How to Smooth Out Uneven Plaster With a Skim Coat

How to Smooth Out Plaster Walls or Ceiling with a Skim Coat
Leah from See Jane Drill demonstrates how to repair unsightly plaster walls with a skim coat. Your plaster wall will be perfectly smooth and ready for new primer and paint in no time!
Get the tools that Leah is using in this video:
Marshalltown Finish Trowel: amzn.to/2pqstTy
Marshalltown Magnesium Hawk: amzn.to/2qsa1bz
Margin Trowel: amzn.to/2qsauL6
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• How to Smooth Out Unev...
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of See Jane Drill, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. See Jane Drill assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in these videos. Use this information at your own risk. See Jane Drill recommends safe practices when working with tools seen or implied in our video and written content. Due to factors beyond the control of See Jane Drill, no information contained on this youtube channel, Facebook page, website and Twitter page shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this content is the sole responsibility of the user and not See Jane Drill.

[@francy8575]

Never did anything like this before. Followed your tutorial exactly and did my WHOLE house! Came out beautifully. I'm so happy with the results.Thank you, Leah!

[@kristinkahl6703]

I am currently renovating a 100 y/o home on my own and have watched a ton of mudding videos! Yours, by far is the best I've come across! I was told by multiple contractors that this would be too hard for me to do on my own and that I should just replace my plaster with drywall, but check me out! They were wrong! I'm doing it with the help of awesome folks like you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@rootshirt]

I’ve never left a youtube comment but holy shit this helped so much

[@thulanincube4817]

Never felt so motivated from watching a tutorial! 👏👏👏 Best one ever! 👌👌👌

[@unguidedone]

i left a few hundred thousand of them

[@thehound1359]

I literally have never seen a tutorial this good. Out of all the videos I’ve seen, nobody has shown the water on the paintbrush trick.

[@laurenoesterling]

Absolute best tutorial I've found. Hands down.

[@brendamann6106]

Great information for beginners. Thank you!

[@kevinobyrne8020]

@Ryan p No because it's the best tutorial for getting a smooth wall

[@csatex1823]

@Ryan p I prefer women

[@Beast1612]

I 2nd that

[@paulfernandes3340]

Hands down ...no hats off 😝😝😝

[@wlxgrf]

You, ma'am, are an epic win! Before we saw this video we were terrified of using the trowel to apply anything, and ended up applying the wrong materials, in tiny little patches at a time, using something like a 5 inch spatula/scraper. It took us almost a week to do a quarter of the wall! 😱 But we had renewed inspiration after seeing this, and hearing you tell us that: 1) you *are* allowed to have a thick, smoothing coat underneath. 2) the scratch coat *is* allowed to be imperfect . We went out, got something like your joint compound (different in the county), got over our fear of mass application with the 12 inch trowel, and we scratch coated the entire wall in a few hours. Our mantra (when our OCD had us obsessing on a little cat face or track) was "It's not the final coat. It's not the final coat." 😂 Thank you so much for this video.

[@Gothamalex]

This lady is wonderful. There are soooo many "experts out there" that are persuasive. And lord have mercy on you if you follow their advice. When I started doing wall repairs around the home about 3 years ago I found this tutorial. Since then, as the size of the repair grew, I returned to this video again and again. Today Im confidently attacking a 30 x 12 ft wall. Thank you Leah!

[@seejanedrill]

Way to go, Alex!!

[@Ion.30]

What type of material did you use? I don't know what type to buy.

[@Lilly_Sparks]

Wow. Just moved into a 100 year old house with some gnarly walls. This tutorial was so pleasant to watch and very informative ! Bonus that it's a wonderful woman who's got these mad skills!

[@parapilot09]

Leah, I just wanted so say thank you so much for posting this tutorial. I can turn my hands to most things but for me, plastering has always been a big challenge! I've attempted small plastering jobs several times over the years, not full walls but smaller areas and patching and it has always been the cause of much stress and sweat! Now, thanks to your video I think I have finally cracked it. Here in the UK we use bonding coat and then multi finish on brick or block walls by Thistle quite a lot. I've recently plastered up an old fire place and chases after the electrician has put additional cables and power points in and I'm so happy with you job. I've got a nice smooth even polished finish. You video gave me the information and confidence so that I could keep calm and do a good job. I used to stress about blemishes on the base coat and the first top coat and keep trying to make it perfect when it was too wet. Now I take my time and relax more and think of you talking about the 'cat faces' when they appear it gives me a chuckle and I easily get rid of them. You have a lovely way and a gift with your presenting/teaching and I wish you well. Thanks again. Ian :-)

[@peachyyycake]

Going to skim coat my walls this weekend. This is the only video that has me feeling confident enough to tackle it! Thanks for being so detailed & giving extra tips!

[@sharonesposito4633]

I love seeing a woman doing something that a lot of men think only they can do! Bravo! Awesome tutorial!

[@annette9747]

You are just amazing! I wish you were my best friend and lived in Miami.😁 I inherited the family home and it is in dire need of a complete overhaul. I am going to watch your videos in hopes that I can do some of th jobs before searching for professionals to do the more difficult jobs. Thank you so much for your detailed videos and the great tips you provide. I am definitley one of your gratefiul subscribers.

[@lionsmane4468]

Leah you should be on the DIY Discovery channel...or better yet have your own show. I would love to hear your story of how you acquired the skills. Maybe post a video.

[@seejanedrill]

+crasshh Fern thanks!! I appreciate your comments...:)

[@ANTONIO369077]

You're not kidding

[@ANTONIO369077]

I agree, ice learn a lot watching her videos

[@AHappyBunny]

Absofreakinglutely. Leah is the best teacher I've found on youtube.

[@33WONDERWOMEN]

My husband does this as a side gig, and i hv seen him done this so many times but LEAH I learned more from your short video than my husband.

[@MM-pw3wb]

You are absolutely amazing! Thank you and please make tons more videos!

[@susanfrombflo8368]

Another fantastic tutorial! Thank you, Leah.

[@rhodachandler4277]

Once again Leah demystifies a DIY job! Love your videos! You’ve saved me thousands of dollars by teaching me how to do small maintenance jobs on my 70 year old house. Thank you 😊

[@braydonramsden9645]

Leah, you’re incredible, thank you for the wisdom and giving us the confidence to try it out ourselves 🤘🏼

[@DanFilipi]

Great video! I never knew about adding water like that to smooth it. Looks great, thank you for taking the time to make the video!

[@kisser228]

Love watching your videos. They inspire me to complete the six huge rooms and ceilings that I have committed to doing. Thank you Leah!

[@maireadnic8280]

This was a great tutorial: informative, with good tips and advice, detailed on the points that need explaining, but with clear terminology. Great stuff!

[@norocketsciencebuild5371]

Your channel has helped me so much so that now I too doing DIY vids! Thanks!

[@caz3949]

"heres the thing", lol, your on my must watch list, keep em coming leah

[@gtf6466]

Leah, you have some of the best tutorials and are one of the best I've ever seen. Great stuff!

[@Ben83597]

Jane, you are fantastic teacher! You cover all the subtle details that other how-to videos skip.

[@darkestserenity6775]

This demonstration was amazing , makes me wanna tackle these walls and actually made me think it's something I could achieve Love all the hints and tips Subscribed

[@NinhLyUK]

What a fantastic video! Thank you very much Leah, this helps a LOT!

[@seejanedrill]

Ninh Ly You're very welcome, Ninh. I'm glad you liked it!

[@mickfromoz5923]

One of the best tutorials I’ve seen. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@christinebradstreet]

Thanks again Leah. Every one of your videos has helped me. You've got great skills AND you're an excellent teacher.

[@julierimer4544]

I can't tell you how many times I've watched this incredibly informative video. Thanks to Leah, my plaster technique is steadily improving. I'm about to plaster another room today, so I've come to watch Leah again for a last minute tutorial. Thank you, Leah! You are the best teacher!

[@jessicawikstrom3914]

This is a great video! You have wonderful teaching instincts. I'm feeling confident to tackle the terribly textured walls in my new house!

[@miker8368]

Excellent tutorial, Leah! You make it look ultra easy...thanks for the tips!

[@rf2632_]

Beautiful work Leah !!

[@jimpynyc]

Leah, you are a rock star. this is the best video I've found on skimming over plaster, and your demoing, pace, tone are all master class worthy. thanks for the tips and the confidence booster shot.

[@davidlorin1379]

Very good articulation. Very helpful!

[@itslikethat5456]

Been watching your videos all evening. It looks like you can do anything. Love your videos, and just wanted to say you're a natural teacher, you make it very easy to follow along. I have a knew favorite how-to channel.

[@gaston188]

Leah, I really enjoy every video and content that you put out!! Amazing tutorials, please keep them coming!! Thank you!!

[@norm110]

This is the first video I have seen that covers in detail the trowel technique. Calm and in control, SeeJaneDrill is the best of all videos with no detail overlooked.

[@seejanedrill]

+norman dufort thank you very much!

[@timpastor3054]

Absolutely LOVE your videos! They are short, yet detailed. You provide the information I needed without useless and endless dribble! And the video is clear and shows exactly what your talking about! You're awesome! Keep them coming!

[@seejanedrill]

thanks, Tim, I will!

[@carloslnunez]

One of the best videos I've seen on the subject. Very simple to understand, and very satisfying. Thank you so much, Leah!!

[@janelloyd6362]

Jane you are the best channel for DIY support on KZbin. Thank you so much for all your help and advice.

[@Munirs1998]

The best video of this genre on youtube- thank you for this! You should do more because you're so natural at explaining and the vids are very easy to understand :)

[@seejanedrill]

thanks, we do have lots more videos, so I hope you check them out!

[@winifredlister5861]

ms

[@carnival-nights]

This video was very informative. Thanks for taking the time to make it! Very useful and easy to follow for us DIY plasterers.

[@seejanedrill]

Ash Cox You're welcome, Ash. Glad you liked it! :)

[@philb8654]

Great tutorial as ever. I’m a big fan of you work and instructions. Keep it up

[@HammyDavisJr]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm about to tackle some walls in my 100 year old home. This gives me confidence!

[@rpardz]

As always, truly fantastic instructional video. I feel a lot more confident in trying this (with some practice). Thank you very much Leah

[@seejanedrill]

you're very welcome.

[@HollieTheGamer]

Great tutorial 😀 one of the best thanks

[@phillipesch7556]

Ive watched a lot of plaster tutorials and you guys make it look so easy haha definitely an art form! Thanks for your knowledge!

[@jrstevens1379]

Great explanation on how to do this, will always remember these tips. Thank you very much.

[@AfterBurner369]

Yes, best plastering tutorial I've come across. Thank you.

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome!

[@880User088]

this is a really really good video

[@seejanedrill]

+880User088 thanks!!

[@rellyjare11y]

Love the way you explain things, and answer the tiny questions most people don't think to ask.

[@shirleydiaz2565]

I LOVE THE WAY YOU TEACH LEAH!!! I always finish the video feeling like Ok! I CAN DO THIS! Thank you Leah!!

[@SBrown-fl6vs]

Very helpful! I won't be doing this myself, but good to know sheet rocking my plaster walls is not the only option I have when getting construction quotes!

[@jamesward3547]

I've been looking at tons of these videos and this by far fills me with the most confidence. Well done its brilliantly explained and so clear. Thank you!

[@seejanedrill]

James Ward you're very welcome, James! good luck with your project.

[@baymar84]

Fantastic Leah. Can’t wait to try your very helpful techniques! Real time savers while significantly improving finish quality.

[@dbenn5199]

Wow! Fabulous that it went from such a heavy texture to a smooth finish! Just the example I needed, thank you!!

[@mussie302]

Brilliant. This has been very helpful. Thanks very much!

[@seejanedrill]

mussie302 You're welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@sajjansawant3762]

I must have seen thousands of videos but I never left a comment and this is my first. This video is awesome and more importantly, its really motivating. Thanks a lot. God bless.

[@seejanedrill]

Sajjan Sawant You're welcome, Sajjan, and thanks so much for the compliment! :)

[@seangovender4910]

Best tutorial I've ever had the pleasure to see. Thanks Leah

[@samserio4090]

I like the fact that you are detailed and emulate well. You are a good teacher. Keep up the good work.

[@artedise03]

Wow...Thank for your video

[@stargateproductions]

Hi, Jane great video, I'm a plasterer/painter by trade, I would recommend to anyone who is new at plastering to apply a second scratch coat and repeat the steps shown!

[@Gingereute]

Hi Leah, I was in the troweling trades as a young woman, long ago in the early 80s, tile setter in the shipyards. I haven't used my trowels since, as I am an electrician, so they were only part of a distant memory-but your video helped me remember the proper techniques and encouraged me to try my hand at repairing the plaster walls in my home. It sure feels 'great' to use my trowels again. Maybe when I retire, I'll have a new hobby. Thank you SO much!

[@edwardpetty5401]

Great instruction video. Thank you.

[@seejanedrill]

you're very welcome, and thanks!

[@anguscampbell5833]

Bless you, Leah! Found your tutorial via google and know what I now need to do. Many thanks.

[@AlexParkYT]

This has given me the confidence and knowledge to do this properly. This is so great, thank you.

[@sen_pen0143]

you just save me a bunch of time sanding the old wall.

[@chrisssttina]

amen!

[@AngelHoffer97]

That and with a house as old as mine I wanted to cover the lead paint and get away from asbestos

[@jaleesastengel1747]

@@AngelHoffer97 are you meaning, when you say avoid asbestos, that you can do this over popcorn ceilings?

[@miltonmiller]

Your tutorials are excellent! I am doing a renovation myself, for the first time, and the results are excellent. It is looking really professional, thanks to great videos like this.

[@diesalweasel]

How you getting on. My other half decided to pull wall paper off and it took plaster off lol i had to replaster it never done it before i became good . But i gave her some earache about it lol

[@TigerGilliam]

You have a real gift for reaching. Thank you so much for this! The detail was incredible, you are amazing! ❤️

[@peterburry2014]

Not a single wasted word... So refreshing and helpful... Brilliant!! (Subscribed)

[@simpleobservation9470]

I must admit "Your Great!" Thank you for your videos Merry Christ-mas and GOD Bless

[@seejanedrill]

+SIMPLE OBSERVATION thank you!

[@enghhh82]

Much appreciated, great video. Q: how many minutes are required to dry the final coat in order to start curing by water?

[@stephenwhitehead4199]

You wouldn't believe how much help this has been.Total success.Thankyou very much Leah.

[@jijoe4257]

Amazing video !! So well explained vocally and visually. Thanks so much for sharing 😊

[@Msedk]

This video will help me tremendously on what it is I need to do. Thanks a million Leah for you perfect video. Wish me luck. hehe. :-)

[@Gorguruga]

Brilliant video, I have some trouble with my first attempt at doing a repair. My wall really looks terrible at the moment. It was a hole in the wall which I repaired with plasterboard. That was the easy part, but after doing the plastering and painting it, the result is extremely uneven and bumpy, plus the plaster is protruding a little, so it's not flush even with the wall around the edges. Do I need to sand it all down, replaster and paint again?

[@dananderson61]

Very informative with great attention to detail both visually and verbally. Thank you! This is super helpful!

[@sarahcurrier3846]

Such a helpful video! I have watched a lot. This was detailed enough without being overly chatty.

[@LydieBaillie]

Awesome tutorial, thanks so much. Harder to do on a ceiling though

[@kellyZertuche]

Does anyone have any special tips or tricks for getting the smooth glass finish on a ceiling?

[@douglasburns9111]

Thanks for this! I watched the video, tried it myself, then watched the video again. After watching second time, I'm amazed with how smoothly you're able to apply the compound. I don't think I got the mix quite right, and I definitely haven't mastered the trowel, but I'll keep trying!

[@seejanedrill]

***** Hello Douglas, Skim coating can be a little tricky and requires some skill to master but once you've "got it" it become effortless. Good luck.

[@brianmead1952]

Thank you, at last a plastering tutorial that explains things properly. Bravo!

[@trzagor2769]

This is the most precise and clear plastering tutorial online!!

[@andreronaldi959]

So smart woman congratulations.:) good job

[@TheGooglySmoog]

Awesome video! I really like how simple and straightforward you make everything. My only suggestions are a higher resolution camera, better mic and much brighter lighting. I think you are good enough to contend with the pro's on HGTV! Just need that extra step to make it look more professional.

[@seejanedrill]

RajaofNYandPGH Hello Raj, Thanks for your honesty. We value your comments and observations. We're very focused on improving our video quality, and better equipment is hopefully in our future, as our budget permits. Thanks for posting, we appreciate it!

[@diannecomandaoliver]

Thank you for this tutorial! The way you teach is very effective, it gives viewers confidence to try something new. I love every minute of the video. Keep posting!

[@azgardener79]

I must say that you have some of the most useful content related to repairs or diy on youtube. Keep up the great work :)

[@griiiiiiiiiin]

I love this lady!

[@ashyclaret]

I thought it was a bloke until I saw your comment.

[@housiedooze8889]

So do I. She’s amazing!

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

@@ashyclaret Why would you think that, maybe because she is teaching construction or I guess could be the short haircut? She is clearly a woman and a badass at that! I would GLADLY take lessons from her anytime.

[@darrencarter5612]

Me too !

[@marinaforova3644]

*Only 18* 👇👇👇 909645.loveisreal.ru

[@golgo1364]

I really live the way you teach.. the way you explain details is thpirough and I feel you use it well to supplement the visuals of what you are doing at that moment.

[@francesrogers3175]

What a great video to watch! So satisfying and easy to understand. Thank you!!

[@ScannerDanner]

Super awesome video Leah! So, I've talked to you about the popcorn finish in my moms bathroom. I want to do the skip trial finish using the light version, but the finish on the wall now will not allow that. Should I do a skim coat first like you show here, then finish with a skip trial? And if so, how long do I let the first skim coat dry using a 90 minute mud? I absolutely love your videos. Seriously, you have to hear that all the time. You're an awesome teacher.

[@seejanedrill]

+ScannerDanner Hi Paul, I just sent you a private message in response to another email you sent me that came up in spam, where you asked about applying the skip trowel directly over the popcorn. Now it seems like you are concerned that perhaps the popcorn will come through. So, it's difficult for me to answer this, because I'm not there. But if you want to send me a picture, you can. My email is available on the seejanedrill website. L

[@kmtk1545]

@@seejanedrill I love your videos too! I wish you would've answered here as well. I have a 100 yr old home with popcorn on the walls & ceiling. I'm done getting scraped up everytime I brush by the wall too close. You're a Fabulous teacher!! Love love your videos!!

[@alexanderdelcid2373]

I was thinking how I'm gonna fix this old walls.. and then I found this video. really is gonna help a lot now it's time to make money

[@seejanedrill]

Alexander, Glad you found it helpful

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks, Justin!! We just try to help...:)

[@danielmurray2661]

Well, I didn't see you drill, but I saw you teach me a lot about plaster! Awesome stuff! New favorite channel!!! You are a great teacher and great to watch!

[@paulrochefort5349]

Leah is such a great teacher. great tutorial.

[@laura-gt3zc]

Excellent! Thank you so much! A question, though...I removed wallpaper, which pulled off paint, so the walls are pretty rough. I was thinking of TSP and primer first, so the skim coat will adhere better. What do you think? What other kind of prep would you recommend?

[@seejanedrill]

In addition to your surface prep, you may want to practice skimming a closet wall first and become comfortable with the process.

[@chalkhills]

Hi Leah, I just bought my first house (b. 1927), and the plaster walls are really rough. I started to sand, but it was a horrible mess. So I was thrilled to come across your video. I went out and bought myself a trowel and hawk, and Sheetrock brand Joint Compound Lightweight Setting Type (90). I just looked at the instructions to mix it up, and the first thing the back of the bag says is, "Not for use as skim coat"! (Figures...) Is there a certain type of compound you would recommend using, or can I really use this one?

[@xiSWIIFTix]

Cheri Crist thats the same bags i use and it turns out just fine, i apply 2 coats using that and then finish off with a multi purpose pre- made mix.

[@catmando4914]

Thank you Leah. My drywall repair gets better everyday thanks to your videos.

[@abyss76]

Thanks for the video. Very informative and helpful. I'm just getting into this world so I look forward to watching your other videos!

[@artrios6447]

awesome the way you work please keep with your videos like that straight no bul#$%% I just subscribe to your Chanel ,i have watched before but this time i got hook lol thanks !!!

[@augustaalecsa9680]

Thank you, Leah, from the opposite side of the planet ... we have uneven walls here too :)

[@RoxiBabe1997]

Your attitude and personality shon through this video and I highly enjoyed watching and listening. Great teacher Leah!