What is skim coating? Skim coating is the procedure in which a whole wall is smoothed out using drywall compound. Skim coating will produce a smooth, flawless wall. There are a number of reasons that you may need to skim-coat a wall. To repair: Torn and damaged drywall after wallpaper removal, Peeling paint, Crazed or cracked paint, Or to Rid the wall of texture, Re-paint over faux stripes, Achieve a "level 5" drywall finish And more…