How To Finish Render | Tips On How To Render A Wall For Beginners

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In this video, we’re going to show you the exact formula I use on how to finish render. This is a tutorial on how to render a wall for beginners with the main focus being around the finish.
There are 2 stages of finishing render:
1. Floating the render flat
2. Sponging the render
This will not mean anything to you at the moment but these 2 steps are arguably the most important stages for rendering a wall. I’ll walk you through the exact process you should take and I’ll give you specific tips on how to get the best finish from your work.
I’ll also talk about timings. This has been a massive issue for some of the subscribers from our Plastering For Beginners KZbin channel which is why we’re going to uncover how and when to float the render.
Rendering is a major part of becoming a successful plasterer and the finish you get is the most important stage.
So with that said, check out our video and learn how to render like a pro. If you like this video please like and subscribe. We’d also love to hear from you so please leave your comments below the video and I’ll get back to you personally with any questions you have.
For more information visit our website:
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plasteringforbeginners.co.uk
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Thanks for watching and we’ll see you on the next one!
Regards,
Blaine Gray

[@jamesboylan45]

I learned my plastering & rendering from a complete shyster who cut every corner to save every penny he could. I learnt the wrong way in a lot of respects. I've realised this now ten years on through watching your fantastic videos. So thank you very much Blaine! You're obviously very good in what you do. Keep it up mate!

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you for saying that mate. I really appreciate it - your a legend. All the best pal 👍👍

[@MrMunneke]

great videos mate, I've been plastering for over 16 years now and I like to watch your vids, I all ways pass your channel on to people I know who want to learn, very informative and well put together, keep up the great work mate

[@andrewyoung1652]

One of the best most informative ‘how to’ videos I’ve ever seen. 👏👏

[@joemc591]

most helpful rendering video on KZbin. im a joiner who is going to render my workshop. no one else has explained it so well. top man

[@obviouslytwo4u]

Brought a Silverline Trail, £23 paddle mixer from e'''bay , made my own float from a guillotine blade also made my own Hawk from old white board wood as its covered with a thick layer of plastic. dug 2ft by 1.5ft hole lined it with pond liner and pinned the bottom and sides out with plastic tent pegs as a mixing bucket, (hole will be for drainage connections after use). And now with this video I'm absolutely set to go the last piece of the puzzle has been found because you explained everything superbly that I could understand. Watched one of your videos that other day about plastering and using gypsum multi finish and I can say I had success because I had no idea you had to put on hard wall on brick before you added your plaster finish until i watching you do it. Basically my mother's house has been left in ruins we had our paving done in the garden in January 2020 which was totally messed up leaving the drainage blocked and unable to drain to the point the render on the back of the house started falling off as well as moisture was creeping into our cavities causing the plaster on the other side of the wall to blow. I've had it up to my head with crap builders. I'm seeing the only way to do something correct now is to do it myself. With a KZbin channel like this I am able to learn at my own pace and for free😀 So thank you very much for his dude. I have subscribed

[@leeandlucytravel]

One of the best instructional videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin, well described from Start to finish!! Excellent

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that - glad it's helped.

[@thackerwill]

these are the best Plastering videos. well done pal

[@paulfleming1107]

Well done very good video like some have said I haven’t really done any rendering either so it’s good to see the videos showing the step by step instructions and of course the mistakes that can happen ....brilliant mate 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you Paul mate. Great to hear your support again! Cheers and good luck if you give it a go!

[@monte4955]

Awesome video mate. So much information. Watched so many rendering videos but none come close to yours with the amount of detail. Subscribed and liked. Cheers 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks for this mate! I really appreciate your comment and thanks for subscribing. I hope you enjoy the rest of the videos 👍

[@markblades4536]

Fabulous video mate..thanks for sharing 👍

[@brendanwalllis]

once again you have demystified the process for me.. I've done loads of average finishes in the past, watched this at breakfast and rendered a wall today which me and the client are delighted with... thanks so much

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Ha thank you mate! That's great to hear I'm glad it went well my friend 👍

[@MrDeano-eu9rg]

Wait you have taken money from clients doing average finishes? Why are you rendering if you don't know mate?

[@samsmisree634]

Thanks man, good video.👏🏼

[@dd3371]

Great work! And so much knowledge

[@MegaBummerman]

Found this really helpful for a recent diy render repair. Thank you.

[@stevepowell3623]

Top bloke this I didn’t have a clue on my first render I’ve watched many of these vids and now I’ve got confidence

[@user-he8qd7nx4p]

Never rendered before. Got a lot more confidence now. Top bloke!

[@markskip4731]

This is the most informative rendering video I have found. Thank you

[@zee4458]

You are a perfectionist and you love what you do .

[@ricksivyer7427]

Thank you, a great video, great tips and advise.

[@bangelta]

You're an absolute superstar. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@ricos6243]

Nice explanation. Great video. Thanks👍

[@woody1380]

This is brilliant mate, thanks.

[@leegorman3329]

Nice work man, and great footage

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks Lee I appreciate that mate 👍

[@davekoshi7236]

excellent work, video and advice - thank you very much

[@justycrusty]

Excellent finish. Everything here is 100% correct. Well done 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers mate 👍

[@ryancraig9342]

Brilliant video well explained thankyou

[@conspiracyt4]

I've been rendering my 4m x 12m garage and just couldn't get on with the float so levelled it off and went straight to the sponge. Your tip about rubbing the float on a concrete block transformed it. Not looking for a flat finish as such but boy did it make it easier to sponge. Thanks mate, appreciate the tips.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Not a problem mate - thank you for watching pal!

[@architfree3763]

I really like these close ups, where you see in detail the surface reacting on flowing or sponging... Great feel to watch it so closely! Thx man!

[@markpenn4831]

Excellent , thank you Sir ! Beautiful finish yes indeed !!

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you my friend 👍

[@joelb6605]

Really helpful video. Thanks

[@ravenven3181]

Very very helpful !!! 1000x thanks!

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

No worries mate! Thank you for watching 👍

[@waqavesib2312]

Great job man and thanks for the info.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you for watching matey!

[@paulrossiter9567]

Quality rendering tips ....brilliant 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you matey 👍

[@1955DocBrown]

Very helpful, thank you 👍

[@mickbosanquet9766]

Great video as always.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers matey!

[@dinnyconway695]

Brilliant job thanks for info

[@martinwgray1965]

Very good indeed. Done skimming and small rendering jobs in the past so it's a brush up on the theory before I start doing some more. Thanks. 🍺🍺

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

No worries mate. Thank you for watching!!!

[@smellthecoffee5314]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. That went into every detail in a way you don't get too often. I'll be renerdering a small area of my house tomorrow and be putting your teaching into practice. One question - at the end - when you show the render that has dried too much before using the float - can you mist it with water and then use the float or is it to late for that ?

[@c_jrymelife8503]

i love this video... good job

[@waxymud7609]

Thanks for that. I was really worried i was floating too early, then leaving it too long and not getting much shift of material. Turns out I could have gone earlier than I thought. The close ups really helped me understand the floating. Thank you!!

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Glad it’s helped my friend!!

[@UpcycleTV]

Great video thanks

[@adamnovek8224]

Thanks for the video! Awesome

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks mate!!

[@somaaelsapak6361]

Great video nice work enjoy the video thanks sir for that 👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@robjb21]

Brilliant again mate, always find smooth render a lot tougher than skim, great tips

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate I appreciate that. It does get easier with time... Just takes some practice!

[@robjb21]

Very true just like anything in the trade, keep up the good work great channel

[@jaspermillerlandscaping6174]

Nice tips, cheers

[@willm437]

Great video mate 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate 👍

[@colinevans7134]

Good video and teacher.

[@peteskyrunner4845]

Mate, that's a great video. Your rubbing up technique is identical to mine. I really pride myself in my rendering and it's great to see someone else doing it so well and taking pride in their work, like making sure to fill in under the bead and removing the high spots rather than just gliding over them.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate! It’s great to hear that it’s similar to yourself - cheers pal and thanks for watching. All the best 👍

[@antonceta1]

Excellent job thanks for the video GOD BLESS YOU

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers matey 👍

[@clivedavies7984]

You sir are a lengend thankyou for you great tips

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

He cheers pal 👍

[@daveylad2]

Another good one👍.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers mate!!

[@kimbritton6588]

Really informative….thanks

[@Darwenhypnotherapy]

Great video,really informative,especially liked the tip about a new float - I used a float for the first time today - a new one,and was wondering why the finish wasn't as expected,will be giving it a whirl on a concrete block tomorrow - thankyou.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks pal and good luck. It makes a massive difference

[@turktu8712]

Also enjoyed the video of how to render over pebble dash Thanks have learned a lot really appreciate your vid's n tip's

[@operationkatana]

Hi, thanks for the video, I was just wondering, what is the name of the guide along the corners of the wall? the thing you can see clearly at 0:40. thanks for your help in advance if you know! I would like to figure out how to do this, but I'm unsure of the name.

[@janismekss]

Thanks for your help All the very best to you

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks but watching matey!

[@kevinlee5368]

Top man Blaine.

[@murph5951]

Brilliant Blaine..👍👍👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate! Great hearing from you again, cheers 👍

[@williamcollins6997]

Well you explained that clearly and l thank you, l feel more confident to try rendering myself on a job at home..cheers.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks for watching matey!

[@gdfggggg]

I’d love to spend a month working with you for some tips. I’m very capable in building being a general builder but you are a master in your field. Working with you would be a little gem for me. We can dream. 👍🏻👏🏻

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Haha I'm not sure I'm a master mate, I'm still learning! There's lots of things I'd like to improve upon but thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it pal. Cheers 👍

[@coggsy3036]

A good Render finish depends on the backing coat being right great work by the way

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

You are right my friend! Totally agree and thank you for watching 👍

[@joejoejoe451]

Thanks for the video 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

No worries mate 👍

[@hamidlyndonynsz681]

Thank you mester Hastings

[@gavinjames37]

Fantastic great video 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you!!

[@Tom-le2px]

Just the video I needed to find, thank you. I have reduced size of pillar at end of drive with stilth saw, my intention is to render to smooth finish the exposed brickwork. I plan to use wood formwork for guides allowing 10mm render. Would I need to put bead end stops in place, the render is only on one face. Appreciate any advice. Cheers

[@jezakatheshitcoinkid6705]

great content cheers pal

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks you matey!

[@kevinlee5368]

How are you Blaine I keep on commenting because your videos are absolutely spot on my mate I'm a plasterer also and you have shown me some really good tips keep up the good work im shore you will 👍

[@dylanatkinson1426]

Great videos. For a public outdoor area can I add some pure cement powder to create a brittle glossy finish?

[@ionaedwards6703]

This video is very helpful to me as a woman thank you

[@mattiewood1418]

Brilliant video

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers pal.

[@OneWayNoLimit-metabolx]

Vera good explained

[@tonybutler2942]

Firstly thanks for the videos I have watched a few of them and taken in what you have said. My boss has got me to do some rendering using Kmix & Fassa MS20… I was wondering if you have ever used it? and whether there is any different techniques used with that stuff… the other plasterers I spoke to at work all prefer sand and cement as do I, I’ve noticed the finish you get is even different, sand and cement looks much better

[@cureyourmind1557]

Hands down best tutorial

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks mate!

[@cureyourmind1557]

@@PlasteringForBeginners Thnks to you brother, i like the way you pass your knowledge to us, i respect your dedication.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers pal - I really appreciate that!!

[@dalturbo]

Absolutely brill, I've got to attempt rendering thermalite blocks and unsure on the ratio. What mix would you use? Thank you

[@hippocrocapigable]

Make sure you wet them down quite a bit first. They are thirsty things thermalite. If you don't the render will dry and not form a bond.

[@MarcusT86]

Another fantastic video mate. Loving the new close ups and 60 frames per second footage. New camera?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you Marcus, great hearing from you mate! I got the GoPro 7 and I must admit I'm very impressed with it. With the expense 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you Marcus, great hearing from you mate! I got the GoPro 7 and I must admit I'm very impressed with it. With the expense 👍

[@MarcusT86]

Plastering For Beginners - oh my god, you took my suggestion? I feel so honoured!! 😀

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Haha definately mate. It was a great choice. Cheers 👍

[@elliottdebell7783]

Very good teacher

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers mate, I really appreciate that 👍

[@deanevans7707]

Really enjoy your videos mate . I ve Been a landscaper for thirty years and done virtually every aspect of building but I ve always left rendering alone for some reason or probley cause I ve always admired a good finished rendered wall like a good plastering finish. But redoing my garden I want to do the rendered walls myself . I ve watched so many other KZbin videos and yours is the first ones I think I could definitely achieve them to a good standard with your advice. I m sure it's the same for many others. Thanks mate keep them coming I for one appreciate your skills deano.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Hi mate! Thanks a lot for this comment, it means a lot! Don't be scared of rendering - if your skilled in other trades then you will be fine. It's the method that counts the most! Thank you for your support and I hope to hear from you in the future - keep us updated with your progress. Thanks again and respect for giving your garden walls a go. Good luck 👍

[@deanevans7707]

Hi mate thanks for replying. I ll Def send you some pics when I ve done them . probably be early next year as lots of other things to do first as always.. looking forward to future videos mate thanks again Dean.

[@johnsobers6715]

@@PlasteringForBeginners

[@dillonwilson3915]

So if it ends up too dry , should you just spray it with water

[@ijl66]

Lovely finish. Just wondering, would you ever bead it out at the bottom? Just thinking if the render is touching the floor damp can 'wick' upwards? Thanks.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Yes you can do. Actually we apply beads along the line of the damp coarse so if anything does pass then at least there's a plastic barrier that separates the render above the DPM. However, this was just a garden wall so we rendered to the ground where it will be paved afterwards 👍

[@r.johnson3832]

Good video. Il watch this few times more before attempting.. Mix ratio??.

[@katethorpe]

Thank you for this video, really clear and helpful. I tried to join your course, but the link wasn't working, can you help please? Thanks so much :)

[@intercoreuk]

Thanks man

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

No worries mate!

[@daleo150]

What angle beads are you using I’ve got some 45 degree angles to do but beads all seem to be 90 degrees

[@jimgearedup4gym701]

Looks like it’s gonna be a good video mate

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate. Hopefully it was 👍

[@jimgearedup4gym701]

Plastering For Beginners very good video mate very detailed and easy to understand and practice you explain things in a way that’s almost numpty proof really enjoying your videos mate you have a gift for teaching your trade to others hope you keep the videos coming mate 👍🏻

[@wilks1265]

Love that if u have a dirty sponge turn it over 👍 big brain 😂 . Recently found ur channel good content mate .

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

It baffled my mind when I first seen that 🤣 Thanks for watching mate, I really appreciate it. Cheers!!

[@werdna21]

Is it possible to Render a wall in full in one day? Or would you always recommend you return the following day for the finishing coat?

[@ianarmitage7589]

Do you have to sponge? Or can you just use a trowel? Cheers good lesson.

[@anthonykenny1120]

Class job ,, you know your stuff, just a question.. what mix for finished render, 3 to 1 or 4 to 1 ?? 👍👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Hi mate! Good question - the top coat always has to be weaker than the scratch and with the said my top coat is always 5:1. I also add half a ratio of lime to help with flexibility in the render. Hope this helps mate and thank you for the support 👍

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

a great video, only one question. If it is too dry can you spray water on it so that you can float it?.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate and yes you can but it does need a lot of water once you get to that stage. However, you can always bring it back 👍

[@leebrown5090]

Great blog as usual fella what's the mix scratch coat then the main coat cheers

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks mate. I have 4:1 for the scratch and 5:1 for the top coat. Both of them have half of lime as well pal! Hope this helps 👍

[@leebrown5090]

Thanks for the reply have good evening Lee

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Not a problem 👍

[@jossmaxwell00]

An other great video. Can I ask that you may one day do a video or two on making good rendering/dashing. Such as when new windows have been fitted and the installers have left a right mess of making good.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Hi mate! Thanks for that and yes.. if the opportunity comes I'll definately get one filmed! Thanks for your support and it was great hearing from you. Cheers 👍

[@ociadc]

Your videos are a life saver. Im in the middle of rendering a large external wall at moment. Everything going fine but when i tried floating the render was falling off. Disaster. Im using a new urethane float. Think thats the problem. If i wear it off a block will this help.? Should the float be smooth?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

It should help mate - is a lot better when it's smooth but it may also mean that you're Floating way too early. Try waiting before you start. It should help my friend 👍

[@robcoppin5699]

Great vid as always mate....Any chance of a monocouche tutorial ?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you matey! I'll be honest, I don't get much chance to use Monochouce down here in Hastings but next time I do I'll definately make a video. I just need the opportunity ha! Thanks again pal 👍

[@PDSVIDEO1966]

Excellent video's very in depth but easy to under stand for the beginer.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers mate I appreciate that. Nice one 👍

[@Stuey1221]

I’ve left my render way too long to float and sponge I think, is it best to put another skim over it or is there anything I can do?

[@mattd7960]

Iv watched a few of your Videos and IV noticed you never use stop beads or bell beads ,, answers on a postcard please

[@reddragons5179]

Do you nap finish in England? Worked in London late 80's & all sand cement was sponge finished loved working there anyhows keep up the good work!

[@paddyregis4181]

Can u do it with a wooden float

[@idstewart1964]

Can you explain the difference between a trowel and a float

[@AMMO1981]

Forgive me for asking a silly question but wheres the video for mixing up the render? I can't find it

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I've not made one yet pal. Sorry!

[@101masad]

If the sponge gets clogged can I rinse of and continue using? Or do I need to use only a dry sponge?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Yeah matey. Keep rinsing to keep it clean 👍