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How to skim and smooth a bare drywall
Anonymous user 09/04/2026 - 2.23 PM
I’ve removed wallpaper from a drywall surface and it’s now bare. In some areas the surface is damaged — you can see the paper facing is torn and slightly raised, along with a few small dents. I don’t have any experience with this, but I’d like to smooth it out properly. Do I need to prime the surface first? After that, what should I use to repair and smooth it, and are there any good brands you’d recommend?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
5 Answers
AJ Matthews Plastering
Rating: 5 out of 5
Go over the wall with a medium sand paper to remove high spots. Fill with gypsum easifill. When using easifill it’s better to build up with tight coats, than one thick one. Sand down with fine paper between coats.
Answered26 March 2026
1
A1 Decorating-Plastering Services
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
hi, me as a plasterer, i would take any high spots off , then seal with pva, then reskim it , plaster to a smooth finish
Answered31 March 2026
1
Anonymous user
make the surface without spikes, then fill with filler, sand, then reskim with jointing compound, two coats, sand down with mesh grade 180...
Answered30 March 2026
0
Anonymous user
Prepare your surface (scrape high point, seal wall with pva), depending on damage to the board potentially a layer of bonding coat and then once that’s set plaster over the top
Answered7 April 2026
0
Anonymous user
Yes you need to prime first with PVA. Perhaps sealobond available from any builders merchants or DIY stores.
Answered9 April 2026
0