DISASTROUS FIRST TIME PLASTERING - 24V08

#ALifeOfStew #retirement #diy
Well with the block work now done its time to try my first attempt at plastering - Having watched many professional and semi professional videos this is my 'How I Did' video and the realities of being an amateur DIYer . It does not go well and the reality of achieving a smooth finish is some way off
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'How To' videos I used to guide me in plastering you may want to take a look at
1. • The #2 Golden Rules To...
2. • Quickest, EASIEST WAY ...
3. • Plastering Cheats Begi...
4. • Fixing Old Walls With ...
5. • How To Plaster A Wall ...
Useful Equipment On This Video:
We are registered as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we will earn a small commission if you use and of the Amazon the links below to purchase and this does not affect the price of the product. This proceeds help us maintain this channel - thanks
Plastering Equipment ( Note the below are the nearest equivilent to what I used )
Plastering Darby
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000UQF7B...
Hawk
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0034B8E3...
Trowel
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01278STM...
Plaster Mixer
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001IWP9...
Other Useful Equipment Used On The Project
Floorboard Removal Equipment
Utility Bars
amzn.to/4blWbxf
Bosch Multi Tool
amzn.to/3y3a313

[@ptolemyauletesxii8642]

Here are some tips going forward. PVA isn't to help plaster bond. Not exactly. It isn't used as an adhesive but to control suction, IE how quickly the substrate pulls water out of the plaster. A high suction background, like bonding or hard wall or bricks, will pull water out of the plaster before it cures, causing it to shrink, crack, and possibly delaminate. When putting PVA on a wall it is crucial to have an idea of the suction. For example, fresh hard wall or bonding, that is still relatively wet won't need any PVA, or maybe just a little. But if it's been dry for several days the suction will be much higher, and maybe need 2 or 3 coats of PVA. I usually do one 50/50 coat of PVA, then a second more watery one shortly before starting. This ensures that the PVA will be tacky when you start plastering. The PVA should not still be wet, or the plaster will just slip and slide, but also not dry, or the plaster won't slide at all. Don't use PVA before applying hard wall. Hard wall needs high suction. It's fine to just go straight on to blocks or brick, as long as they are clean. You can just give it a light spray with water 15 mins before starting. When trying to feather in make sure you use a wet paint brush or sponge to clean off any bits of hard wall or bonding, or plaster from your first coat, around the edges or else it will interfere with the smoothness of your final coat. The key to good plastering is timing. The first coat just needs to be relatively flat. Don't fuss too much. The second coat should only need about 1/3 as much plaster as the first coat. Put it on once the first coat is at the point where when you touch it it's still soft but doesn't stick to your fingers. If you let it harden too much it will be more difficult to get a good finish, but you can brush it with water and a wet brush to remoisten it. Likewise with the second coat it's all about timing. Spread it on and try to get it flat, but don't fuss too much. On a small area like you are working on you are best to clean your tools after getting the second coat on and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then flatten it out with a stiff, clean, trowel. Then let it sit for another 10 minutes or so, then flatten it out again. Don't overwork it or try to flatten it perfectly on the first trowel or you will cause ripples and bubbles. It's all about patience. Flatten, let it sit. Flatten again, let it sit. Each go makes it progressively smoother and flatter. Don't panic. It's better to leave it a tiny bit too long than to rush and create bubbles and ripples. You can always add some water to the plaster to soften it a bit if you've left it a little too long. At this point you just need to wait until it reaches a point where you really have to press your finger to leave a mark. You shouldn't need a sponge float. A paint brush with water will work fine. Wet the surface by flicking it with the wet brush then run the brush across it to spread the water. Immediately pull the trowel across, firmly, and at an angle that pulls some material but doesn't remove it. At this point all you are looking to do is use the water and brush and trowel to create a fine smooth cream with no aggregate in it, which will fill in and smooth any small imperfections. You can use a sponge if you like it better, but don't go wild. The goal is just to remoisten a thin layer of plaster at the surface. If at this stage you find you are creating 'tiger stripes' IE ripples in the plaster just leave it and wait a little longer. Once the plaster has dried up a bit more and feels quite firm you can use a dry trowel to lightly polish it.

[@ALifeOfStew]

That’s really useful - I was panicking all the time and definitely overworking it and getting bubbles - I was sort of scared it ‘going off’ you will see it caused me no end if issues with filling and painting but I had a go … it’s a high skill I think for a diyer I really appreciate your knowledge on this and will be useful to others - I will try and pin your comment Thanks

[@DocumentingReality-ol9es]

would you use a speedskim to flatten it?

[@ptolemyauletesxii8642]

@@DocumentingReality-ol9es I generally only use speedskims on the second coat, or on quite large walls if I'm pressed for time. The problem with the speedskim is that it's flexible, which means it will follow curves rather than flattening them, resulting in a wavy wall. It's good for a quick flattening, but I'd also use a trowel to make sure there are no waves in the wall. It's fine on the second coat because the first coat you will have sorted out most of the flattening..

[@ianbrady4787]

I feel your pain. I’ve just tried plastering two walls. Got the mix wrong, went off too quick, I was too slow. Had to go a second time a week later! Still need to do more on it this weekend. Yeah. Plastering is not easy. But we learn from our mistakes. Great video!

[@ALifeOfStew]

Thanks for watching - it’s at the high end for a part time diyer like me - the plastering as you will see bites me in the backside down stream Thanks for watching

[@Chris-Hay-on-Wye]

Much braver than me, plastering is the one DIY task I've always avoided. I take my hat off to you for trying.

[@ALifeOfStew]

Well it’s definitely difficult and made a bodge job as you will see coming up in future episodes - I feel it’s quite a skill to get a good finish Thanks for watching

[@markwhiting3103]

Jointing compound for the fine bits you need to fill works well and easy to sand back. But not too thick. Rub down high spots and lines with 'Mirka dust extraction sander' Toolstation do it as do others. No dust as it plugs in hoover. Good luck and don't give up.

[@ALifeOfStew]

Thanks Mark will look at that for future projects - I gave this a go and kept trying but had to rely on filling and continual rubbing down - it’s definitely and a high skill

[@TDOWLP]

You tried, and that's the main thing and your learning from your mistakes. Keep at it. Everyone who has plastered a wall has had their first time.

[@ALifeOfStew]

Thanks it’s a high skill for sure and it continued to bite me but the next project maybe I can improve Thanks for watching

[@damstv8717]

Hi mate I am a plasterer of 30 years to be fair you didn't do a bad job your hard wall was OK, but the multi finish was too thick and not mixed enough with a bit more practice and a good trowel you should get a better finish. when you put plaster on work from left to right hard wall right to left hope this helps

[@ALifeOfStew]

Thanks - I felt panicked to do it fast from the moment I started mixing so probably had more time and I messed with it to much I suspect - thanks rd tip on multi finish as next project I will give it another go Unfortunately the plastering kept biting me in a few more videos but you don’t know till you try Thanks for watching

[@awt]

Seeing you mixing in the orange bucket (B&Q's finest!) reminded me of another tip: B&Q sell two kinds of cheap bucket, one has a flat bottom, one has an circular indentation/groove around the bottom - always get the flat bottomed one to mix in, otherwise you can't easily get the stuff out of the indentation.

[@ALifeOfStew]

That’s a great tip - love that as your spot on - next trip to b&q 👍 Thanks for watching but above all contributing to the discussion

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Never done this but I can feel your pain. Well done onwards and upwards 😁👍

[@ALifeOfStew]

Thanks unfortunately as you will see this plastering comes to bite me later on

[@FergusNCasey]

Hi Stew. I take my hat off to you for giving it a go. Way to scary a job for me!

[@ALifeOfStew]

Well it’s a high skill I haven’t mastered as you will see in future episodes as it became a real problem although I got there eventually

[@mick977]

I've been trying off and on for years, never that good at it, but then seen a wee guy working for the council couldn't have been long out of school, and he made it look easy. I don't know if it's one of those things that if taught early, it sticks easier or if he just has a natural talent for it.

[@ALifeOfStew]

Yes it’s definitely a high skill and I was panicking a little and I am sure touching it to much - just proves you can watch all the videos in the world but you still need that skill Thanks for watching

[@joepierson3859]

Much less stressful if you first practice on a scrap piece of board. You can try many different mixes, tools, wait times, without worrying about messing up. It actually becomes an enjoyable and fun experience.

[@ALifeOfStew]

Great tip for my next project - it’s definitely a high skill

[@joepierson3859]

@@ALifeOfStew yeah I did this when I learned caulking, watching KZbin videos did not help so I bought ten tubes of the cheapest caulk I could find, then in my garage I practice for hours on some scrap wood, using different methods tools etc In the end I was an expert caulker but the thing is I couldn't tell you why. That's why you can't learn a skill watching KZbin videos, experts don't know why they're good.. You have to go in your garage or basement and just practice.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Well done for taking that on Stew, you will get there, may just take a bit longer than you thought 👍

[@ALifeOfStew]

Plastering is a definite art and will take many goes I feel … as you will see but I had a go …. Thanks for watching

[@hewoguys2506]

plasterering is one of the fews trades if only that no matter how many videos you watch until u do it u will never get a hang of it takes many goes before you can feel confident but keep at it and u will get there also imo to make its easier for yourself you could of either take off old plaster on chimney and dot and dab it or even just dot and dab over it what you done u need more experience and dot and dab u could make wall plumb also u will.have more time on multi finish . also when using straight edge unless your using skirting which is champfered u need to put straight edge at a slight angle but keep at it u will.get there dont give up

[@ALifeOfStew]

Thanks so useful as others will read your comments to - plastering is a high diy skill and to be honest I probably overworked it to and panicked Thanks for watching

[@chapmansboxingclub2611]

You made an effort that's the main thing 👏 but in the future if you have the space you can dot and dan plasterboard in the required areas then skim it iver with thistle multifinish. Just a tip from another plasterer but in all good effort

[@ALifeOfStew]

Yes I think in those larger areas that would of been easier in hindsight - I will take all the learnings forward on the next project Thanks for the advice

[@didevilliers1238]

Agh shame man Stew ! You worked sooo hard ! Surely once it's all dried and smoothed off and painted it will be ok ?? Holding thumbs for you. 🦋

[@ALifeOfStew]

Well you will see the curse of the plastering continues to bite me in future episodes Thanks for watching

[@andyblake1849]

Nice one for trying. I certainly wouldn’t attempt it. 👏

[@ALifeOfStew]

Well I wish that was the end you will see this haunts me for a few videos yet - thanks for watching and commenting

[@GaryJDavies]

Fair play for attempting this Stew. Not something I would take on 🙈

[@ALifeOfStew]

It’s tough and it continues to bite me in upcoming videos - definitely a high end diy skill that is yet to be mastered Thanks for watching

[@welshieonwheels]

I’m no plasterer , so what I do is use thin plaster board stick it and maybe screw it making it as level as possible, thin fill the holes and edges , but well done for you having a go Stew good luck 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦🦢

[@ALifeOfStew]

Well this was just the start and filling and reworking as you soon will see became a problem Thanks for watching

[@chapmansboxingclub2611]

You did use scrim well done. You did a good job for a beginner

[@ALifeOfStew]

Thanks just not good enough to get a fine finish although some basic errors come to haunt me in later brides you will see

[@hewoguys2506]

sorry one last thing when mixing always do dry to water not water to dry the way u done it will create lumps

[@ALifeOfStew]

That’s a great tip thank you I will take that forward on my next project Thanks for watching and above all commenting

[@sparkymarkyg]

Good effort stew, not easy. Did the same as you recently but it gets easier with practice and the money you can save is ridiculous! Just sand it like crazy.

[@ALifeOfStew]

Yep filler and sandpaper were my friends but it has sone real issues as you will see in a few episodes Thanks for watching

[@JJPlastering]

@@ALifeOfStew Buy yourself a cordless multitool. Mine is a dewalt, cost about £100. It comes with various attachments, one of which is for sanding. It will make short work of these two areas for you. Dont beat yourself up about your work, it was your first time. Plastering takes time to master. Theres a reason that most lads in the trades turn their hands to bits of other trades, but they tend to avoid plastering... If you want to practice, and if you have a garage, buy a sheet of plasterboard, fix a couple of battens to the wall, fix the board. Then practice on the board. Once youve done two coats as best you can, following the process and timings best you can, come back another day, pva it, go again. Rince and repeat. It takes time to become comfotable with the tools, comfortable with mixing correctly, understanding the timings and process. The amount of times I was told to stop messing about with it... If you want to learn more, I recommend the youtube channel "On The Trowel". Best of luck

[@chapmansboxingclub2611]

You forgot to scrim the joints always scrim any patch work

[@ALifeOfStew]

I did use scrim tape the larger patches although I did see conflicting info on this Thanks for watching

[@colinfoulds340]

I have done plastering for awhile the person ought to watch on KZbin is Kirk Johnson very good teacher to get your technique right The thing about plastering you don’t learn it all in one day takes a long time to learn plastering but what you was very good for the first time if you do need any help drop me a line as I said I’ve been plastering for awhile all the best

[@ALifeOfStew]

Ah thanks - I will take a look at him - just trying to get that smooth finish seemed way beyond me and you will see in a couple of episodes it bites me in the backside - a high skill task I would say