When it comes to achieving smooth, durable, and visually appealing walls or ceilings, homeowners in the UAE often face a common question: Should I go for plastering or skimming? While both techniques involve applying a finishing layer to interior walls, they serve different purposes and produce different results.
In this blog, we break down the difference between plastering and skimming, their pros and cons, and help you decide which is best suited for your home or property in the UAE’s hot and humid climate.
🔍 What is Plastering?
Plastering is the process of applying a thick base coat of plaster over masonry (brick, block, or concrete) to create a solid, smooth, and protective surface.
🛠️ Features:
- Usually 10–15mm thick
- Can be applied directly to walls or ceilings
- Creates a strong, durable surface
- Often used before painting or wallpapering
✅ Advantages:
- Excellent for covering uneven or damaged brickwork
- Adds strength to walls and ceilings
- Works well in humid conditions with the right mix
- Provides good insulation and soundproofing
❌ Considerations:
- Takes longer to dry
- Heavier and thicker than skimming
- More labor-intensive and costlier than skimming
🔍 What is Skimming?
Skimming is a finishing technique that involves applying a thin coat (usually 2–3mm) of fine plaster over an already plastered surface or drywall to create a glass-smooth finish.
🛠️ Features:
- Thin coat of finishing plaster
- Applied over existing plaster, drywall, or ceilings
- Ideal for refreshing or touching up surfaces
✅ Advantages:
- Provides a polished, smooth finish ideal for painting
- Dries faster due to thinner application
- More economical if base walls are already in good condition
❌ Considerations:
- Not suitable for heavily damaged or uneven surfaces
- Doesn’t add structural strength
- May crack or peel if applied over poor-quality base surfaces
🏠 Which is Better for UAE Homes?
In the UAE, buildings are typically exposed to high humidity, extreme heat, and dust. Choosing between plastering and skimming depends on the condition of your existing walls, your budget, and your goals.
✅ Choose Plastering if:
- You are constructing a new villa, office, or building
- Your walls are uneven, damaged, or made of brick/block
- You need durability and insulation from heat or sound
✅ Choose Skimming if:
- Your walls are already plastered but need a smooth touch-up
- You’re preparing the surface for premium painting
- You’re doing minor renovations or decorative upgrades
🧰 AJT’s Expert Recommendation
At Ahlan Aljazeera Technical Services Co. LLC (AJT), we offer professional plastering and skimming services across Dubai and the UAE. Our team assesses each property to recommend the best solution based on:
- Surface condition
- Room usage (e.g., kitchens need better humidity resistance)
- Budget and design goals
- Long-term maintenance needs
🌟 Why Choose AJT?
- ✅ Skilled and experienced wall finishers
- ✅ High-quality materials and modern techniques
- ✅ Smooth, crack-free finishes guaranteed
- ✅ Full compliance with UAE building standards
- ✅ On-time completion and clean workmanship