How To DOT & DAB | 90% Plasterers DONT KNOW!

This is where the name comes from. this is not how plasterers stick boards these days. this is just to show you where the term Dot comes from.
do not comment that this is slow because you will look like an idiot for not understanding the vid.
Learn how to DOT and DAB a wall the traditional way, 90% of plasterers don't have a clue that this system even exists, but in this video, I'll show you exactly how to do it.
this is perfect for a DIY enthusiast because it's very difficult to go wrong with it.
I genuinely want to help you to learn to plaster, watch this video, and others to fully understand. We were all beginners once.
Plastering is a skill you can learn by watching others and practicing yourself.
I really hope you enjoy it.
I'm doing my best to make content that can genuinely help you, it's taken me 20+ years to master my craft and I want to help others as much as I can.
If you appreciate what I'm doing and you understand how much work goes into editing and creating these videos and you would like to show your appreciation then I will happily have a nice cold beer.
you can easily send me a drink with this link...
www.buymeacoffee.com/Onthetrowel
*I have genuinely been overwhelmed with the support that I have received so I just wanted to let you all know, every penny will go towards buying a better camera and microphone so that I can improve the quality of these videos for you.
thank you so so much.

[@Onthetrowel]

If you found this video informative, entertaining or even mildly interesting and you appreciate the work that goes into making these videos for you... you can support my small channel by buying me a little drink. Thanks for your support 🍻😀 www.buymeacoffee.com/Onthetrowel

[@hairypoppins5043]

I have to be fair i really find your videos enjoyable to watch butt..... always look forward to your next videos to be uploaded. No messing no complicated explanations just straight taking well done butt keep up the brilliant work

[@CEO786]

Couldn’t you have just plastered over the wall as opposed to boarding it up? Oh yeah it’s crazy I was walking past a neighbours house and you can see straight through into his room with the Tv, and never guess who was on, yourself! He must have a keen eye on your videos.

[@MonsterRider696]

Sorry but I know faster and better way.

[@davidjavids2431]

AWESOME JOB THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR ABILITIES. BTW. PITTSBURGH PAINT EXTERIOR IS UNFUKINBALIVABLE. DONT GET IT ON ANYTHING WHATSOEVER YOU NEED TO KEEP CLEAN. LIKE CRAZY GLUE. OMNIPOTENT LOVE TO EVERYONE GLOBALLY

[@Onthetrowel]

So do I... Read the video description

[@babaana]

I’m a painter and decorator and I’ve learnt so much from watching your videos and getting a much greater understanding of some of the processes of what comes before me. You’re such a great communicator mate and a top craftsman. Thank you.

[@ivanbellamy261]

What a channel,I’m no plasterer but boy do I enjoy this guy.

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice to have you on board mate

[@140rware]

I’ve done this with nails to plaster a 11 metre wall, a plasterer explained this and I did it in browning won a block wall I had built. I was a brickie so good with a trowel but not a plasterer. I could put my straight edge anywhere on that wall and there was no ‘bonking’. I showed my wife, who just wanted it painted and finished. I was, and am proud of it yes no-one knows or cares. Slightly embarrassing to be so happy at what is routine for skilled men👍

[@thefinchworkshop]

Every day is a school day. So glad I watched this before I tackle a DIY project. I was way over thinking it and this makes it nice and simple to follow.

[@user-vg7ri1ms3o]

I'm old school retired now I used to dot staircases before I floated and skimmed, also Floors.very educational video.

[@ufcgod6258]

Why didn't ya tell me ya had a KZbin Channel ?? bet ya wondering who it is I'll give ya clue m8 you made me a spray booth totally free of charge when I was in Ozzie as a get well present. Keep making the vids m8 Also everyone He's a top bloke and 100% genuine x

[@Onthetrowel]

Hey Ian... haha how have you found me on here? Cheers mate, that's very nice of you to say, cheers. Haha the secrets out now 🤣🤣 ☺️👍👍

[@simonhughes1641]

Thanks for showing how to do it that way, wished I’d seen this before I dabbed half my house! Would have been much easier. But now. Know. Thanks again pal

[@bromkin]

The vibrator story along is worth a drink let alone the plastering knowledge 😂

[@Onthetrowel]

🤣🤣🤣 cheers mate 🍻

[@jeffedwards5028]

Great vlog Brought back memories as I was taught to dot and dab when I started plastering in the 70's.

[@paulmcdonald8055]

I personally fix a timber ground along the bottom, which when levelled can support the board and I just plumb the board up! It’s also a good fix for the joiners skirting boards rather than using an adhesive on them. Just different methods, whichever suits I suppose? No need for packers underneath keeping it of the ground.

[@Onthetrowel]

Great tip!

[@user-ye7sj7gm3f]

Yeah I understand this vid completely. I laboured for a cracking top class Plasterer and he too never dotted just dabbed using a massive long featheredge about say 3M. After he finished he'd always say to me, go check the walls/board to see if the actually were level. I used to always say when watching him use the feather-edge that no way they were, so it was Him asking/telling me to go look for myself using any of the levels. Every time they were always bang-on level and it always amazed me. That would have been over thierty years ago now and he's gone now sadly. He was a brilliant fella, he plastered all the walls and ceilings in mine and my wife's house, would take ANY payment, just said it was his wedding present to us, he was pals with the wife's dad.

[@user-xp2yk1wx5l]

Every plasterer is top-class if you ask them pal,,, 😂😂😂 There not so top class with a bottle of there own piss (they left in the last room) in the next mix of skim...... from a top-class labourer 😂

[@user-ye7sj7gm3f]

@@user-xp2yk1wx5l Well this Plasterer of whom I am talking about DID what The Famous ' TONY-ROME' plasterers could NOT at Arnold Clark's House. THEY Couldn't get all the very articulate ANGLES on the ceiling of his WELL-SIZED Summer Room which looked out onto his bowling-green. The person whom we warker for was contacted and asked if...... could do it....... and it was did to perfection. I have watched your vids and do not get me wrong but the fella whom I laboured to WAS way better than anything which I have yet seen on youtube.

[@christopheradams7158]

I've never ever seen that before absolutely brilliant method that you are a plastering professor 👏

[@Onthetrowel]

Glad you liked it!

[@petergalloway7978]

I am a 75 year old retired plasterer this is basically a replica of how we used to do plumb and dot work when doing render and set an excellent video

[@weximan1]

I'm a plasterer myself living in Ireland and I like this guy his funny 😁

[@andrewarmitage9491]

Very nice vid explaining the dots. The reason why people dab all the way around the outside is for fire and safety. You may use more powder but it is the Safeway to do the job. It stops the smoke travelling all the way up the wall.

[@RB-xg2vz]

I’m a DIYER who has got to dot and dab a couple of knauf aqua panel boards to some masonry behind a shower, and I’ve never done it before. This way will be really useful, I’m not in a rush. Cheers

[@callyk5678]

Been a joiner and builder for 30 years and I have never seen that before haha that makes perfect sense! That would actually be useful for a wall that’s all over the place 👍

[@Lobby4U]

Your video were you did the old lady's window came up and I watched it and now I can't stop watching these videos I'm not even in the construction trade at all 😂

[@Onthetrowel]

It's nice to have your support... thankyou 👍

[@finstabalised4244]

Love this, I did my C&G plastering in 84 and this is exactly the way I was taught how to Dot and Dab, We used to float kitchen walls this way too so we knew they were bob on. I changed jobs in 89 and have just brought a very old house that needs a lot of work. I dont think ill be upto my old speeds being off the trowel for so long but im looking forward to the challenge.

[@_s_p_a_r_k_e_s_7615]

I always wondered what dot and dabbing was and how it was done! Great video.

[@paullane8709]

Amazing that he knows what is best. That the people who give out information and who make plaster dont know how to instruct the public on how to do the job..

[@builderNorthamptonn]

Every day is a learning day! Good job 👍. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks! 🤠

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks 👍

[@thetupeloman]

Thoroughly enjoy watching a master of his craft , on a scale of 1-10 you get 11 from me

[@shaunfisher9292]

Yes dots where used to form screeds to rule of, it is a fundamental of plastering that everyone should know and understand. Level a dot top and bottom at each end of a wall and line through of them. Then rule of the screeds that are running top and bottom. The same principle works on dry lining , British gypsum called it the gyproc system. And even supplied card dots.

[@Onthetrowel]

That'd the one, they tried to claim an age old system

[@iain2979]

This shows your commitment and great understanding of the job!

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Iain, appreciate your comment pal

[@jonstafford4512]

Been plastering for 15 years and never knew about the dots technique...I'll just call it dabbing from now on. 😆

[@Onthetrowel]

It's just been one of those things that's bugged me for years 🤣

[@hemtet5500]

I’m loving this what a fantastic resource for those wanting to learn cheers.

[@nmaff65]

You had me in stitches with the Vibe Tool,

[@Onthetrowel]

🤣🤣🥒

[@zaz2405]

Brilliant! I never knew about this technique. Great timing, I'm a DIYer and renovating a house. Guess what job is next? Plasterboarding the walls!! 😃

[@MrG77]

Kirk I just came across your channel and can't stop watching all your vids mate. Great to see your channel grow. You are really good at explaining things. I laboured for a plasterer so I know the work it takes. A very hard job. Respect from Scotland mate.👍

[@gjones455]

Great video, so informative and most importantly showing how to do the job properly. Keep up the great work 👏👏

[@freespirit133]

Great video, this is how we got taught to do it at college many many years ago, takes longer but creates a perfectly true wall. Reminds me of setting screeds up for wet plaster. 👍

[@Salomon.Construction]

Perfect, Perfect, Perfect!!!

[@henrywaterhouse6291]

Been in the trade many years, you learn something new every day!! Although it's not a nats hair out...... It's a natty nats knacker out!!😃

[@westmeadt88]

Just watched your dot and dab video amongst others. I had a wall covered with plasterboard by one of the better plasterers in the area. He clearly just dabbed as the pipe boxing in running half way along the wall shows up as they are not equal on either side. Brilliant video.

[@treforgray1906]

Great tips for those who didn't know good on ya 👍

[@chrismoore7569]

Great video, you have a load of information in a very relaxed manner. Would be good if you could cover how to set out corners etc, what do you do if the room is not perfectly square? Any advice appreciated.

[@jeffbourne6015]

A concise and well explained video outlining how to apply dots (and dabs) to fix plasterboard to a background. Variants to this method apply in setting screeds out to float a wall or ceiling (plumb and dot) when high levels of accuracy are required. Great to see you outlining different techniques for all levels of ability and noting how they can be adapted as one’s skills improve. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks Jeff. Obviously you're a plasterer yourself so I appreciate when a fellow tradesman gives me a compliment on my work. Thank you 👍

[@Jim-fw4rx]

Great video. But you've mixed an awful amount of adhesive for a few dots 😂😂

[@stranraerlad1]

Brilliant story and great vid . Oh and the next time I see you in the Shrewsbury the beer is on me

[@BillyBullshitter]

I'm so good at this I can just eye it without using a level. It comes out 100% accurate. And perfectly level. I'm probably the best builder in the world.

[@JamesDixon]

"He uses the vibrator to make holes in the board" haha that killed us 🤣 Tremendous video and knowledge as always 👌

[@Onthetrowel]

Appreciate it James

[@PeterTownend-mr5sr]

Great character excellent informative thank you so much

[@Alexnse10]

I have just done this exact method but with tile backer board for a large format tile, well worth the extra time 👌

[@CRD-PLASTERING-PONTYPRIDD]

Really enjoyed this 👌. 20 years ago when I was a apprentice this is how my boss taught me how to render using string lines and creating markers to run off. This video really took me back.

[@Onthetrowel]

We've got to keep these old ways alive abit just so the younger lads know how to do it even if it's not what they will do day to day. Just having the knowledge is important

[@waynenixon729]

Wow! What expert knowledge.. I never knew that! Makes total sense.

[@Onthetrowel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarcusT86]

Ahhhh I remember seeing "dots" in a plastering book I have, but it relates to using dots for screeding sand and cement to walls! I never put 2 and 2 together about the "dot" in dot and dab. Another amazing video Kirk. You really are prolific with bringing out these quality videos! Looking forward to sending you some much deserved beer money next week!

[@ericcull3971]

Still got a box of them somewhere along with the double headed nails.

[@chewilson9935]

Best on KZbin in my opinion, as you are mate!!!!

[@thesmithsfamily1901]

Great video, used to do the old school way, just like that with my old man! Love the way you cut the board. Very clever!

[@cglees]

Learnt something today, thank you 😊

[@gumacanian4211]

I'm an oldish painter and decorator and I learned something today.. Thanks Geezer!

[@Onthetrowel]

Right on!

[@johnkemp908]

I am building my own house and this was very helpful.... Thank you.

[@paultowns9880]

Some great tips there. Greatly appreciated.

[@Onthetrowel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Joe-jv5mm]

Old School Great to see the old way's

[@nomisvagabond139]

Kirk love this channel . . Full of fresh thinking and correct methods . Good luck with that new camera but you've come this far already . The best of all plastering instruction videos I've come across .

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Nomis. Appreciate it mate

[@gracebateman777]

Brilliant video Kirk thanks 😊

[@rich69694]

More super stuff Kirk 👌👍👍👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Richard, nice to hear from you again mate

[@amardeepsingh2648]

That was awesome - Thanks for sharing

[@iJoemo]

Wow this is incredible info. I’m doing my house up and got a few walls to do. Have been worried about getting the boards level by just whacking it with the level, but this is a perfect system for a DIYer. Thanks so much.

[@Onthetrowel]

Go for it! You know where I am if you need any help

[@garethfraser5211]

You learn something new every day. Never knew that's what it meant. Good video 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice one mate

[@JG-mv5qn]

Hi Another good video years ago used little black pads and double headed nails. Tip tap edge of trowel on wall saves adhesive

[@lmilne4859]

Tremendous video yet again fella. 🤟🤟

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers bro 👊

[@johnmcdonald9977]

Love it! Explaining the terminology takes away the mystery of a very skilled craft! I will share this with my American Cousins who will also learn how their ancestors talked!! They will love it, 'cos most Yanks think we all talk like John Lennon! Enjoyed every minute!

[@Onthetrowel]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sectionbooe]

There was a time in the 70s where we used bitumen pads and double headed nails. And a foot lifter. Nice video

[@chrislee6377]

great advice and job your work is top draw keep up the good work

[@jonst1964]

British Gypsum taught Dot and dab back in 81, they actualy had you tacking the boards to the fiber dots with nails to support the boards till dabs set. only ever used the method twice from then till now.

[@Onthetrowel]

How did they teach it mate, on the bags or on TV? Sorry for my ignorance, I wasn't born until 86.

[@hupra72]

Very well explained

[@nobbystyles4807]

the vibrator story gave me a good chuckle haha

[@hfplastering]

Quality vid mate ive been a spread for a few years and enjoy learning as much as possible about the trade(everydays a school day) and glad someone like yourself is happy to share their knowledge. Keep the videos coming mate cheers 👍🤙

[@Onthetrowel]

Much appreciated

[@sam04019491]

Just a minor tip, as an electrician. If the cables are not encased in any containment, try to avoid putting the dabs over the cables. The chemicals in the plaster/adhesive can slowly cause the cables to deteriorate over time (I’m talking years). I think modern mixes aren’t such an issue as older style compounds, but just nice to avoid if you can. Instead of someone needing a rewire every 25-30 years, they might need it in 10-15 years instead. Great video as always.

[@Onthetrowel]

Just trying to keep you lads busy. I think it's cement based products because they are high alkali that cause the problem mate

[@deanmusgrave4644]

My dad was exactly the same never use finishing trowel for dot N dab, a lot of plasterers use a gauging trowel, keep up the good work.

[@user-yn3wg4fk8k]

Great person with brilliant job.👍👍👍

[@dannygreer1]

Hands up I never knew this and was never taught this by the old boy I used to work with. You learn something new everyday, great video mate 💪🏼

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice one Dan mate 👍👍

[@user-ek2ui4sv9c]

Great video, thank you, 👍

[@kwesip6267]

This is brilliant

[@chrisbeach44]

My plaster ‘dabbed’ my garage wall over pebbledash. Within a year it was becoming loose. I had to drill tons of holes and pump expanding foam in to secure. Then had to redecorate. Not good. Great channel by the way 👍🏼

[@joeduffy9764]

Great lesson!

[@markpayne9266]

Thanks for the post. I've learned something new today. I'll give it a go next time , personally I tend to use more adhesive than you especially on the edges and skirting areas.👍

[@bladeboy2041]

Ok, this is brilliant.

[@muhammada5178]

Thanks for mentioning wet-lining at the end

[@northpaul4353]

for a plasterer this is the long way i check the level of a wall before i dab so if it is out i can use my dab to level off i don't smash at the boards once there on i tamp them nice n gentle i do mark window frames so my boards are all the same round windows saves time but i do board very similar to you picture framing the wall then doting the full wall your a good tradesman and i use a multi tool for my boxes its just so much easier

[@maxwellmc9734]

Brilliant 💯 never knew about the technique of the dot's ..

[@Onthetrowel]

Glad you liked it

[@FcoAyusoSuero]

Absolutely great vídeo. I've thinking how to get my wall perfectly plum with dot and dab, i have the answer now. Thank you!

[@Onthetrowel]

Fantastic!

[@ianduckworth8595]

Excellent my fellow Scouser Brilliant for DIYers like me 😂

[@genemoore5220]

Nice job mate

[@Ste2023]

Brilliant. Very neat .. Love yr Tips / shorts vids KJ

[@Onthetrowel]

More to come!

[@richardaddy1280]

Fantastic this is how it shows you to float walls in the j.b Taylor book of plastering I read whilst doing my nvq. Best plastering material on KZbin

[@Onthetrowel]

Yes got Taylors book myself somewhere. Also one by pegg and stagg. And the plasterers Bible (PLASTERING PLAIN AND DECORATIVE by William Millar)

[@DannyArbuckle]

@@Onthetrowel I got jb Taylor too mate some very interesting stuff in there

[@user-df4qp7ur2z]

Nvq so you are not a time served plasterer

[@ismokebud3027]

Appreciate this video a lot mate thank you🙌

[@TheGrimeyVibes]

Brilliant video. Wish I did this when putting my boards up. Yes slower but my walls were out, especially chimney breast. I learned dots for floating a wall during night college plastering course, I never thought to do it for plasterboard. New subscriber here.

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice to have you with us mate

[@johngoulding6616]

Top job

[@markmcgrath4853]

another well explained video kirk !

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks 👍

[@user-cx4ll4rj1t]

such a good video - brilliant

[@TheDIVAofDIY]

A great way to learn that side of your trade without having anyone to teach you. Also brilliant for any areas of where you have to have a perfectly flat area kitchens bathrooms etc…. May be quicker if you used strips of 9mm board with 4 dabs behind each one making a strip the width of the board to push to

[@Wattsjoinerybarn]

Fantastic video, I always assumed the dot was something like this as it’s similar to dot and screed which I remember seeing years ago on site! Interestingly when I dab I take a 5minutes before I do the wall to chalk line the perimeter with a laser, that way you only have to worry about the middle and on long runs it makes the skimming look mustard when it comes to ceiling and skirts. The building game has Always been a fine line between faffing about on the prep work making the application easy.

[@Onthetrowel]

Yes your spot on, and glad you enjoyed it. Just wanted to clear up why it's called DOT&dab

[@knowledgeis5855]

Love the humour 😂😂😂

[@tariquebhatti8989]

Great job as always. Love your videos. I am a builder.

[@michaellee2003]

That's fantastic I recently did similar but I was using foam fix and I didn't want the boards sinking too far back so I drilled holes in the brick fitted rawlplugs and screws the screw screw heads work as dots and can be adjusted in and out. I put a bit of mitre fix glue on the plastic plugs so they would not move👍

[@rasplastering4278]

Great video,thanks for the Naladge,am one of 90%

[@Onthetrowel]

Not any more mate, thanks for the support 🙂😁

[@johnfitzpatrick5028]

Cheers took it in the wrong context all the best 👍