that topic.The same applies to Gifter, as there are so many types of plaster with all sort of additives, it can boggle the mind :)the main thing is , as far as I can tell, there has to be gypsum in it, the selenite, I learned to use the most basic things as they work a charme, but we can always learn moreAlso reading a gypsum book now, lots of techniques in there too, I go often a bit wild on the mixing, but basically it comes down to one part water and one and a half or two parts gypsum/plaster, fill a bucket with the water ,crystal water can be added , than the salt, sand, and hand by hand put the gypsum in and let it sit for a minute …than you can gently steer it as it becomes the working yogurt solidity, without bubbles or lumbs.the faster you steer the thing the faster it will harden so if using an electric drill or mixer you will get a thick soup that hardens darn fast that s why the builders use that also amongst other reasons..

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Difference Between Plastering and Skimming

Posted on July 8, 2011 by admin Last updated on: July 8, 2011

Plastering vs Skimming

With the modern development, much consideration is given for the quality of a product. The quality of a product is identified through many variables, such as durability, appearance, functions etc. In a building also, the quality is a major requirement in modern days. When we talk about the appearance of a building, the plastering and skimming is very important. The importance of skimming and plastering has evolved because that they help to bring about a quality product with better appearance. This article is about the features of plastering and skimming, together with the analysis of the differences and similarities.

Plastering

The purposes of plastering are to give a wear resistance to the wall, increase fire resistance of the building elements, and to give a good appearance to the wall. Greater skill is required to do a better quality plastering. Two coat applications are preferred on clay tiles rough masonry and on porous bricks. There are three types of plasters namely, lime plasters, cement plasters and gypsum plasters. Lime plaster consists of Calcium Hydroxide (Lime) and sand. Gypsum plaster is made by adding water to Calcium Sulphate (Plaster of Paris). Cement plaster is made with cement, sand, water and a suitable plaster. Cement plaster is usually applied on the masonry walls, where the gypsum or lime plaster is then added again.

Skimming

Skim coating is a name for a plastering technique. Out of many skim mixtures, the widely used mixture is made up of lime putty and sugar sand. Skimming is a thin coat of plastering layer applied to the existing plaster to upgrade the surface. Skimming is very difficult to do; it needs a greater skill to make the surface smooth. The thickness of the skimming layer is decided by the requirement of the client, and it can be varied from a thin layer to a thick layer. The white layer of lime applied on the rough cement plaster is called a skim coat. People use different techniques to level the surface, depending on their level of expertise. On top of the skim coating, a paint coat is applied to make the surface more attractive.

Similarities and Differences between Skimming and Plastering

– Skimming is a plastering technique, which can be said as a subset of plastering.

– Both are applied to decorate, and to increase the durability of the element.

– Skimming is also done as an upgrading technique in old buildings, but the plastering is done in new buildings.

– Surface of the plaster is rough, but the surface of the skim is very smooth and neat

– The surface colour of the plaster is slight grayish, but in skimming, it is generally white or brown, if preferred.

Summary

Plastering and skimming, are both done in new buildings, but if anyone needs, the walls can be left bare without the plaster. The reader must keep in mind that the skimming is not a separate coating technique or coating method; it’s yet another subset of plastering. Skimming is a step in the process of plastering.