- Ceiling rhinoliting in Cape Town: a thin skim of gypsum plaster over the ceiling for a smooth, joint-free finish.
- Rhinolite is a Gyproc plaster brand, and "rhinoliting" has become the everyday word for skimming a ceiling.
- It is used on new plasterboard ceilings and to refresh old ceilings with visible joints or uneven patches.
Tell us about the ceiling and compare skimming quotes in Cape Town.
Compare QuotesWhen Skimming Works, and When Boards Need Repair First
- Skim directly when boards are dry, flat and firmly fixed, with only visible joints, minor cracks or uneven paint.
- Repair first when boards are loose, sagging, soft or water-damaged. A skim over a moving or damp board cracks or lets go. See ceiling repairs.
- Fix the cause first when there is a leak or condensation problem.
Preparation and Joint Treatment
- Re-fixing loose boards and replacing damaged sections.
- Taping joints and corners so they do not crack through the skim.
- Removing loose or flaking paint and applying a bonding primer or bonding liquid where the surface needs it.
- Protecting floors, walls and fittings.
The Skimming Process
- Joints taped and bedded.
- First skim coat applied and flattened.
- Second coat to remove marks and fill low spots.
- Troweled smooth as it sets.
- Dried fully, then primed and painted.
Finish Comparison
| Finish | Look | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Taped and jointed | Joints filled flush; may show under low side light | Lower |
| Full skim | Seamless and smooth | Higher |
Skimming is often used on rhinoboard ceilings and to give bulkheads crisp edges.
Ceiling Rhinoliting Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Skim over an existing sound ceiling, per m² | R100 - R160 |
| New skimmed (Rhinolite) ceiling, per m² | R300 - R500 |
| Board repairs before skimming, per m² | R250 - R450 |
| Painting after skimming, per m² incl. paint | R50 - R110 |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Indicative 2026 ranges, rounded, compiled from published South African ceiling installation and repair price guides and installer price lists (a Cape Town installer list for insulated ceiling boards; national and Gauteng guides otherwise), checked October 2026. Unless stated, m² prices are supply and install. Some sources include VAT and some do not, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site visit and a written quote set the actual price.
See the ceiling installation price guide for other finishes.
Get prices for your actual ceiling rather than a range. Free, with no obligation to appoint anyone.
Compare QuotesGetting Skimming Quotes
Give room sizes, the ceiling's condition and whether painting should be included. Compare quotes through Ceiling Repairs Cape Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a skimmed ceiling can be painted?
Once it is fully dry, which depends on thickness, weather and ventilation. Your contractor advises; rushing it can cause paint problems.
Can you skim over a painted ceiling?
Often yes, after loose paint is removed and a bonding primer is applied. The boards underneath must be sound.
Will skimming hide cracks?
It hides cosmetic cracks if the joints are taped first. Cracks caused by movement or loose boards come back unless the cause is fixed.
Is rhinoliting messy?
There is some mess. Contractors should cover floors and fittings and clean up afterwards.
Related Pages
Ceiling Repairs Cape Town is a free quote-comparison service. Ceilings are assessed, quoted, installed and repaired by independent ceiling contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written, itemised quote, what is and is not included, any guarantee and the payment terms before paying anything.
Ceiling Rhinoliting Cape Town. Describe the ceiling once and compare rhinoliting quotes.
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