Skim Coating 101 – How to Get Smooth Walls Without Replacing Drywall

If you’ve ever painted a wall and noticed uneven textures, dents, or past repairs showing through, you’re not alone. For homeowners in Ottawa who want perfectly smooth walls, skim coating drywall is the secret weapon professionals use.

In this post, we’ll explain what skim coating is, when you need it, and how to do it properly—or when to call in a pro like R&G Walls.

🧱 What Is Skim Coating?

Skim coating is the process of applying a thin layer of joint compound (also called “mud”) over an entire wall or ceiling to create a smooth, paint-ready surface. It’s often used:

• To fix uneven textures or bad repairs

• Over old walls after wallpaper removal

• On plaster walls to match new drywall

• Before painting for a flawless finish

In Ottawa, we often recommend skim coating for homes with older drywall, patchy repairs, or water-damaged surfaces.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need:

• All-purpose or topping joint compound

• 12" or wider drywall knife

• Mud pan

• Sanding sponge or pole sander

• Dust mask and drop cloth

• Primer and paint (afterward)

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Skim Coat a Wall

Step 1: Prep the Surface

Remove loose paint, scrape off any texture, and clean the wall. Skim coat doesn’t stick well to dusty or glossy surfaces.

Step 2: Mix the Compound

Thin out the drywall mud with a bit of water to make it smoother and easier to spread.

Step 3: Apply the First Coat

Use your wide drywall knife to apply a thin layer of compound to the wall. Work in sections and use long, even strokes.

Step 4: Let It Dry

Drying can take 12–24 hours depending on Ottawa’s weather and your home’s humidity.

Step 5: Sand & Repeat

Lightly sand the wall, then apply a second skim coat if needed. Most walls take 2 coats for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Prime Before Painting

Once fully dry and sanded, always apply primer before painting. This helps paint stick evenly and reduces blotchiness.

💡 Pro Tip from R&G Walls:

Use a work light at an angle to spot imperfections before you prime. It’ll help you catch dips or ridges that are hard to see head-on.

🛠️ Why Skim Coating Is Worth It

While it takes time and patience, skim coating transforms rough walls into a clean, high-end surface—the kind you see in custom homes and luxury finishes. It's one of the best ways to increase the visual value of your space.

If you want flawless results, R&G Walls offers expert skim coating services in Ottawa, using high-grade materials and smooth trowel finishes that painters love working over.

👷 Skim Coating Services in Ottawa

At R&G Walls, we provide smooth, professional drywall finishes across Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, and beyond. Whether it’s one wall or an entire home, we deliver quality that lasts.

📞 Call or text 613-869-7391💬 Ask about our drywall repair, priming, and painting packages📍 Serving Ottawa & surrounding towns