"Quick set" is made from the same dusty base as pre-mixed joint compound, but you must mix it with water before use. Integral color can be added to create a base coat of color for the acid stain (Image 2). Not exactly! You might need to skim coat if you’re repairing after wallpaper removal, after drywall repairs or ceiling repairs, or even if your walls are just doing the damage from every day where in tear from your family. They are ideal for walls and ceilings in places that have been exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Spread it on the floor with the squeegee using a smooth back and forth movement. If you think your joint compound is too thin, it's very simple to wait for it to dry and then add another coat. “Skim coating” is just what it sounds like. The amount of color depends on the depth wanted, so check with the manufacturer for directions specific to your application. Getting a smooth, well-blended skim coat has more to do with your technique and speed than with the thickness of your layers. If the mixture is too wet, move the mixture around using the trowel until it's stiffer and easier to work with. Right! X If you have never skimmed before, try practicing on a piece of scrap drywall. Correct! Start by Prepping the Walls. It is critical to make sure there are no lumps in your ready-to-apply compound. There must be no lumps. You will hold the skimmer plate in one hand—or place it somewhere within easy reach—while you apply the skim coat. The amount of color added to the mix depends on the desired color and product, so check with the manufacturer for more specific instructions. Mixing skim plaster is where it all goes wrong for most people. Skim coat is a thin coat of joint compound also known as mud. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Mud used for roll skimming is nearly the thinnest mud used for any step of the finishing process. Materials and tools to skim coat and smooth a textured wall or ceiling: ( Some of the helpful resources are affiliate links. If you want, you can always dilute it with more water, but you can also use it as-is, which makes it ideal for people who are new to skim coating. How to turn a bland concrete slab into a stunning painted floor. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. Instead, they undergo a chemical reaction which makes them "set.". Do not try to rush the application by taking a larger scoop. As such, you can add more water to the mixture to extend your working time. Use hand trowels to spread the Thin Finish. How to apply a skim coat video series. Can I mix the binding glue with skim coat and apply it to a wall? Clean tools with a rough sponge or towel to get them completely clean. A ladder or scaffolding to reach high places without fatigue. There’s a better option out there! Try again... Not quite! If you've never done a skim coat before, what kind of joint compound should you use? Allow this Thin Finish coat to dry overnight before using the acid stain. Read on for another quiz question. Patrick CoyePainting Specialist Fill a 5-gallon bucket halfway with water and add skim-coat cement mix. ", "It was wonderful. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Skim-Coat-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Skim-Coat-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Skim-Coat-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1344664-v4-728px-Skim-Coat-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"