HOW TO PLASTER A CEILING | PART TWO: SKIMMING | DIY Series | Build with A&E

In this episode John shows you How to Plaster a Ceiling (Part Two: Skimming)
It's all about Skimming and Finishing!
John completes this tutorial by going through step by step on how he mixes multi finish plaster, applies the first coat, second coat and the flattening and cross trowelling processes in between.
With his usual plastering tips and tricks along the way this is a real beginners guide and masterclass in getting that perfect finish. Enjoy!
A huge thank you to our show sponsors, MKM Building Supplies. We highly recommend you check out their website for all your construction material needs!
- www.mkmbs.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE: we’ll endeavour to answer questions and comments as soon as possible depending on work schedules.
Tools
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Plaster: amzn.to/3zl41ql
Plasterers Trowel: amzn.to/3zmjNBi
Plaster board holder: amzn.to/3sTJ5mR
Wall Brush: amzn.to/3TIxeDM
Small brush: amzn.to/3DDstFX
Buckets: amzn.to/3DCJnEw
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For all our socials! ▶linktr.ee/buildwith_ae
Music from Epidemic Sound
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#Plastering #Construction #Building

[@halstirrup]

Am plastering tomorrow and am not going back down. We learn from our mistakes and that’s ok not to get it right fist time . Life is a journey enjoy the journey. Thanks for the video.

[@Jim_Newlands]

I know I said the same thing on the first episode, but I'll say it again.......this is BY FAR the best tutorial series I have seen on here. Superb. 👏👏👏

[@craftywoodworks551]

Totally agree, a true tradesman at last!

[@stuartwhelan393]

Full marks for the tutorial. You’re a very good teacher. Good detail in your explanation. Thanks buddy

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Stuart, glad you enjoyed the video. All the best, John 😊

[@BreakThroughTrading62]

Hi John, I've been in the building trade for 40+ years and it's a pleasure to see a real trades man at work. I wish all the people I have worked with had your attention to detail

[@Penswordman]

Thanks John. You are a rare person who has a born talent for teaching. You helped me refresh my plastering techniques for a small project. Very informative and I learned a lot.

[@jeffbourne6015]

A really informative video detailing the complete skimming process. All the explanations during the various key stages of setting were clearly stated and demonstrated to produce a clean and flat ceiling. Thanks!

[@BuildWithAE]

Really glad you enjoyed the video, it's great to hear good feedback 😁 Thanks for watching. All the best, John 😊

[@christopherc7757]

A really informative and detailed video that takes a great deal of the mystery out of plastering. Your channel just gets better and better, I never want your videos to end. Thank you very much for posting,

[@BuildWithAE]

That's great to hear, thank you 😊 Glad you're enjoying our videos. All the best, John 😊

[@EnthusiasticDad]

Excellent tutorial! John, you’re a natural instructor, well done.

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad you enjoyed it John, take care! 😎👍

[@shaun...6838]

💯% Best plastering tutorial on KZbin! Cheers John.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Shaun all the best Tony 👍

[@TheRichMaxwellChannel]

Excellent video, I'm going to be plastering the ceiling in my garden building tomorrow so needed a refresher on plastering and this was perfect.

[@66journeyman]

Another great video John and a lovely finished job. Nice example of a traditional ‘set’. Personally, I’ve been using speed skims for years now, they save on the labour and quicken the pace a bit, absolute game changers👍🏻

[@BuildWithAE]

Hi Wayne, Glad you enjoyed the video. I do use a speed skim, I just thought it best to leave it out if this video as I didn't want to include too many different tools and techniques. I definitely agree that they speed things up though. All the best, John 😊

[@johnwardle9667]

Going into old, crumbly, painted covings. My favourite! Top job my man.

[@warrenmckay202]

John. Really love the vids. Plastering had always been a science to me, something I haven't ever wanted to do, however since watching you I have taken on some small jobs chimney breast and alcoves etc, not massive jobs but the type of job a plasterer would want a days money for. I'll.look forward to the next one's. Thanks

[@BuildWithAE]

Hi Warren, It's great to hear that our videos have given you the confidence to have a go yourself. Keep up the good work. All the best, John 😊

[@LegionUK]

ive seen some plasterers in my day and I say you would trump them all, great job

[@samiphoenix5268]

Great video, just wanted to refresh my skills for some DIY tomorrow. I've always used a small plant sprayer to dampen the plaster for the wet trowel stage. Much easier than flicking water with a dripping brush.

[@andrzejmroz7153]

Best tutorial video on KZbin about plastering.

[@cj-rb8fz]

Never seen it bonded first , nice finished job and to see that the electrics have been put in a box rather than just bare connectors 😁👍🏻👌🏻

[@olgaibeh1124]

I am not at all a decorator, but this is so inspiring. I want to plaster everywhere now. Like the whole house. Thank you very much! Very informative and clear!

[@garrywalker8714]

Another brilliantly informative video, thank you for uploading!

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad you enjoyed it Garry! Have an awesome week 👍

[@chrishatfield4424]

amazing work, very well explained, i could watch for hours

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Chris, glad you enjoyed it 😎 All the best, John 😊

[@cohenyoel83]

Thats great work mate I do some plastering myself not a pro level but pretty good for a multi trade. To be honest I see some plasterers that are doing it for 20 years and suck at it like its their first day...

[@daveratcliff3140]

Top stuff mate!!!! Quality finish...love watching the whole process and seeing it come together 👍 as always great stuff

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Dave 😊 All the best, John

[@johnpearcey]

This guy is without doubt the best plasterer on youtube!

[@runthomas]

that my friend was a bloody good video....i watch the guy plastering for beginners who is excellent...but i like the stuff you mentioned about immediate cross trowell, it makes a lot of sense, also about bedding in those corners...and i like that little tool, ..and i didnt know that the aim was to bed the second coat right into the first ..i thought it was to go on top like 2 coats...so nice one....you have helped me a lot a couple of things i learned the hard way....i have been throwing out half a bag of mixed plaster too much more than i needed, and lost a few bucekts due to not cleaning enough...and also the worst thing was cleaning boards and cornices and plug sockets with dry hard plaster....NEVER AGAIN.. so thaks a lot mate.

[@willrenville6645]

Love your videos mate, they've really helped me someone just starting out. That small tool to take the snots off is a great shout. I've always tried to use my trowel and feel like I'm constantly having to clean the back or the edges

[@pauljohnson7562]

Great video! Just wish it was out 2 months ago before I tackled my ceiling off a step ladder 🤦‍♂️ plus learnt my lesson about having the window open the hard way. Cheers John, always learn something from your videos.

[@BuildWithAE]

Cheers Paul, it's great to hear that you're getting something constructive from our videos. Shame we didn't release it sooner 😉 All the best, John 😊

[@joebruniges6478]

Spot on vids as always! Great to watch and full of info, keep up the good work gents look forward to next one👍

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Joe 👍🏻 All the best, John 😊

[@janicejurgensen2122]

I agree! I watched it 2 times and stil think I need to rewatch before attempting.

[@joshuamatheron1]

Very impressed with your skill base. Seen some lovely carpentry work you’ve done and your plastering is better than 90% of plasterers I’ve worked with.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Joshua, much appreciated bud! Take care 👍

[@richardmennell5745]

Great video John,loads of great tips,👍

[@inxs4510]

Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@norm8andy]

John is a plastering genius and makes the so called tradesmen/plasterers I have had work for me look like bluffers. Great to see a skilled man at work.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed it. All the best, John 😊

[@osipulse3968]

I'm a plaster,er and I got a job to do tomorrow and I haven't done it in about 2 yrs and this was a good refresher course for me thank you, magnificent job young man.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Osi Pulse, I'm glad the video was of help, and I hope the job went well. All the best, John 😊

[@southcoastsealantsltd]

Really well filmed and explained. Thanks very much. I am a mastic man myself and slowly building the confidence to attempting some plastering myself after watching your videos 👍👍

[@BuildWithAE]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it informative. Hopefully you'll have some success when you give it a go 👍🏻 All the best, John 👷🏼‍♂️

[@roygoddert8570]

Iv been a plasterer for a long timei like the small tool trick never seen that before

[@AJ-wo5nf]

Superb video. Fully explained every step and demonstrated every procedure. Excellent tutorial. You are a credit to the profession.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks a lot AJ! Take care 👍

[@vascularlab]

Great video john

[@jace2264]

Excellent video mate. Natural teacher, clear explanations.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@archiethere85]

Thanks for the video, really enjoyed watching it. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Archie, have a great weekend! 👍

[@asif530]

Now I finally understand the issue of tiger stripes. Heard it so many times but didn't know why they happened. I'm not a plasterer by the way just a occasional diyer. Great work

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad we were able it up for you Asif, thanks for watching and take care 👍

[@janicejurgensen2122]

Fantastic!! Very well explained. If it’s not simple you definitely explained it so well I feel like I can try with a lot of practice.

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad it was helpful Janice! thanks for watching and have a great week 👍

[@amc1974]

Excellent video, thanks for making that, good tips even for DIYers doing a very small repair.

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad it was helpful Alan! Take care 👍

[@dalmasc]

Thank you for sharing a well done tutorial. !!!

[@richardaldridge7905]

What a great video tutorial. Thank you and keep up the great work 👌 A1 from A&E

[@siyadabdisalamabdikarim9199]

Thank you for your exquisite demonstration, thumb up!

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad you enjoyed it Siyad, take care and have a lovely weekend 👍

[@lukehirst3778]

Excellent tutorial spot on

[@anthonydonnelly2018]

This guy is very skilled and very knowledgeable and makes it look incredibly easy. It's not! Especially ceilings. Great job

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad you liked it bud!

[@berusbogzniszczenia4359]

Great job😊

[@gurglejug627]

Excellent mate - really the skill shines through - your cameraman, too. So good I'm going to plaster my garden tomorrow ;) Thanks.

[@leerolfe5332]

Immaculate! nothing more John.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Lee! Take care 👍

[@anthonycraig274]

This is fantastic but it is a dark art. I’m always amazed how they get it so smooth.

[@roddeguzmantv]

Nice full details, that’s proper to do skimming 👍👍👌

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks buddy! 😉👍

[@RustyRecovery]

Another great job John.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks again Rusty! Take care 👍

[@rickyhutchings2263]

Great vid, really explained well really injoyed watching

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad you enjoyed it Ricky 👍

[@khalilRehman-fq8kq]

very good informative video and good teacher many thanks i am doing some diy and this wekend i am skimming ceiling and then DPC and then wall plastring

[@MarcusT86]

Btw 36:15 was a beautiful display of graceful technique. Like trades poetry. Like plastering ballet. Reminded me of the "Bathroom Dance" scene of Joker! 10/10

[@BuildWithAE]

My plastering has never been described like that before, but I'll take it 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 Thanks Marcus 😎 All the best, John 😊

[@israelsilva4814]

very good you are a great professional I learned a lot from you thank you very much

[@Stucrompton1]

nice one john

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Stu! Take care 👍

[@indiaujla]

I do hope this is the start of some kind of KZbin collaboration

[@HSilver341]

Great vid this I don’t think u say much more on ways n means timings etc than been in front of somebody showing them how to plaster super job hope yer keeping busy 👍

[@moemcilwee4211]

Not many of us plasterers left ! All the best 👍 cheers from 🇨🇦 MC Finishers

[@fruitbread3250]

Fantastic only word for your tutorial sir.

[@BuildWithAE]

Many thanks FB, take care 👍

[@lukebarker3681]

Wow this guy knows exactly how to do it and very well easily explained .. bext one I've seen, that'd getting a replay

[@lukebarker3681]

Best

[@Farooq11122]

Thanks for sharing

[@MrMehtabkhan786]

Brilliant video very informative. I feel like giving it a go plastering but I know it’s difficult but it was good to get the knowledge.

[@BuildWithAE]

Practice makes perfect, thanks for watching Mehtab 👍

[@MrMehtabkhan786]

Hi could you please advise me the best thing to do when preparing to plaster and there is a gap about 5cm between the ceiling end and the wall also on the corner? I do have photos but don’t know how to attach. I look forward to hearing from you thanks mk

[@ShalomGreenberg]

Fantastic technique!

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks for watching, have an awesome week 👍

[@paultabor2446]

Great video very informative top class craftsman

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Paul! 👍 Hope you have a great week

[@juicespirit]

Very good, learnt a little more in the techniques. Thanks so much

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad it was helpful Alan! 👍

[@juicespirit]

@@BuildWithAE thank you for the reply. After watching such a great video. I can see all the steps that I am missing in my plastering for many years. A truly great teacher. Would you have any tutorial for Venetian plastering I'm the future? Respects from a new fan.

[@kisser228]

Hey John, Wish I could fly you out to finish the lime plaster job on my 200 yr old farmhouse in Maine! I have been working on it for 5 months, with long breaks to recover back, shoulders and tennis elbow. I'm getting better at it, but it is damn hard on the joints and bones. Thanks for all the great inspiration to get it finished. Your wonderful technique should help, immensely. Cheers!

[@kuldipsinghpanesar6579]

Excellent plastering technics.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thank you! Cheers! Have an awesome week 👍

[@markmackie100]

Great video mate. Iv been plastering for 40 years and I'm well impressed. your wasted plastering though, you would make a great teacher when you get too old for plastering. )

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Tom! 👍

[@dannyxbobx7576]

Well done mate learnt a lot

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad it helped Danny! Have an awesome week 👍

[@stevetheengineer]

Awesome tutorial

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks for watching! Take care 👍

[@elliottdebell7783]

How has this channel not got 150,000+ subs!

[@BuildWithAE]

We're over the moon with how far we've come in just over a year. Hopefully our subscriber numbers will continue to grow 👍🏻 Thanks for watching. All the best, John 😊

[@davidcoleman6032]

Greatest respect to you and your trade!❤You made that look easy!For an amateur DIYer like me, when I apply the second thin coat to fill the bumps,always seems to make new ones.🤔Must be one of the hardest trades to master, also I always run out of time and find the plaster going too stiff in the bucket!I just can get it up fast enough.Great tutorial. 👍

[@BuildWithAE]

Practice makes perfect David, keep at it and you'll get there 😁 All the best, John 👷🏼‍♂️

[@robertswol8061]

@@BuildWithAE q

[@robertswol8061]

Qq

[@robertswol8061]

@@BuildWithAE 111

[@cygnus108]

Top quality job

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Alex 👍

[@yorwerthedwards1045]

You are a magision that is black art fantastic job mate 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks buddy! Take care 👍

[@martinknight9027]

Good to see a one trowel plasterer just got myself a small tool today couldn't resist 😂 so I'll see tomorrow if its staying in the tool bucket or if its goin to live in the shed

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad to hear you're going to give it a go. Let me know how you get on with it 😁 Thanks for watching. All the best, John 😊

[@martinknight9027]

@@BuildWithAE yep definatly a little handy tool to have in the pocket came in handy for picking a couple of lumps out of the skim as I went along 👍

[@marks-0-0]

Cross trowelling is a good idea but we often find that some ceilings can only be ran in one direction because of uneven joists above. We've been tackling tiger stripes for years, we put it down to temperature, air flow and a possible change in the plaster recipe over time by BG.

[@headchip26]

amazing job appreciate the tips (y)

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@paultayler7554]

After i've applied the second coat, I leave it until it "picks up" then I sponge float the whole ceiling, then start to flatten using a Nela trowel. I dont use a brush, instead I use a plant mister. Results are extremely good. A small tool and a sponge scrower to finish off the coving line.

[@BuildWithAE]

Hi Paul, We all have our own methods, and if it works for you and gives the required results, then that's what matters. Thanks for watching. All the best, John 😊

[@steveesti]

Dont you second coat.

[@sgpaint]

Outstanding

[@BuildWithAE]

Thank you 👍👍

[@Pakistanarmy1]

Very smart

[@judyhanlon2466]

Great video John. I've recently had my kitchen ceiling plastered. Can you tell me how long to wait before painting the ceiling? Also how do I get clean up/scrape off all the excess plaster around the coving? Thanks.

[@mickeymouse5820]

You have done a good job good 2 watch thank u

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Mickey! Have a great day 👍

[@jameskitson5082]

Nice video mate im based in Stratford 35 years and would work with you nice clean and calm as it should be.

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Great detailed video John , enjoyed it even though I have no intention of ever trying plastering 😬🧱👍🏽

[@BuildWithAE]

Haha thanks guys, hope you have an awesome weekend! Looking forward to your next video 👍

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Build With A&E . We will Alton towers scarefest here we come 🎃🎃🎃🧱👍🏽

[@seanoxborough5830]

Bonding new ceilings is a new 1

[@bloggs692413]

Great plasterer

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Bloggs, have a great week and take care 👍

[@MrFlynnytwo]

Top tip for you where you have different backgrounds use bonding on the whole area👍 another tip - if the ceiling is too wide to go past the centre - walk back to continue and put more on your trowel to elongate the band and curl past trust me it’s so much faster and easier 👍

[@marks-0-0]

And skimming the bonding just when its changing colour works best and it really helps to prevent blisters.

[@MrFlynnytwo]

@@marks-0-0 that was my next tip🤒

[@MrFlynnytwo]

I also mean if you are going to dub out with bonding put a tight coat over all of the ceiling/wall as it evens the suction so you don’t have little areas firming up and the rest till wet

[@soulretriever299]

Excelllent job and vid. Well done.boss

[@BuildWithAE]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍

[@johnberry1204]

Good vid

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks John 👍

[@davedump4943]

Top spread 👍🏻

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Dave, take care 👍

[@postivemindset6]

f**king awesome tutor, oldest apprentice in town just learnt loads from you. Thanks bud

[@MANIKO5]

I thought that scaff was the floor at first lol, the luxury. if i'm lucky, two trestles two planks, and trap ends, set of steps keeps me fit atleast. nice clean work there buddy.

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks for watching Jim, take care 👍

[@gizmobently]

Another great video my friend. Unfortunately I cannot get British Thistle Mult-finish here in USA. Any recommendations on what I can use in both the base coat and finish coat if going over painted drywall? Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent to us beginning to delve into this as pure amateurs.

[@akbarkamarehei8188]

Very good 👍

[@BuildWithAE]

Many thanks Akbar 👍

[@davyb4423]

Good work John 👍🏻, you make it look so easy ! love the videos

[@BuildWithAE]

Thanks Davy B, it's great to hear 😁 Glad you're enjoying our videos. All the best, John 😊

[@ryansample4409]

Great video Does this still apply to plastering over already plastered walls?

[@MarcusT86]

Can you do a video on that plastering scaffolding? I've never seen it. Looks amazing and much better than a hop-up!

[@BuildWithAE]

Hi Marcus, It's just some tressles with scaffold planks running across, and then some sheets of plywood screwed to the top. Simple solution, but it makes life so much easier. All the best, John 😊

[@hendry147147]

One big mistake you’re doing is that you’re not using a spray bottle, you can buy them for a quid . Definitely less water mess. Good job by the way.

[@kennymann7934]

Another great video John as always so how long did that take to plaster also once you guys have finished the house it will look amazing. Take care guys

[@BuildWithAE]

Hi Kenny, Normally it would take a couple of hours to skim a ceiling, all depending on the time the plaster takes to go off. All the best, John 😊

[@tvenpyksas]

thank you !!!!

[@BuildWithAE]

You're welcome! Take care Ernestas 😉👍