Skim coating is a texturing technique used to make a wall smooth or to repair damaged drywall. It is also known as a level-five drywall finish, which is a thin coat of diluted joint compound that can be applied by hand, paint roller, or spray rig. The skim coat is a thin layer of drywall joint compound that gives walls a glass-smooth finish. It is an easy way to create flat and uniform surfaces on walls and ceilings so they can be painted or re-textured. Skim coating can be done to repair damage and improve appearance, and it can also be applied in the form of either a single layer to touch up a small area or multiple layers to provide a smooth surface with which to work. The process involves applying a thin layer of joint compound to the wall, then smoothing it out with a drywall knife or trowel. As a rule of thumb, at least two skim coats should be applied to achieve a smooth and consistent surface.

Below are some reasons to apply a skim coat to your walls or ceiling:

• Damage caused by wallpaper
• Drywall repairs
• Old surfaces
• Unappealing surfaces
• New installs

Skim coating is important because it can bring old tired walls back to their original luster. It is also a quick, long-term solution for repairing minor cracks, filling a joint, or leveling an existing flat surface. If your commercial building has bright or critical lighting, skim coating is highly recommended because it can help to avoid critical lighting.