

We painted samples and looked at them at various times of day and night. Contractor said to use matte/flat paint if not skim coating, but I hate the chalky feel. Our walls were not great, but they weren't awful. That is what we did, and then we used an eggshell finish paint and it all looks awesome. Spackle over the holes and repairs of some damages spots may be enough. If the price seems too high, strongly consider if you need the skim coating. Could be less or more, but that's a starting point at least. Just prime and 3 coats Benjamin Moore paint I'd say about 10K for a really good job. I'll guess from the 1350 sq/ft that it is about 5 rooms (2 bdrm, lvgrm, dining, kitchen & 2 baths). I am more familiar with top end finishes and contractors-not the bargains you find from the guy the super works with on weekends. You don't have particularly high ceilings so that will help keep costs down a bit. Many people will tell you how the higher ones are "just outlandish!" Truth is that quality skim coating and painting can be pricey. You are going to get lots of opinions possibly. It is a labor intensive and very messy job. It involves smoothing a thin coat of plaster stuff over the walls and then sanding them to perfection before priming and coating-ideally with 3 coats of paint. If the walls are older and you really want that "perfect" glassy smooth look, then yes, skim coating is what you want.
