Flexi Trowels | The Sad Truth

[@ickebins904]

I love this guy😊 I'm from Germany and as women learned through his video how to plastering ritly. Sorry for my English, but I'm very happy and excited. And you now wat, I did the whole Haus wall on my own, by myself💪 I'm so proud of myself. Thank you very very much. God bless and kind regards form Germany.🙌👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Amazing. Thankyou 🙂🙏🇩🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@billyt9921]

Thanks

[@jb1876]

I am a plasterer with 25 years experience and I think a flexi trowel should only be used for the finale trowel down, never lay on skim with it, and never use on first two trowel Downs. It a very good trowel when used correctly 👍👍

[@matthewimhardbrucelee6995]

💯 should only be used as a finisher. Only other time we use ours other then then is putting onto laves.

[@kendodd8734]

100% right there great at removing slight imperfections but only after uve flattened in that second coat and almost set that’s when I use em and they definitely make the final result better

[@Trekz86]

Agreed. They are awesome for the final pass

[@adamcunningham2511]

Agreed after two flateners I give a sprinkle of water and flex the moisture off then leave for 10 & shine

[@lachlanmclellan6540]

Marshaltown flexi best flex in the game

[@jonnybuckle8789]

So informative kirk on every video thanks very much

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks very much mate

[@paulnaylor6035]

The most honest review of a tool that we all thought was a game changer that I've ever seen cheers kirk 👍

[@sigi9669]

I've got quite a few of these. As I used to do a lot of shiny plaster finishes like Tadelakt and its lookalikes. Nowadays these seem to mostly be acrylic based. But not too long ago these were either lime (traditional Tadelakt), or cement (most lookalikes). As these require extended polishing to compact the surface and become shiny, a flexi trowel is a must. Not to mention traditional Tadelakt, where you'll be rubbing a tiny stone over the surface for hours on end. Using a stainless steel trowel on lime or cement will leave black streaks, which can be a deliberate part of the final look. If these steaks are not wanted, you'd use the plastic. I even had a custom copper flexi trowel made to play around with green streaks.

[@RAM335D]

Great thanks for your knowledge I already knew the flexi trowel was for polishing and speed skims for flatten in but it’s good hearing it from a veteran like you to re assure I’m on the right track. 👍👍

[@jonstafford4512]

I put on with a MT carbon Flatten quickly with a speedskim then"Lay it down" (2nd coat) with carbon. Flatten again with speedskim. 1st and second trowel with carbon. Then and only then use a MT flexi to polish...that's all I've found the flexi good for cos I think you can polish pretty much straight away with it.... Great video fella 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Won't go far wrong with the way you do it Jon. Nice technique mate 🙂👍👍

[@jayvincent8288]

We used to call the blemishes "cats bums" Like you when the trowel first come out i was using it to flatten after 2nd coat.Big mistake! Now i use it for the final pass and get a quality finish..I use the nela.. Good informative video as always buddy

[@Trekz86]

As Kirk mentioned they are perfect for acrylic renders. I use them here In Melbourne to apply coloured texture coats, can get the material on very thin

[@Sandysand701]

I used to work for a builder, when he came on site, he used to rub his fingers on my finished work! So I would always give the wall a polish at finger height, just for him. LOL, It's actually not good to polish a wall too smooth, because the paint doesn't stick to it so well, It's probably best to leave it just flattened in, so the paint has a nice key to stick, they usally use a long pile roller to hold more paint these days anyhow, so point-less making too smooth, but it does please the customer.

[@billyt9921]

I've gone full circle with flexi trowels. I have a nela superflex and a Refina Plaziflex. I only use them for polishing now and also if I'm plastering curves ir barrelled ceilings....... they have their place, but don't go near wet plaster with them anymore. Used to use the plaziflex to lay 2nd coat and flatten in. Looked mint and was a piece of piss..... but like u said, once the sunlight peeks in at the side of the curtains...... it looks like the Yorkshire Dales. Great vid as always. Mind you, I flatten in with a 1200 speedskim and will never go back.

[@Onthetrowel]

Same as you Billy

[@leylacaliskan9604]

😊

[@MrPatch25]

I used tyzak trowels in the 70s used to break them in on backing coats for 2 - 3 weeks then use as a finishing trowel but all different styles today

[@stevengordon2145]

Bang on about flexible trowels 👌..Blokes now are on a near impossible climb to make a living. I don't fault these young guns even old hands for using them. outside Our profession people just don't understand the wear & tear you suffer as a spread. I'm one of the lucky ones I'm built for it. but I've seen many a quality spread finished off by joint problems and carpal tunnel..or the lower back goes. It's sad that we literally have to almost cripple ourselves to earn a living. Look after yourselfs fellas.. Great video as always 🍻 🥃

[@Onthetrowel]

Spot on steve

[@MrPistolpete1234]

This is why I use them Steve. Sometimes I’m getting sets on over 40 m square. Going over that lot with a marshalltown would nacker me in no time. I have a method where I can make it work, but I’m gonna go back to smaller sets soon, get more domestic work and focus on quality

[@nicocortez102]

​@@MrPistolpete1234 I wonder if there is a way to divide walls using wood trim or metal dividers to allow smaller batches.

[@rich5268]

Got all of those problems and I’m 45 fml

[@alan3995]

I do use a 1mtr speed skim to flatten off after 1st and 2nd coat and only use the nela flex for final polish ,leaves it nice and matt. Be very interesting to see how much the speed skim actually flexes when the skim is soft ,

[@JayG2K]

ive got a 13" MT gold permashap preworne stainless steel trowl, although its hard work it gets on the plaster well and flattens. Ive bought a refina finatex trowel rose gold and found this is a lot easier on arms. there is some flex in the trowol but its semi rigid. Ive also got the superflex 2 and use this for the near last stage to fill out and finner blemishes, 2 trowels over. the plasi flex just fives it a smooth finish.

[@seannduntdrumspace]

Quality videos Kirk! I think i've watched them all

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Seann, I appreciate your support. Sorry about the crap editing in some of the videos, I'm trying to get better all the time 😉

[@daronwinn4957]

Great vlog, you really talk sense. I have been using a flexible ox but I will start to use it for the final polish. Daron

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice one daz, glad it made sense mate. Let me know how you get on pal 👍👍

[@m.c.SHoppIng.cenTrE]

the worst thing i ever done was listen to my brother who told me about these 'game changing' flexi trowels, refina spatulas and the speedskim that all his plastering mates were raving on about, i think it sent the quality of my plastering back ten years . i assumed it was just me for ages because i'm not a full time plasterer, cheers for your advice mate for us part-timers

[@paulnaylor6035]

Yep great video couldn't agree more learnt the hard way with flexis went back to Mt stainless and only use the same now to polish 👍

[@Joe-jv5mm]

Could you recommend good plastering books for lads learning the trade 👍

[@russellholloway7465]

Some great advice and really well explained, keep up the good work pal

[@Onthetrowel]

Much appreciated

[@LakelandDamproofing]

I can’t believe you just came out with the story of the cavity closer as I made one years ago and screwed two taping knives to it I thought I was the one that invented this and like you I was saying we should patent it , Wowser

[@LakelandDamproofing]

Iv still got it 10 years later

[@dominicdurso3672]

I’ve done around 10 acrylic jobs now and keep saying to my self that I should use a flex to lay on .( as I generally stear clear of them ) you after hearing you tips I’m defo gonna give it a go on the next acrylic job 👍👍👍

[@bethtp1]

that's your experience and mine i wondered why i got the waves after it looked so good. i trust experience but only listen to what people think. O yes i made my own three foot plastic leveller with wooden backing for stiffness and to hold. I thought I was the only one then speed skims came out a few years later.. thanks

[@ashb9732]

Great vid kirk! thanks for the knowledge love the poster 🤣👌

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Ash, a few cracks you Don't mind looking at on the wall 🤣

[@bernardscott1783]

I’ve tried all kinds mate and just go all the way through with my carbon trowels now.

[@Onthetrowel]

Yep, that's pretty much all I do now

[@murph5951]

Im serious kirk

[@Onthetrowel]

@murph oh OK mate. I know a few good lads that bat for the other team. I'm not homophobic at all. Why you telling me though pal? Have I said something in one of my videos?

[@murph5951]

@@Onthetrowel i i fancy you

[@murph5951]

@@Onthetrowel 😘😘

[@danielabrahams4061]

I only just started plastering and am learning on lime plaster. I found the finish better with a Flexi Trowel (as you say use only at the end). Because I am a beginner and these are very old walls (definitely not straight!) during the finishing stage I find using water plus some additional plaster to fill in the low spots, flatten with a metal trowel and then use the Flexi Trowel has upped my game. The long setting time of lime is what allows this. One day I will be able to do it all in one pass (yeah right!)

[@matthewgaler6544]

Alright Kirk… interesting and informative mate. Your right yano. In regards to the flexi trowel … I think I got this right… super flex is 0.3 mm and the midi flex are 0.4 mm. I think the 0.4 is the Refina and also the Black edition Nela. The rest are 0.3. I think all these trowels dint half confuse pretty much every plasterers over the last few year. Myself included!. There’s one plasterer on KZbin who’s a good spread but a few years back he helped fuck up a load of my work. Showing people laying in with plazi flex trowels… I had a go … omg i felt like a plastering God!… I’d use half as much gear as normal when laying on my second coat… easy to trowel up… easy as amazing!… until I’d gone back n seen various jobs painted up!. Well pissed off!… they’re al got a time n a place but gotta be timed bang on . Great videos mate💥

[@bee8583]

Mate you explained this soo well. You’d be such a good plastering teacher. I’d love to come and learn with you. I’ve got a couple of flexi trowels, but as someone who’s still new into plastering, I’m gunna focus on mastering the steel trowel.

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice one bee. You know where I am if you need any advice 👍 cheers mate

[@bee8583]

@@Onthetrowel cheers mate. Yes your videos are excellent, but learning from you in person would have been ideal.

[@taureanwilliams2900]

I agree with Kirk. But yes master the steel trowel. It's the original and the best way.

[@waynenixon729]

Kirk, the college teacher! Listen, I'm being serious.. Colledges should be falling over themselves to have you teach their students. I've been watching this channel from the start.. What this man doesn't know about plastering is not worth knowing. If I won the lottery.. 🎉 I'd employ the skilled workmen from KZbin to build me a house.. Happy New Year to you and your family ❤

[@phillipgoulding7407]

Great vid as always mate 👍

[@Laurie-u8g]

43 years at it and still putting on with an 18 inch Mt ceilings as well 💪. It's the running up stairs with bags and buckets of water that kills me now😕

[@anthonyholmes3493]

😅 I got ya by 3 years 😮

[@MrPistolpete1234]

I’m a baby then at 33 odd years in. 16 inch trowel but still on price and keeping up with the young uns. Inspirational to hear you’re still doing so well 10 years ahead of me, because I keep thinking this is getting stupid I need to stop, but in all honesty it’s always been that way, it’s a tough game, well done mate, all the best

[@NiktheEnglishGreekCypriot]

You use a 18x5 or 18x4?

[@Laurie-u8g]

@@NiktheEnglishGreekCypriot 18x4. I've now due to arthritis gone back to a 14 . Massive difference,much easier on the wrists. Still flatten with a 20.

[@denzgrief]

Hi fellow spread ive been plastering for 40 years yeas 40 years ive used all the trowells out there whei was young i have my favorite trowel my young gang call the shogan thats how sharp it is ive retired it now to the museum my garage 14 inch wooden handle marshalltow ive used 16 inch marshalltown all stainless steel iam a big fan of flex trowels fantastic trowels as regards to skimming nobody beats a sunstrike on wall no matter how its been ruled off i suppose it comes down everyones skill set and how to use flex trowels knowledge not from college keep the faith

[@ChrisKavanagh-df6fh]

I agree with 36 years at it i think bigest prob guys have is putting on to heavy a coat dkim flexy r fantastic i wish we had them years ago

[@harrygarbett3089]

Have you played with the carta101. For flattening.

[@richardmills5450]

OMG I found out the same thing with flexi trowels and I thought it was me doing it wrong. I do use a plastic trowel for the final polish as it does leave it matt which I like and the paint sticks better. Cheers matey.

[@leondmcgrath]

I use a similar technique as you do on artex on all my plastering. One thing I do different occasionally. If it's on flatted and been compressed with a trowel and tidy. If you hit it with the metal Flexi speedskim the water comes out and you can get away faster. You can knock up to an hour off a gauge.

[@Onthetrowel]

Good tip. Cheers mate

[@ollielake7421]

I was thinking this because the the plastic brings the water to surface I do use a plastic speed skim on big stuff to flatten in but find the hit drags on longer so was thinking if metal speed skim would be better. Do the plastic flatten it better as everyone I see has plastic so I just bought the same

[@NiktheEnglishGreekCypriot]

@@ollielake7421 other way round. Plastic doesn’t bring the water to the surface

[@benbanham6455]

Lol I remember the cavity closers 20 odd years ago. Great video been full circle with flexis and came to exactly same conclusion. Really useful for curves. Same with dropping back to a smaller trowel top tips sir.

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice one Ben, cheers for the comment mate

[@lmilne4859]

Brilliant Kirk. How getting with they K rend jobs.

[@stephenbees6807]

You are 100% correct. I got sucked in to using one too on my second pass. Left me with wavy depressions places. Went back too 100% marshall town gold mint but sore wrist. Now use marshall town all way except for last wet pass or curves.and it's a good finish. I use my plastic trowel for nothing now days other than final pass to be nice to the painter. spend more time sanding scratches out of it .

[@Onthetrowel]

Yep ha, I'm the same as you steve 👍

[@skatergirl7663]

A full video on speed skims would be ace if your thinking of doing one!👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Leave it with me skater girl 😉👍

[@Matt-yl2ok]

Flexi trowels are good we’ll the marshaltown one is .. two flattens with a stiff trowel early on tho so easier on the arm and two more with the flexi walls are perfect .. if you can lay on flat ! Like the vids

[@Onthetrowel]

Yes mate it is doable if you know exactly what your doing. Alot of beginners watch my vids though so got to give the best advice that can apply to everyone mate🙂

[@whatsgoingon3822]

I am a DIY plaster I have just plaster my whole house using a flexi trowel to finish and I have noticed on the walls where the sun comes through the window catching the wall it looks dreadful when the sun as gone it looks fine

[@Onthetrowel]

Yep that's the problem with them mate. You can fix it with a solid trowel and easyfill mate

[@whatsgoingon3822]

@@Onthetrowel easy fill the whole wall or patch it will I have to sand it after to blend it in

[@whatsgoingon3822]

@@Onthetrowel easy fill the whole wall or patch it will I have to sand it after to blend it in

[@familyman10241]

Cheers kirk, learn something new everyday

[@jameselliott5436]

I do plastering and decorating. I have to sand every wall that has been lovely and shiny because the paint does not key to it properly. The next time its painted it blows the paint otherwise. I always miss coat. Thought i would mention that before someone suggests that. I was alway taught minimal water and matt finish

[@smeghead420]

All the other you tube plasterers must be writing notes or giving up mate. 😂😂 Amazing content.

[@iain2979]

Kirk in the classroom! Love it 😀

[@Onthetrowel]

😁

[@DannyArbuckle]

My new favourite channel 💯🎯 another great video mate 👌 cant beat the marshalltown 13x5 carbon steel for me......have got one of those nela max plastic trowels and they are great for the last wipe but like you said if your chasing it, it aint gonna make you any faster using a different trowel 🤣

[@Onthetrowel]

You know the score Dan 👊👍

[@DannyArbuckle]

@@Onthetrowel well I've been getting away with it around 9 years or so now since I done my first bit of laying on......that would of been one for Jeremy beadle let me tell you 🤣🤣🤣 would love a video of floating hardwall and set from start to finish if you get a chance mate......can image how hard it must be to do it whilst trying to make living though and do really appreciate everything you do 💯🎯 and obviously the right job has got to come up too n all I suppose 🤣 all the best mate. Top man 👊🏻

[@Onthetrowel]

@Danny Arbuckle as soon as the opertunity comes I'll be straight on it mate

[@DannyArbuckle]

@@Onthetrowel your the man kirky lad 👊🏻

[@rockandmeatroll]

So much work put into your teaching:)

[@Onthetrowel]

It's harder work trying to say what's in my brain mate because alot of this stuff I think about I struggle to find the words of say it 🤣🤣 Cheers though Sean mate

[@nicocortez102]

​@@Onthetrowel I understand this. I think the best teachers NEED the talking part to organize and cement their thoughts. Keep up the great work!

[@Onthetrowel]

Your right you know

[@easypainterslondon]

Cool that was all new to me nice one

[@NiktheEnglishGreekCypriot]

I’ve got the mt permaflex, beautiful trowel and leaves a lovely finish. However I’ve not used it in probably 18 months. As soon as my carbon was broken in I used it all the way through, bar the polish which I use the ox plastic

[@paultowns9880]

Another great video Kirk. Thank you.

[@Onthetrowel]

Very welcome

[@petercurrie3953]

Hi Kirk Massive fan of your channel ,and after watching this vid feel sane again ,I’m a bricklayer but have been plastering for 20 years and started using a plastic and like ya self thought were brilliant till the sunlight hit the walls on my own self build (thought I had become rough overnight) steel all the way from now on . U are the guru 👍

[@soapy66stewart34]

Looking forward to this one

[@hemtet5500]

Have you ever done half a ceiling if it’s a large one then plastered up to the finished plaster later on?

[@martynguthrie4474]

Another great video very well explained 👏

[@jb-78]

The best three plasterers i know put on, lay down and polishes with a nela flex trowel, all young lads in their 20`s, it's definitely a knack that they`ve been brought up with... i`ve been plastering 30 years and stick to a 16 inch carbon steel marshalltown but do use the refina spats, just can't get used to the flexi trowels!! can't teach an old dog new tricks i suppose lol

[@Cinematlczx]

Flatten in first coat with nela flex gold 2 same with second coat and use all the way through after putting on never had any problems/complaints walls never look wavy or tiger striped

[@lewisriggs6596]

I’ve just got my self a mediflex I wonder if that wil still be no use for when wet troweling

[@kevinlawes591]

Hahaha kirk a classic work with you with Scottish Colin great video 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers mate... wait, did you just say you know me? I'm intrigued mate, what job were we on. I know two Scottish Colin's One is a big bloke a builder and the other one works in the building merchants?

[@kevinlawes591]

@@Onthetrowel big Scot col from pensby you worked on Kay an Steve’s over the road from his!

[@Onthetrowel]

@Kevin Lawes ahh yes, that was a few years ago. Fair play mate you've got a good memory. How is the big fella, had a few good laughs with collin

[@kevinlawes591]

Good mate I am Kev the little lad who worked with him for a bit you also jumped on the job in hoylake by the golf course! For anyone watching Kirk is a great plasterer! Makes a shit cup of tea though!! 👍😉

[@Onthetrowel]

@@kevinlawes591 haha. Only get asked to make one that way 😉🤣

[@Sandysand701]

I prefer a stainless steel trowel myself, I find them a bit more flexible than carbon, so slightly better for finishing off, also, because I do a bit of partitioning/dry lining work as well, they don't go rusty while I'm away. I use a 14 inch by 4 and 3/4 Marshal town for laying on, then use my 13 by 5 inch to finish off, If I'm using sand and cement, I will drop down to my 11 by 4 and 1/2 inch, because I find sand and cement heavy going and don't want to wear my elbow out before it's time. Iv'e found with very big trowels, you are not going to get anymore plaster on them than the width of your hawk, so unnecessary in my opinion.

[@carld9451]

Ok Kirk it's a bit mad I watched your video on dot and dab just got on this video on towels I was the person who invented the plastic trowel s what refiner sell the ones with the changerble blades and handles small trowel insert ye for me and meny other plasters plastic made a big difference it's sort of knowing what trowel s to bring in to play at what stages going back in time wen i got on to the plazzy the was no flexible trowel s on the market so basically now we had a choice in are kit now where spoilt for choice that meny to choose from this was a brilliant vid on trowel s your advice and ever think was spot on lad

[@Onthetrowel]

Fair play carl, cheers for that mate.

[@omar-nj6wl]

Have you tried the nela black edition spatula? Used speed skims for a bit then got a 1200 black edition haven't taken the speedskim out of the van sense... It is a lot heavier but has a nicer grip and it's a bit stiffer I think nicer for flattening in with... Liking the vids 👍 ... Dots and dabs was interesting I was one of the 90% lol .. as I said interesting but don't think I'll be doing dots ...

[@Onthetrowel]

i dont blame you mate, i wont be doing them again either. just wanted to clear up where the name came from. thanks for your comment mate

[@alross2042]

I have a 22" metal flexi from Germany I only use it for final trowel it is fantastic but no good for laying on need a good solid trowel for that

[@craigpalmer347]

tried em n use em for a polish but still use my mt 5 inch for all else 🤞👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimmysbuildingservices7288]

I've got a ox Flexi trowel only use it every now and then I prefer the old fashioned way with the marshall 16inch. I'll tell you what is a life saver an extendable hop up can reach a 10 foot ceiling

[@Onthetrowel]

Oh yes, them 10ft are a killer. Hate working on step ladders 🤢

[@jimmysbuildingservices7288]

£122 Toolstation one of the best tools I've bought after my DeWalt mixer

[@paulcleary8638]

Great video again Kirk. Pretty much gone this way having left ripples with steel speedskim and Flexi trowels. Only use them for a polish. As a part time plasterer can you tell me if you are able to put on as much with a 14 by 4 inch trowel as with a 14 by 4 3/4 inch trowel. The surface area is obviously less but does it make any difference when putting the plaster on the wall? Cheers Paul

[@Onthetrowel]

I Don't think it will make any noticeable difference mate. Maybe if you were doing a render you would want a wider trowel so you could get more gear on it but I wouldn't worry, I use my 14 x 4 for everything 👍

[@paulcleary8638]

@@Onthetrowel Hi Kirk. thanks for the reply. I notice your trowel is not a marshaltown permashape(gold end) carbon steel trowel but looks well and truly broken in. Just wondering how long it took you to break it in?. I have a permashape carbon steel 14 inch by 5 inch which came semi broken in which I thought for an occasional plasterer was a better option. Really like it and get great results with it .just a shame they dont do a 14 inch by 4 inch version in a permashape . I thought the version you have would take too long to break in so I got the wider one. I have a small nela for going round the small areas. 😀

[@Onthetrowel]

@Paul Cleary yes mate, the pre worn in ones still need wearing in unfortunately. I usually break a trowel in within about 2 months of daily use mate, although it takes about 4 months to get it razor sharp. If you don't use your trowel alk the time then you xan send it to ne an I'll break it in for you 👍

[@paulcleary8638]

@@Onthetrowel Great . I might hold you to that.😀

[@MrSquanchy]

Hi Kirk, thanks for the video mate. I've skimmed my first wall ever today, it came out not too bad 6/10. It has some little craters though, am thinking just to skim it once more. When would be the best time to do this, (like when its fully dry?) and should I reapply PVA? Cheers mate.

[@Onthetrowel]

Sooner the better as when it's still damp there will be less suction. Yes pva it again and give it another shot. I've got a few videos on how to plaster a wall. Take a look mate. You know where ibam if you need any advice

[@MrSquanchy]

@@Onthetrowel top man, thanks for the reply! I'm gonna rewatch them now and see where I went wrong. Thanks a lot!

[@Trowel1892]

Nice one Kirk 20 odd years ago we use to rob the fire exit signs on site ! That was our go to plastic ha . Think we’re all the same keep mixing trowels drills etc .

[@Onthetrowel]

Just got to find ways to keep it interesting hey 🤣

[@christopherbailey582]

Great video Kirk! I use one of them cheap marshalltown qlt 14x4" trowels. I really like the 4" width, but would like a better trowel. Where did you get that Mt trowel from? I can't seem to find it anywhere. Cheers mate 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Hey Christopher. This is the exact trowel I use mate 🙂 amzn.to/3XPONDs

[@christopherbailey582]

@@Onthetrowel nice one, cheers mate

[@yousafamin3187]

I saw some lads using a for sale sign way before the speed skims haha

[@geofflewis4935]

Refina black for the last wet trowel and final side pass. Everything prior stainless steel.

[@TheWully09]

I agree tiger stripes we call it I used in my living room don’t like the finish and can see the stripes with lamp on

[@Clip7heApex]

Hold them metal flexies too lose and you get the dreaded chatter. Do that on your last pass and good luck trying to get that out. Trying to fill it with fat is a no no. They are ok for patches on walls that are already pretty wavy, tends to conform to the shape of the wall where a normal trowel would leave lines. I prefer to use a plastic flexy for final polish as it has less drag, makes it a bit easier on the shoulder but that's all i use them for.

[@mjaakram]

I got a question, what would you recommend flattening with?? Speed skim?? That does the same job as plaziflex and steel flex, I agree it's easy to give it a good finish and harder to get it flat.

[@Onthetrowel]

I only ever use a speed skim on big ceilings just to give it a quick flatten between coats. I've never had any trouble just using a solid trowel for everything. Yes it harder work but it's trued an tested so I just try and stick with what causes the least problems mate

[@mjaakram]

Thank you, just a idea, I think the challenge comes when you have some walls that go off quik and a steel trowel can't do much when plaster has kinda set, would you be able to do a video on skimming but using the old method, which has been lost by many plasterers entering the game now. Many other aspects such as how long you get for the job, and how much customers want to pay, currently i have realised customers dictate how much should be done and how much they should pay, I personally think as plasterer we ain't appreciated, and the effort we have to go to, it's a personal opinion, but I would like to know your views, and your advice would go a long way, thank you

[@Onthetrowel]

@@mjaakram got a few vids on skimming mate and also one on pricing jobs... have you seen them?

[@Ste2023]

Hi Kirk ..new to your channel.. Have u ever used those - Foam backed Trowels ..I think there for skimming for (DIY or something lol

[@Onthetrowel]

Hey mate, is this the one you mean? amzn.to/3JezAbc Or a sponge float like this? amzn.to/3XWOS8m

[@Onthetrowel]

Oh and I forgot to say, welcome to the channel mate, nice to have you 🙂

[@Ste2023]

@@Onthetrowel yeah . This 1 . Could you do a "short video on "different trowels -especially skimming...which Trowels give a good smooth finish ...Thanks 👍 Kirk

[@Ste2023]

@@Onthetrowel Thank U .

[@Onthetrowel]

@Steven Douglas of course mate. I personally use a Carbon steel trowel exactly the same as this one amzn.to/3H9cGz6 To be honest it's all about how well the trowel is broken in. The more it's used then the sharper it gets which means then it really leaves a lovely job. Takes a few months of daily use to really break a trowel in though mate 🙂👍

[@jordancorey]

Hi kirk, your videos are brilliant, keep them coming. If I start to use sbr, how many coats do I do, as it got to be dry. Also can I put it on the day before then go back the next day and start plastering it without reapplying it. Cheers mate, your little lad will be so glad you decided to make these videos. I've just lost my mam and I wish that KZbin was around 80 yes ago so I could have seen her way back then. All the best mate

[@Onthetrowel]

Lovely comment. One good coat, let it dry and you can kim it whenever you want, you can go over it when it's tacky but you will still get suction. If its wet then it will slide

[@jordancorey]

@@Onthetrowel thanks so much. Also do u know if all makes of sbr are the same. There's a shop near me that sells it for £10.99 but I don't know if it is as good as the more expensive one. Cheers mate

[@Onthetrowel]

@jordancorey I personally am happy to use any brand mate. I'm not 100% sure if there's better brands but at this point I've never had any issues

[@jordancorey]

@@Onthetrowel thanks again. Just got 2 tubs today for £20 for them both(ever build ) The DIY shop near me got it sent on a order so they kept it..that's why he sold it me for that. £34 a tub at screwfix..

[@mutherofexiles1948]

Brilliant!

[@shodan198]

Top class vid mate

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers dragon 👍👍

[@Rureal42]

What about flattening with a Speedskim plastic blade recommended or not?

[@Onthetrowel]

I do mate, but only a flatten, it still gets three goes with the carbon steel afterwards

[@Rureal42]

@@Onthetrowel Thanks for the reply and after watching your vid of course you explained all about the Speedskim. 👍

[@michaelmoroney4594]

Great video my process is 18x4 stainless for first and second coat I flatten first coat with 800mm nela rigid spatula which is unbelievable and trowel up with 14 inch carbon oh and first pass is with the spatula unreal bit of kit used flexi ox for a while can’t see the point in them just to make a wall like a mirror

[@microcementlacalamijasspai8269]

Fire exit sign stuck on a grouting trowel many years ago

[@stevecalvert7979]

Top man informative and funny vid 👍🏻

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Steve, nice one mate

[@mikeball1397]

If u lay the 1st coat flat enough speed skin is great at a 1st flatten but never on the second coat and only used again to polish and yes u should polish plaster! It gets rougher over time, glassy at an angle is fine glassy straight on is too much.

[@steved6472]

I’ve stopped using flexis! I done a 30 m2 ceiling and cut a long story short it looked mint till painted and brand new kitchen in with spotlight after spotlight! Looked like the fucking ocean! Couldn’t put it right as to much grief for customers! They sold the house and to my knowledge it’s still the same! Now I just use 12 inch to put on and your concrete trowel as a spatula to flatten out ! No issues!

[@steved6472]

Not my greatest moment 😢🙈

[@byrondeacon3797]

Combination of flexi and sponge float but timing is crucial

[@darrenbeswick7486]

If you sponge it first it not a problem othere wise use steel trowel

[@yellowstar0586]

Everything u say is true I got sucked in to using flexi trowels for years for flattening until on a couple of jobs the sunlight shined down the walls and looked awful. My problem now is my steel Trowell not broken in great so hard to use for the last couple of trowels.

[@Onthetrowel]

Just persevere with it mate, I know it's a pain but it will get there

[@yellowstar0586]

@@Onthetrowel Yes I'm going to tbf u explained everything so well I never use to use flexi trowels until I worked with another plasterer who flatend in with them and like u said it looks lovely and seems easy but like u said hard to lose the ripples if natural light shines down it.

[@highgatehandyman6479]

I hear that the flexi should not be used for first coat etc. But I get good results just slapping it on ( but combined with plastic speed skim) I'm a d.i.y er but can get very good results

[@chubbyBunny94]

Artist and teacher too? Well I’ll be! Thanks

[@ThePlasterer]

Spot on mate 👌

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers mate... Thankyou

[@ThePlasterer]

@On the trowel I thought exactly the same as you when I was first using it

[@blainemolyneux4067]

Hi Eric you keeping busy mate your not fare from me im in caterham and have noticed thinks slowing down a bit hopefully its just this time off year

[@ThePlasterer]

@Blaine Molyneux Blaine, my phone has only just started ringing again mate! It went quiet at the end of November! I was shocked, thought phone was broken😅quietest I'd been in 38 years excluding recession, hopefully will continue to pick up as spring kicks in, been doing some work in daughters place, Caterham on the hill

[@blainemolyneux4067]

Being using my flex nela to scrap the ice off the windscreen on the van haha 😄

[@Onthetrowel]

🤣🤣 love it

[@blainemolyneux4067]

All jokes aside only use it last thing a good video there mate good to see the channel going well 👍

[@scottfisher661]

Got to agree with what you say. Have you tried refina3 trowel it is not very flexible very much like the old disston trowels your dad may have used used with a speed skim between coats is a very nice trowel I agree not for beginners but plasterers that know the problems that flexi trowels can cause they are great

[@Onthetrowel]

No ill have to give one a try mate

[@mickydola6472]

Cracking video Kirk you would be good in ye twilight years teaching the next generation of skimmers in a collage or so when ye deciding to slow ye buzz down abit 😉👍

[@Onthetrowel]

I've got one lad working with me 19 years old. I go home an want to put my head in the microwave 🤣 Can you imagine 30 of them... your making me feel ill mick 🤢🤣🤣

[@mickydola6472]

@@Onthetrowel🤣🤣🤣🤣I hear ye but same time me gaffer I learned from was like you old school maybe few years off ye Dads time when he learned an most of the time he loves it easy money semi retirement jus a thought be mush like u could handle em no problem 😉🤣🤣🤣👍

[@mickydola6472]

Big*

[@mickydola6472]

@@Onthetrowel plus ye right with the medi flex use that on a wet trowel and polish them plazi flex to get dat Matt finish saved ye polishing the head right off it only pisses the painters off any way getting it like glass 🤪🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rich69694]

I'm not a massive fan of the flexi trowels, but I am a fan of that Buttwiser poster 😂🍻

[@Onthetrowel]

Couple of cracks on my wall that I Don't mind looking at 😳🤣

[@rich69694]

@@Onthetrowel Me neither. Keep that filming angle, it's got, ehhhh, good lighting 😂

[@Nofixedabode859]

Ay them cracks need filling you should know that as plasterers boys

[@bobcat2378]

I had the same problem I was getting Tenosynovitis in my wrist /forearm I changed to one of those trowels you have there.but stainless steel.But I noticed a massive difference going from a wooden handle to that one.Felt uncomfortable at first and I got blisters lol.Does the change in handles shape etc and construction bother you at all?

[@Onthetrowel]

You know what mate I never really noticed but I'm sure it probably does. It doesn't take me long to wear through these soft handles either, give it another 6 months and I'll be right through to the black plastic again 🤣

[@MrSamuelatkinson1]

One of the lads attatched a fire escape sign to a plastic float 😂 20 years ago

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

This video is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. I'm trying to do a faux effect and I actually need an extremely - so very softly - textured wall. I've been so frustrated as I play with plaster on my practice board and I can't get a technique to work. I was hoping that a flexible trowel may do the trick and YES, from the sound of it, this exactly what I'm looking for. I've already dumped too much money into failed experiments. A few new tricks came out of the game, so I guess it wasn't all for nothing, but hubs is starting to glare when a new Amazon box shows up. I'll just tell him it's your fault and send him the link. If you get a curt message from a large, grumpy American, just know he's all bark. He has to be harmless otherwise he'd have strangled me already! lol!

[@dorianleakey]

In some ways it sounds like they may be better for beginners, or rather DIYers like myself who arent in a hurry as they are doing one wall at a time and dont have the skills to to get it smooth through skill and experience.

[@aidangallacher9049]

Brill Vid again Pal, your good to listen to always learning. I have done a few walls now with my marshalltown and I'm well Happy even tho I'm slow but owe Alot of the tips to yourself. I've just ordered a flexi lol but will try finishing stages and see how it pans out as I'm curious. You should do a video of coving as for some reason I had it in my head it would be simple with a 45° cut to do a box room or external 90° corner. Kind of got the hang now but thinking you guys must have a method? Every other video I see on KZbin is so so confusing, as if they explain it Alot more Harder than it needs to eh explained lol? So I can do them but slow as a week in jail...any vids of your own or links? Cheers mate, Aidan

[@Onthetrowel]

Spot on Aidan. As soon as I get a cove job I'll do a quick video pal. Been wanting to do one for a while

[@aidangallacher9049]

@@Onthetrowel you are the man!! Looking forward to it big man

[@williamcunningham3315]

Cellulite I’ve had that a few times😂😂😂