2 Day Hands on (Skimming) Course

Practical two-day skimming course for beginners

No experience needed. This focused weekday course gives you hands-on practice with plaster, tools and the full two-coat skimming process in a working training bay. You’ll watch demonstrations and then do the work yourself with guidance.

2 weekdays · 9:00am–3:00pm · Maximum 4 learners · New dates added regularly

What you’ll do over two days

You’ll start by getting the background, plaster and tools ready, then practise applying and finishing plaster on real walls and plasterboard. You’ll revisit each stage as you gain control; the precise order can vary with the group.

• Prepare the surface: recognise different backgrounds and learn when primers or bonding agents are needed before skimming.
• Mix and handle plaster: work towards a usable consistency and get comfortable loading and controlling the hawk and trowel.
• Apply two coats: practise putting plaster on evenly, managing edges and working through the timing between coats.
• Flatten and finish: use the trowel at the right stages to flatten, close in and polish a surface.
• Correct mistakes: get individual feedback on common beginner problems and repeat the techniques to improve your finish.

The aim is to understand the whole workflow, from preparation and mixing to the final trowel, while getting as much useful practice on the tools as the two days allow.

Small groups, practical feedback

There are no more than four learners in a group. That gives you time on the tools, demonstrations you can follow closely and corrections as you work. You won’t spend the course sitting through theory.

Who it’s for

This course suits complete beginners, DIY learners, tradespeople adding a skill and people considering further plastering training. Two days can give you a sound introduction and more confidence to practise; becoming fast and consistent takes further work.

What you’ll take away

You’ll have experienced the two-coat process yourself, learned the sequence and timing, and seen what to practise next. That foundation is useful whether you plan to tackle your own projects or continue learning a trade.

What’s included

All tools and materials are provided, along with a training bay and small-group guidance. Wear old clothes and work boots; plastering is physical and messy.

Choose a date

Select an available weekday course date from the options above and complete checkout to reserve your place. If you have questions before booking, contact us.