How to MIX PLASTER

this is a full guide leaving nothing to chance.
you will learn exactly how to mix plaster like a professional.
+ loads of bonus tips
I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did making it.
Please be sure to subscribe to my channel, just follow the link and hit subscribe.
youtube.com/@Onthetrowel
Also if you would like to show your appreciation and buy me a beer, that would be very welcome.
Just follow the link, there's no signing up and it's nice and simple. CHEERS 🍻
www.buymeacoffee.com/Onthetrowel

[@Ravenclaw86]

Been a spread for 20 year. I've no idea why I'm sat here watching a "how to" on mixing plaster but your content is good mate. Better than most others on KZbin. If you carry on you'll be bigger than the rest. Definitely.

[@joejoey316]

Ha like wise!

[@Onthetrowel]

Oh I don't know, there is some great content on KZbin but cheers for the compliment mate. Sorry for the videos covering basic stuff 🤣 I'm trying to make sure there is something for everyone. I'll do one on how to pva a wall next, should be enough for you to want to set yourself on fire mate 🔥🤣 Don't worry,there's more plastering hack videos a. Interesting stuff coming soon. I do appreciate the support though ☺️👍👍

[@IanDavies]

also like wise haha

[@tommymckibbin4654]

Same here haha

[@GR-ry6bs]

recently new to channel absolute brilliant videos and well explained content 👍

[@stumetallicafan]

I'm a bricklayer ,.roughcaster of over 35 years and have only ever done a couple of bits to my own house a few years ago but have now just done a whole large bedroom that is going to be my 4th grandchild nursery.. plasterer gave a huge quote for that plus lounge and hall, stair landing , quite a bit of work so I said hey I'll give it a bash and do it for you. My daughter recently had new bathroom fitted , tiling, the lot, by a cowboy that will now need all ripping out and redone . I feel quite proud I will be doing all the plastering to now save them quite a bit of money which will help with cost of redoing the bathroom. Watching your videos has really helped me to do a decent job and I've actually thought about doing this type of work over winter months when weather not good. Just need to get a wee bit quicker. Immensely satisfying though when all polished up and you see the walls driying out . My daughter and son in law delighted .

[@seuthsayer12]

Best plastering tutorial I've seen. Very informative.

[@claytonwhile3075]

Hi mate excellent videos for the new plasterers. Just thought this would be important for those who haven't plastered before. When buying Plaster its important to check the date on the bags.

[@waynenixon729]

Best explanation and demonstration of not just "Mixing plaster" but the basics of keeping the gear on your hand board. This has to be the go to channel for anyone wishing to learn the plastering trade. 👍👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice one Wayne. How have you been mate. Good Christmas? 👍

[@waynenixon729]

@On the trowel It was good.. apart from putting loads of playmobile stuff together for the kids. Keeps them happy.

[@Onthetrowel]

@@waynenixon729 good man. I know the feeling. We have just had our 4th child 🙈😀 Finally got a little boy. 👌☺️

[@anthonypicking9651]

Kirk when you’ve finished how would you dispose of the contents in the washing out bucket thanks

[@acestu]

Thanks Kirk !!

[@soulchild40]

😎 Hiya diy enthusiast, I have watched loads of videos of how to plaster because l do my own and l must say this one is the best by far, very simple tips have made the job so much easier to do thank you 🤩🤩🤩 cheers 🍺

[@mohammedl59]

Definitely one of the best youtube channel out there why watch crappy stuff that messes with your brain when you could watch videos like this to increase general knowledge and pick up some lovely skills from experienced tradesman like this lovely chap!! Thank you for making such lovely videos i have to say im addicted to them hahaha!!!

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks my friend 👍👍

[@Poikka65]

Thumbs up . Loved this video. Love all yr videos . A watcher from Finland

[@rolandrimann8788]

If I was starting out to learn plastering you're the bloke I would want to teach me , great video cheers mate.

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks 👍

[@werdna21]

Another fantastic and informative video. Would love to see you dealing with wet internal corners.

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks Andy. Soon as I do a full tutorial on skimming a wall I'll include wet angles. Thanks for the support on the channel and giving me fresh ideas. Cheers mate 🍻👍

[@frankbellamy9405]

Great job you explain verry well

[@Onthetrowel]

Hey, cheers Frank. Hope you're enjoying my channel mate

[@RYAN8909able]

Top video here. You've got a great way of explaining things. We'll done

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Ry, glad you liked it mate

[@neilmuir2752]

Superb effort, 👌 been plastering for years but always things to learn. I've just watched this even though I've mixed plenty of plaster over the years🙂. Great video for the beginner. 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Neil, I appreciate you watching the video mate. Nice to have a fellow spread on board

[@christopherbailey582]

Great video Kirk, as below, I think your channel will grow big. It's great to watch your educational videos without all the bull shit you see on other channels. Keep up the great work mate !

[@Onthetrowel]

Legend, cheers Chris. Really appreciate nice comments like that 👌👍

[@datheat2854]

You make it nice and clear. Thanks for taking the time. 👍🏽

[@miketaylor7440]

Great instructions - I’ve been ranging from mixing it too thin, and it falling off the hawk, to too thick and struggling to spread it well. Got more confidence to mix it right now and will give it another go.

[@MarcusT86]

Absolutely brilliant video buddy! I don't normally like videos and watch them with ad-block on my laptop, but I'm going to open this video on my phone a few times and let the ads run, and I've already liked it! If you improve your equipment and get your videos to 4K and 60 frames per second, you are going to one of the GOAT KZbin channels buddy. Can't wait for the future full plastering tutorial!

[@Onthetrowel]

Nice one Marcus. Appreciate your saying that mate. I could probably do with contacting you mate and picking your brains on the best equipment to buy to make the video quality better.

[@mikebuick2332]

As a DIY person, I hate trying to plaster ceilings but you make it look like a walk in the park. I know that’s down to your experience but even so it’s great to watch.

[@paultowns9880]

Another superb video. It seems like you want your viewers to be the best plasters possible. You have a great way of teaching. Would love to see you using the small tool for awkward areas. Thank you.

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks Paul, I try to add in as much value into each video as I can think of at the time... Soon as I upload them I always think of more stuff I should of said 🤣 Thanks for your support mate

[@jitsmen2519]

I got a big gorilla type bucket from b and q and the bucket trowel kept cutting off little blue plastic shavings into the mix. Sacked it off and used 25l bucket to mix then dumped the mix onto a big plastic board. Really appreciate your videos btw! Excellent to follow and finding them very informative.

[@angelareece1123]

Smashing video Kirk

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks Angela, I'll have some more videos over the next day or so 😃

[@Bibg867]

Your voice is very calm and makes your videos great to watch. Thank you

[@chrsrans1]

Just what I was looking for, you're a great teacher, Fair play to you 👍

[@shauncoles4724]

Do you use an angle trowel for you internal corners kirk. If so, a few pointers please. Just for the diy guys like me. Great content, thank you.

[@DannyArbuckle]

Great video mate. I learn something new everyday on your channel, love the bottom of the bucket cleaning tip.......would of never thought of that

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Dan, can always count on you my mate, think you were the first viewer 👌👌

[@DannyArbuckle]

@@Onthetrowel I think I may be your biggest fan 🤣🤣🤣 I've watched a few on here mate and watching yours is like going back to when I first learned how to spread remembering all the things I've forgotten over the years, proper old school stuff.......so refreshing 💯🎯 old school methods are the best n all

[@ernestogonzalez17]

Great videos man , your technique is amazing !!

[@lovelifewithchris5683]

Straight to the point and no messing around. Love the content and little added tips. Keep it up my bro 🙏🏼💚🙏🏼

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks for the nice comment mate

[@ZidannioSoares]

You have the best attitude the type of person I’d like to hire for work keep up the good work bud

[@noskills9577]

Another good video. Taking the time to explain the details sets you apart from the other channels.

[@Onthetrowel]

Appreciate that mate, thanks for the comment.

[@lastof4512]

Not sure why I did watch you mix plaster lol but always a pleasure to see people passing on there knowledge

[@Onthetrowel]

I'm glad you did though mate. All helps thankyou for the support and thankyou for commenting. Makes it all worthwhile mate 😀👍

[@farukm7627]

Lubbly Jubbly. Great tips as usual.

[@Daleakefford]

Banging video Kirk, 👍picked up 2 tips from that. Your content is great and that has to be 1 of the best mixing videos I've seen. There are some good guys that upload on their channels. I'm sure your channel will end up just as big with your straight talking demo's and no nonsense approach. Hope it grows and makes your time and effort worth while. Good luck

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers mate, not really bothered if it grows or not, just want to leave my little stamp on the world. Appreciate your saying that though mate 😉

[@tonypotter5589]

Im about to do my first renovation and am on a budget(who ain't). Your content and tutorials are great and im confident i can do an ok job with all your guidence all be it through videos. Cheers Kirk

[@Ari-u3m]

Great video mate!! Some really good tips. I think I’ve picked the hardest place to plaster…. Stairs, top hallway and ceiling… I’m well prepared but like Mike Tyson said “everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face” So until I slap it on, o don’t really know how it’s gonna go

[@Fulford-lh1qn]

Nice tip for cleaning the bucket and whisk, half fill the washing out bucket with10mm gravel and water then pour it into the mixing tub when empty, it cleans the bucket back to the plastic and the whisk back to the metal. Like bin laden said a clean cave is a happy cave.

[@TheCarssi]

Fantastic guide - thank you. I've got one wall to do and I'll give it another shot after watching your video. My previous attempt was a total disaster - the plaster was coming up dry, when I've applied it on the wall...

[@sketchyhead5878]

You're a great teacher. Very thorough - thanks.

[@fraserspence730]

Another great video Kirk. Really enjoying your content and picking up loads of useful stuff. Keep em coming..!

[@jonhodges8486]

Ive watched most your videos now mate, im an experienced spread, but the quality and detail you go into whilst getting to the point is bang on. Picking up some handy little tips too like spinning the paddle to clean the bottom of the bucket instead of getting your hands in there! Look forward to seeing more 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Jon, although some of the videos are aimed at complete beginners, I try to add stuff in so that everyone can get a little bit from it. Thanks for the nice comment mate

[@lawrencehalpin6611]

Thank you. Very informative. Kind regards.

[@benotoole1990]

I’d love work and improve from you Kirk, seem so chilled and some of the tips you give are priceless.

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks Ben, nice comment. Cheers mate

[@hemtet5500]

This is honestly gold mate.

[@marketingscarborough]

What size trowel with length do you use and how big is the flat brush - can u stick a link in the comments please so I can buy. Your teaching is perfect thanks for your time doing these.

[@leebennett3672]

Great vid 👍👍

[@blainemolyneux4067]

Good video mate for the beginners I see this was a huilux job in the background like it 👍 hope you had a good Christmas

[@Onthetrowel]

Timing belt went on my van so I'm in the pickup until the engine is fixed... that will teach me for not getting the belt done 🤣

[@pah9844]

Hi Kirk. If you need to just skim a pre-plastered wall, why do you have to to put 2 new coats on. Just started plastering and never asked. Thanks for All the videos. Great tips.

[@Onthetrowel]

Yes mate always 2 coat... best way😉

[@popaadrian60]

Definitely you gave me the confidence to do it 😊

[@stapes1974]

Great video, very informative for a complete novice like myself who has no idea ,thanks for all the tips aswell very helpful 👍🏾

[@Onthetrowel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@niro750]

Top video mate. Brilliant. Clear and concise. Btw. Where the hell do you ditch the bucket of dirty water haha

[@ashb9732]

Great video as always mate! Lots of good knowledge 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers Ash, thanks for the support mate

[@edthorne4806]

Awesome thanks for sharing 🙏

[@waynenixon729]

Would be great to see a demo on dot & dab plaster boarding? Do you use drywall additive (Powder kind) or the stuff from a spray can? I guess if you was only doing a small area the spray can would a option. Can't wait to see what you upload next. When to use "Hard wall" or "Bonding coat"? What to do with Lath and plastered walls? Wish I had your knowledge and skill. I've always been interested in the trades. I'm doing a Plumbing course at college was either that or plastering . I got all the plastering and plumbing tools and hope to put them to good use when I get the time from the day job / kids / wife ect.

[@Onthetrowel]

Good shout, I'll do a tutorial on dabbing. I do use a foam gun from time to time but only for little bits, bever a full board, I'd always use adhesive for that. Cheers mate ☺️👌

[@mickydola6472]

Cracking video really helpful for people who don’t good on ye 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Spot on, cheers micky👍

[@larkes8]

Brilliant videos

[@enastase8203]

Brilian explanation 🎉

[@MrF1RE8LADE]

New subscriber, like your other videos this one is great. I've been around the building trade for years and recently completed an intensive course and I'm now hoping to start up on my own. Just building up the bottle to start....lol. Keep up the good work mate.👍

[@tonyjoe5707]

I'm a newbie to plastering but not DIY. I've tried my hand at plastering in inconspicuous places (loft) and that 1st tip when you started plastering, regarding the board, was great for me.

[@R900DZ]

Fantastic! Loaded with great info, thanks. What do you do with the bucket you’ve ended up putting the excess plaster into from cleaning? Dump the dirty water in the lawn and let the rest dry out, then knock the block out when dry and toss it in the trash?

[@simonhoyle4231]

Some good tips under coat is it supposed to go on as wet as plaster and it all ways goes off with in an hour so I do small mixes thanks 4 tips like don't add a new mix with left over mix always a fresh mix thanks Mr Johnson your best plaster I've seen yes I'm a new at it started rendering now I'm trying plaster ing9

[@paulcleary8638]

Another fantastic video Kirk. Your tip on cleaning the bucket with the mixer is priceless. That is the first video I have ever seen on how to clean a bucket. Always a time waster for the less experienced. What did you do with the dirty water you poured into the blue bucket??😊😊

[@Onthetrowel]

We let it settle, tip the water off the top down a drain in the street and scrape the sediment into the bag. Then just throw a bucket of clean water over the drain to get rid of white stains. Thanks for the great Comments mate

[@torque560]

I know boards are more often screwed up now but when it was board nails I often used to see they would sometimes pop even before I'd start preparing a ceiling (I'm a decorator). Did you ever PVA your board nails? Also, I see you used multi-finish there and not board finish any reason why? Regards Ray

[@KevinOBrien-o4p]

Hi. Great video. I'm a keen DIY'er and do my own plastering when it's needed. I've recently been struggling with the plaster going off too quickly on all backgrounds. Even after using PVA. Could you give some ideas as to why it sets too quickly. I'm mixing in a knee high bucket and using the correct amount of water. I have read that the plaster can set quicker in the bucket (is this true) so would a spot board help. Also can you over mix and cause it to set faster. I'd appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[@matthewh4550]

Now I know what they mean on the pack by slowly., as in "add plaster to water slowly" i.e. not that slow at all really. Probably why I got so many flash sets when I've tried in the past - it'd take me way longer to mix than apply if I got that far and one cup (yes, that's what I was doing) was the difference between "looks ok" and "damn, another ruined bucket" :-D Next time I'll just tip it in like you did, cheers!

[@scopz10x88]

top bloke, top vid, top plasterer

[@chapmansboxingclub2611]

I noticed you layed you whisk down on the gravel floor and didnt clean it off befour moxing lucky enough no stone in ya mix or youd be dashing 😂 also moxing ontop of gravel can pit wholes in ya buckets especially the gorrila buckets. Kist thought id mention that. But top spread you are i love the videos

[@kevinlawes591]

Kirk do a face off between board an multi I personally can't get to grips with board finish but I'm still learning I'd be interested to see what's what! 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Good shout mate, I'll do a video. But in the meantime... main difference is that board sets faster and you can't bring it back as much with water. Multi just gives you more time and if you wet it and brush it when it's setting you can bring loads of fat up

[@kevinlawes591]

@@Onthetrowel I understand that mate but for me board just goes weird timing wise even on fresh plasterboard whereas multi just seems to be much more settled if you get what I mean!

[@kevinlawes591]

In fact I’ve just answered my own question there lol

[@henryblanch7845]

Like your style. I work on my own doing small jobs like the one shown. However I find the new fastset plaster goes off quicker than I feel comfortable with. Any tips?

[@AjaySingh-nh8ul]

What do you mean exactly when you say "fill in hallow spots" what do hallow spots look like? Great Video keep up the great work, you've helped out alot cheers mate.

[@jamesfarrow85]

Really enjoying your content so thanks! I’m just a keen DIYer starting out so could do with some tips. I plastered my bedroom and looks pretty good and smooth. It’s not till I paint that I see some bits are not smooth or little gaps. Do I need to invest in some decent lights maybe? See some KZbinrs shining lights at the side of wall? Or is this just all part of learning and not being pro?

[@Onthetrowel]

Just put a bright bulb in the room your working in mate. But yes you should be checking the wall to make sure it's perfect after the second trowel really. Don't sweat it to much if their is the odd blemish but take not for next time. It's a learning curve, if we all got it perfect first time then there would be no jobs for plasterers 😉

[@jamesfarrow85]

@@Onthetrowel thanks mate, I’ve got some more walls to have a practice on so I’ll just keep it in mind for next time! Appreciate you replying as well

[@christopheradams7158]

Great content there OTT but what do you do with the bucket that has the dirty water in it & also has about an inch or so of semi set plaster?

[@Onthetrowel]

We usually lift the lid on a road grid, tip off the water and then scrape the crap into a bag. 😉

[@nigelbennett316]

I like watching these, but I do have a question about plastering a bathroom ceiling. Should you use moisture resistant plaster board and allow the plaster to completely dry before showering? We have no window just an extractor vented through the roof.. thanks

[@shaun...6838]

Amazing content 👌

[@PaulMoss-h2g]

Hi. Truly amazing video. I needed a plasterer to cover 3 1/2 sq mts. They quoted £300 +. So I thought I would give it a go myself. Absolutely bricking it. Your video has lessened my anxiety. But could I ask some advice. I need to plaster in the kitchen between the worktop and the plastered wall. The space to plaster is where the old tiles were. I have been left about a 5mm indent where tiles were removed. 1. What is the maximum thickness for one coat. 2. What is the mix ratio if I plaster walls in stages - as I am a beginner. 3. Do I apply 2 coats if indent in wall is about 5mm. Can you help? Once again great video. I have subscribed.. Paul.

[@liamthornhill5122]

Wait till you get the price to go over your plastering 😂

[@bromkin]

Really good videos. Is there a way of working out how much plaster you will need for an area or is it just experience ?

[@mozzer999]

A bag covers 10m2. Of flat good condition walling or ceiling. 13 litres of water to a bag. So approx 1.3 litres of water per M2. Works for me....

[@Onthetrowel]

Roughly works out 1 bag per wall mate. If you wanted robe exact it says on the bag how many m² it will cover but it depends on how wobbly the wall is. 1 bag per wall is usually not far out

[@Yamaha.ha.ha.ha.]

Bucket issues.... I found gorilla buckets work great but aren't good for small mixes. Also few weeks back I mixed up a batch hit the wall and found lots of small spirals of plastic. It was from the whisk catching the bottom. I like the white refina buckets with built on handles now they work a treat. Very easy to clean too.

[@petergray882]

Tapping the paddle with the bucket trowel ? 😂

[@MrSquanchy]

Nice 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers rich

[@andrewsmith9424]

Good video good tips What are your thoughts on sponge plastering?

[@Onthetrowel]

It's just another way of doing it, there's many ways of skinning a cat. I try to do the least amount of work for the maximum amount of money 👌😀

[@liamdavis9017]

Hi mate I wanted to plaster inside my porch is it ok to plaster board and skim it or does it need to b rendered as classed as external wall ?

[@Vinncent360]

Can I ask why you boarded out the old porch enterance and didn't just either use bonding first and then skim or just skim? I'm sure there's a reason but I don't know. Great videos by the way.

[@Onthetrowel]

Just for speed mate, if your gentle you can skim the boards when the adhesive is still setting

[@ertaszorlu4756]

Hello Kirk, will it be good idea to put some fairy liquid in the mix, to make it more easier to spread??

[@Onthetrowel]

No mate, it works as an air entrant with cement but it doesn't help with finishing plaster unfortunately

[@aleezasaim]

Love the videos, your a lovely guy well done for giving the young man a chance. Beautiful baby, more power to you mate 💯

[@Onthetrowel]

🙏thank-you

[@utubeape]

Great video for a beginner, I have 2 questions: 1. how long can you use a big whisk on your half bucket mix before ruining the plaster? 2. Would it help to put the dry plaster through some kind of mesh to reduce lumps?

[@Onthetrowel]

Mesh isn't necessary as the plasterer should be bone dry. You Don't really want to be mixing the plasterer for more than about 15 minutes, I can knock a mix out in about 3 mins. The problems start when the plaster is trying to set and your still mixing it. It's not really an issue when mixing finish but if you have a cement mixer it's easy to sort of forget an leave it mixing

[@socialtales4648]

Hi mate, noticed no tape on your edges/joints, can you get away with that or is it required?

[@adamhutchinson7898]

Hi mate love the videos been following you for a while. I’m new to the trowel and I have been shown to first and second coat with the same batch. I’m guessing you get better results the way you do it?

[@Onthetrowel]

You'll just get longer mate so you can put more on. I sometimes end up second coating with the same stuff

[@malfromthetoon6705]

How thick do you put that first coat on , and what’s the thickest amount of Finnish you can put on first coat .

[@paulmiller7671]

after watching quite a lot of your videos, I have just tried to patch an area of 1.5 x 1 metre of my kitchen ceiling. I have never plastered before in my life, and I couldn't get anyone else to do it as tradesmen presumably want bigger jobs that pays more. What an absolute nightmare that job was. I'm going to have to get the sander on it before I paint it. You would be horrified if you saw it. Paul (Wirral)

[@roontunes]

is it true that the mix goes off quicker if its kept in the bucket instead of dumping it all on a board

[@peterwells7852]

Very good, watched a few of your vids - very helpful & funny - keep up the good work

[@semprelazio8864]

@19:30 lol another top tip no messing around

[@noussberad]

Hi i have questions if you can help me, if i mix a plaster a bit runny doest it dry quickly? Which one does not dry quickly runny consistency or thick consistency Am learning i built a wall with plasterboard and every time i pva the wall so i can plaster more but i have notice that dry it up quickly the wall is 4 by 3 i have manage to spread the plaster within 15 minutes the minute i finished the side I started with got dry hope you can help me

[@Onthetrowel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5fMfKVqp9CoepY This might help. If you need more information then go to the channel description, send me an email with your details and I'll call you and talk you through everything

[@lluke18]

You should start a plastering school

[@KenDavies-z4m]

Any tips on plastering a media wall?

[@Zeeshan123786]

Hi Kirk. What’s the capacity in L of the bucket of water you used for the mix?

[@Boult-iT]

Love the content Kirk but please tell me why you keep ending up on the floor in your videos lol 😂

[@Onthetrowel]

I'm normally pissed by the end of editing the video 🍻🤣🤣🤣

[@dash8dave476]

Hi There. Absolute beginner here .I'm thinking that you put on the plaster with out pva on the Walla on this occasion was i right?

[@Onthetrowel]

No mate, plasterboard doesn't need pva

[@dash8dave476]

@@Onthetrowel Thanks .

[@kevm919]

Hey Kirk, How would you know if a wall is high suction prior to skimming? and how would you know that its just right before skimming? Thanks

[@Onthetrowel]

Fresh base coat plaster that has just set, sand and cement that is still green (not dried out) and plaster board are all low suction, painted surface is a low suction if its got silk paint but it will need sealing because plaster won't just stick to paint. Pretty much anything else is high suction. You won't go wrong if you just seal everything with pva or sbr. Apart from plasterboard as they don't really need sealing unless the have been up for a few months

[@rachelelmore3079]

What do you do with all the waste water at the end of the day, how do you separate the plaster in the water buckets and dispose of it . If that question makes sense 🤔

[@Onthetrowel]

Hi Rachel, we tip the water off the top into a hole in the soil, usually in a flower bed. Then we cover it over and scrape the bucket into a bag. Gypsum is actually good for the soil

[@cyrax_ic3610]

How do you prepare wall if all ready painted