How to price skimming a ceiling
Plaster, PVA, scrim and time per m² for a ceiling skim, with a worked UK example.
For plasterers in the UK. Prices checked November 2026.
Worked example
“Skim a 15 m² living room ceiling.”
| Material | Qty | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-finish plaster 25kg | 2 bag | £24.00 | |
| PVA bonding agent 5L | 1 | £14.00 | |
| Plasterboard scrim tape 90m | 1 roll | £5.00 | |
| Dust sheet 12 x 9ft | 2 | £12.00 | |
| Labour, 8.3 hours at £30.00/hour | £249.00 | ||
| Transport | £25.00 | ||
| Total | £329.00 |
Typical UK retail prices including VAT, November 2026. Not VAT-registered example; add 20% to the total if you are. Rate is an example: use your own.
What customers expect to pay
Homeowners are told to expect £280–£440 for skimming a ceiling, according to the Checkatrade cost guide. The worked example comes to £329.00.
Where the time goes
- Protect, prepare and PVA surfaces2.3 h
- Skim ceiling6 h
Before you quote
- Check for artex: it needs sealing or overboarding first.
- Allow for setting up a stable platform.
How the quantities are worked out
Each material is counted in the units merchants sell it in, with normal waste allowed, so you can order straight from the list. Labour is the on-site time for one competent tradesperson, including setting up, testing and clearing up. Change the measurements and the whole quote moves with them; that's what Quotable does for you on every job, with each material priced live at UK merchants.
Quote this job with today's prices
Type the job, check the lines, send a link your customer can accept and pay. Every material is priced live and linked to the product.