SPEEDSKIM-INTRODUCTION-USERGUIDE-NEWS-MARCH-2013

Introduction & User Guide 

SPEEDSKIM © 2013

Contents 

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Speedskim ® History 

Speedskim Technology ® - The Advantages 

Using Speedskim Technology ® ‘How To’ Guides 

1. Skim coat plaster 

2. Backing plasters 

3. Spray finish plaster 

4. Machine coat render 

5. Sand & Cement & Traditional Lime Render 

6. Latex screeding 

7. Monocouche (K Rend/Pro Rend) 

8. One coat plaster 

9. Taping Jointing 

10. Vinyl wall covering 

Speedskim Technology ® FAQ’s 

Speedskim Technology ® Blade Change Tutorial 

Caring for your Speedskim ® 

New Products 

Speedskim ® News – ‘Up-to-Speed’ 

Email: sales@speedskim.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 845 6000 227 

History of the Speedskim ® 

The Speedskim ® has been devised by Lee Harper. As a trained plasterer 

with over 20 years of experience, Lee recognised the need for an 

advanced tool to increase productivity whilst reducing fatigue. Looking 

closely into the stages of plastering and experimenting with various 

materials and tools, he recognised that the ‘skim coat’ process could be 

speeded up, particularly between coats, using a semi flexible rule. 

However this concept required considerable development. ‘Flattening 

back skim coats would require a delicate combination of rigidity along the 

length to maintain flatness, and adequate flexibility to run with the 

substrate where necessary. With these basic principles in mind Lee 

embarked on this project with designers and engineers to perfect this 

new and exciting innovative tool. The design brief was to make a number 

of plastering processes quicker, easier and more enjoyable. The 

Speedskim ® was born. 

www.speedskim.co.uk 

1 

HISTORY OF THE SPEEDSKIM

The Blade > 

After much research and practical testing on site the blade was perfected. 

The blade, made from high performance UV stabilized PVC, has undergone 

rigorous design testing. As a result of these tests a unique blade edge 

profile was developed to perfectly ‘flatten back’/’rule off’ skim coat and 

backing plasters. This unique profile with specially formed ribs accelerates 

the distribution of plaster over a wider area, and dramatically improves 

levelling of uneven surfaces. In addition these unique ribs hold on to excess 

plaster reducing any associated mess resulting in a much cleaner plastering 

operation 

The Ends > 

Speedskim ® is fitted with robust end caps for protection and comfort, 

designed to let the water drain rapidly from the tool during cleaning. As part 

of Speedskim Technology ® new push-button end caps have now been 

introduced into the design. 


< The Handle 

Equally as important as the blade, the Speedskim ® handle has been the 

focus of intense design requirements. Engineered using high quality 

anodised extruded aluminium the Speedskim ® handle has been designed 

using an ergonomic profile. This lightweight yet robust design profile 

allows for a natural posture giving the tradesman complete comfort even 

during prolonged periods of use. In addition convenient grip sections 

have been built into the design giving complete non slip control when 

distributing the plaster/material. 

< Design & Manufacture 

An important part of the design and manufacture brief was to create 

Speedskim ® products using UK resources. Speedskim ® is rapidly 

becoming an established name in the Plastering Industry, continuing to 

grow as an exciting new brand proudly supporting British Industry 

wherever possible. 


2 

HISTORY OF THE SPEEDSKIM

Speedskim Technology ® - The Advantages 

Plastering 

The unique Speedskim ® flexible PVC blade allows flattening back immediately after 

plaster application – Accelerating the whole Plastering process. 

Unique flexible PVC blade ‘flattens back’ and ‘rules off’ at great pace - in a fraction 

of the time over conventional featheredges and darby’s. 

In bringing no moisture to the surface – this now allows immediate application of 

the second coat and quicker deployment of final steel trowel. 

After ‘flattening in’ the second coat the reduction in surface moisture means the 

Plasterer has more time. So as well as speeding up the whole process there is 

less of a panic because the plaster ‘sits nicely’. 

Specially formed ribs on the Speedskim ® blade surface accelerate the distribution 

of plaster over a wider area making levelling much easier particularly on uneven 

surfaces. In addition the unique ribs hold on to any excess plaster assisting in a 

cleaner operation. 

This combination of accelerating features can result in increased output. 

Depending on the nature and size of areas this can result in a significant 

increase in your daily metreage. 

Rendering 

With its unique flexibility Speedskim ® out performs all other other rules and 

darby’s. During the ‘ruling off‘ process Speedskim ® holds onto excess material 

and redistributes, filling any hollows as it glides across the material. When 

used in rendering applications, given the right areas and conditions Speedskim ® 

can increase daily output by as much as 10%. 

Increased Comfort – Reduced Fatigue 

Unique ergonomic design and lightweight construction gives increased comfort to 

the Plasterer. In reducing the need for the steel trowel during certain aspects of 

the plastering process the effects of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) on fingers, wrists 

and upper body are dramatically reduced. 

General Features 

Innovative component design gives increased blade stability in wide ranging 

seasonal temperatures – straight blade system. 

New button release robust end caps give Speedskim ® unique interchangeable 

blade feature – making all sizes extremely versatile and cost effective. 

Speedskim Technology ® has been developed to make a number of other 

Building Trade applications faster and easier too –Producing a higher quality 

Finish. See ‘How To’ Guides commencing page 4. 

Email: sales@speedskim.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 845 6000 227 www.speedskim.co.uk 

3 

SPEEDSKIM TECHNOLOGY ® - THE ADVANTAGES

How To Guides 

1. Skim coat plaster – best practice 

1. Apply Multi-Finish with trowel as you would normally. 

2. Immediately after plaster application apply your Speedskim ® and 

flatten back. 

3. As Speedskim ® doesn’t bring any moisture to the surface this 

now allows immediate application of the second coat. 

4. Repeat - Immediately after plaster application apply your 

Speedskim ® and flatten back. 

5. Now wait for Multi-Finish to pick up as you would normally. 

6. Trowel up or sponge/trowel - whichever is your preferred 

method. 

Recommended Sizes for use in this application: 600mm, 1200mm, 

1800mm Useful Accessories: Universal Pole Attachment 

2. Backing plaster – best practice 

1. Apply Backing plaster (hardwall/bonding etc.) with trowel as you 

would normally. 

2. Immediately after Backing Plaster application apply your 

Speedskim ® and 'rule off'. 

3. With its unique combination of flexibility and rigidity Speedskim ® 

'rules off' with great accuracy and speed. Using the excess 

material on the blade Speedskim ® closes in beautifully, filling any 

hollows as it glides across the substrate. 

4. Float up as you would normally ready for skim-coat process. 

Recommended Sizes for use in this application: 

600mm, 1200mm & 1800mm 


3. Spray finish plaster – best practice 

1. Spray plaster in bands across the plasterboard as you would 

normally making sure the end of each band covers the tape. 

2. Within 5 to 10minutes apply your Speedskim ® to flatten back 

fast - making sure all the spray texture has been smoothed. 

3. Leave the plaster to tighten for approx 15 minutes and apply 

your Speedskim ® to flatten fast. 

4. After approx 45 minutes apply mist of water. Now use sponge 

float to create creamy layer of plaster. 

5. After approx 5 minutes apply your Speedskim ® for the last 

time to flatten in fast. 

6. Leave plaster to tighten. Now trowel up as you would normally. 

7. Leave for approximately 15 minutes. Now mist with water and 

apply Superflex or plastic trowel for final finish, whichever you 

prefer. Note: Timings can change depending on conditions. 

Recommended Sizes for use in this application: 600mm, 1200mm, 

1800mm & 2400mm Useful Accessories: Universal Pole Attachment 

4. Machine coat render – best practice 

1. Spray apply scratch coat and fix any beads as you would 

normally - allow to dry. 

2. Spray apply top coat as you would normally. 

3. Immediately after application of top coat apply your 

Speedskim ® to rule off. With its unique flexibility Speedskim ® 

out performs all other methods considerably reducing any 

dragging or tearing - leaving an extremely flat finish. 

4. Float up as you would normally. As Speedskim ® ‘closes in’ so 

well this now allows a much easier floating process. 

5. Sponge over as you would normally. 


600mm, 1200mm & 1800mm 


4 

USING SPEEDSKIM TECHNOLOGY ® - HOW TO GUIDES

How To Guides Continued. 

5. Sand & cement & traditional lime render – best practice 

1. Apply scratch coat and fix any beads as you would normally – 

allow to dry. 

2. Apply top coat with trowel as you would normally. 

3. Immediately after application of top coat apply your Speedskim ® 

to rule off. With its unique flexibility Speedskim ® out performs all 

other methods considerably reducing any dragging or tearing - 

leaving an extremely flat finish. 

4. Float up as you would normally. As Speedskim ® ‘closes in’ so well 

this now allows a much easier floating process. 

5. Sponge over as you would normally. 


600mm, 1200mm & 1800mm 

6. Latex screeding – best practice 

1. Knock up and pour Latex Screed as you would normally. 

2. Immediately after pouring apply your Speedskim ® and spread 

fast. As Speedskim ® is so light and flexible this allows 

accelerated distribution and precise feathering resulting in a 

faster more consistent finish. Speedskim ® allows larger areas to 

be completed with ease. 

3. Leave to dry as normal. Speedskim ® enhances finish and levelling 

qualities reducing the need for any further preparation. 

Recommended Sizes/Products for use in this application: 

1200mm, 1800mm & 2400mm 


7. Monocouche (K Rend/Pro Rend) – best practice 

1. Apply the render to blockwork or over insulated system as you 

would normally. 

2. Approximately 15 minutes after applying the render apply your 

Speedskim ® to rule off. With its unique flexibility Speedskim ® 

out performs all other methods, allowing you to fill in any 

hollows as you go using the surplus material on the blade. 

Using Speedskim ® on this particular application can increase 

overall metreage output by approximately 10% per day. 

3. Leave as per usual for 12 – 24 hours depending on 

conditions. 

4. Apply spike float and finish as normal. 


600mm, 1200mm & 1800mm 

8. One coat plaster – best practice 

1. Apply one coat plaster over scrim and beads as normal. 

2. Now apply one coat plaster over entire area as you would 

normally. 

3. Immediately after one coat plaster application apply your 

Speedskim ® and flatten back. 

4. As Speedskim ® doesn’t bring any moisture to the surface this 

now begins to accelerate the chemical process. The 

Speedskim ® unique flexibility out performs all other methods 

resulting in a flatter faster finish. 

5. Wait for the one coat plaster to pick up – now sponge/trowel 

as you would normally. 

Recommended Sizes for use in this application 600mm, 1200mm, 

1800mm Useful Accessories: Universal Pole Attachment 


5 


How To Guides Continued. 

9. Taping Jointing – best practice 

1. Apply self-adhesive scrim tape as you would normally. 

2. Load hawk with jointing compound. 

3. Apply first coat to scrim using Speedskim ® . 

4. Scrape or lightly sand first coat when dry. 

5. Apply 2nd coat using Speedskim ® to a width of around 300mm. 

The superior flexibility of the Speedskim ® blade results in less 

‘dragging’ and a smoother seamless finish. 

Recommended Sizes for use in this application: 300mm & 600mm 

10. Vinyl wall covering – best practice 

1. Prepare walls as necessary. 

2. Stick vinyl wall covering as per manufacturer’s recommendations. 

3. Gently apply Speedskim ® to smooth the vinyl. 

4. In both directions work away from the centre and into the butted 

join. 

5. Smooth into any skirting’s, dados and cornice as necessary. Trim 

vinyl into each intersection using sharp decorator’s knife against 

smooth side of the Speedskim ® blade. 

6. Clean abutted edges with clean decorators sponge and water. 

7. Clean excess adhesive from the blade with clean decorator’s 

sponge. 

We recommend gently rounding the corners of your Speedskim ® 

blade with emery paper or flour paper prior to using in this 

particular application. Course sandpaper is NOT recommended. 

Recommended Sizes for use in this application: 300mm & 600mm 



6 


Speedskim Technology ® - 

Frequently Asked Questions. 

Thank you for choosing Speedskim ® . Please see a list of Frequently 

Asked Technical Questions that will assist you in getting the most from 

your New Speedskim ® product. If you do not find the answer here please 

do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team on +44(0)845 

6000 227 or Email us at info@speedskim.co.uk and we will be happy to 

help. Customer Service and Technical Advice is available 7 days a week, 

365 days a year. 

When I use on skim coat I am finding it ‘drags’. What am I doing 

wrong? 

When used in the Skim-Coat process Speedskim ® is designed to be 

deployed immediately after the plaster application. For more detailed 

instructions and applications please go to the "how to guides". 

Can I use on Board Finish as well as Multi-Finish? 

Yes - Speedskim ® has been specifically designed to use on all skim coat 

plasters. Please see Skim Coat ‘How To’ Guide for best practice. 

Should I round the corners on my new Speedskim ® ? 

Some plasterers will be inclined to immediately round the corners. 

Speedskim ® is like any other tool in that you have to familiarise yourself 

with how to use and get used to the ‘feel’. When deployed at the correct 

time Speedskim ® doesn’t leave lines – therefore we recommend not 

rounding the corners. Ultimately we realise this is individual preference. 

What is the best angle to use? 

For skim coat we recommend an optimum angle of between 17.5° and 

22.5° for best results. For other material applications a steeper angle or 

combination of angles may be required. 

Are the ribs/lines supposed to be on the blade? 

Yes – this is part of the Speedskim ® design. The lines (or Ribs) grip the 

plaster/material and assist in its distribution. The Ribs also give the 

blade its strength while at the same time allowing suitable flexibility. 


Can I use Speedskim ® for finishing/polishing plaster? 

Our standard Speedskim ® blade is for ‘flattening’ and ‘ruling off’ only. 

We do not recommend the standard pvc blade for finishing or 

polishing plaster. New blades for finishing and polishing are 

under construction and will be available in spring 2013. 

I’ve damaged my Speedskim ® blade – What can I do? 

Speedskim ® blades are easily replaced. Please visit our website to 

purchase. Alternatively please give us a call on +44(0)845 6000 227 

and we will be happy to assist: 

How do I change the blade? 

The Speedskim ® is designed to make blade changing easy. Please see 

our Speedskim Technology ® Blade Change Tutorial on page 8 for simple 

bullet point instructions. We recommend a regular squirt of 3-In-One 

or Teflon Spray into the end of the aluminium blade slot prior to 

insertion of the blade for easy slide. 

I have broken one of the end caps – what can I do? 

End caps are universal across all current Speedskim ® sizes. Please 

contact Sales on +44(0)845 6000 227 or email 

sales@speedskim.co.uk for instructions on how to obtain 

replacements. 

I’ve been using my Speedskim ® on Sand & Cement and wish to now 

use on Plaster. Will this be ok? 

Your Speedskim ® blade can alternate between sand & cement and 

skim coat plaster applications. To achieve best results when changing 

from sand & cement back to skim-coat etc. it is recommended that 

you lightly apply either emery or flour paper, to smooth and revive the 

blade edge. Course sandpaper is NOT recommended. 

Where should I keep my spare blades? 

We STRONGLY recommend that spare blades are stored away 

from your other equipment to save from damage. They should kept 

flat and preferably in a cool environment (away from direct sunlight). 

DO NOT store other equipment or articles on top of your 

Speedskim ® spare blades. 

If you do not find the answer here please do not hesitate to contact our Customer 

Service Team on +44(0)845 6000 227 or Email us at info@speedskim.co.uk and we 

will be happy to help. 


7 

SPEEDSKIM TECHNOLOGY ® - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Speedskim Technology ® - Interchangeable blades 

Our goal at Speedskim ® is to be Customer Focused. With this in mind, as 

an integral part of Speedskim Technology ® we have developed a NEW and 

unique interchangeable blade system which enables the Plasterer to quickly 

change or replace blades if necessary. If your Speedskim ® becomes 

damaged accidentally the blade can be changed cost effectively avoiding the 

unnecessary expense of replacing the whole unit. 

Speedskim Technology ® Step 1 to 4 blade change ‘How to’ guide. 

Step 1 - Remove the end caps to release the blade. 

Step 2 - Slide the blade to remove from the handle. 


Step 3 - Slide in the new blade*. 

Step 4 - Replace end cap and click in to place. 

*We recommend on step 3 a squirt of either 3-In-One or silicone 

spray at at the end of the aluminium slot prior to blade insertion 

for easy slide action. 


8 

SPEEDSKIM TECHNOLOGY ® - INTERCHANGEABLE BLADES

Caring for your Speedskim ® - Cleaning and Maintenance 

For best results it is strongly recommended that you keep your 

Speedskim ® clean during each operation and thoroughly clean 

immediately after use with clean cold water. This will ensure 

optimum performance in ranging temperatures.. 

General plastering & rendering (twice a week recommended) 

1. Remove end caps. 

2. Slide out blade. 

3. Apply lubricant to blade slot (3-in-one or silicone spray 

are best recommended as they don’t evaporate). 

4. Slide blade up and down to ensure free movement. 

5. Replace end caps. 

Lime based renders (Important) 

When using on lime based renders (and any concentrated lime based 

products) we STRONGLY recommend removing blade EACH DAY 

– following the 5 bullet point maintenance steps. 


*Cleaning should be carried out with clean cold water only. 

DO NOT clean with water containing PVA or other sealers. 

Speedskim® is fitted with unique rapid drain end caps for your 

convenience. 

New Products 

The New Speedskim® Universal Pole 

Attachment is now available for sale. 

The Speedskim® Universal Pole 

Attachment has been carefully designed 

to be fully compatible with all standard 

professional ‘threaded’ extension poles. 

Great consideration has been taken to 

achieve the optimum ‘angle for use’ so 

no adjustments are necessary. 

Constructed from ‘glass filled’ nylon the New Pole Attachment is 

extremely robust to cope with tough site conditions. 

The Pole Attachment is compatible with all current Speedskim® sizes 

300mm, 600mm, 1200mm and 1800mm. It’s extremely effective 

when used with the smaller sizes but worth noting it’s incredible with 

the 1800mm if you have those large areas to complete. 

Fitting the Pole Attachment – Steps 1 to 4 

1. To fit the Pole Attachment we recommend the aluminium 

handle profile is cleaned and wiped over first. 

2. Make sure the retaining clip is in the open position. 

3. From one end simply slide the Pole Attachment onto the 

aluminium profile. 

4. A-line the Pole Attachment roughly central with the 

Speedskim® product sticker and close the retaining clip. 


9 

CARING FOR YOUR SPEEDSKIM ® - CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

‘Up-to-Speed’ 

Speedskim ® News 

The Lecturers Choice 

Speedskim ® is being rapidly embraced by Colleges and Training Centres across 

the United Kingdom. Lecturers are finding that introducing Speedskim 

Technology ® into the plastering & rendering courses (after mastering the 

traditional method and principles of plastering) students are benefitting as a 

result, not only producing higher quality flatter finishes but equipping themselves 

with the potential to compete in today’s tough construction climate. 

In addition to this students and trainees are benefitting from a reduction in working 

fatigue typically associated with continuous steel trowel use. Lecturers are becoming 

aware that this of great importance - to ensure the young Plasterers of today reduce 

the risk of developing aches and pains, and in some cases more serious ailments 

later in their working life. 

“Speedskim is a great product which will revolutionise the speed and method with which we plaster. 

Our students were really impressed with the difference it made and it was a fantastic opportunity 

for us as a college to see such a cutting edge tool which I am sure will be used across the industry.” 

David Bland, a plastering tutor at Darlington College with almost 30 years’ experience, hailed Speedskim as a breakthrough for the industry. 

It’s a big hit! British Gypsum / Saint Gobain 

Following a our product demonstration at 

their East Leake Training Centre in 

October 2012 British Gypsum are now 

using Speedskim ® in their Training 

Centres across the UK. 

British Gypsum immediately understood 

the advantages of Speedskim 

Technology ® and were impressed with 

the pace and levelling capabilities of our 

product. They were equally impressed 

with the versatility of the Speedskim ® in 

its wide range of material applications – 

not to mention the efficient blade change 

feature. 

We would like to take this News bulletin 

opportunity to thank British Gypsum for 

their hospitality on the day - which 

included a brief insight into how the East 

Leake site operates and some of their 

incredible manufacturing statistics. 


New Speedskim ® Finishing Blades 

– Get ready! 

New Speedskim ® finishing blades (world patents pending) are under construction 

and are scheduled for release in spring 2013. The New blades are incredibly 

flexible and deliver a superior finish. They have been carefully designed to run 

with perfectly flat substrates e.g. plasterboard over metal stud as you would 

expect, but also deliver an incredible finish on less forgiving substrates typically 

found in older properties. 

This new addition to the range will complement the existing ST blade to complete 

the Speedskim Technology ® System - providing the ultimate plastering solution. 

Initial sizes available will be 300mm, 600mm and 1200mm. We will be releasing 

an 1800mm version which will be available later in 2013…. 


10 

SPEEDSKIM TECHNOLOGY ® - NEWS – ‘UP-TO-SPEED’

SPEEDSKIM ® 

Speedskim ® Manufacturing & Product Statement 

Speedskim ® products are designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom 

to the highest engineering standards proudly supporting British industry and innovation. 

International Patent Application No: PCT/GB2012/051408 EU Registered design no. 1786211 

PO BOX 3811, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 3ZB 

T: +44(0) 845 6000 227 l E: info@speedskim.co.uk 

www.speedskim.co.uk

SPEEDSKIM-INTRODUCTION-USERGUIDE-NEWS-MARCH-2013

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